Is Dollarama Inc. (TSX:DOL) a Buy After the Recent Stock Split?

Dollarama Inc. (TSX:DOL) shares just got split into threes. Is the stock a buy or a sell?

| More on:

Don’t look now but Dollarama Inc. (TSX:DOL) stock just became more attractive through the eyes of prospective beginner investors after following June’s three-for-one stock split.

Stock splits are generally perceived as a positive event. In theory, it allows for a marginally higher degree of liquidity and opens doors for smaller retail investors who may wish to purchase a larger number of shares for a fixed amount of principal.

What the share split really means for prospective investors

It’s a common fallacy that stock splits are a positive event for a company. It’s actually a neutral event, as you’re not getting more bang for your buck even though it may seem like this to some beginners.

Sure, you’ll be able to own three times as many shares with the same amount of principal before the three-for-one split, but this means absolutely nothing when it comes to expected returns going forward. New investors ought to think in percentage terms, not about the number of shares they can own because like it or not, you’ve got the same amount of skin in the game before after a split than before one.

For many beginners, stock splits may seem like an opportunistic time to load up on shares of a company, but at these levels, I’d argue that it’s one of the worst times to be jumping into the stock.

Not only are Dollarama shares expensive, but the Canadian dollar store market is about to become considerably more crowded over the next few years with promising discount retailers like Miniso, Thinka and Daiso that could be breathing down Dollarama’s neck.

One may think that dollar stores have always been a dime a dozen given that there were never any barriers to entry, but you’d be wrong.

Over the past decade, Dollarama become a standout player in the Canadian discount store market because of its firm $4 price cap and its promise of value. The firm has fantastic relationships with suppliers and can keep prices low for its customers rather than beefing up its margins. No other big-chain Canadian dollar store has been able to support the same value proposition, thus allowing Dollarama to become a monopolistically dominant player in the Canadian discount store scene.

Looking ahead, Asian discount retailer Miniso is planning to expand to 500 Canadian stores, many of which are likely on Dollarama’s turf. Daiso, a massive Japanese dollar store with a location in Richmond, B.C. may decide to forego an aggressive Canadian expansion of its own in the future. If that happens, Dollarama’s competitive edge would stand to go up in a puff of smoke.

Foolish takeaway

Don’t be fooled by the stock split. Investors should treat it as a non-event and instead focus on the rising level of competition in the Canadian dollar store scene. At this point, Miniso looks like a serious threat, and if Daiso (or Thinka) were to announce an aggressive Canadian expansion plan at some point, I suspect Dollarama shares could get hammered.

Stay hungry. Stay Foolish.

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 Joey Frenette has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

BCE stock
Tech Stocks

10% Yield: Is BCE Stock a Good Buy?

The yield is bigger than it's ever been in the company's history. That might not be a good thing.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Investing

1 Canadian Stock Ready to Surge Into 2025

Canadian Natural Resources (TSX:CNQ) stock is a sleeping dividend giant that may be about to wake up.

Read more »

Tractor spraying a field of wheat
Investing

Is Nutrien Stock a Buy for its 4.7% Dividend Yield?

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) is a well-known defensive commodities play. But is this stock worth buying for its dividend yield alone?

Read more »

Happy shoppers look at a cellphone.
Tech Stocks

So You Own Shopify Stock: Is it Still a Good Investment?

Shopify (TSX:SHOP) stock has had a run, but there's still room to the upside.

Read more »

Paper Canadian currency of various denominations
Investing

The Best Stocks to Invest $2,000 in Right Now

Do you have some extra cash to spare? Here are three Canadian stocks to add to your watch list today.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, November 22

Continued gains in gold, oil, and natural gas prices could give the commodity-focused TSX benchmark a boost at the opening…

Read more »

Train cars pass over trestle bridge in the mountains
Dividend Stocks

Is CNR Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Can CNR stock continue its long-term outperformance into 2025 and beyond? Let's explore whether now is a good time to…

Read more »

engineer at wind farm
Energy Stocks

Invest $20,000 in This Dividend Stock for $100 in Monthly Passive Income

This dividend stock has it all – a strong outlook, monthly income, and even more to consider buying today.

Read more »