Despite decreasing food prices, Loblaw’s profits climb by 57%
Canada’s largest grocery chain earned $201M in fourth quarter
Canada’s largest grocery business delivered stronger than expected results in the final quarter of last year and anticipates its food business will grow despite a decline in prices.
Loblaw Companies Ltd. reported a $201-million net profit or 50 cents per common share in its fourth quarter of 2016 — up 57 per cent from the year before — partly due to operational improvements and special items in both years.
The company lowered prices during the quarter, mostly for produce, meat and baked goods, Galen G. Weston, chairman and CEO, said during a conference call with analysts.
“Customers are responding to those lower prices,” he said, adding it’s premature to say whether that trend will con- tinue for the rest of the year. The Brampton-based company will continue expanding its Click & Collect program, which is at 100 locations and allows customers to order groceries online and pick them up at the store. He also said home delivery is a possibility in the future.
“Customers are responding to those lower prices.” GALEN G. WESTON LOBLAW CHAIRMAN AND CEO
“Lots of consideration about home delivery,” he said.
There are few options for grocery home delivery in Canada. Some companies, such as Grocery Gateway, which partners with Longo’s in the Toronto area, deliver boxes of groceries to the doorsteps of customers. IGA, Thrifty Foods and Costco also offer some delivery services.
But home delivery is not a move Loblaw shoppers should expect soon, Weston said, adding that their customers appear to prefer picking up groceries on their schedule instead of waiting at home at a designated delivery time.
“Certainly our view is today that Click & Collect is in the best interest of the consumer,” he said. Revenue for the quarter was $11.13 billion, up $265 million.
On an adjusted basis, Loblaw earned 97 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2016, up from 87 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Loblaw’s revenue was above analyst estimates of $10.98 billion and adjusted earnings were in line with estimates compiled by Thomson Reuters.
In the fourth quarter of 2015, Loblaw had $10.87 billion of revenue and $128 million of net profit, or 31 cents per share.
The food retail segment, excluding revenue from gasoline sales, saw same-store sales at Loblaw rise1.1per cent and same-store sales at Shoppers Drug Mart up 3.4 per cent — reflecting sales growth at locations open at least a year.
Loblaw owns Canada’s largest grocery business and the Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy chain, as well as the Joe Fresh clothing business, PC Financial personal banking and a stake in the Choice Properties real estate investment trust.