Is Alimentation Couche-Tard stock a buy right now?
Alimentation Couche-Tard (TSX: ATD) stands out as a global force in convenience retail, with its shares currently trading near $72.30 and an average daily volume of 1.41 million shares as of April 30, 2025. The company’s recent third-quarter results illustrated ongoing resilience, with net earnings rising to $641.4 million—a 2.9% year-over-year increase—driven by both core merchandise growth and continued network expansion. Notably, strategic acquisitions in Oklahoma, Kansas, and Europe are fueling operational synergies, which are forecasted to strengthen Couche-Tard’s profitability in the coming years. Although the stock has modestly lagged the Canadian market over the past year, sector enthusiasm remains grounded in its leading North American and international footprint, solid balance sheet, and the reliability of its dividend, now grown for over 16 consecutive years. Market sentiment is constructive: investors acknowledge temporary headwinds like fuel demand softness and tighter consumer spending, but also recognize Couche-Tard’s demonstrated agility and long-term growth pipeline. According to the consensus of more than 33 national and international banks, the stock’s target price is set at $94—a reflection of sustained confidence in Couche-Tard’s operational discipline and global growth strategy within the evolving specialty retail landscape.
- Global operations across 29 countries reduce regional economic risk.
- Strong, consistent dividend growth for 16+ years reflects financial stability.
- Effective management, shown by an 18.9% return on equity.
- Proven success with acquisitions and extracting operational synergies.
- Expanding store network supports long-term growth trajectory.
- Recent share price weakness lags broader market performance.
- Currently trading below key moving averages, suggesting limited near-term momentum.
- What is Alimentation Couche-Tard?
- How much is Alimentation Couche-Tard stock?
- Our full analysis on Alimentation Couche-Tard </b>stock
- How to buy Alimentation Couche-Tard stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying Alimentation Couche-Tard stock
- The latest news about Alimentation Couche-Tard
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring Alimentation Couche-Tard’s performance for more than three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us to interpret market trends and pinpoint the most promising investment opportunities. Our analyses are provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never received, and will never receive, any compensation from Alimentation Couche-Tard.
What is Alimentation Couche-Tard?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | Canada | Headquartered in Canada, providing significant exposure to North American retail markets. |
| 💼 Market | Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) | Listed on TSX, making it accessible for Canadian and international investors. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | CA01626P1484 | The ISIN ensures global investor identification and access to the stock. |
| 👤 CEO | Brian Hannasch | Stable leadership you can trust, with a strong track record in global expansion. |
| 🏢 Market cap | C$68.70 billion | Large-cap company, providing high liquidity and relative stability in the market. |
| 📈 Revenue | C$74.18 billion (TTM) | Robust revenue stream highlights strong sales despite industry challenges. |
| 💹 EBITDA | Not disclosed (Net Income: C$3.69B) | Net income remains healthy, supporting ongoing expansions and dividend growth. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 19.14 | The valuation is reasonable, reflecting balanced growth prospects in the sector. |
How much is Alimentation Couche-Tard stock?
The price of Alimentation Couche-Tard stock is falling this week. As of April 30, 2025, the share trades at C$72.31, with a 24-hour decrease of 0.21% and a weekly decline of 1.13%. The company’s market capitalization stands at C$68.70 billion, with an average three-month daily volume of 1.41 million shares. The stock’s P/E ratio is 19.14, dividend yield is 1.08%, and its beta of 0.81 suggests lower volatility relative to the market. While recent performance reflects short-term weakness, the stock’s stable fundamentals may appeal to investors seeking steady, long-term growth in Canada’s retail sector.
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Having examined Alimentation Couche-Tard’s latest financial statements, technical signals, and sector positioning, and applying our proprietary analytics synthesizing real-time data and competitive benchmarking, we find a stock with compelling attributes amid recent volatility. Over the past three years, ATD’s fundamentals have continued to impress even as share price performance moderated, especially in 2024. Combining these observations with market-wide trends, a robust risk profile, and valuation metrics, a pivotal question emerges for Canadian investors: So, why might Alimentation Couche-Tard stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global retail and mobility sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
Alimentation Couche-Tard (ATD.TO) currently trades at C$72.31 per share (as of April 30, 2025), after a year of relatively muted price action marked by a modest 1-month rebound (+3.45%) following a more pronounced year-to-date drawdown (-8.77%). While the stock has dipped -5.39% over 12 months—lagging the S&P/TSX Composite—its 5-year total return of +83.46% handily outpaces most sector peers, underscoring substantial long-term value creation.
