Best Canadian Stocks

The Best Canadian Energy Companies

Energy stocks are not typically my go-to for a dividend growth portfolio. Their cash flows swing with commodity prices, and dividend cuts can come faster than oil spills when markets turn. Yet, despite that volatility, Canada’s energy sector holds a few bright spots worth a closer look.

Some of these companies have learned to thrive in a world that no longer rewards boom-or-bust cycles. They’ve adapted with stronger balance sheets, better capital discipline, and a growing focus on shareholder returns. Whether through pipelines, oil sands, or industrial equipment, these players demonstrate that dependable cash flow can still be found in the energy patch — if you know where to look.

4. Enbridge (ENB.TO)

The Backbone of North American Energy Flow

Investment Thesis
Enbridge isn’t an oil producer — it’s the toll road that energy flows through. Its vast pipeline network transports roughly 70% of Canada’s crude oil and a large portion of its natural gas. Thanks to long-term take-or-pay contracts (many lasting over two decades), Enbridge enjoys a predictable cash flow largely independent of commodity prices.

Following its merger with Spectra Energy, Enbridge expanded into natural gas transmission, which now makes up nearly half of earnings. The company also operates a growing portfolio of renewable energy assets, positioning it to play a role in the energy transition. Management targets 7–9% annual EBITDA growth through 2026, underpinned by recent U.S. gas utility acquisitions.

Enbridge (ENB.TO) 5-year dividend triangle chart.

Potential Risks
Enbridge’s biggest challenge is its balance sheet. With over $100 billion in long-term debt, rising interest rates and regulatory hurdles could strain cash flow. Environmental opposition and project delays remain constant risks. While the company’s infrastructure is essential, its growth runway may narrow without further acquisitions or policy tailwinds.

Unlock More Dividend Growth Picks

If you want more hand-picked dividend growers across industries, grab our Dividend Rock Star List.

It features around 300 stocks with complete Dividend Safety Scores, growth projections, and buy lists tailored for retirement portfolios.

Most importantly, it is the ONLY list using the Dividend Triangle as its foundation.

3. TerraVest Industries (TVK.TO)

The Small-Cap Engine Powering Industrial Energy

Investment Thesis
TerraVest is a rare gem among smaller Canadian industrials. The company designs and manufactures specialized equipment for energy, transportation, and infrastructure markets — making it a hybrid between an energy supplier and a diversified manufacturer.

Its growth strategy leans heavily on acquisitions, expanding product lines, and market reach while maintaining disciplined execution. Recent deals like Advance Engineered Products and Highland Tank have boosted both scale and profitability. With recurring demand for essential infrastructure products, TerraVest’s cash flows tend to hold up even when oil prices drop.

TerraVest Industries (TVK.TO) 5-year dividend triangle chart.

Potential Risks
As a small-cap, TerraVest carries more volatility and execution risk. Integration challenges from rapid acquisitions can pressure margins, as seen in 2025 when financing costs weighed on earnings despite strong revenue growth. Investors should expect more fluctuation here than from larger peers.

2. Imperial Oil (IMO.TO)

A Steady Hand Backed by Exxon

Investment Thesis
Imperial Oil brings stability to an often-unstable sector. Its vertically integrated structure — spanning upstream, refining, and retail — provides balance across market cycles. With Exxon Mobil as a majority shareholder, Imperial gains access to world-class technology, research, and capital discipline.

Refining operations and over 2,000 Esso-branded stations offer steady cash flow when crude prices slump. Meanwhile, oil sands operations like Kearl and Cold Lake deliver scale and longevity. Recent investments in carbon capture and clean fuel initiatives show Imperial’s pragmatic approach to the energy transition.

Imperial Oil (IMO.TO) 5-year dividend triangle chart.

Potential Risks

Imperial’s oil sands exposure keeps it tethered to heavy crude prices and environmental scrutiny. Sustained low oil prices would strain its upstream cash flow, while delays in emission-reduction projects could hurt competitiveness.

1. Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ.TO)

A Cash Flow Machine in a Cyclical World

Investment Thesis
Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ) stands out as one of Canada’s most disciplined and diversified producers. Its combination of long-life, low-decline oil sands assets and conventional oil and gas operations gives it a unique ability to generate free cash flow even when crude prices weaken. With a breakeven WTI near $35 per barrel, CNQ has consistently outperformed peers during downturns.

The company’s strategy is refreshingly straightforward — produce efficiently, reinvest wisely, and return excess cash to shareholders. In 2025, production is expected to rise 13% year over year, driven by new projects and acquisitions, such as Chevron’s Alberta assets. Management’s proven counter-cyclical approach — investing when others retreat — has paid off in both growth and resilience.

Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ.TO) 5-year dividend triangle chart.

Potential Risks
CNQ’s profitability remains tied to commodity prices. Environmental and regulatory headwinds, particularly in Alberta, could limit expansion or increase compliance costs. Its capital-intensive oil sands operations, while efficient, are exposed to carbon pricing and pipeline constraints that could erode margins.

Balancing Risk and Reward in the Energy Sector

Canadian energy companies have come a long way from their boom-and-bust past. The best names today combine scale, efficiency, and diversification — essential traits for thriving in a decarbonizing world. Still, this remains a cyclical sector, where patience and timing matter.

For dividend investors, the key isn’t chasing the highest yield, but finding sustainable growth supported by operational discipline. CNQ and Imperial deliver that through scale and balance; TerraVest brings agility and niche strength; and Enbridge provides reliable cash flow through its infrastructure dominance.

If you’re looking to add exposure to Canada’s energy sector, these four companies represent the most solid mix of stability, growth potential, and dividend dependability available today. Just remember — even the steadiest oil stock can wobble when prices swing.

Find More Dividend Rock Stars

Want to discover more high-quality dividend growers like these?

Grab your copy of our Dividend Rock Star List, featuring around 300 stocks screened for dividend safety, growth potential, and long-term reliability.

Download your free Dividend Rock Star List here

The Best Canadian Dividend Insurance Companies

When markets get choppy, insurance companies often do their best work — quietly stabilizing your portfolio while the rest of the market swings from optimism to panic. These stocks may not lead rallies, but they help investors stay invested when volatility hits.

Canadian insurers bring a unique kind of strength to a dividend growth portfolio. Their business models thrive on risk management, consistent cash flows, and disciplined capital allocation. When well-managed, they deliver the trifecta every long-term investor wants: steady earnings, sustainable dividend growth, and resilience across economic cycles.

Today, we’re looking at four of the strongest Canadian insurance companies — each with its own mix of stability, growth potential, and dividend power.

4. Manulife Financial (MFC.TO)

Investment Thesis

Manulife Financial has rebuilt its reputation since the financial crisis and now stands as a well-diversified global insurance and wealth management powerhouse. With operations in Canada, the U.S., and Asia, it benefits from both mature and high-growth markets. The company’s asset management arm oversees over CAD 1 trillion in assets, generating a steady stream of fee-based income.

Its Asian segment—now roughly 30% of total earnings—is the key growth engine. Rising middle-class populations and underpenetrated insurance markets in countries like China, Japan, and Hong Kong make this region a massive opportunity. The company’s pivot toward behavioral insurance and investment management also supports long-term profitability.

Manulife may not have a strong moat in a commoditized industry, but it has evolved into a leaner, more efficient, and more globally balanced insurer than it was a decade ago.

Manulife (MFC.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle Chart.

Potential Risks

Manulife’s reliance on capital markets makes it more volatile than some of its peers. A downturn or sharp interest rate decline could compress investment income and returns. Its U.S. operations under John Hancock remain a weak link, with thin margins and fierce competition.

In Asia, while the long-term growth story remains intact, the company faces local competitors with deep roots and faster product innovation. The insurance business is price-driven, limiting differentiation and putting pressure on returns.

Unlock More Dividend Growth Picks

If you want more hand-picked dividend growers across industries, grab our Dividend Rock Star List.

It features around 300 stocks with complete Dividend Safety Scores, growth projections, and buy lists tailored for retirement portfolios.

Most importantly, it is the ONLY list using the Dividend Triangle as its foundation.

3. Great-West Lifeco (GWO.TO)

Investment Thesis

Great-West Lifeco is the definition of a steady compounder. With roots in life insurance, pension management, and asset management, it generates highly predictable cash flows. Its Empower Retirement division is now the #2 U.S. retirement services provider, expanding GWO’s reach into one of the world’s largest pension markets.

The company’s strategy emphasizes fee-based revenue and cost discipline. Recent acquisitions in the U.S. and Japan add diversification, while higher interest rates boost returns on investment portfolios. Its strong connection to Power Corporation provides both stability and a deep distribution network.

While not a fast grower, Great-West Lifeco offers stability and consistent dividend growth—an ideal fit for conservative dividend investors.

Great-West Lifeco (GWO.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle Chart.

