Opinions
Stephen Takacsy, B. Eng, MBA
Pet Valu Holdings
PET-T
PAST TOP PICK
Jan 23, 2024
Stock price when the opinion was issued
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Premium contentThe retailer of pet supplies in Canada opened 11 new stores last quarter, increasing its network to 794, and is targeting a total of 40-50 new stores in 2024. Cash reserves are growing while debt is retired. It trades at 22x earnings and its dividend is backed by a payout ratio under 40% of cash flow. We recommend setting a stop-loss at $21, looking to achieve $37 -- upside potential of 38%. Yield 1.5%
(Analysts’ price target is $37.59)Premium contentWe reiterate PET, Canada's largest pet food distributor with over 800 locations, as a TOP PICK. The company announced completion of its BC distribution centre, the second largest in Canada (following its own in Ontario) and plans to grow in Calgary. We like that cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired, while trading at 23x earnings. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $21) to $23, looking to achieve $33 -- upside potential of 28%. Yield 1.6%
(Analysts’ price target is $32.67)Premium contentShares are basically flat over the past year do some quarterly misses, but its PE has fallen to 22.34x, below its 24.06x, making it an attractive entry point. It pays a moderate 1.72x dividend because the company is investing in expansion, which should bolster top and bottom lines in future quarters and reinforce the company's prominence in this healthy space.
Premium contentWe reiterate this Canadian based Pet store operator. Recently reported earnings showed a 28% increase in net income. The company has opened its Vancouver regional distribution centre, positioning well ahead of the holiday season. We like that cash reserves are growing, while debt is retired. We recommend trailing up the stop (from $16) to $18, looking to achieve $32 -- upside of 25%. Yield 1.7%
(Analysts’ price target is $31.82)Premium contentIt 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.
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Is the leading pet retailer in Canada as pet adoption continues to grow. This business is recession-proof. The valuation had to come in. Organic same-store sales growth has slowed a little, but management has delivered by expanding store count in underserved markets. The PE has fallen from 30x to 15x and now is 17-20x, which is reasonable considering growth potential and cash flow.