STOCKCHASE

Controls Loblaw (L-T). Systemic problems have largely been addressed. Big cash horde. Can strategically make acquisitions. Demonstrated they have a real discipline. People should be rewarded nicely over the next couple of years.

2011-07-26

Comment

72.760

Bill Carrigan

Consumers staples have had a bit of a renaissance. Many of the staples have made 52 week highs, but this one hasn’t. You might as well stay with it during this run up. Safe play is still ongoing. Once it starts to peek out, consider reducing.

2011-05-27

HOLD

70.800

Loblaws (L-T) reported earnings that were very strong. Technological efficiencies and cost cutting at Loblaws could continue to be a positive. Margins could be a problem.

2011-05-11

DON'T BUY

69.650

You have Loblaws that might not be able to pass through price increases and the bread side may not be able to either. Sales are down 0.8% also. Not surprised stock reacted negatively.

2011-05-10

TOP PICK

69.740

Brooke Thackray

Very defensive play. Little bit of a dividend as well. Good solid play for this time of the year.

2011-05-05

DON'T BUY

65.430

Andrew McCreath

He would see other places to deploy his capital. They are a solid company but he is not so comfortable some of the corporate moves on the M&A side. Thinks they will have some challenges.

2011-03-30

BUY

67.220

Should have fallen by the amount of the dividend. What happened was you got a turnover in the type of holder. Some of the fast money that might have been in there was exiting. Now you would expect value guys to step up and buy it. It’s worth looking at, as it is getting interesting.

2011-03-10

WEAK BUY

68.100

Barry Schwartz

Forth quarter comes up in a fe days. You will do ok. Food inflation has not really hit them yet with raising grain prices. A great company to own. 45% of Loblaw. Well run company, lot of free cash flow. They like to make acquisitions. Not his favourite in the space and he things he should own it but own it.

2011-03-01

Comment

69.000

Stock came off when after issuing a huge dividend. Under performed a further $2-$3 since. Owns 71% of Loblaws (L-T) and if you take this out you have the value of the bread and bakery business along with their cash. Not a great growth company.

2011-02-16

WEAK BUY

69.400

John O'Connell, CFA

Just paid out a special dividend. You have to pay more tax on these dividends, which take the stock price down. Weston is a great baker in a very competitive business. Transportation costs have been rising recently. Great balance sheet. You probably can’t get hurt a lot. It’s not an exciting story. Would be a solid investment in the low $60s

2011-02-15

Comment

68.670

Rick Stuchberry

Stable and well managed. Has had some very good runs in the last year. Doesn’t want to be in this sector right now.

2011-02-07

Comment

72.170

John Zechner

Food price inflation is coming through but that’s not much of a headwind for Loblaws (L-T) as they have to be able to pass through price increases to the customers. Non-Loblaws related food business has some growth but it’s slowed down and can’t see the multiple going up. 5% growth and low risk investment, so if you’re comfortable with that, it is fine. Good dividend.

2011-01-19

DON'T BUY

72.170

Just paid out a $7 dividend and is why the stock is down. Nothing fundamentally wrong with the company. Is trading at about net asset value right now. He prefers Empire (Sobeys).

2011-01-19

BUY

75.310

Just paid out $7.75 as a special dividend. About 70% is tied to Loblaws (L-T), which has had a significant turn around. Going forward it will need 1) continued success of Loblaws, 2) ability to expand bakery operations. Will take time to get back to where it was. Very good balance sheet.

2011-01-14

BUY

82.850

Jeff Black

Special dividends are priced in. Has had a good turn-around. Food inflation is a concern in the business and they can’t pass it on to consumers. Long term buy

2011-01-11

BUY

83.540

Brian Acker, CA

A holding company of which a significant chunk is Loblaws (L-T) so would look at Loblaws instead. If you like Loblaws, you could Buy this one.

2011-01-05

BUY

83.980

Jim Huang

Trading at a high multiple because they are sitting on a lot of cash and may pay out a large dividend.

2010-12-30

Comment

83.550

Norman Levine

Made up of Westin Bakeries in NA and Loblaws (L-T). Sold some bakeries and partially used the cash as a special dividend for Jan/11. Stock really moves up and down with Loblaws, which has been flat lately. Starting to see some food inflation, which will be good for Loblaws. Prefers Loblaws.