Potential Risks

The flip side of GWO’s stability is limited growth potential. With only 20% of revenue outside North America and Europe, it lacks exposure to high-growth emerging markets. Fee compression in asset management and regulatory capital requirements could also weigh on margins.

Insurance products are largely commoditized, and GWO competes in mature markets with intense pricing pressure. While its cost structure is efficient, sustaining above-average ROE will require continued discipline and favorable market conditions.

2. Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO)

Investment Thesis

Sun Life combines traditional insurance with a powerful asset management and group benefits platform. With over CAD 1 trillion in assets under management, it earns nearly half its profits from wealth and asset management—a steady, fee-based source of income that cushions against insurance volatility.

Its group benefits and dental insurance operations give it scale and recurring cash flow, particularly after acquiring DentaQuest, making it the #2 dental benefits provider in the U.S. Sun Life’s strength lies in diversification: Canada provides steady profits, Asia offers long-term growth potential, and its U.S. business adds scale.

The company has positioned itself as a balanced player in an unpredictable industry, with strong capital discipline and an eye toward gradual, sustainable growth.

Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle Chart.

Potential Risks

Sun Life’s results are highly tied to interest rate movements and financial markets. A sustained decline in rates would pressure margins and profitability. In addition, its international operations—especially in Asia—remain smaller than Manulife’s, limiting its global growth potential.

The company also operates in an increasingly commoditized industry where pricing remains a key battleground. Asset management, while profitable, faces fee compression from low-cost giants like BlackRock and Vanguard.

A Steady Pace Toward Dividend Growth

🔗 Full Sun Life Analysis

1. Intact Financial (IFC.TO)

Investment Thesis

Intact Financial is the heavyweight of Canada’s property and casualty (P&C) insurance industry. Unlike its life insurance peers, Intact’s strength lies in underwriting excellence and data-driven pricing. Through acquisitions like RSA Insurance (U.K./Canada) and OneBeacon (U.S.), Intact has become a diversified, international P&C leader.

It continues to grow organically, targeting 10%+ annual growth in net operating income per share (NOIPS). The company’s multichannel approach—through BrokerLink, Belairdirect, and commercial lines—spreads risk and enhances resilience.

Intact’s profitability metrics remain best-in-class, supported by AI-based risk modeling and cost efficiency. Even as catastrophic losses rise, its underwriting discipline ensures steady returns.

Intact Financial Group (IFC.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle Chart.

Potential Risks

The biggest threat to Intact comes from nature itself. Catastrophe losses from floods and wildfires reached $1.5 billion in 2024, and the trend isn’t slowing. These unpredictable events make quarterly results volatile.

Additionally, insurance regulation—especially in auto insurance markets like Ontario—can cap pricing flexibility. In the U.S. and U.K., Intact faces fierce competition and integration challenges, especially as it scales its commercial footprint.

Despite these challenges, Intact’s data advantage and risk management culture keep it a step ahead of its peers.

Final Thoughts – The Pillars of Dividend Stability

Canadian insurance companies won’t be the most exciting holdings in your portfolio—but they might be among the most dependable. They bring balance when growth stocks stumble, and they keep cash flow rising even through recessions and market noise.

Here’s how they stack up:

Intact Financial – Best-in-class underwriting and risk management.
Sun Life – Diversified with strong asset management exposure.
Great-West Lifeco – A defensive dividend compounder.
Manulife – Global reach with a powerful growth engine in Asia.

Each of these insurers plays a different role, but together they demonstrate a straightforward truth: dividend growth thrives on financial discipline—and few sectors embody that better than Canadian insurance.

Find More Dividend Rock Stars

Want to discover more high-quality dividend growers like these?

Grab your copy of our Dividend Rock Star List, featuring around 300 stocks screened for dividend safety, growth potential, and long-term reliability.

Download your free Dividend Rock Star List here

A Dividend Basket Built on Groceries and Pharmacies

In investing, some businesses deliver growth by chasing trends, while others quietly fill the essentials basket, year after year. Food and health products may not sound flashy, but they are non-negotiables in every household budget. That’s where this company shines—anchoring its model in grocery and pharmacy sales to create dependable, recession-resistant cash flows. It’s a model that doesn’t promise fireworks, but instead builds a basket of stability that dividend investors can count on.

A Focused Regional Player

Metro Inc. (MRU.TO) operates one of Canada’s largest networks of grocery and pharmacy stores, with nearly 1,000 food locations under banners such as Metro, Super C, Food Basics, and Adonis, and about 640 pharmacies under Jean Coutu, Brunet, and Metro Pharmacy. The company serves multiple consumer segments, from full-service supermarkets to value-driven discount banners.

