Covid-19 Rebound: #1 Defense Stock to Buy

Top stock market movers of 2020 report profitable Covid-19 defence contracts and innovative, high return technology like Airboss of America Corp (TSX:BOS).

| More on:
Coronavirus written newspaper close up shot to the text.

Image source: Getty Images

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

Public companies with top government contracts are great stocks to buy as the market rebounds from the COVID-19 shock. What’s more, many options issue steady dividends to boost your retirement goals.

For example, AirBoss of America Corp (TSX:BOS) distributes a 2% dividend yield to shareholders at Tuesday’s share price of $14.20. Even better: the firm has developed exciting new revenue streams, sparking interest among investors.

More specifically, the AirBoss Defense Group has partnered with NATO governments, including Australia, the U.S., and Canada, to provide protective equipment to the military.

With exceptions, the stock has done very well at exceeding the returns of the S&P/TSX Composite Index.

BOS Chart

About five years ago, the stock experienced a substantial, speculative rise. Until recently, shareholders have felt some pain during the natural downward correction. Today, the stock seems to have matured past significant, unpredictable price corrections and has hit a new uptrend.

Fighting the Covid-19 crisis with NATO

Notably, the Airboss Defense Group supplies the U.S. and Canadian military with respirators, chemical/bioprotective masks, and personal protective gear to fight the COVID-19 crisis. Further, the AirBoss Defense Group is a crucial supplier of the U.S. White House task force for the coronavirus response.

If you don’t own Airboss stock in your retirement portfolio, I recommend any stocks with strong military ties.

The company is building a centralized purchasing system strategically. This foresight will reduce costly sales and client maintenance costs and increase the bottom line. Besides, government contracts are also remarkably, if not notoriously, profitable.

Innovative healthcare products boost market returns

Above all, AirBoss released a new product that will revolutionize how governments maintain the health of their soldiers. The firm is now supplying NATO militaries with a high-tech blast gauge that sits on the uniform of military personnel. The blast gauge will absorb explosive pressure and send the information to a satellite.

This crucial health intelligence will automate the soldiers’ medical file updates. Healthcare professionals can use this information to improve therapeutic treatment plans. Hopefully, when the military personnel retires, the soldiers will receive fair disability pay based on their medical records.

In the United States, a Congressional order mandates the use of this technology in the field. The pressure gauge has a one-year shelf-life, sufficient to outlast typical deployment timelines. Moreover, the one-year replacement assures Airboss shareholders a dependable, recurrent revenue stream.

Responsible production rebuilding critical industries

Airboss of America produces these goods in the U.S. states of Michigan, North Carolina, and Maryland. The firm uses intelligent machinery that requires around 150 employees to manufacture and distribute health and safety technology.

With vehicle sales down, the Airboss Defense Group leverages the abundance of skilled manufacturing labour in the Detroit area. Unemployed workers from the car industry construct small motors and other crucial parts to assemble this protective gear.

Foolish takeaway

AirBoss stock will turn out to be a winner in 2020. The best part about investing in AirBoss is the ability to invest in a top government contractor that doesn’t finance weapons. In fact, all available Airboss solutions are protective, not offensive.

Airboss stock is up 61.92% this year. By contrast, the S&P/TSX Composite Index has lost 13.2% of its value due to the COVID-19 health crisis. This stock is therefore a perfect addition to any TFSA or RRSP stock market portfolio. Higher than market average returns this year are a possibility with stocks like Airboss.

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 Debra Ray has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

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 »