Dividend looks secure despite tariff threat

Article Excerpt

Canadian Tire gets 15% of the goods it sells from the U.S., so it’s vulnerable to potential tariffs and counter tariffs. However, the company is confident it can replace most of those items from suppliers in Canada and other countries. Meanwhile, investors will continue to benefit from regular dividend hikes and share buybacks. CANADIAN TIRE CORP. (class A non-voting) is a buy. The company (Toronto symbols CTC (voting) $237 and CTC.A (non-voting) $146; Conservative Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 55.6 million; Market cap: $8.4 billion; Dividend yield: 4.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.canadiantire.ca) operates 502 Canadian Tire stores. They sell automotive parts and services, and household and sporting goods; franchisees run most locations. The company’s other operations also enrich its outlook. They include 169 stores under the PartSource (auto parts) and Party City (party supplies) banners, 383 Mark’s stores selling casual and work clothing, and 371 Sport Chek and Sports Experts locations selling sporting goods and athletic wear. Canadian Tire will raise your quarterly dividend…