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Loblaw Companies (TSE:L)
TSX:L

Loblaw Companies (L) AI Stock Analysis

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TSE:L

Loblaw Companies

(TSX:L)

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Outperform 76 (OpenAI - 5.2)
Rating:76Outperform
Price Target:
C$70.00
â–²(14.68% Upside)
Loblaw Companies' stock is rated favorably due to strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, indicating robust growth and profitability. Technical indicators support a slightly bullish outlook, although the high P/E ratio suggests potential overvaluation concerns.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates strong market demand and effective business strategies, supporting long-term financial stability.
Market Expansion
Expanding store footprint enhances market presence and customer reach, potentially increasing sales and market share over time.
Online Sales Growth
Strong online sales growth reflects successful digital strategy and adaptation to consumer trends, ensuring competitiveness in e-commerce.
Negative Factors
Decline in Free Cash Flow Growth
A decline in free cash flow growth could limit future investment opportunities and impact financial flexibility if the trend persists.
Optical Business Exit Impact
The exit from the optical business incurs immediate costs and may affect sales, indicating potential challenges in strategic realignment.
Segment Challenges
Challenges in specific segments like liquor and tobacco can hinder overall sales growth and require strategic adjustments to mitigate impacts.

Loblaw Companies (L) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Loblaw Companies Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionLoblaw Companies Limited, a food and pharmacy company, engages in the grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services businesses in Canada. It operates in two segments, Retail and Financial Services. The Retail segment operates corporate and franchise-owned retail food, and associate-owned drug stores. This segment also includes in-store pharmacies, other health and beauty product stores, apparel stores, and other general merchandise stores. The Financial Services segment provides credit card and banking services, the PC Optimum program, insurance brokerage services, and telecommunication services. It also offers PC Health app, a health and wellness app that provides Canadians with access to healthcare resources and support. Loblaw Companies Limited provides its products and services under various brands. The company was founded in 1919 and is headquartered in Brampton, Canada. Loblaw Companies Limited operates as a subsidiary of George Weston Limited.
How the Company Makes MoneyLoblaw Companies generates revenue primarily through the sale of groceries and pharmacy products. Its revenue model includes income from retail sales at its supermarkets and drugstores, where it offers a variety of food, health, and beauty items. Additionally, Loblaw earns revenue from its private label brands, which tend to have higher margins compared to national brands. The company also generates income through its loyalty program, PC Optimum, which encourages customer retention and repeat purchases. Significant partnerships with suppliers and manufacturers enable Loblaw to negotiate favorable terms and optimize its product offerings. Furthermore, the company benefits from economies of scale due to its extensive network of stores, which enhances its purchasing power and operational efficiency.

Loblaw Companies Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 12, 2025
(Q3-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 19, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Positive
The earnings call presented a generally positive outlook, with significant revenue growth, market share gains, and strong performance in drug retail and online sales. However, there were challenges in specific segments like liquor and optical business, leading to some negative impacts on sales. Overall, the positive aspects significantly outweighed the lowlights, indicating a strong performance and optimistic future outlook.
Q3-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Consistent Financial and Operational Performance
Loblaws Inc. reported consolidated revenue growth of 4.6%, reaching $19.4 billion, with adjusted EBITDA increasing by 7.2% to $2.2 billion. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share grew by 11.3% to $0.69.
Retail Expansion and Market Share Gains
76 new stores opened over the past 12 months, increasing retail square footage by 2%. The company reported significant tonnage market share gains in food retail, with food sales growing 4.8%.
Strong Drug Retail Performance
Drug retail business grew by 3.8%, with same-store sales increasing by 4%. Pharmacy and health care services grew by 5.9%, driven by prescription strength and new health care services.
Online Sales Growth
Online sales increased by 18% across retail businesses, with delivery leading growth in the online grocery channel.
Positive Outlook for Q4 and Beyond
The company expects full-year adjusted EPS growth to increase slightly from high single digits into the low double digits, excluding the impact of the 53rd week.
Negative Updates
Challenges in Certain Segments
Headwinds from liquor, specifically in tobacco, and the exit from the optical business led to a net 30 basis point negative impact on same-store sales.
Impact of Optical Business Exit
Exiting the Theodore and Pringle optical business resulted in a $30 million adjusted charge for the quarter and is expected to negatively impact food same-store sales by approximately 20 basis points until the transaction is lapped.
Company Guidance
During the Loblaws Inc. Third Quarter 2025 Results Conference Call, the company outlined strong financial performance and strategic initiatives. Revenue for the quarter grew by 4.6% to $19.4 billion, with the drug retail business increasing by 3.8% and food retail by 4.8%. Adjusted EBITDA rose 7.2% to $2.2 billion, improving the margin by 20 basis points to 11.4%. Adjusted diluted net earnings per share increased by 11.3% to $0.69, while GAAP net earnings per share grew by 4.8%. The company saw a 2% increase in food same-store sales and a 4% increase in drug retail same-store sales. Online sales surged by 18%, driven by strong growth in the online grocery channel. Loblaw's internal food inflation was lower than Canada's grocery CPI of 3.6%, indicating increased value for Canadian shoppers. The company opened 76 stores over the past 12 months, expanding retail square footage by 2%. They also announced a partnership with Specsavers to open 111 locations, replacing the Theodore and Pringle optical business, which resulted in a $30 million adjusted charge this quarter. Looking forward, Loblaw expects full-year adjusted EPS growth to edge into low double digits, excluding the 53rd week impact.

