These supermarkets deserve our Highest rating: Loblaw and Metro

Article Excerpt

Canada’s top supermarket operators continue to benefit from the large number of us eating at home due to COVID-19. That should let them keep raising their dividends. In fact, both carry our Highest sustainability rating. LOBLAW COMPANIES LTD. $63 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol L; Conservative-Growth Dividend Payer Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 352.9 million; Market cap: $22.2 billion; Dividend yield: 2.1%; Dividend Sustainability Rating: Highest; www.loblaw.ca) is Canada’s largest grocery store chain. It operates 1,091 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. In March 2014, the company purchased the Shoppers Drug Mart chain for $12.3 billion in cash and shares. Shoppers now operate 1,347 drug stores across Canada. Loblaw last raised its dividend by 6.3% with the December 2020 payment. The annual rate of $1.34 yields 2.1%. The company recently launched its new mobile phone app called PC Health in Atlantic Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. Through the app, users can consult with a registered nurse or…