Greg Newman Loblaw Companies Ltd L-T BUY ON WEAKNESS Jul 31, 2014

Thought of using it today as a Top Pick. Just keeps chugging along. His choice in the space, along with DOL.

Has held in remarkably well; considered a defensive name when markets turn volatile with risk of economic slowdown. Traffic gravitated to its discount banners. Pharmacists' roles have expanded at SDM, which also helps drive traffic. Plans to open more pharmacy-based clinics across Canada. Executing very well. Not inexpensive at 22x forward PE, wait for a pullback.

It holds a variety of grocers, including lower-end, plus Shoppers Drug Mart which performs well. Has owned this for 5-6 years. But it trades at 23x forward PE vs. historically 15-20x, so that's a caveat. Would still buy it.

Depends where you own it. If in a taxable account and you have to pay capital gains, he'd say no. If it's in a registered account, it becomes a very good question, and he'd say yes.

It was on its back forever, and look at it now. There's a lesson for all investors:  a lot of stocks take their time to shine. Still has a 10% growth rate, trades at 22x PE (kind of expensive, but WMT trades at 33x and COST at 45x). He thinks the whole space is pricey, and he'd put $$ into other areas.

Likes its positioning in food retail and its pharmaceutical business. Expansion of pharmacists' duties is helping traffic. Discount banners have really been benefiting from softness in the economy, and they have plans to expand the discount footprint. Acquisition of TNT, an Asian chain, is going well.

Likes the exposure to the business, which has operating leverage.

He wouldn't buy it today. It is expensive with a greater multiple than Metro or Empire. It is low margin business and can be considered a defensive stock. Costco is a great name in the space. The question also asked his opinion on buying it before or after the split. He would probably buy it before.

Very good operators. Shoppers is probably the best part; great job of merchandising and executing. Trading at new all-time high today. Not cheap. But it's the best.

Stock split doesn't change his view of the fundamentals, which he likes. Leading grocer. Advantaged by all its discount banners, and consumers are gravitating toward these with all the economic uncertainty. Store brands like President's Choice and no name are resonating well. Shoppers DM has high organic growth prospects. Biggest loyalty program in Canada. PC Financial is another good segment.

Likes family-led companies, as they go for the long game.

It is doing well with increases in revenue growth. It is at its highest valuation in 25 years. He would consider Metro which has a better valuation and long term performer.