Count on its dividend sustainability

Article Excerpt

We designed our Dividend Sustainability Rating to help our readers zero in on companies that can continue to pay you dividends (or even raise them) during economic downturns. The COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak has already forced many firms to cut or suspend their dividends. However, most of the stocks we cover in TSI Dividend Advisor should maintain their payments and protect your income. Those firms include retailer North West Co. Its focus on remote regions helps protect it from bigger brick-and-mortar chains as well as online sellers. A new deal to sell most of its Giant Tiger stores also frees up cash for other purposes, including investor dividends. As a result of those factors and others, North West’s dividend carries a well-earned Above Average Sustainability Rating. That cuts your risk. NORTH WEST COMPANY $18 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol NWC; High-Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 48.75 million; Market cap: $877.5 million; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 7.3%; www.northwest.ca) sells food, and everyday products…