This retailer has a geographic edge

Article Excerpt

North West’s food stores remained open during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic as they provide essential products to remote communities. As a result, the company maintained its dividend, and the stock has rebounded strongly from its March 2020 low of $22. North West’s dominant market share in northern communities should continue to support its dividend. It now yields a high 4.2% following the latest increase. NORTH WEST COMPANY $35 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol NWC; High-Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 48.2 million; Market cap: $1.7 billion; Dividend yield: 4.2%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; www.northwest.ca) sells food and everyday products and services at 215 stores. Its outlets are mainly in northern communities across Canada and Alaska and the Caribbean. The average store is 7,500 square feet. Canada contributes 57% of overall revenue, and the company gets 78% of its sales from food. North West has paid regular dividends for over 32 years. With the October 2021 payment, it raised its quarterly dividend…