tiprankstipranks
Trending News
More News >
Metro Inc. (TSE:MRU)
TSX:MRU

Metro Inc. (MRU) AI Stock Analysis

Compare
430 Followers

Top Page

TSE:MRU

Metro Inc.

(TSX:MRU)

Select Model
Select Model
Select Model
Outperform 78 (OpenAI - 4o)
Rating:78Outperform
Price Target:
C$113.00
â–²(14.81% Upside)
Metro Inc. demonstrates strong financial performance and positive earnings call sentiment, despite short-term operational challenges. Technical indicators suggest stability, and valuation metrics indicate the stock is fairly priced.
Positive Factors
Revenue Growth
Consistent revenue growth indicates strong market demand and effective sales strategies, supporting long-term business expansion.
Pharmacy Division Performance
Growth in the pharmacy division diversifies revenue streams and strengthens Metro's market position in health-related retail.
Cash Flow Generation
Strong cash flow generation enhances financial flexibility, enabling reinvestment in growth initiatives and debt management.
Negative Factors
Mechanical Issue Impact
Operational disruptions from mechanical issues can lead to significant financial losses and impact supply chain efficiency.
Increased Operating Expenses
Rising operating expenses can pressure profit margins, potentially reducing profitability if not managed effectively.
Freezer Issue Cost Impact
Continued costs from operational issues may strain financial resources and delay recovery efforts, impacting short-term earnings.

Metro Inc. (MRU) vs. iShares MSCI Canada ETF (EWC)

Metro Inc. Business Overview & Revenue Model

Company DescriptionMetro Inc. operates as a retailer, franchisor, distributor, and manufacturer in the food and pharmaceutical sectors in Canada. It operates supermarkets and discount stores that provide fresh and grocery products, baked goods, prepared foods, meats, dairy products, fruits and vegetables, frozen foods, bakery products, and pastries, as well as Mediterranean and Middle Eastern products. As of September 25, 2021, the company operated a network of approximately 963 food stores under various banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C, and Food Basics, Adonis, and Premiere Moisson as well as approximately 649 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy, and Food Basics Pharmacy banners. It also manufactures generic drugs; and provides online grocery shopping services. Metro Inc. was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Montréal, Canada.
How the Company Makes MoneyMetro Inc. generates revenue primarily through the sale of food and grocery products in its supermarkets and stores. The company's revenue model is based on a traditional retail framework, where it purchases products from suppliers at wholesale prices and sells them to consumers at retail prices, earning a margin on each sale. Key revenue streams include fresh food, packaged goods, and non-food items. Additionally, Metro Inc. benefits from private label products, which offer higher margins compared to branded products. The company also engages in promotional activities and loyalty programs to drive customer retention and increase sales. Significant partnerships with local suppliers and distributors enhance its product offerings and support its commitment to local sourcing, which helps attract customers and contribute to overall earnings.

