A 7.1% Dividend Stock That’s Quietly Becoming a Top Pick for 2026

This overlooked Canadian dividend pick offers a 7.1% yield along with strong financial growth and expanding mortgage assets.

Key Points
  • Reliable dividend stocks can help investors generate steady passive income while still offering long-term growth potential.
  • MCAN Mortgage (TSX:MKP) has climbed nearly 29% in the last year while continuing to expand its mortgage portfolio.
  • The company’s conservative lending approach and growing assets under management support its juicy 7.1% dividend yield.

Dividend investing works best when you can find companies that quietly deliver strong returns without creating too much noise. While popular growth stocks tend to dominate day-to-day headlines, dependable dividend payers with solid fundamentals can create meaningful long-term wealth through a combination of passive income and capital appreciation.

That’s especially true today, when many investors are looking for stable businesses capable of generating reliable cash flow amid escalating geopolitical tensions and an uncertain macroeconomic environment. One TSX stock that appears to be gaining momentum on both fronts is MCAN Mortgage (TSX: MKP).

With a high dividend yield, improving financial performance, and steady growth initiatives, the company looks like a top income pick for 2026. In this article, I’ll explain why MCAN Mortgage could deserve a closer look from long-term investors right now.

Real estate investment concept with person pointing on growth graph and coin stacking to get profit from property

Source: Getty Images

MCAN Mortgage stock

To put it simply, MCAN Mortgage operates as a Canadian mortgage investment firm with exposure to residential, construction, and commercial lending markets. Its business model focuses on generating stable income through a diversified portfolio of Canadian mortgages while maintaining disciplined underwriting standards.

MKP stock has climbed by nearly 29% over the last 12 months due mainly to growing investor confidence in its business and income potential. With this, it currently trades at $24.60 per share with a market capitalization of slightly more than $1 billion. At this market price, the company offers a juicy dividend yield of 7.1%.

Strong financial growth is supporting investor confidence

One of the biggest factors behind MCAN Mortgage’s recent strength has been the continued expansion of its mortgage portfolio. Through its divisions like MCAN Home, MCAN Capital, and MCAN Wealth, the company has maintained steady mortgage originations while also growing its uninsured securitization business.

Its strategic partnership with MCAP has also played a major role in supporting growth. In the first quarter, MCAP’s income rose by 43% year-over-year (YoY), boosting shareholder returns and strengthening profitability.

Overall, MCAN Mortgage’s net interest income rose by 8% YoY, supported by continued mortgage portfolio growth. Its net profit surged 39% from a year ago as stronger equity income from MCAP and realized gains on securities boosted results.

The company’s return on equity reached 14.2% in the latest quarter, reflecting efficient capital management and strong profitability. Meanwhile, its assets under management also increased significantly, climbing 35% to $8.3 billion.

Disciplined lending standards could support long-term stability

Interestingly, MCAN Mortgage’s residential mortgage assets are also continuing to grow. Its uninsured residential mortgage balances have risen 4% year-to-date to reach $4.7 billion. Similarly, its construction and commercial mortgage balances also expanded to $1.2 billion.

At the same time, the company maintains a disciplined approach to risk management. Despite economic uncertainty, MCAN Mortgage’s average loan-to-value ratio remained conservative at 67.4% for uninsured residential mortgages and 60.8% for construction loans.

Why MCAN Mortgage stock could be a top dividend pick for 2026

Going forward, MCAN Mortgage continues focusing on long-term growth initiatives, including expanding the company’s uninsured residential mortgage securitization program and investing in infrastructure designed to support sustainable growth.

For income-focused investors, the combination of a 7.1% dividend yield, rising assets under management, and disciplined lending standards clearly makes it an attractive dividend stock to buy and hold in 2026 and beyond.

Fool contributor Jitendra Parashar has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

More on Bank Stocks

a person searches for information on the internet
Bank Stocks

Still Not Collecting Dividends? Here’s 1 Stock to Start With

This Canadian bank’s growing dividends, strong stock performance, and improving earnings could give new income investors an appealing place to…

Read more »

Group of people network together with connected devices
Bank Stocks

Everyone’s Snapping Up These Stocks: Should You?

These two popular Canadian financial stocks have already delivered strong gains, but their strong fundamentals suggest there is still plenty…

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Bank Stocks

Thinking About Bank Stocks? Here’s What to Know in September

After a strong run so far this year, here’s what Canadian investors should know about the big bank stocks in…

Read more »

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell speaks with U.S. president Donald Trump
Stocks for Beginners

Bank Stocks Wilted After the Fed Raised Interest Rates: Is Now the Time to Buy the Big Six?

Why waiting before buying the Big Six may be a prudent move for Canadian investors.

Read more »

shopper carries paper bags with purchases
Stocks for Beginners

Are You Spending More Just to Use Your Credit Card Perks?

Credit-card rewards lose their appeal quickly when earning them pushes you to spend money you never planned to spend.

Read more »

young adult uses credit card to shop online
Stocks for Beginners

Credit-Card Rewards Keep Changing: What Does That Mean for Bank Stocks?

Changing credit card rewards show how hard Canadian banks are competing to attract spending and deepen customer relationships.

Read more »

dividend stocks bring in passive income so investors can sit back and relax
Bank Stocks

Is Your Premium Credit Card Still Worth the Annual Fee?

Scotiabank's premium-card offering currently charges $150 annually, includes six lounge visits, and waives the typical 2.5% foreign-exchange markup.

Read more »

Bank Stocks

The TSX Dividend Stock Built for People Who Want One Less Thing to Worry About

This established TSX dividend stock remains an income pillar for risk averse long-term investors.

Read more »