The past few quarters have delivered a mix of resilience and expansion. In Q3 fiscal 2025, net earnings advanced 2.9% year-over-year to $641.4 million, as Couche-Tard maintained robust merchandise and service revenue growth (+5.0%). Notably, a disciplined M&A strategy saw the company acquire 38 new stores (across North America and Europe) and construct 31 more, reinforcing its dominant footprint.
Sector-wide, the convenience and mobility retail space in 2025 has been shaped by cautious North American consumer spending. Yet, Couche-Tard’s balanced global presence and ongoing product category expansion position it strongly, especially relative to U.S.-focused peers more exposed to local demand headwinds. A moderate interest rate environment and stabilizing energy prices provide an additional supportive macroeconomic backdrop as inflation eases and retail traffic normalizes.
Technical Analysis
From a technical standpoint, ATD displays a constructive picture for investors targeting cyclical entry points. The Relative Strength Index (RSI, 14-day) stands at a neutral 55.5, indicating the absence of overbought or oversold pressure and suggesting potential for directional movement. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) gives a mild sell signal at present, but this aligns more with recent consolidation than outright bearishness.
- The current share price trades above the 20-day and 50-day exponential moving averages (EMAs)—short- and medium-term bullish indicators.
- Price remains marginally below the 100-day (C$72.96) and 200-day (C$74.67) EMAs, but with improving momentum as the 1-month bounce gathers pace.
- Well-defined support exists at C$68.00 and C$60.00, while immediate resistance sits at C$72.89 and C$80.48.
This structure implies that the recent retracement may be concluding, especially should a confirmed breakout emerge above the C$73–C$74 range. Given Couche-Tard’s demonstrated 5-year uptrend, the current setup presents an appealing risk/reward profile for medium- to long-term positioning, particularly ahead of anticipated catalysts.
Fundamental Analysis
- Revenue and Profitability: Revenue reached C$74.18 billion (TTM), with net income of C$3.69 billion and strong margins for retail: 17.4% gross and 3.5% net. Earnings per share grew to C$3.78.
- Valuation: At a trailing P/E of 19.14 and P/S of 0.67, shares trade at a notable discount to many specialty retail peers, despite higher visibility on earnings synergies from recent M&A. The price/book multiple of 3.49 is justified given Couche-Tard’s industry-leading return on equity (ROE) of 18.9%.
- Dividend: The 1.08% yield is supported by a conservative 19.41% payout ratio, and the dividend has grown for 16+ consecutive years—testament to sustainable cash generation and shareholder alignment.
Structurally, Couche-Tard’s global diversification (operations in 29 countries), premium brands (Circle K, Couche-Tard), and relentless focus on operational efficiency create significant barriers to entry. Its disciplined acquisition approach—evidenced most recently by successful integration of TotalEnergies assets—positions the company for ongoing accretive deals in key markets. Initiatives to optimize the supply chain, expand food service offerings, and capture synergies enhance both top and bottom line prospects.
Overall, the fundamentals not only justify renewed interest after the 2024 pullback but may signal the stock’s entry into a fresh value-creation cycle as integration benefits build.
Volume and Liquidity
ATD’s average daily trading volume stands at 1.41 million shares, reflecting robust liquidity and consistent institutional participation—in essence, a vote of confidence from the market in the stock’s longer-term narrative. The substantial market capitalization (C$68.70 billion) and broad float contribute to valuation stability, allowing for swift price discovery and dynamic bid/offer conditions.