Its strategy centers on regional dominance rather than national expansion, giving it a stronghold in Quebec and Ontario. This localized approach has provided stability, but it also caps growth potential relative to larger rivals like Loblaw and Sobeys.

MRU.TO stores and brands by provinces table as found in its 2024 Corporate Responsibiity Report. — MRU.TO stores and brands by province table as found in its 2024 Corporate Responsibility Report.

Why Dividend Investors Like It

Bull Case: Steady Growth in a Defensive Sector

Metro offers stability in an industry where consumers must shop regardless of economic conditions. Food retail is a defensive sector, and Metro complements it with pharmacy operations—adding resilience and margin strength.

Revenue Mix: The balance between food and pharmacy sales ensures diversification. Pharmacy growth, particularly through Jean Coutu, strengthens overall margins.
Playbook: The company runs both corporate and franchised stores while also distributing to independents. This hybrid model reduces risks tied to single revenue streams.
Growth Vectors: Expansion is supported by new automated distribution centers, pharmacy growth, and selective acquisitions. Metro is also leaning into private label and digital loyalty programs. Its Moi loyalty platform aims to deepen customer engagement, while private-label offerings expand margins.
Economic Moat: Metro lacks a true moat, but entrenched brand recognition in Quebec and operational discipline give it staying power. Consumers in its core markets often view Metro as a trusted, local brand, which helps offset its lack of national clout.

Beyond the numbers, Metro benefits from demographic and lifestyle shifts. Canada’s aging population supports pharmacy demand, while consumers’ search for affordability keeps discount formats like Food Basics relevant. The combination of grocery and pharmacy under one roof also increases customer traffic and convenience.

The Other Side of the Coin

Bear Case: Limited Scale and Competitive Pressure

Metro’s strengths in execution are offset by structural disadvantages that make it less competitive against larger rivals.

Business Vulnerabilities: Operating margins are inherently slim in food retail, and Metro’s smaller size limits its purchasing power compared to Loblaw or Walmart. Unionized labor adds cost rigidity, especially as wage pressures increase.
Industry & Market Threats: Canadian food retail is saturated and cutthroat, with consumers highly price-sensitive. Shoppers often divide their purchases across multiple banners, weakening brand loyalty. Pharmacy operations also face regulatory risks, particularly around prescription drug pricing in Quebec, which limits profitability.
Competitive Landscape: Metro lags peers in key differentiators. Private-label penetration is only ~11%, far behind Loblaw’s 44%. Its Moi loyalty program, while promising, is still young compared to PC Optimum. U.S. discounters like Costco and Walmart continue to grow in Canada, squeezing both price and volume.

Taken together, these challenges create a ceiling on Metro’s long-term growth. It can continue to execute well, but it cannot easily match the scale-driven advantages enjoyed by its largest competitors.

Want More Stocks Like This One?

The Dividend Rock Star List is our hand-picked collection of quality dividend stocks.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🔍 Over 300 U.S. and Canadian dividend-paying stocks
✅ Screened using our Dividend Triangle: Revenue growth, EPS growth, and dividend growth
🚨 Updated monthly with the latest data
📊 Filter by yield, sector, payout ratio, dividend growth rate, and more
💡 Discover reliable growers that can power your portfolio through bull and bear markets

Start browsing the Dividend Rock Star List now and find your next winner before everyone else does.

What’s New: Navigating Inflationary Pressure

On August 26, 2025, Metro reported a solid quarter:

Revenue up 3%.
EPS up 12%.
Food same-store sales +1.9%.
Pharmacy same-store sales +5.5% (prescriptions +6.2%, front-store +4%).

Management credited strong pharmacy growth and disciplined pricing in grocery for the performance. Priorities moving forward include network upgrades, supply-chain automation, and using digital and loyalty platforms to boost customer retention.

While Metro’s results lack the excitement of a growth stock, they underscore its consistency in navigating inflationary pressure and consumer price sensitivity.

The Dividend Triangle in Action: Consistent Uptrends

Metro (MRU.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle chart.

Dividend investors know that a reliable payout is only as good as the fundamentals behind it. Metro’s Dividend Triangle—revenue, earnings, and dividend growth—shows measured but dependable progress:

Revenue: Now at $21.8B, with growth coming from both food sales and pharmacies. While volume growth in food has softened, pricing discipline and steady pharmacy gains have supported topline expansion.
Earnings per Share (EPS): Up to $4.61, showing resilience even in a high-cost environment. Earnings volatility is low, reinforcing Metro’s defensive profile.
Dividend: At $0.37 per share, with steady increases over the years. Yield may look modest, but payout discipline ensures sustainability.

