Healthy move for investors

Article Excerpt

LOBLAW COMPANIES $70.15, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 366.1 million; Market cap: $25.5 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 1.8%; www.loblaw.ca) is re-vamping its “No Name” packaged foods. The supermarket chain launched that private-label line in 1978. Instead of being just a cheaper alternative to national brands, No Name aims for strict quality controls to build its consumer following and steal market share. Loblaw has now reformulated over 500 of its No Name products to exclude 10 ingredients including synthetic colours, artificial sweeteners and hydrogenated oils. It identifies those products with a new “Simple Check” symbol on the distinctive yellow-and-black label. Those products should boost sales as increasingly health-conscious shoppers become more concerned about ingredients in processed foods. Loblaw also earns higher profits from selling its own brands compared to national brands. Note: for current shareholders, the stock is also attractive for your new buying at 16.7 times its 2019 earnings forecast of $4.21 a share. share…