Loblaw is ready to compete

Article Excerpt

LOBLAW COMPANIES $36.84 (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 277.9 million; Market cap: $10.4 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 2.3%; www.loblaw.ca) continues to face strong price competition from other grocery chains and general retailers, such as Wal-Mart, which continue to expand their food offerings. As a result, Loblaw’s revenue rose just 0.1% in the three months ended June 18, 2011, to $7.28 billion from $7.27 billion a year earlier. However, thanks to lower income taxes and interest charges, earnings per share rose 8.8%, to $0.70 from $0.65. The company’s long-term sales and earnings should improve as it continues to upgrade its stores and inventory systems. As well, its financial-services business has launched a big marketing effort that should pay off. Moreover, Loblaw continues to expand its T&T Supermarket chain, which it bought in 2009. T&T is Canada’s largest Asian food retailer. Loblaw is a buy. buy…