Stocks

2 Stocks That Might Benefit from the Canada-US Trade Wars

Post By Qayyum Rajan, CFA
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The ongoing trade tensions between Canada and the United States have created uncertainty for many industries. However, some Canadian companies are positioned to benefit from this evolving landscape. With tariffs impacting imported goods and trade flows, businesses with strong domestic operations and resilient supply chains stand to gain.

Two stocks that could benefit from these trade shifts are Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC.A) and Fortis Inc. (FTS). Canadian Tire has a well-established domestic retail network with minimal reliance on U.S. imports, while Fortis operates as a utility company largely shielded from trade policy disruptions.

Canadian Tire Corporation (TSE: CTC.A) – A Strong Domestic Retailer

Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC.A) is one of Canada’s largest and most recognizable retail brands. With a diversified portfolio of retail businesses, including Canadian Tire, SportChek, Mark’s, and Party City Canada, the company operates primarily within the Canadian market.

Key Products and Services

1. Retail Operations

  • Operates over 1,700 stores across Canada under various brands.

  • Product categories include automotive, sports, apparel, home improvement, and outdoor essentials.

2. Financial Services

  • Provides Canadian Tire Bank credit cards and financial products.

  • Generates revenue from credit card interest, making it a stable cash flow segment.

3. E-Commerce and Loyalty Programs

  • Offers an expanding e-commerce platform with home delivery and in-store pickup options.

  • The Triangle Rewards Program strengthens customer retention and spending.

Canadian Tire (CTC.A): Positioned Above Key SMAs

With a strong domestic presence and consistent revenue growth, Canadian Tire's stock has performed well despite broader market volatility.

Why Canadian Tire Could Benefit from Trade Tensions

  • Higher Demand for Canadian-Sourced Goods – With potential tariffs on U.S. imports, consumers may turn to Canadian-based retailers for better pricing and availability.

  • E-Commerce Growth – Increased online shopping activity helps Canadian Tire capture more market share in the domestic retail space.

  • Stable Financials – Strong earnings growth, consistent dividend payouts, and efficient cost management make CTC.A an attractive investment.

Stock Performance Analysis: Canadian Tire Corporation (TSE: CTC.A)

MetricValue
1-Year Stock Growth+21.4%
Dividend Yield3.8%
Forward P/E12.64x
Price/Book2.14x

Peer Comparison: Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC.A) vs. Competitors

CodeNameGIC SectorMarket CapBeta52-Week High52-Week Low50-Day MA200-Day MAShares ShortShort RatioShort Percent
MNSRoyal Canadian Mint - Canadian Silver ReservesConsumer Discretionary--0.3327.7515.6924.5823.7400.00--
ATDAlimentation Couchen Tard Inc AConsumer Discretionary72.76B0.88986.8871.3178.8277.864,476,0524.73--
QSRRestaurant Brands International IncConsumer Discretionary40.28B0.962109.5086.0693.5695.771,909,3221.530.0069
DOLDollarama IncConsumer Discretionary38.58B0.543152.8797.87140.53133.411,715,3343.340.0114
QSP-UNRestaurant Brands International LPConsumer Discretionary30.00B0.865107.8087.1193.8395.53591.31--
MGMagna International IncConsumer Discretionary15.53B1.60477.5951.3460.7959.595,626,8836.590.0127
GILGildan Activewear Inc.Consumer Discretionary11.57B1.60476.2043.5869.8360.15921,8302.590.0069
CTC-ACanadian Tire Corporation Ltd.Consumer Discretionary9.34B1.329168.00120.39157.05149.05833,3733.840.0205
CTCCanadian Tire Corporation Ltd.Consumer Discretionary8.74B1.329268.98190.64220.44225.871,0311.92--
ATZAritzia IncConsumer Discretionary7.70B1.84473.4431.8256.5645.641,526,0404.140.0271

This peer comparison table provides an overview of Canadian Tire Corporation (CTC.A) and its competitors in the Consumer Discretionary sector. The table includes market capitalization, stock volatility (Beta), recent stock performance, and short interest data. Canadian Tire Corporation remains a key player in this sector alongside companies such as Dollarama, Aritzia, and Restaurant Brands International, showcasing strong financial positioning within the industry.

