Loblaw keeps costs low

Article Excerpt

LOBLAW COMPANIES, $95.58, is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 335.3 million; Market cap: $32.3 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 1.5%; www.loblaw.ca) operates 1,096 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. Loblaw is seeing slowing demand for its e-commerce business. In the second quarter of 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 online sales. One way that Loblaw is cutting costs is with electric vehicles. It recently tested battery-electric trucks made by Daimler on its delivery routes in B.C. Based on that test, the company has ordered five of those vehicles, which it expects to receive in 2022 and 2023. Its goal is to fully electrify the company’s entire fleet by 2030. Loblaw Cos. is a buy. buy…