Such sustained liquidity enables both retail and professional investors to take meaningful positions without fear of price distortion, while also indicating limited risk of forced selling or illiquidity traps even in periods of heightened volatility. For investors, these characteristics amplify the appeal of ATD as a liquid core holding or a nimble trade around catalyzing events.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
- Ongoing Store Network Expansion: 56 new stores remain under construction into mid-2025, complementing aggressive acquisition and rebuild programs. Each incrementally enhances revenue scale and geographic reach.
- Synergy Realization: Projected synergies from the TotalEnergies integration are scaling as forecast, on track to deliver €120 million ($127 million) in savings by fiscal 2027 and €170 million ($179 million) by 2029. Early run-rate progress signals high execution confidence.
- Food and Service Innovation: U.S. foodservice revenues have continued to outperform, driven by successful meal promotions. This segment diversifies the business beyond lower-margin fuel retailing and shields against volume headwinds in traditional categories.
- ESG and Operational Efficiency: Ongoing investment in fuel efficiency, green energy partnerships, and supply chain automation positions ATD to benefit from emerging regulatory and consumer trends favoring sustainability and convenience.
Macro-level tailwinds also include a gradual rebound in consumer mobility, stabilization of fuel margins, and the expansion of both urban and highway retail footprints as economic normalization continues through 2025. Should inflation moderate further and interest rates remain favorable, Couche-Tard will stand to capitalize on incremental discretionary spending recovery.
Investment Strategies
- Short Term: For agile traders, monitor the C$72.89 resistance level—should the stock break and hold above this on accelerating volume, momentum buying could swiftly restore upside toward the next major resistance at C$80.48. Short-term trades have added comfort due to robust liquidity and contained volatility (beta: 0.81).
- Medium Term: Investors willing to weather near-term consolidation and technical basing should consider incremental exposure near current levels (C$72–C$73), as the recent 1-month rebound suggests downside risk may be increasingly contained around established support (C$68.00).
- Long Term: For portfolio builders, Couche-Tard’s global footprint, demonstrated resilience, consistent dividend growth, and recurring M&A upside make it a compelling candidate for accumulation—especially on any further softness. With anticipated synergy ramp-ups and the company’s disciplined capital allocation, risk-adjusted returns over the next 24–36 months appear asymmetric to the upside.
Each approach benefits from Couche-Tard’s defensive, cash-generative business model, which historically outperforms both in expansionary and challenging macro regimes.
Is it the Right Time to Buy Alimentation Couche-Tard?
In summary, Alimentation Couche-Tard exhibits a robust combination of operational excellence, global leadership, and measured expansion, supported by a compelling valuation and a shareholder-friendly dividend. While recent share price retracement and technical signals counsel some caution, evidence is mounting that the stock may be entering a new bullish phase as integration synergies materialize, and as the company’s innovation and acquisition engines drive future growth.
Key strengths—such as strong financial discipline, high-quality management, proven M&A execution, and resilient cash flows—justify renewed interest by investors seeking both stability and growth potential. The fundamentals, combined with technical stabilization and a supportive sector context, seem to represent an excellent opportunity for those considering a calculated entry ahead of likely catalysts.
Alimentation Couche-Tard therefore stands out as a stock with compelling upside, particularly for investors who value leading operators with clear pathways to both organic and acquisitive growth. With sector tailwinds, a healthy balance sheet, and a demonstrated commitment to shareholder returns, ATD’s current profile may warrant a fresh look from those seeking to position ahead of the anticipated next chapter in global convenience retail.
For investors seeking robust, diversified, and forward-looking exposure in Canadian equity portfolios, Alimentation Couche-Tard seems poised to offer both stability and upside as the sector pivots toward renewed momentum in 2025 and beyond.
How to buy Alimentation Couche-Tard stock in Canada?
Buying Alimentation Couche-Tard stock online is straightforward, quick, and secure when you use a regulated Canadian broker. Whether you prefer to invest directly by purchasing shares (“spot buying”) or to speculate on the share price using Contracts for Difference (CFDs), you’ll find a method tailored to your risk and goals. Both approaches can be managed entirely online, with full transparency and strong investor protections. Further down this page, you'll find a detailed broker comparison to help you select the platform that best meets your needs.
