The S&P/TSX Composite Index shed 51 points on June 28, while major U.S. indexes started the day in the negative before bouncing back at close. There is understandable anxiety in the markets, as June has seen trade tensions ramp up between the U.S. and China as well as between key Western allies.
Investors may be feeling a little hot under the collar as we head into the summer. However, that should not be the case. Here are four stocks that can provide investors with income and peace of mind as we look ahead to July.
Finning International Inc. (TSX:FTT)
Finning is a heavy equipment and machinery parts dealer for the Caterpillar Inc. brand based in Vancouver. Shares have dropped 2.2% over the past week as of close on June 28. The stock is still up 2% in 2018 so far.
Finning posted a profit increase of 53% year over year to $71 million in the first quarter, as revenues rose 19% to $1.67 billion. The United States and Canada have both pledged significant infrastructure spending going forward, which could be a big boon for companies like Finning going forward. In addition to this promising development, the stock also offers a dividend of $0.80 per share, representing a 2.3% dividend yield.
Cineplex Inc. (TSX:CGX)
It has been a difficult period for Cineplex over the past year. The summer season was one of the worst in decades for North American cinema in 2017. Shares of Cineplex have dropped 22% in 2018 as of close on June 28. The company has been forced to contend with bearish calls due to declining attendance and the threat of streaming services.
These factors are a concern going forward, but Cineplex has continued to pull in solid revenue and is making strides with its diversification. The company last announced a quarterly dividend of $0.14 per share, representing a 5.8% dividend yield.
Corby Spirit and Wine Ltd. (TSX:CSW.A)
Corby Spirit and Wine is a Toronto-based marketer and distributor of spirits and also an importer of wines. Some of its top brands include J.P. Wiser’s, Polar Ice vodka, ABSOLUT vodka, and others. The stock has plunged 11.4% in 2018 so far.
Spirits and wine have steadily eaten into the large market share that beer possesses among alcohol consumers. This is especially true for younger demographics. In its most recent quarterly report, Corby posted a 43% increase in year-over-year profit to $4.8 million. The company also announced a quarterly dividend of $0.22 per share, representing a 4.2% dividend yield.
National Bank of Canada (TSX:NA)
National Bank remains one of the most underrated of the Big Six Canadian banks. Shares have surged 13.1% year over year. In the second quarter, profit rose 13% from Q2 2017 to $547 million. The bank also announced a dividend hike of $0.02. This bumps the quarterly dividend up to $0.62 per share, representing a 3.8% dividend yield.
