A Little-Known Dividend-Growth Stock to Watch in August

CCL Industries Inc. (TSX:CCL.B) is a boring stock that Warren Buffett would love.

| More on:

CCL Industries (TSX:CCL.B) is quite possibly the best dividend-growth stock that the average investor has never heard of. Despite posting impressive dividend growth and capital appreciation over the years, the name has remained under the radar, mostly because the company is in one of the driest, most boring industries out there.

For those unfamiliar with the name, CCL manufactures labels, containers, printable products, inventory management, and loss-prevention solutions. Most people think there’s little to no opportunity to be had in the ridiculously dull business of making packaging labels. However, the company has averaged 22.3% in annual revenue growth over the last five years, with 35.1% averaged growth to its net income, all while posting high double-digit ROE numbers that have hovered around 20%.

While indeed boring, packaging labels are necessary, and they’ll continue to be in high demand, as firms across various packaged good industries look to differentiate themselves from one another through the use of branding.

CCL is an industry leader with an exceptional management team and a business that’s more diversified than many investors give it credit for. The company posted a slight beat back in the first quarter, and with Q2 numbers on tap on August 8, the company could have a chance to break through its strong ceiling of resistance at around $68, where the stock currently sits.

While the stock is the perfect “boring” addition to any long-term retirement fund that aims to score above-average results over time, I believe that it’ll be that much harder moving forward to improve on the efficiency front. Over the last decade, CCL has brought its gross and operating margins up considerably, and given the trajectory, I think there’s only so much juice you can squeeze from the lemon.

At the time of writing, the stock trades at 23.1 times next year’s expected earnings and 14 times EV/EBITDA, both of which are higher than their respective five-year historical averages of 19.9 and 13.4.

While CCL is a wonderful business that’s been doing almost everything right, the valuation is a bit stretched, and the easy money may have already been made. As such, I find it’ll be hard to break through the $68 ceiling of resistance, unless the company pulls a rabbit out of the hat when its next round of earnings come due.

I’d recommend adding CCL to your watch list for now, should the name pullback to a more attractive valuation with better technicals. Should CCL fall short of expectations come August 8, get ready to get some skin in the game.

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 Dividend Stocks

analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Here’s Why the Average TFSA for Canadians Aged 41 Isn’t Enough

The average TFSA simply isn't enough for most Canadians in their early 40s. Here's how to catch up.

Read more »

cloud computing
Dividend Stocks

Insurance Showdown: Better Buy, Great-West Life or Manulife Stock?

GWO stock and MFC stock are two of the top names in insurance, but which holds the better outlook?

Read more »

concept of real estate evaluation
Dividend Stocks

How to Earn a TFSA Paycheque Every Month and Pay No Taxes on It

Canadian REITs can turn your TFSA into a monthly paycheque machine for life. Here's how Morguard North American Residential REIT…

Read more »

A plant grows from coins.
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend-Growth Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

New dividend-growth investors should consider CN Rail (TSX:CNR) stock and another top play if they're looking to build wealth over…

Read more »

Dividend Stocks

The 3 Top Canadian Stocks to Buy With $1,000 Right Now

If you want consistent income, look to consistent dividend payers. These three stocks are some of the best in the…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Want a 6% Average Yield? 3 TSX Stocks to Buy Today

These stocks pay good dividends that should continue to grow.

Read more »

chart reflected in eyeglass lenses
Dividend Stocks

Is Alimentation Couche-Tard Stock a Buy for its 0.9% Dividend Yield?

Couche-Tard stock's small yield is not enticing, but its growth potential could be a wealth creator.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

5.2% Dividend Yield! I’m Buying This TSX Stock and Holding for Decades!

With its 5.2% dividend yield, Toronto-Dominion Bank (TSX:TD) is a stock I'm eagerly buying.

Read more »