Spot buying
A spot or cash purchase means owning Alimentation Couche-Tard shares directly on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX). This classic method is favoured by investors who want long-term exposure, dividends, and full shareholder rights. Expect typical brokerage fees: most Canadian platforms charge a fixed commission per order—often around $5 to $10 in CAD.
Example
If Alimentation Couche-Tard is trading at C$72.31, and you have C$1,000 to invest, you can buy approximately 13 shares (C$72.31 × 13 = C$940.03), factoring in a C$5 commission.
Gain Scenario
If the share price rises by 10%, your shares would be worth about C$1,100.
Result: +C$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment (excluding taxes and small fees).
Trading via CFD
Trading Alimentation Couche-Tard via CFDs lets you speculate on price movements without actually owning the shares. CFDs offer flexibility and leverage but come with higher risks. Fees typically consist of a variable “spread” (the difference between buy and sell prices) and overnight financing costs if you hold positions beyond a single trading day.
Example
You open a C$1,000 CFD position on Couche-Tard with 5× leverage, giving you market exposure equivalent to C$5,000.
Gain Scenario
If the stock rises by 8%, your position gains 8% × 5 = 40%.
Result: +C$400 gain on your C$1,000 stake (excluding spreads and overnight fees).
Final advice
Before you invest, be sure to compare broker fees, trading tools, and account conditions—these can significantly impact your actual returns. Whether you opt for spot buying for long-term growth or CFD trading for short-term speculation depends on your financial objectives and risk tolerance. To make an informed choice, check our broker comparison further down this page.
Our 7 tips for buying Alimentation Couche-Tard stock
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for Alimentation Couche-Tard |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Review Couche-Tard’s recent financial results and performance trends, focusing on long-term growth drivers like expansion and synergy realization. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Opt for a Canadian brokerage that offers competitive fees and easy access to the TSX, where Couche-Tard (ATD) is listed and trades in Canadian dollars. |
| Define your investment budget | Set an investment amount that fits your overall financial plan, noting that Couche-Tard offers dividend growth and is relatively less volatile (Beta 0.81). |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term investment horizon to benefit from Couche-Tard’s consistent dividend increases, global diversification, and expansion initiatives. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Track quarterly earnings, acquisition updates, and synergy targets, as these can significantly influence Couche-Tard’s share price and growth prospects. |
| Use risk management tools | Use stop-loss orders and diversify your holdings to protect your capital, especially as Couche-Tard faces sector competition and market fluctuations. |
| Sell at the right time | Reassess your position at technical resistance points or before major earnings releases to optimize returns and minimize potential downsides. |
The latest news about Alimentation Couche-Tard
Alimentation Couche-Tard achieved higher third quarter net earnings and ongoing merchandise revenue growth in its latest results. For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the company reported net earnings attributable to shareholders of $641.4 million ($0.68 per diluted share), an increase of 2.9% year-over-year, with merchandise and service revenues climbing 5.0% to $5.3 billion. This robust financial performance reflects Couche-Tard’s resilient operations in the face of a challenging consumer spending environment, particularly emphasizing the stability and strength of its core Canadian and North American convenience business.
The company has accelerated Canadian and global store growth through new builds, acquisitions, and reconstructions. Within the past quarter, Couche-Tard expanded its footprint by acquiring 38 new stores—including additional locations operating under the Circle K and Hutch’s banners—and completing the construction of 31 new outlets and eight major reconstructions. This activity included noteworthy expansion in Canada and supports Couche-Tard’s strategy of strengthening its local presence while continuing international growth, reinforcing its position as a leading convenience retailer in the Canadian market.
Dividend growth remains strong, highlighting Couche-Tard’s commitment to Canadian shareholders and long-term value creation. The company’s quarterly dividend stands at C$0.19 per share, with a payout ratio of only 19.41%, and has been raised consistently over 16 years. This history of reliable and increasing dividends is a significant signal of financial health, reinforcing investor confidence and appealing to Canadian income-focused investors amid market volatility.
