Is it Too Late to Buy Dollarama Stock in July 2024?

Dollarama is a TSX stock that has crushed broader returns since its IPO in 2009. Is the growth stock still a good buy?

| More on:
calculate and analyze stock

Image source: Getty Images

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More

Dollarama (TSX:DOL) is a blue-chip TSX stock that has generated significant returns to shareholders after it went public in October 2009. Since its IPO (initial public offering), DOL stock has returned a staggering 4,170% to shareholders after adjusting for dividend reinvestments. It means a $100 investment in the TSX stock soon after its IPO would be worth more than 4,200% today.

Created with Highcharts 11.4.3Dollarama PriceZoom1M3M6MYTD1Y5Y10YALL11 Jul 201410 Jul 2024Zoom ▾201520162017201820192020202120222023202420162016201820182020202020222022202420240www.fool.ca

Valued at a market cap of $37 billion, Dollarama is one of the largest companies in Canada. Let’s see if the discount retailer can continue to deliver outsized returns to shareholders.

An overview of Dollarama

Dollarama ended the fiscal first quarter (Q1) of 2025 with 1,569 stores as it opened 18 net new stores in the quarter. With an average size of 10,430 square feet and a broad assortment of consumable products, Dollarama sells general merchandise and seasonal items at compelling prices of up to $5.

Each Dollarama store is corporately operated which provides the consumer with a consistent shopping experience. Moreover, these stores are located in high-traffic regions that include metropolitan areas, mid-sized cities, and small towns.

Dollarama also operates an online store, which provides users with the convenience of purchasing products in large quantities that may not be available in-store.

A strong performance in Q1 of 2024

Due to its lower product prices, Dollarama thrives across market cycles and is fairly recession-resistant. Despite a challenging macro environment, Dollarama increased sales by 8.6% year over year to $1.41 billion in Q1 (ended April). Its comparable store sales grew 5.6% over and above the 17.1% growth in the year-ago period.

Dollarama explained that it continues to see a normalization in comparable store sales with growth driven by higher than historical demand for core consumables and everyday essentials.

Dollarama’s EBITDA (earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization) margin improved to 29.7%, up from 28.3% last year, showcasing an ability to increase margins amid inflation.

Dollarama’s operating margin also improved by 80 basis points to 22.2%, allowing it to increase earnings by 22.2% to $0.77 per share.

A widening earnings base generally translates to higher dividend payouts. Dollarama currently pays shareholders an annual dividend of $0.37 per share, indicating a forward yield of 0.28%. While the yield is quite low, the company has raised its dividends by 15% annually in the last 13 years, which is exceptional.

Dollarama increases stake in Dollarcity

In its earnings release, Dollarama announced it acquired an additional 10% equity interest in Dollaracity, a value retailer based in Latin America. It now owns 60.1% of Dollarcity and has expanded the partnership to countries like Mexico.

Dollarama chief executive officer and president Neil Rossy stated, “Like Dollarama in Canada, the Dollarcity value proposition is resonating with consumers in LATAM. The increase in Dollarcity’s long-term target to 1,050 stores by 2031 in their current four countries of operation speaks to the untapped growth potential in these markets and, more broadly, the relevance of our retail model across geographies and demographics.”

Dollarcity opened 15 net new stores in Q1, an increase from the eight net new stores it opened last year.

What is the target price for Dollarama stock?

Dollarama stock might seem expensive at 32 times forward earnings. However, analysts expect earnings to expand by over 14% annually in the next five years.

Should you invest $1,000 in Dollarama right now?

Before you buy stock in Dollarama, consider this:

The Motley Fool Stock Advisor Canada analyst team just identified what they believe are the Top Stocks for 2025 and Beyond for investors to buy now… and Dollarama wasn’t one of them. The Top Stocks that made the cut could potentially produce monster returns in the coming years.

Consider MercadoLibre, which we first recommended on January 8, 2014 ... if you invested $1,000 in the “eBay of Latin America” at the time of our recommendation, you’d have $20,697.16!*

Stock Advisor Canada provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month – one from Canada and one from the U.S. The Stock Advisor Canada service has outperformed the return of S&P/TSX Composite Index by 29 percentage points since 2013*.

See the Top Stocks * Returns as of 3/20/25

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 Aditya Raghunath has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Confidently Navigate Market Volatility: Claim Your Free Report!

Feeling uneasy about the ups and downs of the stock market lately? You’re not alone. At The Motley Fool Canada, we get it — and we’re here to help. We’ve crafted an essential guide designed to help you through these uncertain times: "5-Step Checklist: How to Prepare Your Portfolio for Volatility."

Don't miss out on this opportunity for peace of mind. Just click below to learn how to receive your complimentary report today!

Get Our Free Report Today

More on Stock Market

Oil industry worker works in oilfield
Stock Market

3 Undervalued Canadian Stocks I’d Buy and Hold for Decades

Investing in quality undervalued stocks such as Martinrea and Cascades should help you generate outsized gains in 2025 and beyond.

Read more »

Beware of bad investing advice.
Dividend Stocks

Where I’D Invest $1,000 in 3 No-Brainer Canadian Stocks Under $150

Want to invest $1,000 in some great stocks? Here's a trio that investors can buy at a discount right now…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Tuesday, April 8

A minor overnight recovery in commodity prices could give the TSX a steadier open today as investors continue to closely…

Read more »

shopper buys items in bulk
Bank Stocks

How I’d Allocate $1,000 in Domestic Stocks in Today’s Market

Got $1000? Here's how I'd play the tariff war with Canadian domestic stocks this April! Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Monday, April 7

With a 6.3% weekly loss, the TSX just posted its steepest percentage decline in a single week since June 2022.

Read more »

A bull and bear face off.
Stock Market

Bear Market Bargains Emerge as Recession Stocks Return

If you want a deal, then go to the best stocks during a recession market dip.

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: What to Watch for in Stocks on Friday, April 4

With broad-based commodity weakness continuing and no resolution in sight on the trade front, the TSX could extend its decline…

Read more »

tsx today
Stock Market

TSX Today: Why Canadian Stocks Could Fall on Thursday, April 3

TSX stocks may come under pressure today as sharp commodity declines and Trump’s sweeping new tariffs spark fresh concerns over…

Read more »