Online push just adds to Metro’s appeal

Article Excerpt

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to prompt consumers to load up on food and other household items as they eat more of their meals at home. Customers are also buying more of their groceries online. In response, Metro is expanding its online platforms and home delivery services. That should continue to spur its profits and dividends. METRO INC. $60 is a buy. The company (Toronto symbol MRU; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares o/s: 250.2 million; Market cap: $15.0 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.8; Div. yield: 1.5%; TSINetwork Rating: Average; www.metro.ca) operates 950 grocery stores and 650 drugstores, in Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick. In May 2018, Metro acquired Quebec-based drugstore chain Jean Coutu Group. The company paid $4.5 billion—75% in cash and 25% in Metro common shares. As a result of the new operations, its sales rose 40.7%, from $12.79 billion in 2015 to $18.00 billion in 2020 (fiscal years ended September 30). Overall earnings fell 6.5%, from $586.2 million in 2016 to $548.2 million in 2017…