Good time to add these top retailers

Article Excerpt

Consumer confidence is starting to rebound now that inflation is easing and interest rates are falling. That’s good news for these leading retailers. They should also benefit as supply chains normalize after the COVID-19 disruptions. Moreover, all three continue to trade at attractive multiples to their projected earnings and are increasing their dividends. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $183 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 303.6 million; Market cap: $55.6 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 1.0; Dividend yield: 1.1%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.loblaw.ca) operates 1,113 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. In March 2014, it purchased the Shoppers Drug Mart chain for $12.3 billion in cash and shares. Shoppers operates 1,354 drugstores across Canada. Loblaw continues to benefit from higher food prices, which is helping it offset lower sales of household items and electronics. It’s also seeing higher customer traffic at its discount outlets. In the quarter ended October 5, 2024, the company’s…