2010-12-29

TOP PICK

77.790

Steven Conville

The big fear of Wal-Mart coming has now gone. Weston has their supply chain in a position where they can compete. They can grow their earnings in 2011 even if the economy is weak.

2010-10-15

PAST TOP PICK

77.450

(A Top Pick Sept 1/09. Up 38%.) Sold his holdings at around $70. Wouldn't buy at these levels but $70-$75 would be attractive.

2010-09-23

HOLD

66.250

Randy LeClair

Preferred D series. Redeemable starting in October. Pretty sure this won't get called. One of their perpetuals. Probably trades below its call price of $26. Good holding.

2010-09-17

PAST TOP PICK

79.620

(A Top Pick Aug 19/09. Up 41.4%.) His way of being invested in Loblaws (L-T). Discount to NAV is now gone so he sold at about $72-$73 (25%) and moved into the preferred shares.

2010-09-15

PAST TOP PICK

82.190

(A Top Pick Sept 1/09. Up 47%.) Sold his holdings at about $74. Fairly valued at these levels.

2010-08-26

PAST TOP PICK

74.530

(A Top Pick May 15/09. Up 18.94%.) (Think this should be Aug 19 and up 27.1%, not May 15 as BNN shows. Bill) Sold his holdings through a covered call strategy with about 30% return and switched into preferreds.

2010-06-23

HOLD

70.240

Christine Poole

(Market Call Minute.) Have a load of cash right now and own a big chunk of Loblaws. Well managed but she would like to know what they are going to do with the cash.

2010-03-30

HOLD

70.780

Randy LeClair

Preferred shares? Thanks they are perpetual, which can be dangerous because they are very long term but are giving a good yield. Doesn't own any but has his eye on them. Solid company.

2010-03-29

DON'T BUY

71.310

Douglas Kee

Bakery side is improving. Did a big sale in the US and have a lot of cash. Dividend is not that attractive and hasn't grown a lot.

2010-01-08

PAST TOP PICK

65.990

(Top Pick Dec 19/08, Up 10.8%) Sitting on a pile of cash. Loblaws seems to be turning the corner and bakery division is turning the corner and showing profits. The nice thing is that they are not rushing out to spend the cash. They are probably not willing to dividend out the extra cash as they are a family-owned company.

2009-12-22

Comment

63.900

Stan Wong

Consumers staple space. Has done well in the last few months. If you are looking for something levered to an economic recovery, this is not the best space to be in. Great franchise. Trading at 17X forward earnings.

2009-12-17

PAST TOP PICK

61.090

(A Top Pick Nov 18/08. Up 0.5%.) 2.4% yield. A smart way to play the recovery in Loblaws (L-T). Extremely rich balance sheet with $4 billion or more in cash. Well priced.

2009-11-27

BUY

59.100

Paul Gardner, CFA

(Market Call Minute) Tremendous cash on the books. They really like it.

2009-11-24

PAST TOP PICK

56.170

(Top Pick Oct 15/08, Up 6%) This isn’t one you want to own in this market. Was right for the time.

2009-10-19

TOP PICK

57.190

Trading at a discount to net asset value. You are getting bakery business and real estate both for free.

2009-09-01

BUY

56.160

Gavin Graham

(Market Call Minute.) A cheap way to own Loblaws (L-T) which is having a very decent turnaround.

2009-08-25

TOP PICK

57.800

At a historical discount relative to underlying net asset value, which includes Loblaws (L-T) and a net cash position coming from various different US businesses that they have sold.

2009-08-19

BUY

55.320

Mike S. Newton, CIM FCSI

(Market Call Minute.) Fits in perfectly with a seasonal trade right now. Decent dividend yield.

2009-08-11

BUY

56.660

Defensive business, which nobody seems to want anymore in the short term. Expect they will eventually spend their $4 billion in cash. Probably not a bad Buy without much downside.

2009-08-10

DON'T BUY

58.010

Major asset is Loblaws (L-T) but more recently they have sold some US companies and are sitting there with about $20 a share. Until you know what they are going to do with their excess cash you're better off staying away from this.

