When I bought my very first stock, I wasn’t a parent yet. Back then, I wasn’t worried about daycare bills, extracurricular fees, or the fact that supporting one child through a school year now costs over $8,800 on average, up sharply from just a few years ago. And I’m not the only one. A new Capital One survey found 81% of Canadian parents are deploying cost-saving strategies heading into back-to-school season. That’s my reality now. But years ago, the only thing I wanted was to dip my toes into investing. My first choice? Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY).
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Why RBC
It wasn’t a flashy pick, but it was one that made sense. Canada’s largest bank had a reputation for stability, steady dividends, and a business model that wasn’t going anywhere. That foundation has proven itself over time. Looking back at the last year alone, Royal Bank stock has quietly delivered both growth and income, even while navigating uncertain markets.
Over the past year, the stock climbed more than 22%, trading near $188 after sitting closer to $151 a year ago. That strength reflects not just investor confidence but also consistent results. In the most recent quarter, Royal Bank stock posted net income of $4.4 billion, up 11% from the year before. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) grew 10% to $3.02, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) came in at $3.12, up 7%. For a company already this large, those are solid gains.
More to come
Part of that momentum came from its acquisition of HSBC Canada, which added $258 million in net income last quarter. Beyond acquisitions, the bank’s bread-and-butter businesses of personal banking, commercial banking, and wealth management also showed strength. Even with higher provisions for credit losses, Royal Bank stock was able to lean on diversified revenue streams and a robust balance sheet.
The dividend story is just as important. Royal Bank stock has consistently rewarded shareholders with one of the most reliable payouts on the TSX. Earlier this year, it raised its quarterly dividend to $1.54 per share, a 4% increase. That works out to a forward yield of about 3.3%, enough to offer meaningful income on top of share price gains. For someone like me who once bought the stock before thinking about children and long-term budgeting, that dividend now feels even more valuable. It’s income I could reinvest, or one day use to help with real costs like school supplies or sports programs. In fact, a $10,000 investment can bring in $327 annually even today.
| COMPANY | RECENT PRICE | NUMBER OF SHARES | DIVIDEND | TOTAL PAYOUT | FREQUENCY | TOTAL INVESTMENT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RY | $188.41 | 53 | $6.16 | $326.48 | Quarterly | $9,986.73 |
Considerations
Of course, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. Rising provisions for credit losses reflect the reality of a slower economy and concerns about consumer debt. Capital markets earnings have been choppy, and like all banks, Royal Bank stock remains exposed to interest rate shifts and global trade disruptions. But the ability to grow through uncertainty while also buying back shares and raising dividends shows resilience.
Royal Bank’s strength today highlights why it has long been a cornerstone of Canadian investing. For new investors, it offers a blend of growth potential and reliable dividends. For parents like me, it represents something more: a reminder that smart choices early on can pay off later, even when life gets more expensive.
Bottom line
And life has gotten more expensive. The Capital One survey shows Canadian parents are stretching every dollar, with 74% shopping around for the best prices, 79% cutting out “nice-to-have” items, and 41% even setting aside dedicated savings just for school expenses. Those behaviours resonate with me now in a way they didn’t when I bought my first stock.
Looking back, Royal Bank turned out to be a solid first investment. It has grown in value, paid steady dividends, and proven to be a cornerstone of my portfolio. But now, with kids in the picture, the lessons feel bigger. Investing isn’t just about building wealth, it’s about creating stability. Whether through stocks like Royal Bank stock or through daily cost-saving strategies, the goal is the same: making smart decisions today to protect tomorrow.