Loblaw Companies Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Loblaw Companies exhibits strong financial health with consistent revenue and profit growth, effective cost management, and solid profitability metrics. The balance sheet reflects a stable leverage position, and cash flow generation is robust despite recent declines in free cash flow growth.
Income Statement
Loblaw Companies has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with a TTM revenue growth rate of 1.38% and a strong historical trend. The gross profit margin remains robust at approximately 32%, indicating efficient cost management. The net profit margin has improved to 3.96% in the TTM, reflecting enhanced profitability. EBIT and EBITDA margins have also shown positive trends, contributing to a solid income statement performance.
Balance Sheet
The company's balance sheet shows a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.77, indicating a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is strong at 22.23%, showcasing effective use of shareholder funds. However, the equity ratio is not explicitly provided, but the overall leverage and equity utilization appear stable.
Cash Flow
Operating cash flow remains healthy, with a TTM operating cash flow to net income ratio of 0.54, suggesting good cash generation relative to earnings. However, the free cash flow growth rate has declined by 5.92% in the TTM, which could be a concern if the trend continues. The free cash flow to net income ratio is solid at 0.66, indicating efficient cash conversion.
BreakdownTTMDec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021Dec 2020
Income Statement
Total Revenue63.15B61.01B59.53B56.50B53.17B52.71B
Gross Profit20.44B19.73B19.04B17.98B16.73B15.99B
EBITDA7.21B6.90B6.64B6.17B5.80B4.96B
Net Income2.48B2.17B2.10B1.92B1.88B1.11B
Balance Sheet
Total Assets41.56B40.88B38.98B38.15B36.61B35.87B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments2.25B2.11B1.95B1.93B2.44B1.94B
Total Debt19.92B19.18B18.17B17.61B16.55B16.61B
Total Liabilities30.01B29.61B27.36B26.69B24.88B24.75B
Stockholders Equity11.38B11.09B11.46B11.30B11.57B10.99B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow3.66B3.60B3.58B3.18B3.65B4.03B
Operating Cash Flow5.51B5.80B5.65B4.75B4.83B5.19B
Investing Cash Flow-2.02B-2.02B-1.84B-2.37B-1.27B-1.38B
Financing Cash Flow-3.14B-3.82B-3.93B-2.75B-3.25B-3.28B

Loblaw Companies Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price61.04
Price Trends
50DMA
60.32
Positive
100DMA
58.11
Positive
200DMA
56.29
Positive
Market Momentum
MACD
0.14
Positive
RSI
47.76
Neutral
STOCH
6.22
Positive
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:L, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 61.04 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 61.55, above the 50-day MA of 60.32, and above the 200-day MA of 56.29, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.14 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 47.76 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 6.22 is Positive, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for TSE:L.

Loblaw Companies Peers Comparison

Overall Rating
UnderperformOutperform
Sector (62)
Financial Indicators
Name
Overall Rating
Market Cap
P/E Ratio
ROE
Dividend Yield
Revenue Growth
EPS Growth
78
Outperform
C$20.98B21.1714.48%1.50%3.71%12.40%
76
Outperform
$73.04B29.8621.51%1.52%4.21%14.03%
70
Outperform
C$36.39B25.2426.36%1.23%4.15%149.50%
68
Neutral
C$10.77B15.9612.66%1.78%2.58%7.85%
66
Neutral
C$16.55B-202.51-1.32%1.89%5.37%-135.85%
64
Neutral
$54.58B42.23102.01%0.20%14.02%20.11%
62
Neutral
$20.33B14.63-3.31%3.23%1.93%-12.26%
* Consumer Defensive Sector Average
Performance Comparison
Ticker
Company Name
Price
Change
% Change
TSE:L
Loblaw Companies
61.04
16.16
36.00%
TSE:DOL
Dollarama
199.35
63.79
47.06%
TSE:EMP.A
Empire Co Cl A NV
46.91
4.14
9.68%
TSE:MRU
Metro Inc.
97.95
9.10
10.24%
TSE:SAP
Saputo Inc.
40.34
17.62
77.55%
TSE:WN
George Weston
95.20
23.37
32.53%