Integration of European assets is progressing, setting the stage for long-term earnings growth through synergy realization. One year after the acquisition of select TotalEnergies European retail assets, Couche-Tard has achieved an annual synergies run rate of approximately €13 million ($14 million CAD), progressing exactly as planned. The company anticipates ongoing synergy realization to reach €120 million ($127 million CAD) by fiscal 2027 and €170 million ($179 million CAD) by 2029, supporting future profitability and demonstrating effective cross-border execution—a positive indicator for Canadian investors tracking international expansion.
Foodservice growth in North America, led by successful meal deals, continues to offset softer fuel volumes and supports diversified revenues. Couche-Tard recently reported notable gains in foodservice categories across its U.S. and Canadian operations, driven by innovative meal deal promotions and supply chain optimization. This growth is strategically important, as it mitigates the impact of declining same-store road transportation fuel volumes, supporting more stable revenue streams and enhancing the company’s resilience in the evolving Canadian retail landscape.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for Alimentation Couche-Tard stock?
Alimentation Couche-Tard stock currently pays a quarterly dividend of C$0.19 per share, which amounts to C$0.78 annually. The most recent ex-dividend date was March 27, 2025. The company boasts a dividend growth streak of over 16 years, reflecting its commitment to rewarding shareholders and its financial strength. The payout ratio remains low, allowing for ongoing reinvestment in growth.
What is the forecast for Alimentation Couche-Tard stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of C$72.31, the projected prices are C$94.00 at the end of 2025, C$108.47 at the end of 2026, and C$144.62 at the end of 2027. Alimentation Couche-Tard’s active expansion, acquisition strategy, and synergy realization from recent deals are likely to support upward momentum, reinforced by its strong position in the global convenience retail sector.
Should I sell my Alimentation Couche-Tard shares?
Holding onto Alimentation Couche-Tard shares may be a wise option for investors focused on the mid- to long-term. The company’s proven history of dividend growth, global diversification, steady acquisition integration, and resilient business model provide a solid foundation. While the stock has seen some recent underperformance, its healthy fundamentals and industry leadership suggest ongoing potential for value creation.
Are dividends from Alimentation Couche-Tard stock eligible for tax-advantaged registered accounts in Canada?
Yes, dividends from Alimentation Couche-Tard stock are eligible to be held in Canadian registered accounts such as RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) and TFSAs (Tax-Free Savings Accounts). This can allow investors to defer taxes (RRSP) or avoid taxes entirely on gains and dividends (TFSA). Canadian dividends also benefit from the dividend tax credit if held outside of registered accounts.
What is the latest dividend for Alimentation Couche-Tard stock?
Alimentation Couche-Tard stock currently pays a quarterly dividend of C$0.19 per share, which amounts to C$0.78 annually. The most recent ex-dividend date was March 27, 2025. The company boasts a dividend growth streak of over 16 years, reflecting its commitment to rewarding shareholders and its financial strength. The payout ratio remains low, allowing for ongoing reinvestment in growth.
What is the forecast for Alimentation Couche-Tard stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on the current share price of C$72.31, the projected prices are C$94.00 at the end of 2025, C$108.47 at the end of 2026, and C$144.62 at the end of 2027. Alimentation Couche-Tard’s active expansion, acquisition strategy, and synergy realization from recent deals are likely to support upward momentum, reinforced by its strong position in the global convenience retail sector.
Should I sell my Alimentation Couche-Tard shares?
Holding onto Alimentation Couche-Tard shares may be a wise option for investors focused on the mid- to long-term. The company’s proven history of dividend growth, global diversification, steady acquisition integration, and resilient business model provide a solid foundation. While the stock has seen some recent underperformance, its healthy fundamentals and industry leadership suggest ongoing potential for value creation.
Are dividends from Alimentation Couche-Tard stock eligible for tax-advantaged registered accounts in Canada?
Yes, dividends from Alimentation Couche-Tard stock are eligible to be held in Canadian registered accounts such as RRSPs (Registered Retirement Savings Plans) and TFSAs (Tax-Free Savings Accounts). This can allow investors to defer taxes (RRSP) or avoid taxes entirely on gains and dividends (TFSA). Canadian dividends also benefit from the dividend tax credit if held outside of registered accounts.
