Stan Wong
Metro Inc (A)
MRU-T
COMMENT
Jan 13, 2017
Recently sold his holdings. Looking at the macro picture, he is stepping more into cyclical names, and away from defensive, low volume, high dividend type names. Probably wouldn’t want to own a lot of consumer staples. He is zero weight in consumer staples. There is lots of competition with Loblaw’s, Walmart, etc.
Retail food business in Canada performing well in Canada. Would buy stock on weakness. Current share price valued high. Sector will continue to perform well given nature of industry.
Trading at market multiple. Raised dividend. Low-risk business, with only 3 grocery stores in Canada. Took advantage of increase in food prices, but now prices are coming down. Excess profit will be squeezed out. Won't lose money, but won't make it either for the next 2 years. Enjoy the dividend.
He sold this a while ago and has now added it back. As a defensive stock it is one of the better plays over the next one or two years.. It has done a good job of re-vamping its stores and most of its capital spending is done. Buy 1 Hold 10 Sell 0
Believes grocery business will be strong through the summer & current economic cycle. Share price reflecting value for long term investors. Stock breaking out into new highs. Groceries a great place to hide during this time.
Buys grocers for defensiveness and value, not growth. He hasn't been trimming, still some runway to go. Efficiency gains in the space have been incredibly strong via technology. Rate cuts support households, which supports retail including grocers.
It's broken out since mid-July in a solid run. We're late in the overall cycle in which energy, materials and staples thrive, because this is when inflation comes back. Unfortunately, he expects inflation to return in 2025. Staples can pass on inflation to consumers.
When he recommended it, it was poised to break out, based on indicators like strong institutional buying. Also, he wanted exposure to defensives. Really happy with this pick.
Recently sold his holdings. Looking at the macro picture, he is stepping more into cyclical names, and away from defensive, low volume, high dividend type names. Probably wouldn’t want to own a lot of consumer staples. He is zero weight in consumer staples. There is lots of competition with Loblaw’s, Walmart, etc.