For investors, the story is one of slow-and-steady compounding. Metro won’t deliver rapid dividend hikes, but its consistent earnings base supports dependable growth that can anchor a dividend portfolio.

Final Thoughts: A Defensive Anchor, not a Growth Star

Metro occupies a unique space in the Canadian retail landscape. It doesn’t have the size or brand power of Loblaw or Walmart, but it knows how to execute in its chosen markets. Its regional dominance, hybrid grocery-pharmacy model, and disciplined operations provide stability, while pharmacy growth offers modest upside.

For dividend investors, the trade-off is straightforward: Metro is a slow grower with limited upside, but it offers reliability in an industry where consistency is often hard to come by. It is not the stock that will lead your portfolio higher, but it can keep your income stream safe and predictable through cycles.

Don’t leave without your freebie! Download the ONLY list focusing on the Dividend Triangle.

The Dividend Rock Star List is updated monthly with over 350 screened dividend stocks, complete with safety scores and valuations.

Leaning on a Retail Giant for Steady Dividends

When a company builds its fortunes around one powerful partner, it can either look like a risk or a source of stability. For dividend investors, the key question is whether that dependence translates into predictable, but also growing, dividends. In the case of CT REIT, its close relationship with Canadian Tire provides both an anchor and a growth engine. While it may not offer explosive expansion, it delivers the kind of steady, reliable income stream many dividend investors value.

Anchored in Retail Real Estate

CT Real Estate Investment Trust (CRT.UN.TO) is a Canadian REIT that owns, manages, and develops commercial properties across the country. Its portfolio includes more than 375 properties totaling over 31 million square feet of gross leasable area (GLA), primarily single-tenant net lease retail properties.

The trust’s defining feature is its close relationship with Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC), which accounts for about 92% of GLA. These properties are mission-critical for CTC’s retail network, ensuring a highly stable occupancy base. CT REIT generates income through long-term triple-net leases, where tenants pay property taxes, insurance, and maintenance, providing the REIT with predictable and durable cash flows.

Management supplements this core business with property intensification projects, acquisitions, and occasional multi-tenant developments to diversify revenue.

CT REIT Investment Highlights from its Q2 2025. — CT REIT Investment Highlights from its Q2 2025 presentation.

When Dependence Feels (Mostly) Like Strength

Bull Case – Why Investors Like It

Predictable Income Stream: With Canadian Tire as its anchor tenant, CT REIT enjoys exceptionally stable occupancy and renewal rates. Weighted average lease terms are 7.9 years, providing strong visibility on future cash flow.
Sustainable Dividends: The REIT pays a 6.3% yield, backed by a conservative ~72% AFFO payout ratio, leaving room for future increases.
Growth Levers:
- Acquisitions of Canadian Tire properties (2 stores added in Q4 2024).
- Intensification projects in Quebec, Saskatchewan, and a development pipeline in Kelowna, BC.
- Lease renewals with strong pricing power (+10.3% third-party rent increase in Q4 2024).
Solid Balance Sheet: Management has kept debt levels manageable, supporting both dividend stability and growth initiatives.

Bear Case – Risks You Can’t Ignore

Tenant Concentration: With over 90% of space leased to Canadian Tire, CT REIT’s fortunes are tightly linked to a single retailer. If Canadian Tire faces operational or strategic challenges, the REIT’s revenue would feel it immediately.
Limited Diversification: Unlike larger diversified REITs (e.g., retail + industrial + residential), CT REIT remains focused on one category, leaving little cushion if retail traffic declines.
Slow Growth Profile: NOI growth is modest (1.5%–2.0% annually). Investors looking for high growth will find this REIT more of a “bond proxy” than a growth story.

Free Webinar Invite: Avoid Price Confusion and Act with Conviction

When a stock dives or spikes, most investors focus on the price. That’s the wrong move. In this live session, I’ll show you how to ignore the noise and interrogate the business—so you can decide with confidence whether to sell, hold, or buy more.

Thursday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m. ET
~50 minutes + 1-hour Q&A
Replay available for all registrants
Seats are limited to the first 500

You’ll discover:

A simple framework to know when to ignore headlines and when to act
A quick business-model check that surfaces real risks (fast)
How to use the Dividend Triangle to separate bargains from traps

Save your spot (or get the replay)

What’s New: Expansion Keeps the Wheels Turning

CT REIT’s latest quarter showed steady progress:

Revenue: +4% YoY.
FFO per unit: +2%.
NOI: $118.9M (+3.4% YoY).
Payout Ratio: 72% (comfortably sustainable).
Key drivers:
- Completed property acquisitions and intensifications in 2024–2025 (+$3.1M).
- Rent escalations from Canadian Tire leases (+$1.7M).