Metro Inc. Earnings Call Summary

Earnings Call Date:Nov 19, 2025
(Q4-2025)
|
% Change Since: |
Next Earnings Date:Feb 03, 2026
Earnings Call Sentiment Neutral
The earnings call reflects a solid overall performance with notable sales growth, gross margin improvement, and strong pharmacy division results. However, mechanical issues at the Toronto distribution center pose a significant challenge, impacting financials and same-store sales. While operational recovery is underway, additional costs are expected in the upcoming quarter.
Q4-2025 Updates
Positive Updates
Sales Growth
Total sales in Q4 reached $5.1 billion, an increase of 3.4% from the previous year. Food same-store sales grew by 1.6%, while pharmacy same-store sales increased by 4.8%.
Gross Margin Improvement
Gross margin for the quarter was $1.022 billion, accounting for 20% of sales, up from 19.7% in the previous year, driven by shrink improvement and productivity gains.
Adjusted Net Earnings Increase
Adjusted net earnings rose to $246 million from $227 million last year, marking an 8.6% increase, with adjusted EPS growing by 10.8% year-over-year.
Resumption of Toronto DC Operations
Operations at the Toronto distribution center resumed on November 10, with expectations to return to normal by the end of December.
Pharmacy Division Performance
Pharmacy sales were strong with prescription sales up by 5.5%, driven by specialty medications and clinical services.
Online Sales Growth
Online sales grew by 19.8% in the quarter, boosted by click-and-collect services and home delivery launches.
Store Expansion
Opened 14 new stores during fiscal '25, with a net increase of 294,000 square feet in retail space.
Negative Updates
Toronto Freezer Mechanical Issue
A mechanical issue with the Toronto freezer led to an after-tax financial impact of $22.5 million in Q4, with expected additional costs of $15-$20 million in Q1 of F'26.
Impact on Same-Store Sales
The freezer shutdown negatively impacted food same-store sales by approximately 30 basis points.
Increased Operating Expenses
Operating expenses increased by 4% year-over-year, partly due to $6.1 million in direct costs related to the freezer issue.
Company Guidance
During the Metro Inc. 2025 Fourth Quarter Results Conference Call, the company provided detailed guidance on financial metrics and operational impacts for the fourth quarter and the outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2026. The revenue for Q4 reached $5.1 billion, marking a 3.4% increase compared to the previous year, driven by a 1.6% rise in food same-store sales and a 4.8% growth in pharmacy same-store sales. However, a mechanical issue in the Toronto frozen distribution center led to a $22.5 million after-tax financial impact, with $24.5 million attributed to inventory losses and $6.1 million to additional direct costs. Despite these challenges, the company achieved a gross margin of 20%, up from 19.7% the previous year. Adjusted EBITDA rose by 6.8% to $491 million, reflecting a 9.6% margin, while net earnings per share increased by 10.8% to $1.13. For Q1 of fiscal 2026, Metro Inc. anticipates direct costs related to the freezer issue to impact net earnings by $15 million to $20 million, but expects sales and margins to normalize by the end of December. The company also plans to invest approximately $550 million in capital expenditures for fiscal 2026, aiming for a net square footage increase of 1% to 1.4% in its food retail network.

Metro Inc. Financial Statement Overview

Summary
Metro Inc. exhibits strong financial health with consistent revenue growth, stable profit margins, and robust cash flow generation. The balance sheet reflects moderate leverage and effective asset management.
Income Statement
85
Very Positive
Metro Inc. has demonstrated consistent revenue growth, with a 0.78% increase in the latest year. The gross profit margin remains strong, although slightly decreased from previous years. Net profit margin and EBIT margin are stable, indicating efficient cost management and profitability. The EBITDA margin is healthy, reflecting strong operational performance.
Balance Sheet
78
Positive
The company's debt-to-equity ratio is moderate, suggesting a balanced approach to leveraging. Return on equity is solid, indicating effective use of shareholder funds to generate profits. The equity ratio is stable, reflecting a strong capital structure and asset management.
Cash Flow
82
Very Positive
Metro Inc. shows a positive trend in free cash flow growth, with a 2.119% increase. The operating cash flow to net income ratio is robust, indicating strong cash generation relative to net income. The free cash flow to net income ratio is healthy, supporting the company's ability to fund operations and investments.
BreakdownTTMDec 2025Dec 2024Dec 2023Dec 2022Dec 2021
Income Statement
Total Revenue22.01B22.01B21.22B20.72B18.89B18.28B
Gross Profit4.23B3.78B4.18B4.08B3.78B3.65B
EBITDA2.06B2.08B1.99B2.00B1.79B1.74B
Net Income1.02B1.02B928.80M1.01B846.10M823.00M
Balance Sheet
Total Assets14.54B14.54B14.14B13.87B13.40B13.59B
Cash, Cash Equivalents and Short-Term Investments67.30M67.30M29.40M29.50M13.40M445.80M
Total Debt4.60B4.60B4.31B4.32B4.12B4.56B
Total Liabilities7.49B7.49B7.10B7.05B6.78B7.18B
Stockholders Equity7.03B7.03B7.02B6.80B6.60B6.40B
Cash Flow
Free Cash Flow1.16B1.16B1.06B867.60M847.80M969.90M
Operating Cash Flow1.61B1.61B1.56B1.46B1.37B1.49B
Investing Cash Flow-424.00M-424.00M-471.50M-586.90M-492.70M-487.30M
Financing Cash Flow-1.15B-1.15B-1.09B-861.80M-1.31B-998.30M

