After closing 2025 with a solid gain of 28.2%, the… S&P/TSX composite index has had a mixed start to 2026 as it rose just 0.7% in the first month of the year. Recent market volatility could be partly attributed to renewed trade tensions between the US and Canada, including Donald Trump’s warnings of a potential 100% tariff on Canadian goods if trade ties shift towards China.
At uncertain times like these, established dividend players can help you stay grounded and continue building wealth – even if the stock market becomes temporarily volatile. In this article, I highlight three Canadian dividend stocks that can help you prepare for rate turbulence.
Canadian utilities
When rate turbulence threatens cross-border commerce, regulated utilities want to do just that Canadian utilities (TSX:CU) can provide a strong foundation for your portfolio. It operates regulated transmission and distribution assets for electricity and natural gas in multiple regions.
After rallying 29% in the past twelve months, CU stock is currently trading at $43.87 per share, giving it a market cap of around $9 billion. This offers an attractive annual dividend yield of approximately 4.2%.
In the September 2025 quarter, the company’s adjusted profits rose nearly 6% to $108 million, mainly due to stable regulated operations rather than export demand.
Meanwhile, Canadian Utilities’ focus on capital allocation remains in favor of sustainable infrastructure. The company recently invested $402 million, with most of the spending going toward regulated utilities. Additionally, projects like the $2.9 billion Yellowhead Pipeline and the CETO electricity transmission line increase visibility into future cash flows, which should keep dividends stable even if tariffs disrupt trade-exposed sectors.
Atco shares
In addition to pure utilities, companies with multiple infrastructure revenue streams can often better handle rate turbulence ATCO (TSX:ACO.X) offers that broader exposure. It is a Calgary-based diversified infrastructure company spanning utilities, modular structures, logistics and energy systems.
After witnessing a 27% run over the past year, ATCO stock is now trading at $58 per share, with a market cap of approximately $5.9 billion. It currently has an annualized dividend yield of approximately 3.5%, paid out on a quarterly basis.
In the third quarter of 2025, the company’s adjusted earnings rose to $103 million thanks to contract wins from ATCO Structures and continued investments in regulated utilities. And even more importantly: these revenues are less dependent on direct export volumes.
In the long term, ATCO will likely benefit from infrastructure related to essential services. Modular housing contracts, the suitability of defense-related logistics in the US and regulated energy projects could limit the negative impact of rate turbulence, making the dividend highly sustainable.
Premium brand stock
Even as trade risks increase, people still buy food, which ensures stable demand Holdings of premium brands (TSX:PBH) is a top dividend stock to consider. It primarily produces and distributes specialty food products in Canada and the United States.
After rising about 21% in the past year, PBH stock is trading at $95.14 per share with a market cap of nearly $5 billion. At the current market price, it has an annualized dividend yield of about 3.6%.
In the September quarter, the company’s revenue rose about 19% year over year to a record $2 billion. Meanwhile, profitability also improved despite higher beef costs. This growth was primarily driven by strong organic volume gains in the US protein, sandwich and bakery segments.
While tariffs may impact the company’s input costs, Premium Brands continues to manage pricing and sourcing to minimize these impacts. With a payout ratio of nearly 55% and steady consumer demand, this dividend player could continue to thrive even amid rate turbulence.
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