On Saturday, we published the first 3 of 6 podcasts we're running between Jan. 1st and 8th looking at 2026 - the process as well as the predictions. Here are the final 3.

3 Safe High-Yields for 2026

High yield is tempting because it makes the math feel easier—but it can also be a shortcut into dividend traps. Mike shares three names he views as “deluxe bonds,” plus a simple checklist to separate income from trouble.

The 3 stocks discussed

• Enbridge (ENB)
  Long-term “take-or-pay” style contracts, essential energy infrastructure, and dividend stability (even if growth is modest).
• Canadian Natural Resources (CNQ)
  Asset quality, strong balance sheet focus, shareholder-friendly capital returns, and a track record that stood out even during 2020.
• VICI Properties (VICI)
  Niche REIT with long leases (40–50 years), inflation escalators, and strong locations—paired with economic sensitivity risk.

How to screen “safe” high yield

• Treat 5%+ yield as a red flag, not an automatic “buy” or “sell.”
• Use the Dividend Triangle
• No dividend growth + high yield often leads to payout ratio stress? Higher cut risk.
• Mature “bond-like” stocks still need some growth to avoid sliding into trap territory.

2026 Game Plan

This is the process episode: portfolio management doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need rules. The goal is fewer dilemmas, faster decisions, and a portfolio you actually enjoy holding.

Mike’s game plan highlights

• Diversification is both offense and defense
• Identify “weaker” holdings in two buckets:
• Refresh your investment thesis
  • If the story is great but the metrics don’t back it up, that’s a warning.
• Trim overweight winners when they exceed your risk limit (without killing the position).
• Consider a replacement list so selling becomes easier (you get excited about the upgrade).
• For retirees: build a cash reserve to cover the income gap for ~2–3 years, without overdoing it.

Four Dividend Growth Stocks

The finale pulls ideas from the Dividend Rock Stars list, then pushes the filters further—looking for double-digit growth profiles across revenue, EPS, and dividends over five years.

Concepts explained

• Dividend Rock Stars list: dividend-paying companies with a positive Dividend Triangle (revenue/EPS/dividend growth).
• Chowder Rule (score of 8+): yield + dividend growth as a quick “balance” check (a starting point, not a guarantee).

The 4 stocks discussed

• Broadcom (AVGO) — serial acquirer, strong cash flows, and positioned as “infrastructure” for faster computing (not just a trend play).
• Dollarama (DOL.TO) — strong long-term triangle, disciplined expansion, and a playbook now replicated outside Canada.
• Waste Connections (WCN / WCN.TO) — boring business, strong moat (landfills), stable contracts, and a “strong metrics / weaker price year” setup.
• Casey’s General Stores (CASY) — a smaller-format growth story with room to expand store count meaningfully.

More By This Author:

How To Invest In 2026
Dividend Traps, Yield Chasing & Safety Metrics
Selling Starbucks & More Trades - November Dividend Income Report