Loblaw Companies (LBLCF)
OTHER OTC:LBLCF
Earnings Data
Report Date
May 06, 2026Before Open (Confirmed)
Period Ending
2026 (Q1)Consensus EPS Forecast
0.38Last Year’s EPS
0.34Same Quarter Last Year
Strong Buy
Based on 8 Analysts Ratings
Earnings Call Summary
Earnings Call Sentiment|Positive
The call emphasized consistent, multi-faceted operational progress: steady revenue and EBITDA growth, improving margins, strong e-commerce growth, disciplined capital returns (share buybacks and dividends), successful expansion of discount and health capabilities, automation progress and strategic tech/AI investments. Management acknowledged near-term drags from new store and ramping costs, T&T U.S. investment, category pressures (liquor, tobacco, HABA) and timing uncertainty related to the PC Financial sale and shifted flu season. On balance the company presented multiple clear growth drivers, robust returns, and a plan to continue returning cash to shareholders while managing known short-term headwinds.Company Guidance
Quarterly and Annual Revenue Growth
Q4 (12-week) revenue grew 3.5% to $15.5 billion; full-year consolidated revenue grew 4.4% to $63.7 billion. On a reported basis (including extra week), revenue grew ~11% in the quarter.
Profitability and EPS Expansion
Adjusted EBITDA increased 4.8% to $1.8 billion and adjusted diluted net earnings per share grew 10.9% in the quarter. Full-year EPS grew 10.7% (13.6% including the 53rd week). Reported adjusted EPS in the quarter was $0.67, up 22%.
Retail Margin and EBITDA Improvements
Retail gross margin improved 10 basis points to 31.0%. Retail adjusted EBITDA grew 4.6% and retail EBITDA margin increased 10 basis points to 10.9%.
Same-Store and Absolute Sales Momentum
Food same-store sales grew 1.5%; absolute food sales grew 3.1%, outpacing same-store by 160 basis points due to new store openings. Drug retail absolute sales increased 4.4% with same-store sales up 3.9%.
Hard Discount and New Store Growth
Opened 30 stores in Q4 and 48 Hard Discount (No Frills/Maxi) stores during the year (15 in Q4). Hard Discount stores are meeting expectations; 20 stores opened in 2024 are already in comps and averaging healthy double-digit same-store sales.
Digital & E-commerce Expansion
Online sales exceeded $4.5 billion for the year; digital sales increased 19.6% in Q4 (highest growth in the year). Delivery-led growth (including new third-party delivery partnerships) and improved e-commerce economics (no longer dilutive) were highlighted.
Pharmacy & Healthcare Progress
Pharmacy and health care services same-store sales grew 5.6%, driven by prescription and specialty prescription strength. Target of opening 250 in-store clinics was achieved, expanding access to care.
Capital Allocation and Cash Returns
Retail free cash flow was $1.9 billion for the year. The company repurchased $592 million of common shares in the quarter and $1.9 billion for the full year, and plans to return most free cash flow to shareholders in 2026 (targeting ~ $1.9B buybacks).
Balance Sheet and Returns
Reported return on equity of 26.3% and return on capital of 12.4%; balance sheet described as strong.
Operational Investments Advancing
Automated distribution center (East Gwillimbury) ramped ahead of plan (ambient sections rolled out 2 months early) with cost/productivity improvements; second automated DC (South Caledon) on plan. Planned 2026 CapEx approximately $2.4 billion.
Private Label and Adjacent Business Growth
Introduced >250 new private-label products generating nearly $400 million in sales. Lifemark expanded (320 locations, ~4M visits) and expected to deliver ~$100 million EBITDA this year. Growth in retail media, logistics-as-a-service and healthcare services noted.
Strategic Partnership and Simplification of Financial Services
Announced sale of PC Financial to EQ Bank; PC Financial revenue rose 3.1% and adjusted net earnings increased ~36% (up $12 million). Transaction will convert discontinued ops into a proportional ownership share of EQB profits once closed.
Technology & AI Adoption
Progress on agentic AI and customer-facing integrations (partnerships with OpenAI and Google); internal AI tools (e.g., Robin) being used to improve forecasting, assortment, and store operations—positioned as long-term differentiator.
LBLCF Earnings History
The table shows recent earnings report dates and whether the forecast was beat or missed. See the change in forecast and EPS from the previous year.
Beat
Missed
LBLCF Earnings-Related Price Changes
Report Date | Price 1 Day Before | Price 1 Day After | Percentage Change |
|---|---|---|---|
Feb 25, 2026 | $49.13 | $46.55 | -5.24% |
Nov 12, 2025 | $40.02 | $41.74 | +4.32% |
Jul 24, 2025 | $39.69 | $40.51 | +2.05% |
Apr 30, 2025 | $38.95 | $40.14 | +3.07% |
Earnings announcements can affect a stock’s price. This table shows the stock's price the day before and the day after recent earnings reports, including the percentage change.
FAQ
When does Loblaw Companies (LBLCF) report earnings?
Loblaw Companies (LBLCF) is schdueled to report earning on May 06, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
What is Loblaw Companies (LBLCF) earnings time?
Loblaw Companies (LBLCF) earnings time is at May 06, 2026, Before Open (Confirmed).
Where can I see when companies are reporting earnings?
You can see which companies are reporting today on our designated earnings calendar.
What companies are reporting earnings today?
You can see a list of the companies which are reporting today on TipRanks earnings calendar.
What is LBLCF EPS forecast?
LBLCF EPS forecast for the fiscal quarter 2026 (Q1) is 0.38.
