Dividend Aristocrats: Outlook Is Bearish

Long considered safe income stocks, Canadian Dividend Aristocrats are now cutting or suspending dividends at a record pace. The outlook isn’t any better.

| More on:

Canadian Dividend Aristocrats are considered some of the most reliable income-paying stocks on the TSX Index. They have a commitment to growing the dividend with dividend-growth streaks of at least five consecutive years. 

Unfortunately, not even the most reliable dividend payers in the country are able to withstand the current realities of the harsh economic conditions. Companies are cutting and suspending dividends at a record pace. Even those well positioned to raise dividends are taking a cautious approach and keeping the dividend stead. 

Since I last warned investors about companies cutting dividends, there have been several more cuts by Canadian Dividend Aristocrats. Should income invests hang on or cut their positions? Let’s take a look. 

A Dividend Aristocrat with a negative outlook 

Gildan Activewear’s (TSX:GIL)(NYSE:GIL) status as a reliable dividend payer is at an end. Last week, the company suspended the dividend, which effectively put a halt to its nine-year dividend-growth streak. 

Unfortunately, the future doesn’t look bright for this leading printwear company. COVID-19 mitigation efforts have all but halted demand for its products. The company’s main business unit has seen demand drop by over 75% in April. 

The lockdowns and bans on large gatherings in North America are crippling demand. The North American market accounts for two-thirds of sales. As of now, there is no clarity on when markets will re-open. In particular, large events may not see a return until post 2020. 

According to CEO Glenn Chamandy, “We think it’s going to be a slow trajectory. We definitely will have less sales as we go forward. And they will be a function of how people will move around and how things open up.”

Given all the uncertainty that currently exists, I would not expect this former Dividend Aristocrat to reinstate the dividend anytime soon. As such, dividend investors are best to look elsewhere for a reliable income stream. 

A highly volatile stock 

Last week saw another Canadian Dividend Aristocrat cut the dividend. Methanex (TSX:MX)(NASDAQ:MEOH) slashed the dividend by 90% on the same day Gildan announced its suspension. Like Gildan, Methanex’s nine-year dividend-growth streak is effectively over. 

Methanex’s profitability is dependent on strong methanol commodity prices. Unfortunately, prices have been under pressure, and the company is being forced to act. On top of slashing the dividend, the company is delaying approximately $500 million worth of growth projects for at least 18 months. 

The past decade has been a challenging one for the company. Methanex is trading at a decade low, which means that all shareholders who bought in over this period are in the red. Unfortunately, the company is not a stranger to downtrends. 

Methanex stock is highly volatile, and although COVID-19 mitigation efforts broke the dividend streak, the downturn began well before that. In fact, the company has been in a steady downtrend since late 2018, with little-to-no buying pressure. 

It is one of the main reasons why I’ve personally stayed away from Methanex, despite its status as Canadian Dividend Aristocrat. The company is too volatile for my liking, and the dividend is constantly under pressure in a bear market. 

Although the company can rebound in a big way once methanol prices recover, the company is too volatile to be considered a top income stock. 

Foolish takeaway

Dividend-growth investors will have to reset their expectations. Uncertainty reigns supreme, and until the economy recovers in a meaningful way, it is likely Canadian Dividend Aristocrats will opt to preserve cash. This means the outlook is bearish for future dividend growth, and there are likely to be more cuts and suspensions on the way.

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 Mat Litalien has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends GILDAN ACTIVEWEAR INC.

More on Dividend Stocks

profit rises over time
Dividend Stocks

These 2 Dow Stocks Are Set to Soar in 2025 and Beyond

Two Dow Jones stocks are screaming buys but Canadians must hold them in an RRSP or RRIF to avoid paying…

Read more »

TFSA (Tax free savings account) acronym on wooden cubes on the background of stacks of coins
Dividend Stocks

How to Use Your TFSA to Earn Ultimate Passive Income

If you have a TFSA, then you have the key to creating ultimate passive income. All you need is a…

Read more »

Confused person shrugging
Dividend Stocks

Better Buy: Fortis Stock or Hydro One Stock?

Let's do a compare and contrast of these two top utilities stocks right now, shall we?

Read more »

A close up color image of a small green plant sprouting out of a pile of Canadian dollar coins "loonies."
Dividend Stocks

Boost Your Passive Income: 2 Canadian High-Yielders at a Bargain

Nutrien (TSX:NTR) stock and another play that appear like fantastic dividend bargains in mid-November.

Read more »

3 colorful arrows racing straight up on a black background.
Dividend Stocks

TSX Stocks Soaring Higher With No Signs of Slowing

Three TSX stocks continue to beat the market and could soar higher in an improving investment landscape.

Read more »

Hourglass and stock price chart
Dividend Stocks

Goeasy Stock: Is It Heading for a 52-Week High?

Goeasy stock has been edging higher, especially after another record-setting earnings report. So are 52-week highs in sight?

Read more »

Piggy bank with word TFSA for tax-free savings accounts.
Dividend Stocks

Here’s the Average TFSA Balance at Age 44 in Canada

You can invest your TFSA in funds like the BMO Canadian High Yield Dividend ETF (TSX:ZDV) to grow the balance.

Read more »

Electricity transmission towers with orange glowing wires against night sky
Dividend Stocks

The Best Telecom Stock to Buy Before 2025

Choosing the safest stock from a decimated sector can be tricky, but if there is a reasonable chance of full…

Read more »