Canadian Tire is still a top pick

Article Excerpt

Canadian Tire’s class A shares are down about 6% since the start of 2024. That’s mainly due to concerns still-elevated interest rates and higher prices force consumers to spend less on discretionary items. However, the retailer is doing a good job managing its inventories. That cuts the need for costly clearance sales. Its focus on essential household and automotive goods is also helping boost customer traffic. What’s more, the company just increased its dividend for the 14th consecutive year. While the current annual rate is above its target payout range, a plan to improve productivity should lift Canadian Tire’s earnings and bring down that payout ratio. CANADIAN TIRE CORP. (class A non-voting) is a top pick for 2024. The company (Toronto symbols CTC (voting) $235 and CTC.A (non-voting) $133; Conservative Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 55.6 million; Market cap: $7.8 billion; Dividend yield: 5.3%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.canadiantire.ca) operates 502 Canadian Tire stores. They sell automotive parts and services, and household and sporting goods;…