Loblaw Companies Corporate Events

Private Placements and Financing
Loblaw Completes $500 Million Notes Issuance to Strengthen Financial Position
Positive
Dec 16, 2025

Loblaw Companies Limited has successfully completed a $500 million issuance of senior unsecured notes, aimed at repaying existing debt and supporting general corporate purposes. The notes, which mature in 2035 and carry a 4.387% interest rate, received favorable credit ratings from Morningstar DBRS and Standard and Poor’s, reflecting confidence in Loblaw’s financial stability and strategic positioning.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:L) stock is a Buy with a C$68.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Loblaw Companies stock, see the TSE:L Stock Forecast page.

Private Placements and Financing
Loblaw Companies Limited to Issue $500 Million in Senior Unsecured Notes
Positive
Dec 11, 2025

Loblaw Companies Limited announced the issuance of $500 million in senior unsecured notes, which will mature in 2035 and bear an interest rate of 4.387% per annum. The proceeds from this offering will be used to repay existing debt and for general corporate purposes, enhancing Loblaw’s financial flexibility. The notes are expected to be rated ‘BBB (high)’ with a ‘Positive’ trend by Morningstar DBRS and ‘BBB+’ by Standard and Poor’s, reflecting confidence in Loblaw’s financial stability and market position.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:L) stock is a Buy with a C$68.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Loblaw Companies stock, see the TSE:L Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyM&A Transactions
EQB Acquires PC Financial, Transforming Canadian Banking Landscape
Positive
Dec 3, 2025

EQB Inc. has entered into an agreement to acquire PC Financial from Loblaw Companies, marking a significant transformation in the Canadian banking sector. This acquisition will create one of Canada’s largest loyalty-linked banking ecosystems, enhancing the PC Optimum program and expanding EQB’s customer base to over three million Canadians. The transaction, valued at approximately $1.3 billion, will see Loblaw become a significant minority shareholder in EQB, while EQB will gain access to PC Financial’s extensive credit card portfolio and assets. This strategic move is expected to redefine challenger banking in Canada, offering increased value and rewards to customers.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:L) stock is a Buy with a C$65.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Loblaw Companies stock, see the TSE:L Stock Forecast page.

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial DisclosuresStock Split
Loblaw Companies Reports Strong Q3 Revenue Growth and Strategic Expansion
Positive
Nov 12, 2025

Loblaw Companies reported a 4.6% revenue growth in the third quarter of 2025, driven by increased customer engagement and new store openings. The company’s focus on value offerings and loyalty rewards contributed to higher sales in both food and drug retail segments. Loblaw’s strategic expansion includes opening 76 new stores and 100 new pharmacy clinics by the end of the year, enhancing its market presence and providing affordable groceries and healthcare to underserved communities across Canada. The company also completed a four-for-one stock split, reflecting its strong financial performance and commitment to future growth.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:L) stock is a Buy with a C$67.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Loblaw Companies stock, see the TSE:L Stock Forecast page.

Glossary
BuyA stock rated as a "Buy" is expected to perform better than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock is likely to deliver higher returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
HoldA stock rated as a "Hold" is expected to perform in line with the overall market or a specific benchmark. This rating indicates that the stock is neither particularly compelling nor unfavorable for investment. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.
SellA stock rated as a "Sell" is expected to perform worse than the overall market or a specific benchmark over the near-to-medium term. This rating suggests the stock may deliver lower returns compared to other stocks in the same sector or market index. Note: This is not investment advice; please consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Disclaimer

This AI Analyst Stock Report is automatically generated by our AI systems using advanced algorithms and publicly available financial, technical, and market data. While the information provided aims to be accurate and insightful, it is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Any content created by an AI (Artificial Intelligence) system may contain inaccuracies and/or contain errors. Investing in stocks carries inherent risks, and past performance is not indicative of future results. This report does not account for your personal financial circumstances, objectives, or risk tolerance. Always conduct your own research or consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions. The analysis and recommendations provided are based on historical and current data and may not fully reflect future market conditions or unexpected developments. Neither the creators of this report nor its affiliated entities guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information presented. Use this report at your own discretion and risk.Date of analysis: Dec 18, 2025