3 Top Canadian Stocks to Safeguard Your Retirement

If you’re looking for long-terms gains while remaining secure and safe, then you’ll want these stocks to keep your retirement steady.

| More on:
edit Safe pig, protect money

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

For Canadians looking to protect their retirement money, dividend-paying stocks from sectors like utilities, financials, and real estate are top choices. Companies like Fortis (TSX:FTS), with a solid dividend, or Royal Bank of Canada (TSX:RY), which boasts a long history of increasing payouts, offer both stability and income. Plus, real estate giants like Granite REIT (TSX:GRT.UN) provide consistent returns and yields. These stocks are known for being less volatile and can act as a cushion during market dips, which is exactly why we’ll get into them today.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Fortis + Royal Bank Of Canada + Granite Real Estate Investment Trust PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALLwww.fool.ca

Fortis

Fortis is a stellar pick for long-term passive income, especially for Canadian investors eyeing stability. Known for its rock-solid dividend, currently yielding 3.82% at writing, Fortis has been a consistent performer in the utility sector. What’s particularly exciting is the company’s 12.2% year-over-year earnings growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2024, thus showing it’s not just a safe play but one with momentum. Plus, Fortis boasts an impressive 50-year streak of increasing dividends, making it a reliable partner for those looking to pad their retirement portfolios. As they say, “Slow and steady wins the race,” and Fortis certainly lives up to that motto!

In terms of recent performance, Fortis’s share price is hovering around $62 as of writing, and its recent quarterly revenue growth of 2.9% demonstrates steady progress. With a market cap of $30.62 billion, Fortis offers stability through its diversified utility operations across Canada, the U.S., and the Caribbean. The company’s forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.52 also signals good value for long-term investors. Whether you’re planning for retirement or seeking steady, hands-off income, Fortis has you covered!

RBC

RBC is a top contender for long-term passive income, and it’s easy to see why. With a forward dividend yield of 3.38% at writing and a payout ratio of just under 49%, RY provides a steady stream of income without overextending itself. Its earnings momentum is impressive, too, with a 16.2% year-over-year earnings growth in Q3 2024. The bank has a strong track record of dividend increases, thus making it a reliable choice for those building a retirement portfolio. As the largest bank in Canada, RY offers both stability and growth. Therefore, you can sleep soundly at night, knowing your investment is safe.

As of today, RY is trading at $168 at writing, just shy of its 52-week high of $169.04, reflecting solid investor confidence. With a quarterly revenue growth of 13%, it’s clear the bank is in good financial health. The stock’s beta of 0.84 also shows it’s less volatile than the broader market, thus making it a dependable choice for risk-averse investors. As one financial analyst put it, “RY is a Dividend King that doesn’t just offer income—it offers peace of mind.”

Granite

Granite REIT is another fantastic choice for long-term passive-income seekers, thanks to its steady 4.10% forward dividend yield and solid performance in the industrial real estate sector. With a quarterly earnings growth of 21.9% in Q2 2024, Granite has shown excellent momentum. Therefore, this reflects its ability to generate strong income for investors. The REIT focuses on high-quality industrial and logistics properties. These are essential in the modern economy and offer resilience during economic downturns. As a bonus, Granite has consistently paid out dividends with a five-year average yield of nearly 4%, making it a dependable source of passive income.

Currently trading at $80.43, GRT.UN is close to its 52-week high, reflecting strong investor confidence in its growth potential. The company’s quarterly revenue growth of 7.6% highlights its steady expansion. Meanwhile, its payout ratio of 89.68% suggests that Granite is committed to returning value to shareholders. As one industry expert put it, “Granite is a cornerstone in any dividend investor’s portfolio, offering a stable and growing income stream.” Whether you’re looking for long-term income or a stable asset in uncertain markets, GRT.UN checks all the boxes.

What Stocks Should You Add to Your Retirement Portfolio?

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now. The Top Stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years, potentially setting you up for a more prosperous retirement.

Consider when "the eBay of Latin America," MercadoLibre, made this list on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Amy Legate-Wolfe has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Fortis and Granite Real Estate Investment Trust. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Retirement

Redwood trees stretch up to the sunlight.
Retirement

3 Canadian Growth Stocks I’d Buy and Hold in a TFSA Forever

These stocks have the potential to outperform the broader market with their returns. Using the TFSA can further amplify your…

Read more »

woman retiree on computer
Retirement

Want to Retire Early? These 2 TSX Stocks Could Make it Happen

These safe, large-cap dividend stocks could help fast-track your path to retirement.

Read more »

RRSP Canadian Registered Retirement Savings Plan concept
Retirement

How to Protect Your Retirement Savings From the CRA

Building a sizeable retirement pool is important, but it is equally important to protect it from the CRA’s tax claws.

Read more »

grow money, wealth build
Retirement

Maximizing TFSA Growth: Top Investment Choices for 2025

Two resource companies are the top investment choices for 2025 to maximize TFSA growth.

Read more »

cloud computing
Retirement

The Absolute Best Canadian Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever in a TFSA

The TFSA is the perfect place to hold Canadian stocks that will compound and multiply over decades. These stocks are…

Read more »

The TFSA is a powerful savings vehicle for Canadians who are saving for retirement.
Stocks for Beginners

The Best Canadian Stocks to Invest $7,000 in This Month

Wondering how to deploy your $7,000 TFSA contribution in 2025? Here are four quality Canadian stocks to add if the…

Read more »

Two seniors float in a pool.
Retirement

3 TSX Stocks That Can Turn Retirement Dreams Into Reality

Find out how to make your retirement dreams a reality by focusing on long-term investments and preparing for unforeseen circumstances.

Read more »

telehealth stocks
Retirement

Retirees: How to Make Passive Income for Life, Starting Now!

Retirees, we've got you. Here is one stock that's essential, growing, and offers a strong dividend!

Read more »