Is the Amazon.com, Inc. Scare a Good Buying Opportunity in Food Retailers?

Besides Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX:L) and its competitor have other things to worry about. Are the stocks attractively priced?

| More on:
grocery store
You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s premium investing services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn moresdf

Amazon.com, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) acquisition of Whole Foods Market seems to have put a drag on food retailer stocks such as Loblaw Companies Ltd. (TSX:L) and Metro, Inc. (TSX:MRU). I don’t blame the market; Amazon has been a formidable disruptive force in the retail space.

However, there are only 13 Whole Foods locations in Canada. So, as of now, it should have little impact on Loblaw and Metro as most people still likely to go to physical stores (whichever is convenient) to handpick fresh foods.

Loblaw and Metro stocks are currently being pressured by food deflation, minimum wage increases, and healthcare reform in Quebec.

Loblaw stock trades at about 16% below its 52-week high and is down roughly 8% year to date. Metro stock also trades at roughly 16% below its 52-week high and is down about 2% year to date.

Let’s determine if the meaningful dips from the highs make the food retailers a good investment today.

grocery store

Loblaw

Loblaw is Canada’s largest retailer with a focus on food and pharmacy. It offers grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, banking, and wireless mobile products and services at its more than 2,300 corporate, franchised, and associate-owned locations.

Loblaw operates under discount banners, including Superstore, No Frills, and Maxi, and it acquired Shoppers Drug Mart in 2014. In the first half of the year, Loblaw generated nearly $21 billion of sales from its retail segment (73% was food retail and 27% was drug retail).

Loblaw is also a majority owner of Choice Properties Real Est Invstmnt Trst (TSX:CHP.UN), from which it generates stable cash flow, as the REIT offers a safe yield of ~5.7%. In the first half of the year, Choice Properties generated $217 million of funds from operations for Loblaw.

Loblaw estimates the recent minimum wage increases in Ontario and Alberta will boost its labour expenses by $190 million in 2018.

At roughly ~$65 per share, Loblaw trades at a multiple of 15.1. The Street consensus at Thomson Reuters estimates the company will grow its earnings per share by 8.4% for the next three to five years, which indicates the stock is undervalued.

The analysts have a positive view on Loblaw. They have a 12-month mean price target of $78.90 on the stock, which implies upside potential of nearly 21% in the near term.

Metro

Metro operates in Quebec and Ontario. Its banners include Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, Food Basics, Brunet, and Pharmacy Drug Basics.

In the first three quarters of the fiscal year, Metro generated nearly $10 billion of sales. The company estimates the recent minimum wage increase in Ontario will boost its labour expense by $45-50 million in 2018.

At roughly ~$39.50 per share, Metro trades at a multiple of 15.6. The Street consensus at Reuters estimates the company will grow its earnings per share by 8.9% for the next three to five years and has a 12-month mean price target of $47.10 on the stock, which represents upside potential of about 19% in the near term. So, the stock is undervalued.

Investor takeaway

Loblaw and Metro offer yields of ~1.6%. Interested investors can start averaging in to the stocks at current levels as they now trade at relatively attractive levels after a meaningful dip. That said, Loblaw is likely a better choice because it has a larger scale and is more diversified.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

Fool contributor Kay Ng owns shares of Amazon. David Gardner owns shares of Amazon. The Motley Fool owns shares of Amazon.

More on Dividend Stocks

growing plant shoots on stacked coins
Dividend Stocks

5 Dividend Stocks to Buy With Yields Upwards of 5%

These five companies all earn tonnes of cash flow, making them some of the best long-term dividend stocks you can…

Read more »

funds, money, nest egg
Dividend Stocks

TFSA Investors: 3 Stocks to Start Building an Influx of Passive Income

A TFSA is the ideal registered account for passive income, as it doesn't weigh down your tax bill, and any…

Read more »

A red umbrella stands higher than a crowd of black umbrellas.
Dividend Stocks

3 of the Safest Dividend Stocks in Canada

Royal Bank of Canada stock is one of the safest TSX dividend stocks to buy. So is CT REIT and…

Read more »

Growing plant shoots on coins
Dividend Stocks

1 of the Top Canadian Growth Stocks to Buy in February 2023

Many top Canadian growth stocks represent strong underlying businesses, healthy financials, and organic growth opportunities.

Read more »

stock research, analyze data
Dividend Stocks

Wherever the Market Goes, I’m Buying These 3 TSX Stocks

Here are three TSX stocks that could outperform irrespective of the market direction.

Read more »

woman data analyze
Dividend Stocks

1 Oversold Dividend Stock (Yielding 6.5%) to Buy This Month

Here's why SmartCentres REIT (TSX:SRU.UN) is one top dividend stock that long-term investors should consider in this current market.

Read more »

IMAGE OF A NOTEBOOK WITH TFSA WRITTEN ON IT
Dividend Stocks

Better TFSA Buy: Enbridge Stock or Bank of Nova Scotia

Enbridge and Bank of Nova Scotia offer high yields for TFSA investors seeking passive income. Is one stock now undervalued?

Read more »

Golden crown on a red velvet background
Dividend Stocks

2 Top Stocks Just Became Canadian Dividend Aristocrats

These two top Canadian Dividend Aristocrats stocks are reliable companies with impressive long-term growth potential.

Read more »