The Feds Did a Good Job: Bankruptcies in Canada in 2020 Hit a 20-Year Low

Bankruptcies in Canada were way down in 2020 thanks to the government-funded emergency-assistance programs. Canadians with free cash can invest in Emera stock to boost household income should the insolvency trend turn for the worse.

| More on:

The COVID-19 pandemic was a shock to Canada and elsewhere. As economic conditions deteriorated, unemployment rates rose to unprecedented levels. Likewise, consumer confidence went down, while many businesses either temporarily closed or shut down permanently.

Business insolvency became a major concern of companies and enterprises regardless of size. However, believe it or not, insolvency filings didn’t soar in Canada last year. Instead, it hit a 20-year low.

Giver credit to the feds

The chairman of the Canadian Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Professionals, Mark Rosen, knows the real score behind the historic low insolvency filings. He said the government aid programs kept many individuals and businesses afloat, despite the significant financial distress caused by the pandemic.

Give credit to the feds that bankruptcies are way down during the COVID-19 year. The government-funded emergency-assistance programs for individuals and businesses alike were incredibly helpful. According to economists, debt-servicing costs also were significantly lower due to mortgage payment deferrals and discounted interest rates.

Business insolvencies fell 24% — the lowest level since Canada began tracking the data in 1987. Total insolvencies plummeted nearly 40% from the peak in 2009. Meanwhile, consumer insolvencies posted an 18-year low, down 30% from 2019. In the fourth quarter of 2020, consumer filings declined by 33.5%.

Insolvencies were highest in the arts, entertainment, and recreation sectors, not to mention management of companies and enterprises. The construction and manufacturing sectors registered the largest declines.

Not-so-good news ahead

The record-low insolvencies is welcome news, although a tidal wave of business closures is still possible when government transfers end. CIBC Deputy Chief Economist Benjamin Tal said hard-hit businesses are alive artificially, notwithstanding the fallout from COVID-19, because there’s a safety net.

The lifting of the government support programs must happen gradually, or else bankruptcies could rise sharply. Tal said, “If we have all of the businesses going under at the same time when the government support is not there, it will be chaotic.”  Tal added that if a business declares bankruptcy or shuts down, bad management is not the reason. The stigma will not be as bad as in 2018 or 2019, before the coronavirus.

Find your safety net

In times of uncertainty and potential insolvency, you must also have a safety net. Among the safest income stock choices is Emera (TSX:EMA). The $12.91 billion company engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity — a 24/7 need. Hence, the business model is low risk.

About 65% of Emera’s earnings come from residential, commercial, and industrial end users in the United States. The total number of customers in North America and the Caribbean is roughly 2.5 million. Since its portfolio of electric and natural gas utilities and natural gas pipelines are predominantly regulated, revenue streams are stable and recurring.

Prospective investors can expect uninterrupted dividend payments, too. At $51.79 per share, the dividend yield is a 4.92%. An initial $100,000 position in Emera can produce $4,920 in passive income. If you hold the utility stock for 20 years, your capital will compound to $216,315.78.

Financial cushion

Household savings rate skyrocketed during the health crisis. A CIBC report showed that Canadians have $90 billion in excess cash (4% of total consumer spending), the highest in the country’s history. If you have free cash, consider investing in a defensive asset like Emera in 2021.

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. The Motley Fool recommends EMERA INCORPORATED.

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 »