Does the Party City Acquisition Make Canadian Tire (TSX:CTC) a Buy?

Canadian Tire Corporation Limited (TSX:CTC.A) made a big move this month that will not only help grow its sales but that will help the company reach more customers as well.

| More on:

Last week we learned that Canadian Tire Corporation Limited (TSX:CTC) would be acquiring Party City for $174.4 million.

The move gives the company a good way to diversify and add a different group of products that it can now sell to customers. With the industry becoming increasingly competitive and many retailers struggling, acquisitions are one way a company can help generate some growth.

Canadian Tire has already added chains like Sport Chek and Helly Hansen into the mix, and the move to add Party City could be another important way for the company to bolster its top and bottom lines.

Deal could help Canadian Tire’s seasonal sales

The big play here for Canadian Tire is adding more seasonal items, with the company’s head of retail, Allan MacDonald, noting that nearly $2 billion is spent by Canadians on party supplies every year.

With 45,000 products, Canadian Tire has many options to help reach a broader customer base.

What has MacDonald excited are the relationships that the company can develop and take advantage of to further its growth: “We’re going to get all kinds of exclusivity around licensing and direct to retail relationships with brands like Disney and Marvel and all the kind of things that make the business tick, especially around the Halloween time frame.”

Party City generates $140 million in sales annually, but Canadian Tire believes it can double that figure by 2021. With just 65 stores across the country, there’s plenty of room to grow the Party City brand into new locations as well.

However, a simpler option may be to just offer products at existing Canadian Tire locations, which is what the company certainly plans to do.

Why this could be a great move for Canadian Tire

In its most recent quarterly results, Canadian Tire’s sales were up a strong 5.9% year over year while profits increased by 13.5%. Those are strong numbers, especially in the retail industry, where many companies have struggled.

By adding Party City into the mix, those numbers will get even stronger in future periods. The real question is how much growth there is in same-store sales, as that will be the big test for the company.

By being more of a one-stop-shop for consumers to go to for all their purchases, Canadian Tire will likely see the average ticket size increase in its stores.

If the company believes that it can double Party City’s sales, then this could be a great investment for the company. The one thing many retailers lack today is diversification, which has now become a strength for Canadian Tire.

Bottom line

Canadian Tire didn’t need to make this move, but it’s a good sign that the company is always on the lookout for deals that make sense and that can add value to its brand.

The Party City acquisition could help Canadian Tire add to its already strong growth figures and that should have investors excited as it makes the stock an even better long-term buy. It could even help the company’s dividend get stronger as well.

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 David Jagielski has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Investing

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Tech Stocks

Trump Trade: Canadian Stocks to Watch

With Trump returning to the presidency, there are some sectors that could boom in Canada, and others to watch. But…

Read more »

A train passes Morant's curve in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies.
Investing

Is Canadian National Railway Worth Buying for its 2.2% Dividend Yield?

Let's dive into whether Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR) is a top buy for long-term investors at this point in the…

Read more »

nuclear power plant
Energy Stocks

Is Cameco Stock Still a Buy?

Cameco stock recently reported earnings that showed the Westinghouse investment is creating some major costs. But that could change.

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 »

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 »

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 »

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 »

Start line on the highway
Investing

2 No-Brainer Growth Stocks to Buy Now With $5,000 and Hold Long Term

Market conditions today are ideal for growth investing, and two rising stocks are no-brainer buys in November.

Read more »