Two blue-chip grocers with gains ahead

Article Excerpt

Loblaw is ready to thrive in a post-COVID-19 environment. Many of its customers who opted for home delivery (or in-store pickup) during pandemic lockdowns are sticking with that value-added service. The company’s improvements to its loyalty programs should also drive additional spending per visit, both in its stores and on its websites. The stock lets you tap this growth and the company’s other successful retailing strategies. Note that George Weston—with its 52.6% interest in Loblaw—provides you with another way to benefit from the retail giant’s success. LOBLAW COMPANIES, $120.46, is a buy. The retailer (Toronto symbol L; Shares outstanding: 314.3 million; Market cap: $37.7 billion; TSINetwork Rating: Above Average; Dividend yield: 1.5%; www.loblaw.ca) operates 1,104 supermarkets under several banners, including Loblaws, Zehrs, Provigo, Real Canadian Superstore and No Frills. Its Shoppers Drug Mart operates 1,344 drugstores across Canada. Loblaw continues to benefit from higher selling prices, which helps offset rising costs for food, fuel and other inputs. In the quarter ended October 7, 2023, sales rose 5.0%,…