In 2016, I made the choice to take a break, load my family into a compact RV, and travel to Costa Rica.
Upon my return in 2017, I resigned from my role as a private banker at National Bank to dedicate myself full-time to Dividend Stocks Rock and started overseeing my pension account at National Bank, committing it entirely to dividend growth stocks.
In August 2017, I received $108,760.02 from a secured retirement account that generates growth exclusively through capital gains and dividends. I publicly share this portfolio to create a real-world case study, intending for others to benefit from my insights.
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**Steering Clear of Stock Prices**
Throughout the years, several members have contacted me when their stock prices plummeted unexpectedly, often as a result of negative news, adjusted guidance, or legal issues. Surprisingly, I was often oblivious to such occurrences, even with shares I held. I will clarify my thought process later, but first, let’s take a look at the outcomes.
**Performance Overview**
As of September 1st, 2025:
– **Initial investment amount (2017):** $108,760.02
– **Current portfolio worth:** $314,694.70
– **Dividends received:** $5,211.00 (TTM)
– **Average yield:** 1.66%
– **2024 Performance:** +26.00%
– **Comparison:** VFV.TO +35.24%, XIU.TO +20.72%
– **Dividend growth:** +12.22%
– **Total return (Sep 2017–Sep 2025):** 189.35%
– **Annualized return (94 months):** 14.53%
Vanguard S&P 500 Index ETF (VFV.TO) has an annualized return of 16.08% since September 2017, while iShares S&P/TSX 60 ETF (XIU.TO) stands at 11.97%.
**I Avoid Monitoring My Stock Prices (!?!)**
This summer, a PRO member, John, inquired how I decided to incorporate Stantec (STN.TO) into my portfolio last September at an almost ideal price. To my astonishment, its price had surged by over 30%, and I hadn’t noticed.
**Neglecting stock prices & return tracking enhances investment choices**
Disregarding temporary market shifts allows me to concentrate on financial indicators rather than reacting emotionally to abrupt price fluctuations. The “optimal price” is whatever it is today. This strategy has proven effective for me over 22 years of investing.
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**Smith Manoeuvre Update**
Slowly, the portfolio is taking shape with 14 companies across 8 sectors targeting a strong dividend triangle. The current yield is 3.03% with a 5-year CAGR dividend growth rate of 10.92%.
– **Portfolio worth:** $23,990.76
– **Portfolio debt:** $19,750
– **Annual earnings:** $728.04
**Increasing Holdings in GWO.TO**
I am increasing my shares of Great-West Lifeco (GWO.TO) to balance my portfolio. My friend Nelson and I discussed Canadian insurance stocks in a recent podcast.
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**Pension Portfolio Summary**
As of September 1st, 2025, the total worth is $314,694.70 (+1.44% from the previous month).
**Latest Earnings Reports**
– **Alimentation Couche-Tard** reported a disappointing quarter with declining revenue and EPS.
– **National Bank** showcased strong revenue expansion and solid performance across various segments despite an uptick in PCLs.
– **Home Depot** displayed moderate growth, fueled by smaller home renovation projects.
– **CCL Industries** witnessed revenue growth in several segments.
– **Royal Bank** announced significant increases in both revenue and EPS across diverse sectors.
– **Dollarama** maintained substantial growth, recently acquiring stores in Australia.
**Dividend Income**
In September, I will probably reinvest enough to boost my Dollarama (DOL.TO) position. I aim to have approximately 3% of all my portfolios in DOL.TO. I remain fully invested.
Best,
Mike