Loblaw adapts for post-COVID gains

Article Excerpt

Loblaw has come under fire from politicians accusing it of generating excessive profits during the pandemic. However, the company’s profit margins are only up slightly compared to pre-pandemic levels. Meantime, ongoing investments in online ordering, loyalty plans and private label brands should continue to fuel its growth. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $118 is a buy. The retail giant (Toronto symbol L; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 339.1 million; Market cap: $40.0 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.7; Dividend yield: 1.4%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.loblaw.ca) is Canada’s largest food store operator, with 1,098 supermarkets. Those stores operate under a variety of banners including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. Franchisees operate about half the locations. Loblaw also owns the Shoppers Drug Mart chain of 1,346 drugstores across Canada. Loblaw’s overall sales rose 26.0%, from $46.69 billion in 2018 to $56.50 billion in 2022. That’s largely because the COVID-19 pandemic prompted people to eat more meals at home. The company is also raising its…