The Dividend Triangle in Action: Slow & Steady Growth

CT REIT (CRT.UN.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle chart.

When we look at CT REIT through the lens of the Dividend Triangle, the picture is clear: this is a story of income stability rather than rapid growth.

Revenue: Gradually rising, supported by acquisitions and annual lease escalations.
EPS/FFO: Consistent, with minor fluctuations tied to timing of developments.
Dividend: Modest but reliable, growing in step with AFFO and maintaining a sustainable payout ratio.

CT REIT isn’t here to deliver explosive growth. Instead, it delivers the kind of slow, predictable compounding that income-focused investors prize.

Final Thoughts: Built to Last, Not for Excitement

CT REIT is less about chasing growth and more about locking in dependable monthly income. With Canadian Tire as its anchor and a disciplined payout strategy, the trust is positioned as a steady, income-first REIT. The trade-off? Limited diversification and modest long-term growth.

For dividend investors who prioritize stability and cash flow visibility, CT REIT remains a compelling option.

Free Webinar: Avoid Price Confusion

Stocks often jump or drop 10% on earnings day. How do you know if it’s time to buy, sell, or simply hold?

Join me on Thursday, September 18th, at 1:00 p.m. ET for a free session where I’ll share how to cut through the noise, check the business fast, and use the Dividend Triangle to spot real opportunities.

Save your seat (or get the replay)

A Steady Pace Toward Dividend Growth

Dividend investing is not about sprinting ahead—it’s more about maintaining a steady pace that delivers reliable results over time. Think of it like a marathon runner: disciplined, consistent, and built to withstand the test of endurance. Some businesses mirror that approach perfectly, combining stable cash flows with long-term strategies that enable dividends to continue growing. For investors seeking both income and peace of mind, this kind of stability can be just as rewarding as high-growth stories.

A Business Anchored in Protection and Wealth

Sun Life (SLF.TO) operates across five key segments: Asset Management, Canada, U.S., Asia, and Corporate. Its business mix reflects three pillars:

Asset management & wealth – through MFS and SLC Management, which collectively oversee more than CAD 1 trillion in assets under management.
Group health & protection – providing benefits like dental, life, and disability insurance to employers and government programs.
Individual protection – traditional life and health insurance offerings sold directly to consumers.

In Canada, Sun Life dominates group insurance and retirement solutions. In the U.S., its acquisition of DentaQuest made it the #2 dental benefits provider. In Asia, it has tapped into high-growth markets where protection and wealth products are in demand. Together, these businesses create a diversified but competitive platform.

Sun Life Financial (SLF.TO) Financial Highlights and Business Model from its 2024 Annual Report.

Building Growth Beyond Insurance

The Bull Case

Sun Life is not just an insurance company anymore—it’s an asset manager, a group benefits leader, and an international operator. Roughly 42% of its earnings now come from asset and wealth management, offering stable, fee-based cash flows that buffer against insurance volatility.

Asset Management Powerhouse – MFS and SLC Management continue to scale. SLC has been expanding into alternatives, which command higher fees and offer growth potential even in volatile markets.
Group Benefits Leadership – In Canada, Sun Life’s group insurance footprint is unmatched, supporting recurring revenues tied to employer coverage. In the U.S., its DentaQuest acquisition broadened its reach, adding long-term growth potential.
Asian Expansion – Sun Life has reported record net income from Asia, where demand for protection products and wealth solutions remains high. This region is an essential long-term growth vector.
Tailwinds from Rates – Rising interest rates improve yields on Sun Life’s large fixed-income portfolio, directly benefiting investment income.

Demographics are also working in Sun Life’s favor. An aging population in North America is fueling demand for retirement planning and protection products, while middle-class growth in Asia supports wealth and insurance demand.

The Bear Case

Despite its diversification, Sun Life faces familiar industry headwinds. Insurance remains a commoditized business, where pricing—not brand—is the main competitive factor. Asset management, while profitable, is vulnerable to market downturns and investor outflows.

