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.