The Globe and Mail reports in its Wednesday, Dec. 6, edition that Heward Canadian Dividend Growth Fund manager Renato Anzovino tries to identify companies that can thrive in any environment. The Globe's John Heinzl writes that Mr. Anzovino likes companies with a growing dividend. Mr. Anzovino also looks for relatively predictable earnings, low debt levels, increasing free cash flow and an attractive valuation. Canadian Tire ($162.35) is one of his holdings. It offers an annual yield of 2.2 per cent. Mention Canadian Tire, and most people think of the namesake stores that sell hardware products, household items and sporting goods. Canadian Tire, however, also has its own financial services division, owns extensive real estate assets and operates other retail banners including Mark's, Sport Chek, Pro Hockey Life and Atmosphere. Mr. Anzovino says the company's diverse product mix and accessible locations have insulated it from on-line competition and contributed to rising same-store sales, including growth of 3.9 per cent in the third quarter. Canadian Tire has been raising its dividend annually and recently announced an unusually large increase of 38 per cent along with its latest results.