Statistics Canada released its retail trade report for October 2017 on December 21. Overall retail sales rose 1.5% to $49.9 billion in October. Sales were up in seven of 11 sub-sectors. Let’s take a look at four stocks investors should focus on after this report.
Canadian Tire Corporation Limited (TSX:CTC.A)
Canadian Tire stock has increased 17.9% in 2017 as of close on December 21. Automotive parts, accessories, and tire stores posted 1.2% growth in October, and sales at general merchandise stores were up 1.8%.
Canadian Tire released its third-quarter results on November 9. Retail segment revenue was up 5.5% to $155.8 million. Income before income taxes was up 4.3% in Q3 to $100.2 million. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.90 per share, representing a 2.2% dividend yield.
The broad October retail numbers are a great early sign for Canadian Tire ahead of its fourth-quarter results that should be released in early 2018.
Indigo Books & Music Inc. (TSX:IDG)
Shares of Indigo have climbed 17.6% in a three-month span dating back to September 21. In November, I’d recommended Indigo as a great option for investors ahead of the holiday season. Indigo will typically see incredibly high activity in the holiday season.
The company released its fiscal 2018 second-quarter results for the three months ending September 30 on November 1. Revenue increased to $224.5 million compared to $216.9 million in the prior year. Gross profit also grew to $99.7 million from $97.7 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Online operations fueled growth in total comparable sales, which were up 2.8% year over year.
This is a great target to scoop up before it posts its fiscal 2018 third-quarter results that will include numbers from the holiday season.
Shopify Inc. (TSX:SHOP)(NYSE:SHOP)
Shopify stock declined 1.13% on December 21. In early December, I’d discussed whether or not investors should buy into its December dip, as it hovered around the $120 mark.
Retail e-commerce sales reached $1.3 billion in the month of October, which made up 2.6% of all retail trade. Retail e-commerce climbed 19.4% year over year. Shopify merchants sold over $1 billion worth of merchandise during Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
In the third quarter, Shopify saw its revenue jump 72% compared to Q3 2016 and gross profit increase 86%. E-commerce continues to increase its overall share of retail sales, and the holiday season of 2017 should boast new records. Shopify is a buy heading into the new year.
Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. (TSX:CSW.A)
Corby Spirit and Wine stock rose 1.16% on December 21. Retail sales at beer, wine, and liquor stores increased 3.7% in the month of October. Corby Spirit and Wine, which manufactures and distributes a number of top liquor and spirits brands, released its fiscal 2018 first-quarter results on November 8.
Financial results ending September 30 showed revenue jump 4% in the quarter. Net earnings dropped 9% year over year to $5.8 million or $0.21 per share. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, representing a 4% dividend yield.
