Their online gains should continue after COVID

Article Excerpt

These two retailers benefitted during the pandemic as consumers shifted to their online storefronts. New investments in exclusive products and loyalty plans should continue to attract customer, and let them keep raising your dividends. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $93 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 338.1 million; Market cap: $31.4 billion; Dividend yield: 1.6%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.loblaw.ca) operates 1,096 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. It also operates 1,346 Shoppers Drug Mart stores. Loblaw raised its dividend by 9.0% with the October 2021 payment to $0.365, a share from $0.33125. The annual rate of $1.46 yields 1.6%. After experiencing strong growth in 2020, the company’s e-commerce revenue appears to have slowed. In the second quarter ended June 19, 2021, Loblaw’s e-commerce revenues fell 0.5%, after jumping 280% in the second quarter a year earlier. However, it has handled e-commerce labour costs better, resulting in higher margins for its…