2009-08-05

PAST TOP SHORT

63.000

Jeff Parent B. Eng. FCSI

(A Top Short Feb 20/08. Recommended covering on July 30 for a gain of 7.7%.) Important to have a strong price discipline.

2009-02-11

PAST TOP PICK

64.610

(A Top Pick Jan 8/08. Up 21%.) Loblaws (L-T) had been overly punished and any sort of improvement would be a benefit. Also bakery division was turning around and they have since sold at a profit.

2009-02-02

PAST TOP PICK

19.990

Preferred A's. (A Top Pick Apr 25/08. Down 10%.) Now that they have sold their bakery division, it is not known what the company is going to do. Yields about 8.6%.

2008-12-30

TOP PICK

59.000

Finally seeing some improvements in Loblaws (L-T) and the beginning of a turn. Recently sold their US bakery division. Speculation that they could privatize Loblaws.

2008-12-19

BUY

57.230

(Market Call Minute.)

2008-12-01

PAST TOP PICK

19.600

Preferred A's.(A Top Pick Apr 25/08. Down 10%.) This was a Pairs trade with a Short on Loblaws (L-T) and he made above 15% off the Shorts. (Thought preferreds would be safer than the common but commons did exceptionally well. Still likes preferreds. Still a defensive play but won't have the kind of run it had in the last 3 months.

2008-11-18

TOP PICK

62.400

There have been some improvements in the bakery operations. Seeing more earnings coming in from the Loblaws sector.

2008-11-18

Comment

59.500

Looking at this through the common shares, but more particularly through the C or D preferreds, which are selling around $16.25 while the call price is $26. Doesn't expect this will occur anytime soon. Could give a good capital gains.

2008-11-12

DON'T BUY

61.600

Robert Floyd

Very defensive play and that is why a lot of people are interested in it. In a normal environment, food is a great place to be when the market is having troubles but in this case, it is not acting as well as it probably should. Competition is growing.

2008-10-30

BUY

54.990

One of few stocks that has been up recently

2008-10-16

TOP PICK

54.450

Strong Cash flow, low economic sensitivity, showing signs of improving. Little economic risk, start with partial position. Stop $46.

2008-10-15

HOLD

46.890

Robert Floyd

(Market Call Minute.) In a long basing phase along with Loblaw's (L-T). Loblaw's have had their distribution problems and he would like to see this issue resolved.

2008-08-21

PAST TOP SHORT

44.090

Jeff Parent B. Eng. FCSI

(A Top Short Feb 20/08. Gain of 7.7%.) Would probably be covering this one right now. Wouldn’t invest in this one way or another.

2008-07-30

PAST TOP PICK

18.270

Preferred A's.(A Top Pick April 25/08. No change when you include dividends.) Pairs trade. Went Long George Weston preferreds (WN.PR.A-T) and Short Loblaws (L-T). Still likes for the next year.

2008-07-28

BUY

48.500

A major large cap stock that has had total capitulation. Improvements in the bakery operation were wiped out by the appreciation of the Cdn$ as well as getting hit by the problems at Loblaws (L-T). Also hit by inflationary problems of the inputs going in. Selling at reasonable valuation level for a long-term investor.

2008-04-30

TOP PICK

20.750

Preferred A's. A pairs trade. Going Long on George Weston preferreds (WN.PR.A-T) and Shorting Loblaws (L-T). Although this one does have a big stake in Loblaws (L-T), it has a 7% yield, first call on Loblaws’ assets and most of their value is derived out of the bakery goods.

2008-04-25

PAST TOP PICK

49.560

(A Top Pick Mar 16/07. Down 32%.) The capitulation followed the capitulation of Loblaws (L-T), of which they owned 70%. Loblaws has almost $30 of value in real estate in the stock. Cdn$ had a negative effect. Think this area will be more stable. The stock is worth a lot more than what it is today.

2008-04-15

PAST TOP PICK

44.480

(A Top Pick Feb 20/07. Down 37% including dividends.) The thesis at that time was that the US bakery operations were turning around. Any improvement was wiped out by the advancement in the Cdn$. Those operations are still in better shape than what they where, but it is all about Loblaws (L-T). He is considering averaging down.