Interest Rate Sensitivity – Rising rates provide a short-term boost, but prolonged low-rate environments in the past have shown how thin insurance margins can get.
Market Exposure – With over CAD 1 trillion AUM, market corrections would directly hit Sun Life’s fee income. MFS already reported challenges from lower average assets.
Competitive Pressures – In insurance, Manulife and Great-West Life are fierce rivals in Canada, while global giants dominate in the U.S. and Asia. In asset management, Sun Life is a fraction of the size of BlackRock or Vanguard, making pricing pressure a constant risk.
Political and Regulatory Risks – Like all insurers, Sun Life must navigate evolving regulations, particularly in health and retirement products. Any policy shifts could alter profitability in key regions.

While the company has shifted away from struggling U.S. life insurance operations, it still depends on execution in newer markets to keep growth alive.

Free Webinar Invite: Avoid Price Confusion and Act with Conviction

Thursday, September 18th at 1:00 p.m. ET
~50 minutes + 1-hour Q&A
Replay available for all registrants
Seats are limited to the first 500

You’ll discover:

A simple framework to know when to ignore headlines and when to act
A quick business-model check that surfaces real risks (fast)
How to use the Dividend Triangle to separate bargains from traps

Save your spot (or get the replay)

What’s New: Record Earnings from Asia and Mixed Trends Elsewhere

Sun Life’s latest quarter (August 20, 2025) showcased both strengths and challenges:

Core EPS up 13.5% year-over-year.
Asset Management & Wealth delivered $455M in net income (flat).
Group Health & Protection rose 7% to $326M.
Individual Protection surged 110% to $299M, rebounding from softer prior-year results.
Asia posted record earnings on strong protection growth and higher wealth contributions.
U.S. Dental saw gains from Medicaid repricing.
Canada benefited from favorable group life mortality but softer individual protection.

Overall, the quarter confirmed Sun Life’s ability to grow earnings across multiple levers, but also highlighted its exposure to market-linked asset management results.

The Dividend Triangle in Action: Measured but Steady

The dividend story at Sun Life is one of consistency rather than excitement. Revenue and EPS have climbed steadily, though not spectacularly, while the dividend has marched upward in tandem.

Revenue: Stable, with gradual growth supported by asset management and group benefits.
Earnings per Share (EPS): Lumpy due to market-linked businesses, but the long-term trend remains positive.
Dividend: A modest yield, but with dependable growth—management increased the dividend by 6% in 2025.

This is not a high-yield stock, but rather a dividend grower that can serve as part of a balanced portfolio.

Final Thoughts: Dividend Growth that Endures

Some businesses are built for endurance rather than speed. This one has proven it can steadily grow earnings, manage through cycles, and reward shareholders along the way. With its mix of insurance, wealth, and asset management, it may not consistently deliver fireworks. Still, it offers something even more valuable for dividend investors: the confidence that your income can continue to grow year after year.

Free Webinar: Avoid Price Confusion

Stocks often jump or drop 10% on earnings day. How do you know if it’s time to buy, sell, or simply hold?

Save your seat (or get the replay)

Engineering Growth in a Changing World

Infrastructure, sustainability, and urban development are long-term investment themes that require specialized expertise. One Canadian company has positioned itself at the center of these trends, delivering engineering, architecture, and consulting services that help governments and corporations adapt to climate change, modernize infrastructure, and manage resources responsibly. With a diversified portfolio and strong project backlog, this business is well-placed to capture steady growth in the coming years.

Building the Foundations of Tomorrow

Stantec (STN.TO) is a global engineering and design firm that provides sustainable solutions across multiple industries. Its business model spans five major operating units: Infrastructure, Water, Buildings, Environmental Services, and Energy & Resources. This diversified structure enables Stantec to balance revenue between government contracts, private sector projects, and recurring environmental consulting.

The company operates in three geographic segments—Canada, the U.S., and Global markets. Its top 25 clients are highly engaged, with more than half using services from at least four of its business units. This multi-service approach creates strong client retention and cross-selling opportunities. Stantec covers the full project life cycle: from concept and planning to design, construction management, and even remediation and decommissioning.

Stantec (STN.TO) Diversified Geographic Footprint form their 2024 Annual Report. — Stantec (STN.TO) Diversified Geographic Footprint from its 2024 Annual Report.

The Bull Case: Riding the Infrastructure Wave

Stantec is in an enviable position as one of the world’s leading engineering and consulting firms, with exposure to some of the strongest long-term demand drivers in the industry.

Playbook
The company focuses on government infrastructure contracts and private sector capital projects. Its business mix reduces volatility compared to firms that rely heavily on cyclical sectors like mining or oil and gas. With a $7.9B backlog—equivalent to roughly 13 months of work—Stantec enjoys strong revenue visibility.