Metro Inc. Technical Analysis

Technical Analysis Sentiment
Neutral
Last Price98.42
Price Trends
50DMA
97.21
Positive
100DMA
97.07
Positive
200DMA
99.40
Negative
Market Momentum
MACD
0.36
Positive
RSI
48.73
Neutral
STOCH
50.01
Neutral
Evaluating momentum and price trends is crucial in stock analysis to make informed investment decisions. For TSE:MRU, the sentiment is Neutral. The current price of 98.42 is below the 20-day moving average (MA) of 99.47, above the 50-day MA of 97.21, and below the 200-day MA of 99.40, indicating a neutral trend. The MACD of 0.36 indicates Positive momentum. The RSI at 48.73 is Neutral, neither overbought nor oversold. The STOCH value of 50.01 is Neutral, not indicating any strong overbought or oversold conditions. Overall, these indicators collectively point to a Neutral sentiment for TSE:MRU.

Metro Inc. 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$20.95B21.0914.48%1.51%3.71%12.40%
76
Outperform
C$73.07B29.8721.51%1.51%4.21%14.03%
71
Outperform
$55.69B43.10102.01%0.20%14.02%20.11%
70
Outperform
C$36.22B24.7726.36%1.23%4.15%149.50%
69
Neutral
C$2.35B16.4418.69%3.28%2.08%9.31%
68
Neutral
C$10.70B15.7512.66%1.80%2.58%7.85%
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:MRU
Metro Inc.
98.42
8.60
9.57%
TSE:L
Loblaw Companies
61.89
14.61
30.89%
TSE:DOL
Dollarama
204.30
62.98
44.56%
TSE:EMP.A
Empire Co Cl A NV
46.60
3.37
7.80%
TSE:NWC
North West
49.12
1.20
2.50%
TSE:WN
George Weston
94.94
20.12
26.89%

Metro Inc. Corporate Events

Financial Disclosures
METRO Inc. to Announce Q4 2025 Financial Results
Neutral
Oct 21, 2025

METRO Inc. announced it will release its fourth quarter fiscal 2025 results on November 19, 2025, followed by a conference call for investors and financial analysts. This announcement is significant for stakeholders as it provides insights into the company’s financial performance and strategic direction, impacting its market positioning and investor confidence.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MRU) stock is a Buy with a C$110.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Metro Inc. stock, see the TSE:MRU Stock Forecast page.

Dividends
METRO Inc. Declares Consistent Quarterly Dividend
Positive
Sep 29, 2025

METRO Inc. has announced a quarterly dividend of $0.37 per common share, consistent with the previous quarter’s dividend, payable on November 11, 2025, to shareholders recorded by October 23, 2025. This announcement reflects the company’s stable financial performance and commitment to returning value to its shareholders, reinforcing its strong position in the food and pharmacy industry.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MRU) stock is a Hold with a C$111.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Metro Inc. stock, see the TSE:MRU Stock Forecast page.

Metro Inc. Earnings Call Highlights Growth Amid Challenges
Sep 1, 2025

Metro Inc. Reports Strong Earnings Amid Competitive and Inflationary Challenges

Business Operations and StrategyFinancial Disclosures
Metro Inc. Achieves Strong Q3 Growth with Strategic Expansions
Positive
Aug 13, 2025

Metro Inc. reported a strong performance in the third quarter of Fiscal 2025, with sales reaching $6,871.0 million, a 3.3% increase from the previous year. The company saw significant growth in both food and pharmacy same-store sales and successfully opened five new food stores, aligning with its strategy to expand its discount banners. This growth is attributed to effective cost control, productivity gains, and strategic investments in its retail network and supply chain, which are expected to drive long-term shareholder value.

The most recent analyst rating on (TSE:MRU) stock is a Hold with a C$86.00 price target. To see the full list of analyst forecasts on Metro Inc. stock, see the TSE:MRU 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