Why an Aging Population Could Spell Huge Growth for This Canadian Stock

Sienna Senior Living Inc. (TSX:SIA) is perfectly positioned to grow in a time of demographic uncertainty.

| More on:

When analysts mention aging and stocks in the same breath, it’s usually not with optimism. Aging populations are associated with fears of lower employment, decreased consumer spending, and higher taxes. Productivity increases can offset some of the negative consequences of an upside-down population pyramid; but in general, most analysts will tell you that too few kids equals bad economic times ahead.

There is some merit to these concerns. Generally, older Canadians spend less money than their middle-aged counterparts. Retirement usually implies a reduction in working hours—despite baby boomers embracing part-time work in their golden years. And since older people are more likely to get sick, taxes may have to increase to cover the higher healthcare costs of an older population.

Yet, as is so often the case, there is a silver lining. When the population ages, the demand for certain services increases—chief among them, elder care and senior-living accommodations. And, as it turns out, there are a few Canadian stocks set to gain from current demographic trends.

One of those stocks is a little-known real estate company

Sienna Senior Living Inc. (TSX:SIA)  manages retirement accommodations. These include independent living, assisted living, and respite care facilities. The company includes many services and amenities at its facilities, including general housekeeping, group transportation, libraries, salons, and others.

A potential long-term play

There are many qualities that make Sienna a potentially strong buy.

First, it has a solid dividend yield of 5.49% at the time of this writing. Second, it has delivered steady (if not spectacular) gains to investors, roughly doubling in price since it was listed on the TSX in 2007. Third, as pointed out in a recent fool.ca article, the company is seeing significant revenue growth.

The above factors on their own make Sienna a stock worth considering.

But there are even more reasons to consider the stock as a long-term TSX play.

Room for expansion

Currently, Sienna has facilities only in Ontario and British Colombia. This means it has considerable room to expand into other markets. The trend toward an older average age is not limited to Ontario and B.C. This means that Sienna could grow its revenues significantly by expanding into other provinces (and deliver better returns to investors as a result).

A solid competitive position

Another reason to consider Sienna is its strong competitive position. Relative to its main competitor, Chartwell Retirement Residences, Sienna has some serious advantages. While Chartwell is the larger company, Sienna may be the better stock. As a recent fool.ca story points out, the latter company has a better distribution yield, stronger technical metrics, and lower historical losses on unit valuation. These numbers could make Sienna the better bet for investors who want to ride the growing wave of retirement residence profits.

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 Andrew Button has no position in the companies mentioned.  

More on Investing

bulb idea thinking
Dividend Stocks

Down 13%, This Magnificent Dividend Stock Is a Screaming Buy

Sometimes, a moderately discounted, safe dividend stock is better than heavily discounted stock, offering an unsustainably high yield.

Read more »

a man relaxes with his feet on a pile of books
Investing

Outlook for Sun Life Financial Stock in 2025

Sun Life is up 25% this year. Are more gains on the way?

Read more »

Canadian Dollars bills
Dividend Stocks

Invest $15,000 in This Dividend Stock, Create $5,710.08 in Passive Income

This dividend stock is the perfect option if you're an investor looking for growth, as well as passive income through…

Read more »

woman looks out at horizon
Stocks for Beginners

Here’s How Much Canadians at 35 Need to Retire

If you want to create enough cash on hand to retire, then consider an ETF in one of the safest…

Read more »

A Canada Pension Plan Statement of Contributions with a 100 dollar banknote and dollar coins.
Dividend Stocks

3 Compelling Reasons to Delay Taking CPP Benefits Until Age 70

You don't need to take CPP early if you are receiving large dividend payments from Fortis Inc (TSX:FTS) stock.

Read more »

A worker overlooks an oil refinery plant.
Dividend Stocks

Better Dividend Stock: TC Energy vs. Enbridge

TC Energy and Enbridge have enjoyed big rallies in 2024. Is one stock still cheap?

Read more »

Trans Alaska Pipeline with Autumn Colors
Energy Stocks

Is South Bow Stock a Buy After its Split From TC Energy?

Let’s see if South Bow stock's current valuation makes sense.

Read more »

Concept of multiple streams of income
Dividend Stocks

Got $10,000? Buy This Dividend Stock for $4,992.40 in Total Passive Income

Want almost $5,000 in annual passive income? Then you need a company bound for even more growth, with a dividend…

Read more »