Inflation erodes your purchasing power year after year — but smart investors know how to fight back. One of the most effective ways to protect and even grow your wealth over time is by investing in strong, dividend-paying stocks that outpace inflation not only with yields but also with long-term total returns.
In Canada, inflation has averaged about 2.5% annually from 2014 to 2024, even though it spiked as high as 6.8% in 2022. To stay ahead, you need investments that consistently beat that benchmark.
Here are three reliable Canadian dividend stocks that have not only kept pace with inflation — but have left it in the dust.
1. Fortis: A steady-eddie utility
Fortis (TSX:FTS) is one of the most stable utilities in North America. With a portfolio of regulated electricity and gas distribution assets, the company enjoys steady cash flows that are resilient to the ups and downs of the economic cycles.
What makes Fortis attractive is its ability to generate predictable returns on investment — a critical factor for sustaining and growing dividends. Over the last decade, Fortis delivered a compound annual total return of 10.2%, comfortably outpacing inflation.
Currently yielding about 3.5%, its dividend alone offers protection against inflation, while its long-term growth offers upside. The stock has risen 17% in the past year and now trades around $70. While shares appear fully valued today, a pullback into the low $60s would offer a more compelling entry point for investors.
2. Royal Bank: A blue-chip dividend giant
As Canada’s largest bank, Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY) boasts diversified operations across wealth management, personal and commercial banking, and capital markets. Its premium valuation among peers reflects its consistent earnings power and dominant market position.
Over the last 10 years, Royal Bank has returned an impressive 14% annually on a compound basis, driven by both capital gains and growing dividends. In the last 12 months alone, the stock surged about 23%, demonstrating strength in a dynamic market environment.
At around $188 per share, it yields approximately 3.3% — versus the recent inflation rate of 1.9% year over year in June. While it’s not a bargain at today’s price, Royal Bank remains a reliable long-term holding, especially for investors looking to build wealth slowly and steadily through compounding dividends. A market correction bringing the stock to the $150s would be a wonderful buy-the-dip opportunity.
3. Manulife: Beating inflation with room to run
Manulife Financial (TSX:MFC) is a global life and health insurer with operations across North America and Asia. Thanks to its large scale and diversified earnings streams, Manulife has become a quiet compounder for long-term investors.
Over the past decade, the company has produced a compound annual return north of 11%, and in the last year alone, it has delivered total returns of approximately 22%.
At roughly $42 per share, Manulife offers a dividend yield of nearly 4.2% — easily outpacing inflation on income alone. Better yet, analysts see about 12% upside from current levels, with a consensus target price north of $47. That means investors have the rare opportunity to buy a growing dividend stock at a discount in today’s expensive market.
Investor takeaway: Dividends that do more than just pay
All three companies — Fortis, Royal Bank, and Manulife — have proven their ability to deliver inflation-beating returns through various economic cycles. While Fortis and Royal Bank are currently fully valued, Manulife stands out today as a value opportunity, offering both yield and upside.
For long-term investors looking to protect purchasing power and grow real wealth, these dividend stocks deserve a place on your radar.