Valuation Metrics: Canadian Tire Corporation (TSE: CTC.A)

MetricCurrent9/30/20246/30/20243/31/202412/31/20239/30/2023
Market Cap10.5B9.7B9.3B8.9B8.6B8.2B
Enterprise Value12.7B11.4B10.8B10.2B9.9B9.4B
Price/Sales1.52x1.41x1.38x1.35x1.31x1.29x
Price/Book2.14x2.02x1.98x1.93x1.89x1.85x

Fortis Inc. (TSE: FTS) – A Resilient Utility Play Amid Trade Volatility

Fortis Inc. (FTS) is a leading North American electric and gas utility company, operating primarily in Canada. The company's regulated business model ensures stable revenue generation, making it a safe haven investment during economic uncertainty and trade disruptions.

Key Advantages in the Trade War Scenario

  1. Limited Exposure to Trade Risks – Fortis operates in the domestic utilities sector, meaning tariffs and cross-border trade tensions have minimal impact on its operations.

  2. Stable and Growing Dividends – Fortis has a 50-year dividend growth streak, making it an attractive income-generating stock.

  3. Strong Balance Sheet – The company maintains low debt levels and consistent earnings growth, ensuring long-term financial health.

Stock Performance Analysis: Fortis Inc. (TSE: FTS)

MetricValue
1-Year Stock Growth+8.9%
Dividend Yield4.5%
Forward P/E17.94x
Price/Book1.78x

Peer Comparison: Fortis Inc. (FTS) vs. Competitors

CodeNameGIC SectorMarket CapBeta52-Week High52-Week Low50-Day MA200-Day MAShares ShortShort RatioShort Percent
FTSFortis Inc.Utilities31.09B0.22663.7549.4960.9558.388,035,8515.120.0119
HHydro One LtdUtilities27.12B0.34148.0536.7344.6943.133,021,1413.590.0335
BIP-UNBrookfield Infrastructure Partners L.P.Utilities22.03B1.05349.9933.0746.9643.95598,7841.450.0029
BEP-UNBrookfield Renewable Partners L.P.Utilities20.93B0.89540.8427.0032.9634.68812,7282.850.0036
EMAEmera Inc.Utilities16.17B0.33956.3342.8853.8150.4111,206,2024.480.0389
CPXCapital Power CorporationUtilities7.27B0.64668.0432.6161.0848.442,276,8632.670.0111
BIPCBrookfield Infrastructure CorpUtilities7.22B1.41763.5238.7958.6353.711,100,7227.750.0154
BEPCBrookfield Renewable CorpUtilities6.95B1.00848.2828.8040.4640.601,335,3555.120.0128
CUCanadian Utilities LimitedUtilities6.91B0.6636.9828.1834.9133.322,061,1772.980.0461
ACO-YATCO Ltd.Utilities5.20B0.73253.4636.4649.3745.793,90949.48--

This peer comparison table provides an overview of Fortis Inc. (FTS) and its competitors** in the Utilities sector. It includes market capitalization, stock volatility (Beta), recent stock performance, and short interest data. Fortis Inc. stands among leading utility providers like Hydro One, Brookfield Infrastructure, and Emera, showcasing its stability and growth potential in the industry.

Final Thoughts

Both Canadian Tire (CTC.A) and Fortis Inc. (FTS) are well-positioned to weather trade tensions and continue delivering strong financial performance. Canadian Tire benefits from domestic retail strength, while Fortis remains a stable defensive play in the utilities sector. Investors seeking resilient Canadian stocks should consider both companies as long-term investment opportunities.

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Qayyum Rajan, CFA
Written by

Qayyum Rajan, CFA

Qayyum is the CEO of Wealth Awesome, a leading Canadian personal finance publication. As a CFA charterholder with extensive experience in fintech, data science, and quantitative finance, he brings a unique analytical perspective to investing and wealth management.

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✅ Reviewed by Certified Financial Professionals

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Published: February 4, 2025
Last Updated: January 8, 2026

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