Stock price when the opinion was issued
Canada's largest retailer in the space. Industry growth driven by pet adoption, and higher spending per pet. Really strong 22% EBITDA margins. Healthy free cashflow, reinvested in opening new stores and distribution centres. Consistently beats consensus.
Same-store sales growth has slowed since pandemic moves. Stock's corrected to 19x earnings, really good buy considering earnings quality and plans for growth. Yield is 1.4%.
It got very overvalued during the pandemic hype, but this has since normalized. However, systems sales are still growing as they open 40-45 new stores annually. The market remains underserved outside cities. A cap-lite model, generating 22% EBITDA margins, and over 20% ROIC. Strong free cash flow. A great time to buy at 16x PE. Is recession-proof. Likely a takeover candidate.
It missed on expectations last week so the stock is down. It is interesting to note that its emphasis will now be on rural markets. There is more pricing power and less competition in rural areas. Also pet ownership in these areas is high.