Updating LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD., CGI GROUP INC. and BANK OF NOVA SCOTIA

Article Excerpt

LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $30 (Toronto symbol L; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 274.2 million; Market cap: $8.2 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.3; SI Rating: Above Average) continues to expand its “Joe Fresh” line of low-cost clothing and fashion accessories. The company generally sells these products at its larger, warehouse-type stores, which have more room for clothing and general merchandise than its regular supermarkets. Earlier this year, Loblaw starting selling Joe Fresh cosmetics. The company recently launched Joe Fresh Bath, a new line of personal-care products, such as bath lotions and hand soaps. Private brands like Joe Fresh and President’s Choice give Loblaw an advantage in Canada’s highly competitive food-retailing market. The company feels Joe Fresh will eventually contribute $1 billion to its annual sales of over $30 billion. Loblaw is a buy. CGI GROUP INC. $13 (Toronto symbol GIB.A; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Manufacturing & Industry sector; Shares outstanding: 300.1 million; Market cap: $3.9 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.1; SI Rating: Extra Risk) continues…