Turn Your $6,000 TFSA Contribution Into a $1,200 Annual Dividend Stream for Life With This Stock

Buy Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR)(NYSE:QSR) to take advantage of global growth and an excellent free cash flow profile.

| More on:

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

My regular readers know that I rarely write about stocks in the food and beverage space because consumer tastes can be fickle, but I started following Restaurant Brands International (TSX:QSR) last quarter. Despite my initial negative bias, I now believe the stock is going to continue to move up substantially as the company makes progress against its strategic goals.

Many investors don’t know that Restaurant Brands International is actually the corporate parent to three phenomenal global food franchises: Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes. Between these three brands, the company effectively provides breakfast to dinner food options for its customers across the globe.

The stock price has been stuck around the $86 to $88 zone since April, which means smart investors have an opportunity to take a hard look at initiating a position while the stock price is taking a slight breather before its next leg up.

So, let’s get into the analysis with an interesting side note about the ticker symbol, which isn’t intuitive, but QSR actually stands for “quick-service restaurants.” This is an important little tidbit because it serves as a reminder to everyone that one of the key strategic drivers of growth for this company is speed. Specifically, the speed of ordering and the speed from order to fulfillment.

Digital innovation is seen as a big strategic pillar that will enable speed and Restaurant Brands International is investing heavily in point of sale technology as well as digital menu boards and app-based loyalty programs to create a much faster experience for customers. Digital investments also allow the company to understand and track customer preferences as well as other data that can be used to optimize its offerings.

Strong financials lead to growing dividends

So, the big question is: how do we turn a $6,000 TFSA contribution into a $1,200 annual dividend stream for life? The answer is simple and lies in the company’s financials and distribution philosophy. First, in order to achieve sustainable long-term dividend growth, two things need to happen. The company needs to be cash flow positive and it needs to have a clear and compelling value creation model, especially in a competitive industry like food and beverage.

The company has one of the most impressive adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) growth rates I have ever seen in this industry. It went from US$0.51 of adjusted EBITDA per share in 2011 to US$2.63 in 2018. So, in seven short years, the company created a mind-boggling 5 times growth in this important earnings metric.

The company also ended 2018 with about US$2 billion in free cash flow, with a free cash flow conversion of 87% of adjusted EBITDA. This means that the company was very efficient at creating pure and real cash from accounting-based earnings, which points to an efficient operating platform.

But it gets even better. The dividend per share in 2018 was US$2, which was the culmination of several years of double-digit growth. So, let’s take a future 10% dividend growth rate, which is not a stretch, given its past history of aggressive dividend growth and a phenomenal cash flow positive business model.

If we take the $6,000 TFSA contribution, that equates to 68 shares at the current $88 share price. Further, if we then take the US$2 dividend and grow it by 10% per year for the next 20 years, we get an annual dividend of US$13.5 per share in 20 years or $17.5 in Canadian dollars, assuming a currency conversion of 1.30.

We still have the original 68 shares that we bought all those years ago and now at $17.5 dividend per share, those shares will yield a little under $1,200 per year. The key is to let the power of compounding do the work without panic selling the stock if the company has a poor quarter every now and then, as it is bound to do.

Foolish bottom line

Restaurant Brands International has solid plans to keep growing each of its three food franchises globally for the next few decades. At $88 a share and a price-to-earnings ratio of 23, the company isn’t exactly cheap, but then again, industry leaders rarely are because you are paying for quality.

I would urge smart investors to take a close look and start investing around the $85 range to lock down a very healthy cash flow in retirement.

Should you invest $1,000 in Restaurant Brands International right now?

Before you buy stock in Restaurant Brands International, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Restaurant Brands International wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Rahim Bhayani has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of RESTAURANT BRANDS INTERNATIONAL INC and has the following options: short January 2020 $94 calls on Restaurant Brands International.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Dividend Stocks

Dividend Stocks

3 Canadian REIT Stocks to Buy and Hold for the Next Quarter-Century

These three Canadian REITs trade cheaply and are highly reliable, making them some of the best stocks you can buy…

Read more »

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

1 Practically Perfect Canadian Stock Down 24% to Buy Now and Hold for Life!

CNR stock is a top Canadian stock for investors, especially with shares down on the TSX today.

Read more »

Canada national flag waving in wind on clear day
Dividend Stocks

The Best Canadian Stocks to Buy Right Away With $30,000

If you have $30,000 you're willing to invest, these are some of the first Canadian stocks to consider on your…

Read more »

rail train
Dividend Stocks

What to Know About Canadian Pacific Railway Stock for 2025

CP stock has now gone through a major merger, so what do investors have to look forward to?

Read more »

ways to boost income
Dividend Stocks

Top Canadian Value Stocks I’d Buy for Dividend Growth and Appreciation

If you are looking for income and capital appreciation, here are three Canadian value stocks for a great total return…

Read more »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Canadian Stock to Buy With $2,000 Right Now

The company’s powerful combination of growth, income, and value, positions it well to deliver solid returns, making it a smart…

Read more »

Transparent umbrella under heavy rain against water drops splash background. Rainy weather concept.
Dividend Stocks

This 10.6 Percent Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Single Month

Are you looking to invest for a rainy day? This 10.6% dividend stock pays cash every month, irrespective of the…

Read more »

A worker gives a business presentation.
Dividend Stocks

Market Dip: Opportunity or Risk This April?

This market dip might have investors worried, but should they be excited instead?

Read more »