Delta variant could hurt Molson

Article Excerpt

MOLSON COORS CANADA INC. is still a hold. The beer brewer (Toronto symbols TPX.A $63 and TPX.B $58; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 216.8 million; Market cap: $12.6 billion; Dividend yield: 2.8%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Below Average; www.molsoncoors.com) resumed quarterly dividend payments of $0.43 U.S. a share in September 2021. The new annual rate of $1.36 U.S. yields 2.8% for the class A shares (3.0% for the class B shares). As part of a new plan to focus on its more profitable products, the company plans to stop making 11 lower-priced brands. It’s also developing non-beer beverages, such as hard seltzers and cannabis-infused drinks. The stock is now up 50% from its September 2020 low. However, Molson could give up its recent gains if spread of the highly contagious Delta variant of the COVID-19 leads to new lockdowns. Molson Coors is still a hold. hold…