These 3 Passive-Income Machines Are Poised to Hike Their Payouts

Like dividend growth? Then check out Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B), WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA), and Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A).

| More on:
The Motley Fool
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Thousands of Canadian investors have discovered a secret to making sure they have enough income in retirement.

The strategy is simple. These investors search for stocks with a history of rewarding investors with an annual dividend increase–usually at a rate higher than inflation. They stuff their portfolio full of these companies, holding on for the long haul. Sure, there are a few blow-ups along the way–dividends aren’t guaranteed, after all–but overall the strategy works pretty darn good.

Some investors tend to focus almost entirely on a company’s dividend history, choosing to heavily weight their portfolios in stocks like Fortis and Telus. These investors see little reason why the impressive streaks delivered the dividend-growth stalwarts of today won’t continue.

It’s a fine strategy, but I prefer something a little different. Instead of focusing on the past, dividend-growth investors should look forward. A stock with just a few years of dividend growth under its belt can be a great future investment provided it has a better growth profile than a mature blue chip.

This can be an especially powerful way for somebody with a couple of decades to go before retirement to build an income stream for their golden years. Low yields today will translate into a comfortable retirement if the growth thesis plays out.

Here are three stocks that have that kind of potential.

Alimentation Couche-Tard

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX:ATD.B) is the Energizer bunny of growth stocks. It just keeps growing and growing.

In the last five years alone, it has acquired more than 4,000 convenience stores in Canada, the United States, and Europe. Recent deals include scooping up 444 stores from Topaz, Ireland’s largest convenience store chain, and the acquisition of 297 Esso retail stores from Imperial Oil. The latter transaction cost the company $1.7 billion.

As the company matures and growth slows a bit, I expect Couche-Tard to become a serious dividend payer. Right now the company pays a paltry $0.0675 per share quarterly dividend for a yield of under 0.5%.

But it has huge dividend-growth potential with an annual payout ratio is just over 10% of earnings. Once the company stops making acquisitions at such a torrid pace, look for the dividend to ramp up quickly.

WestJet Airlines

Even though WestJet Airlines Ltd. (TSX:WJA) already pays a relatively generous 2.7% yield, I think there’s potential for the dividend to really explode over the next few decades.

WestJet has plenty of things going for it. The company has loads of expansion opportunities in North America alone, never mind places like Europe or Asia. Revenue from what the company calls ancillary sources–things like checked bag fees and customers using WiFi on the planes–is surging. And the company’s low-cost business model means it can expand into new routes and use pricing power to capture market share.

WestJet earned $2.91 per share in 2015. It paid out $0.56 per share in dividends, which is a payout ratio of just 19.2%. With earnings likely to keep going up in the future, I like WestJet’s long-term dividend-growth potential.

Empire

Don’t let the negative P/E ratio and terrible performance of the company’s shares over the last six months fool you. Empire Company Limited (TSX:EMP.A) is poised to be a dividend-growth superstar.

Empire is the parent company of Sobeys, Canada’s second-largest grocer. In 2014 the company made a big splash when it acquired rival Safeway, a move designed to beef up its presence out west. Empire has struggled with Safeway, writing down the value of its prize as the local economy has struggled. When times get tough, customers search for cheaper options.

Empire is the cheapest grocery stock in Canada. It trades at just 6.5 times operating income (before one-time write-offs) compared to up 20 times for its rivals. It has a price-to-sales ratio of under 0.15, while its competitors trade at closer to 0.8 times sales.

Empire pays a dividend of $0.10 per share each quarter. Earnings are expected to recover next year, coming in at $1.55 per share. That’s a payout ratio of just just 25.8%, which gives the company plenty of potential to really kick dividend growth into high gear once things improve for Safeway.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Nelson Smith has no position in any stocks mentioned. Alimentation Couche-Tard is a recommendation of Stock Advisor Canada.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »