Barry SchwartzEmpire Company (A)EMP.A.TOBUYJul 31, 2012

Grocers are seeing a fantastic upswing in the technicals. Higher highs and higher lows both daily and weekly. 

Likes industries with few competitors, and Canadian grocers are in that space -- can protect margins and revenues. He owns this as well as Loblaw, which is tracking a bit better.

We try not to use target sell prices too much as it typically results in investors too early. Often, there are valid reasons for a move and selling just because a stock hits a somewhat random price does not make sense to us. EMP.A is a quality stable company doing well. Its recent dip makes it more attractive, and insider buying is positive. We would be quite comfortable buying in the $48.50 range. We would review it on news items or if it rose to $55+. Lower interest rates should help the stock.
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Loblaw is the best, so that's the one he wants to own.

The ultimate winner in inflation. Tough business, low margins, competitive. He owns COST. Loblaw is well run, as are MRU and EMP.A

Loves the grocery industry, an oligopoly. Well managed. Cheaper than MRU or L. Doesn't have as many discount banners, not many pharmacies. Still good value at these prices, good turnaround, it's looking for expansion opportunities. Farm Boy acquisition going well. He owns Loblaw.

The black sheep of Canada's big three grocers, but recent results were pretty good and that's raised the stock. Are improving costs and being more efficient. Same-store sales growth is flat, though. They lack a discount brand like Metro and Loblaw, and lack presence in pharmacies. That's why their PE is lower than their peers. Buy at $30-35, though. Well-managed, using technology well for deliveries.

Nice support level was momentarily cracked, which would have scared people like him if he were holding the stock. Recovered, fantastic news. Look at next levels of resistance, around $38. If that breaks, you'll get into old resistance levels of $41-42, and there's a decent chance of this. Looks OK, 7/10. 

Good time in economic cycle for this business. Expecting a pop in this stock. Demand for consumer staples will be strong. Would a good company to own for the long term. 

Turned around Safeway acquisition. Inflation has helped food pricing. Canadian population growth. All the grocery chains own the best locations. Underperformed this year. Valuation much more attractive. Has always logged Loblaw, perhaps because EMP.A has a more confusing structure.

Defensive. Owned it a while ago, but Loblaw offers better value, the Shoppers chain, exposure to cities, and better efficiencies. Neither pays a good dividend, but Empire's chart looks attractive now for the short term. 

Very expensive, trading up near maximums. Be patient, let things fall to something that will give you a better rate of return.

Billy Kawasaki’s Insights - Billy’s most-liked answers from 5i Research. Has seen some target downgrades, although relatively small. The weakness comes after the company stated it expects sales growth to slow. The decline is an interesting buy opportunity as it remains cheap and safe in these market conditions. Unlock Premium - Try 5i Free