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Loblaw Companies Ltd (LBLCF) Q1 2025 Earnings Call Highlights: Strong Revenue Growth and ...

In This Article:

  • Revenue Growth: 4.1%, reaching $14.1 billion.

  • Adjusted EBITDA Growth: 3% increase to $1.6 billion.

  • Adjusted EPS Growth: 9.3% to $1.88.

  • Net Earnings Per Share (GAAP): Increased by 12.9%.

  • Food Same Store Sales Growth: 2.2% increase.

  • Drug Retail Sales Growth: Absolute sales increased by 4.4%, same store sales grew by 3.8%.

  • Pharmacy Same Store Sales Growth: 6.4% increase.

  • Online Sales Growth: Increased by 17.4% across retail businesses.

  • Retail Gross Margin: Stable at 31.5%.

  • SG&A Rate: Improved by 10 basis points.

  • Free Cash Flow Use: $264 million in the retail segment.

  • Common Shares Repurchased: $478.57 million worth.

  • Dividend Increase: 10% increase, marking the 14th consecutive annual increase.

  • Return on Equity: 24.4%.

  • Return on Capital: 11.8%.

  • New Store Openings: Added 58 hard discount stores in 2024, opened 5 new hard discount banners, 4 new pharmacies, and a second T&T supermarket in downtown Toronto.

Release Date: April 30, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

  • Loblaw Companies Ltd (LBLCF) reported strong financial and operational performance in Q1 2025, with a consolidated revenue growth of 4.1% reaching $14.1 billion.

  • Adjusted net earnings per share grew by 9.3% to $1.88, and on a GAAP basis, net earnings per share increased by 12.9%.

  • The company saw a significant increase in online sales, which grew by 17.4% across its retail businesses, with delivery leading growth in the online grocery channel.

  • Loblaw Companies Ltd (LBLCF) announced a 10% dividend increase, marking the 14th consecutive annual increase.

  • The company is expanding its footprint with plans to open 50 new hard discount stores in 2025, reflecting strong consumer demand for value-focused retail options.

Negative Points

  • Loblaw Companies Ltd (LBLCF) is facing higher than normal cost increases from global vendors, with some in the double digits, which could impact future profitability.

  • The company is experiencing incremental pressure from higher commodity prices and a lower Canadian dollar, affecting cost structures.

  • Tariff-related impacts are beginning to show up in shelf prices, potentially affecting consumer purchasing behavior.

  • The company is still working on reducing shrink in its Shoppers Drug Mart stores, indicating ongoing challenges in managing inventory losses.

  • Despite strong performance, the company acknowledges that Canadians are still under significant affordability pressures due to increased food costs over the past two years.