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It’s time for our mid-year check-in! We dive into the best-performing dividend stocks of 2025—so far. From mining companies to pest control, and even food and healthcare, you’ll hear about surprising names making big moves. But Mike also brings his classic caution: Are these just temporary wins, or the start of long-term success?

This episode is packed with analysis and numbers, not just headlines. If you want to understand why some companies are beating the market, this one’s for you.

Running Length: 00:39:56

Volatility vs. Reality
Markets have been noisy, but not all bad.

• The Canadian market is up 6–7%, and the U.S. is flat despite headlines of doom.

• Staying invested paid off—don’t confuse the news with actual numbers.

Materials & Gold: Fueled by Fear
Gold-related companies benefited from a turbulent market.

• Agnico Eagle (AEM) soared with gold prices.

• Franco-Nevada (FNV) and Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM) stood out as royalty streamers with no debt and strong balance sheets.

• Nutrien (NTR) is recovering slowly from the fertilizer slump.

Industrials Thrive on Infrastructure
Big projects are boosting industrial players.

• Finning International (FTT) reported strong revenue and EPS growth, plus a 10% dividend hike.

• Stantec (STN) showed solid organic and acquisition-based growth, with a rising backlog.

U.S. Winners: Deere and… Pest Control?
John Deere (DE) is shifting toward ag-tech and autonomy, despite a weaker quarter.

• Rollins (ROL), a pest control business, has quietly compounded for years with a consistent dividend triangle and stable recurring revenue.

Energy Outlier: TerraVest (TVK.TO)

• A smaller cap name that skyrocketed by serving the natural gas storage and transport market.

• Strong growth and smart acquisitions—but be wary of fast-rising small caps.

Healthcare’s Quiet Powerhouses

• McKesson (MCK) and HCA Healthcare (HCA) are thriving thanks to demographics and scale.

• Both have strong revenue, earnings, and dividend trends.

Staples with a Comeback

• Maple Leaf Foods (MFI.TO) is rebounding, though growth potential is limited by industry constraints.

• Philip Morris (PM) surprises with strong results from its smoke-free division—even if Mike doesn’t love the narrative.

TD Bank’s Rebound

• After a tough 2024, TD is bouncing back with $8B from a Charles Schwab asset sale and restructuring underway.

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