New products will help protect these dividends

Article Excerpt

Molson and Saputo are adding new products to their portfolios as demand for their legacy products slows. These moves will help them maintain their dividends. However, their short-term outlook remains uncertain. MOLSON COORS CANADA INC. is still a hold. The beer brewer (Toronto symbols TPX.A $65 and TPX.B $63; Conservative Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 216.7 million; Market cap: $13.7 billion; Dividend yield: 2.6; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Average; www.molsoncoors.com) has now resumed regular quarterly payments of $0.34 U.S. a share. The annual rate of $1.36 U.S. yields 2.6% for the A shares (2.7% for the B shares). Due to slowing beer consumption, the company is expanding its portfolio with other beverages. It recently partnered with Coca-Cola Co. (New York symbol KO) to launch Topo Chico Hard Seltzer in the U.S. In September 2021, Molson launched Five Trail Whiskey in Colorado and plans to expand into four other states in 2022. As well, its Truss CBD USA joint venture with cannabis producer HEXO Corp. (Toronto symbol…