This retailer has strong prospects

Article Excerpt

Food and general-merchandise retailer North West has a long history of rising earnings. That’s despite the increased shipping costs associated with its remote northern stores. The company recently moved to lower its operating costs with the acquisition of a regional airline. It has also used its expertise to further expand in other regions such as the Caribbean and Asia Pacific. Together, those moves should continue to reward investors with rising dividends. NORTH WEST COMPANY $31 (Toronto symbol NWC; High-Growth Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 48.7 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 4.1%; www.northwest.ca) sells food, and everyday products and services at 243 stores. They’re mainly in northern communities across Canada and Alaska. The company also operates in remote regions of Hawaii, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. North West has paid dividends continuously for 29 years Formed in 1987 through the purchase of 178 stores in northern Canada from Hudson’s Bay Co. Expanded to Alaska in…