2008-03-05

TOP SHORT

47.900

Jeff Parent B. Eng. FCSI

Been trading this one back and forth. Just covered a position and may be entering a new position soon. Broke through some fairly solid support. Feels Loblaws (L-T) is driving it down. Potential for going down to $40 is strong.

2008-02-20

DON'T BUY

48.370

David Baskin

(Market Call Minute.) Loblaws (L-T), which drives this stock, still has a lot of problems to work out.

2008-02-19

BUY

49.700

Norman Levine

2 main parts to it, 1) holdings in Loblaws (L-T) and 2) bakery divisions throughout North America. Feels Loblaws is the dominant price in the stock, which has been hit a lot because Loblaws shares have come down a lot. (See comments under Loblaws (L-T).

2008-02-11

TOP PICK

55.260

(A Top Pick Jan 29/07. Down 29.4%.) Got hit with a double whammy last year. Just when they were turning the US bakery operations around last year, they had to fight the Cdn$. Could be cash flowing $11/$12 a share over the next couple of years. Also has some very attractive preferreds.

2008-01-08

DON'T BUY

53.250

Paul Gardner, CFA

Got hurt because it came out with lower earnings, based mostly on Loblaws, which is having terrific troubles with its margins, restructuring. Could go lower. 2.7% dividend.

2007-11-21

BUY

65.780

Likes this because 70% of it is really Loblaws (L-T). The market is underestimating the value of Loblaws, let alone their real estate.

2007-11-06

PARTIAL BUY

75.600

Rob Callander

Like a lot of other stocks, it has had a correction, but on top of that Loblaws (L-T) and some of their issues have affected it. He feels that Loblaws will work through their problems. This stock gives you a little bit of diversification. Buy this in stages.

2007-08-14

BUY

80.050

Potential and franchise value of Loblaws (L-T) is being underestimated, particularly given the large asset value that lies within the company. You also have a play on the US bakery side as well.

2007-07-13

Comment

78.070

David Baskin

Loblaws (L-T) vs George Weston (WN-T). If Loblaws doesn't turnaround, you have other parts to cushion the blow. This would be the safer pick, but it will not do well if Loblaws does badly.

2007-06-19

BUY

78.070

John O'Connell, CFA

Have really struggled because of their Loblaws exposure. They will get it right eventually.

2007-06-19

DON'T BUY

74.970

Brian Acker, CA

Has always been expensive to him. His model price is $58.47 a negative differential of 22%. Loblaws (L-T) writing off goodwill is a good thing for his calculations.

2007-05-24

TOP PICK

72.210

New management has come in to Loblaws and cleaning out everything. They will look pretty tight and lean when they're done. If their earnings bounce back to the norm of $5, it looks extremely cheap.

2007-03-16

TOP PICK

73.800

Jonathen Wellum, B. Comm, B. Sc

Recently replacing management with some top-quality changes. Making a very concerted effort on the supply chain management in Loblaws (L-T).

2007-02-20

PAST TOP PICK

71.820

(A Top Pick Mar 8/06. Down 18.9%.) Was too optimistic on Loblaw’s (L-T) turnaround.

2007-02-09

TOP PICK

78.070

Has recovered from around $70 to the $78 level. Market not giving credit for the underlying strength that Loblaws (L-T) has, which has taken steps to write off a great deal of inventory and worked very hard on their supply chain. Weston’s bakery business in the US has shown some signs of improvement.

2007-01-29

TOP PICK

76.290

Likes companies that are in a business that are going to relatively stable. Their Loblaws (L-T) holdings are taking a lot of action to get rid of excess inventory and put better tracking systems in place. Bringing in new management for this. Bakery business in the US is turning around.

2007-01-05

DON'T BUY

73.700

One of the issues with this is that you have to feel comfortable where Loblaws (L-T) is as it is a very big chunk of their mix. Not a fan of Loblaws. It’s in a difficult situation.

2006-12-12

BUY

70.260

Despite the fact that Loblaws (L-T) is the major component, Loblaws has changed management and upgrading their distribution channels. Have started buying this one.

