These 2 Defensive Stocks = Market Crash Protection in 2020

Combining the Loblaw stock and Choice Properties stock in a portfolio is a defensive posture. Investors are not only protected from a market crash but would receive constant dividends, regardless of economic conditions.

| More on:

Investors seeking capital protection during economic downturns or fear of a market crash are increasing exposure to defensive stocks. Besides the preservation of capital, you will receive stable earnings from regular dividend payments.

Adding Loblaw (TSX:L) and Choice Properties (TSX:CHP.UN) to your portfolio is the “sleep-well-at-night” formula. The companies tend to perform better than the general market during recessions because both are non-cyclical stocks. There’s no high correlation with business cycles.

Largest retailer

Loblaw, Canada’s largest food and pharmacy retailer, is the prime example of a defensive stock. It has built a network of corporate and autonomously operated stores in various communities across the country.

Notably, the vast majority (about 90%) of Loblaw stores or pharmacies are within 10 kilometres of the communities it serves. With five independent divisions in close distance, customers can troop to Loblaw to purchase items for everyday needs. As such, operations and sales are all year round.

The advantage Loblaw has is the value spectrum it offers to customers. You can go to a discount or specialty grocery stores and full-service pharmacies. This $25.7 billion retailer extends financial services too.

Loblaw can be a stock to hold for the long term. It has a foothold in the Canadian market, where the company can leverage its existing network to promote and strengthen its strong grocery e-commerce presence.

Perfect tandem

You can form a tandem of defensive stocks by investing in Choice Properties. This $4.57 billion real estate investment trust (REIT) leases out mostly retail and commercial properties to well-established tenants. The rental payments are dependable and stable primarily since the anchor tenant is Loblaw.

The partnership of Choice Properties with the top retailer goes way back. You can say that this REIT is one of the quality real estate stocks because of its long-standing association with Loblaw. Its properties are strategically located and have high visibility and high traffic, which help Loblaw maintain a dominating presence.

However, Choice Properties owns a large and diversified commercial property portfolio. This REIT picks locations with expansion and future development potentials. Currently, there are 726 properties in the portfolio, with retail comprising 79%, followed by industrial properties with 15%. Development, office, and residential properties round up the remaining 16%.

Defensive appeal

The defensive nature of stocks like Loblaw and Choice Properties appeal the most to risk-averse investors. Potential earnings from the shares are attractive as well. Loblaw yields 1.79%, while its REIT partner offers a 5.04% dividend. On equal capital allocation, you would realize an average dividend payout of 3.4%.

In a weakening market condition, expect Loblaw and Choice Properties to hold up. Both cash flows and operations should remain strong amid a turbulent economy. Time and again, investment managers migrate to defensive stocks that are moderately immune to changes in the economic environment.

You can do the same in anticipation of market behaviour that is harder than usual. There are other defensive stocks you can consider in 2020. But in my view, Loblaw and Choice Properties are tops on the list for no other reason. I want to sleep well at night.

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 Christopher Liew has no position in any of the stocks mentioned.

More on Dividend Stocks

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 »

coins jump into piggy bank
Dividend Stocks

The Smartest Dividend Stocks to Buy With $500 Right Now

These top dividend stocks both offer attractive yields and trade off their highs, making them two of the best to…

Read more »

Middle aged man drinks coffee
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 35 in Canada

At age 35, it might not seem like you need to be thinking about your future cash flow. But ideally,…

Read more »

ETF stands for Exchange Traded Fund
Dividend Stocks

How to Invest Your $7,000 TFSA Contribution in 2024

Here's how I would prioritize a $7,000 TFSA contribution for growth and income.

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Dividend Stocks

CPP Pensioners: Watch for These Important Updates

The CPP is an excellent tool for retirees, but be sure to stay on top of important updates like these.

Read more »

Technology
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Dividend Stocks I’d Buy and Hold Forever

These TSX dividend stocks are likely to help TFSA investors earn steady and growing passive income for decades.

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Dividend Stocks

Love Dividend Growth? Check Out These 2 Income-Boosting Stocks

National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA) and another Canadian dividend-growth stock are looking like a bargain going into December 2024.

Read more »

An investor uses a tablet
Dividend Stocks

A Dividend Giant I’d Buy Over Enbridge Stock Right Now

Enbridge stock may seem like the best of the best in terms of dividends, but honestly this one is far…

Read more »