New investments just add to their appeal

Article Excerpt

The COVID-19 pandemic has spurred the shares of these two supermarket operators as consumers stock up on basic foods and other essential products. At the same time, new investments by these industry leaders set them up for more growth—and higher dividends for investors. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $67 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 359.5 million; Market cap: $24.1 billion; Dividend yield: 1.9%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.loblaw.ca) is Canada’s largest grocery store chain. It operates 1,088 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. In March 2014, the company purchased the Shoppers Drug Mart chain for $12.3 billion in cash and shares. Shoppers now operates 1,343 drugstores across Canada. Loblaw last raised its dividend by 6.8% with the June 2019 payment. The current annual rate of $1.26 yields 1.9%. The company aims to boost your returns with new investments outside of its core businesses. For example, it’s now…