Growth Vectors

Government Infrastructure Spending: In both the U.S. and Canada, government programs are allocating billions toward modernizing transportation, energy grids, and water systems.
Water Segment Strength: Backlog in Water grew 24% YoY, reflecting rising demand for clean water and wastewater management solutions.
Strategic Acquisitions: Stantec continues to use M&A to broaden expertise and geographic reach. With an under-leveraged balance sheet, it has flexibility for future deals.
Energy Transition Projects: Increasing demand for renewable energy and carbon reduction strategies has created new growth avenues.
Geographic Diversification: With about half its revenue from the U.S., one-quarter from Canada, and the rest international, Stantec is not overly reliant on any single region.

Economic Moat
Stantec’s moat lies in its diversified expertise, strong client retention, and international presence. Its ability to provide integrated solutions across sectors makes it a trusted long-term partner. While margins are pressured by competition, its backlog and breadth of services offer resilience compared to smaller peers.

Want More Stocks Like This One?

The Dividend Rock Star List is our hand-picked collection of quality dividend stocks.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:

🔍 Over 300 U.S. and Canadian dividend-paying stocks
✅ Screened using our Dividend Triangle: Revenue growth, EPS growth, and dividend growth
🚨 Updated monthly with the latest data
📊 Filter by yield, sector, payout ratio, dividend growth rate, and more
💡 Discover reliable growers that can power your portfolio through bull and bear markets

Start browsing the Dividend Rock Star List now and find your next winner before everyone else does.

The Bear Case: Cycles, Talent, and Competition

Despite its strengths, Stantec faces risks tied to its cyclical industry, dependence on skilled labor, and a competitive marketplace.

Business Vulnerabilities
Stantec relies on government budgets and private sector investments. In an economic downturn, project approvals could be delayed, reducing growth. Its historical performance between 2017 and 2022 was uneven, reflecting how cycles affect consulting firms.

Industry & Market Threats

Talent Shortages: Engineering and environmental consulting are labor-intensive. Wage inflation and retention challenges could erode margins.
Acquisition Risks: While acquisitions are a growth driver, overpaying or poor integration could dilute shareholder value.
Cyclical Nature: Stantec’s revenue growth is closely tied to macroeconomic trends in infrastructure and construction.

Competitive Landscape
Stantec competes with global heavyweights such as WSP Global and Tetra Tech, along with numerous regional firms. WSP, with roughly double the market cap and revenue, benefits from greater scale and financial flexibility. This puts pressure on Stantec to remain competitive on both pricing and acquisitions.

What’s New: Strong Quarter Highlights Water

On August 19, 2025, Stantec delivered a solid quarter:

Revenue up 7% YoY, including 4.8% organic growth.
EPS up 21%, supported by higher project margins and lower administrative expenses.
Regional Growth: U.S. +5.7%, Canada +6.2%, Global +10.5%.
Water Segment Strength: Continued double-digit organic growth, confirming robust demand.

The results reinforce management’s optimism, as Stantec raised its 2025 and 2026 earnings estimates.

The Dividend Triangle in Action: Steady Climb

Stantec (STN.TO) 5-year Dividend Triangle chart.

Looking at the Dividend Triangle:

Revenue has grown steadily, reaching $7.8B.
EPS has accelerated, now at $3.83.
Dividend growth, while modest, has been consistent, with the payout now at $0.225 per share.

Stantec’s dividend yield remains on the low side, but its strength lies in sustained growth potential and strong earnings momentum to support future increases.

Build a Smarter, Safer Dividend Portfolio

Whether you’re looking for income today or wealth tomorrow, you need stocks that deliver on all three parts of the Dividend Triangle.

That’s exactly what the Dividend Rock Star List is built for:

No fluff — just fundamentally strong dividend stocks
Includes both Canadian and U.S. dividend payers
Easily sort by dividend growth rate, payout ratio, and more
Updated every month — no stale picks, no guesswork

Use it to build your watchlist, strengthen your portfolio, or start fresh with confidence.

Explore the Dividend Rock Star List now:

Final Thoughts: A Reliable Builder in Any Market

Stantec’s diversified service portfolio, strong backlog, and alignment with secular trends like climate adaptation, clean water, and infrastructure modernization make it a compelling pick in the engineering and consulting space. While competition and talent risks are worth monitoring, its growth trajectory appears well supported. For long-term investors, Stantec represents a steady growth-and-income story in a critical industry.