Lower costs give Loblaw an edge

Article Excerpt

Loblaw and Canada’s other big supermarket operators have come under pressure for generating strong profits in the wake of the pandemic. The earnings growth in part reflects higher food prices at its stores as the company passes along its own higher costs. Still, Loblaw’s success at finding new ways to lower its cost, such as installing more self-serve checkouts, has also fuelled its profit gains. In addition, the company is attracting more cost-conscious consumers to its discount-price stores and its private-label products. The retail giant is improving its loyalty rewards plan and home delivery service as well. These moves should push its earnings and stock price even higher, particularly as inflation continues to ease. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $117 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 317.1 million; Market cap: $37.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.7; Dividend yield: 1.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; www.loblaw.ca) is Canada’s largest food retailer, with 1,104 supermarkets. Those stores operate under a variety of banners including…