2006-11-14

DON'T BUY

69.850

David Baskin

Will pretty much track Loblaws (L-T). He likes the preferred shares, which he feels are pretty solid. Doesn't own the common.

2006-10-23

DON'T BUY

71.840

Jonathen Wellum, B. Comm, B. Sc

They have to get their act together at Loblaws (L-T). Too early yet.

2006-10-16

DON'T BUY

71.900

Robert Floyd

This is a question on how Loblaws will do. Wait a quarter or so to see how numbers are going to shake out. Senior executive changes were a little disturbing. Still has Wal-Mart competition to worry about.

2006-10-13

PAST TOP PICK

70.070

(A Top Pick Mar 8/06. Down 20%.) This has basically being driven by Loblaws (L-T). He is weathering through the food orientation to discount.

2006-10-10

VAGUE

72.820

George Weston. Competitors have caught up to them, very competitive area.

2006-09-26

TOP PICK

78.230

Buying a little less on return of equity, but paying a fair amount less for it. You have the food side through Loblaws (L-T), but you also have the bakery side.

2006-09-19

DON'T BUY

78.450

Ian Nakamoto

This is a defensive play and the market seems to be gravitating towards defensive stocks. Feels there are better ways to play it until earnings get turned.

2006-09-11

DON'T BUY

75.370

Laura Wallace

Principal asset is Loblaws (L-T) which has been struggling. Loblaw is doing the right thing on a long-term basis but execution has been very disappointing.

2006-08-21

WATCH

73.090

Has fallen off because of Loblaws (L-T). Cheap at 13 X earnings and is becoming so cheap, that it will be a great buy at some point.

2006-08-14

DON'T BUY

73.090

Laura Wallace

The key thing for them is its principal asset, Loblaws (L-T) which is currently way down. Their other operations are their bakeries that have high input costs. Of the 2, would prefer the purer play of Loblaws but wouldn’t buy either at this point.

2006-08-14

DON'T BUY

73.000

Not a good chart. Owns 71% of Loblaws (L-T) whose chart is similar. The bakery side has turned around somewhat but is still not robust. Wait for the first decent “up quarter”.

2006-08-10

BUY on WEAKNESS

81.490

Jonathen Wellum, B. Comm, B. Sc

Would buy it below $80. On his radar screen.

2006-07-18

PAST TOP PICK

85.550

Gavin Graham

(A Top Pick Jan 31/06. Up 6%.) A cheap way to own Loblaws. There has been no change in its fundamentals.

2006-05-03

TOP PICK

88.600

He has owned George Weston for quite some time. They believe that this company is making structural changes to really position their business for the long term and to truly compete with Walmart and any one else that wants to come into the country. Giving investors a unique opportunity to buy Weston and Loblaws. Great long term conservative well run companies. Prefers to buy below $85.00

2006-03-08

TOP PICK

86.700

Bob Stodgell

May have overstepped the program too quickly and are trying to fix it. The advantage is Loblaws , which is their core holding. Great positioning in market place and they have the stores. Walmart is a threat. But they are pretty experienced and they are going to rectify their mistakes. He bought in the low 80's.

2006-03-02

VAGUE

88.110

Food and Beverage stocks tend to be underperforming in the market. Risks are low though.

2006-02-27

VAGUE

83.750

Bill Carrigan

Watch the trends. Right now it is a down trend. Uncertain of the stock action.

2006-02-14

TOP PICK

82.690

Gavin Graham

The holding company for Loblaws (L-T) plus it has excellent businesses of its own. Excellent management. Their bakery business is turning around. Good price.

2006-01-31

DON'T BUY

87.160

Laura Wallace

Loblaws (L-T) is its principal asset. Loblaws and this one have been terrible investments this year. If you are a positive on Loblaws, owning their stock is the better way to play this.

2005-12-22

Comment

84.360

David Taylor, MBA, CFA

Looking at this one right now. The significant portion of this company is Loblaws (L-T) which is down quite a ways. The bakery side is trading at about 8 X cash flow, which normally would be 10 X cash flow.

2005-12-20

WAIT

82.450