The Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) share price is trading flat at $29.29 today even after researchers at investment bank UBS reportedly put a "buy" rating on the supermarket operator's shares.
Woolworths has long been locked in a battle for market share with supermarket operator Coles Group Limited (ASX: COL) that has recently been spun-off by investment conglomerate Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES).
These days both Coles and Woolworths face more competition from overseas discounters like Aldi and Costco, however, this does not appear to have put UBS analysts off.
So let's take a look at a few reasons why UBS analysts may be keen on Woolworths shares.
- The foods business delivered same-store sales growth of 1.8% for the 14 weeks to September 30, 2018. This is a reasonable result given the period reportedly included a negative impact on sales due to the decision to ban single-use plastic bags.
- The group's dividends are reasonably reliable due to the defensive revenue streams it earns as a dominant national supermarkets business. In FY 2018 it paid $1.03 per share in dividends, which gives it a trailing yield of 3.5% plus the benefits of full franking credits.
- Despite the rising competition from overseas, the group still has a strong competitive position compared to the vast majority of other companies in the S&P / ASX200 for example. This gives it excellent bargaining power with its suppliers and helps to protect profit margins. Its everyday rewards program for example also helps ensure shoppers keep coming back.
- Its alcohol retailing business under the Dan Murphy's and BWS brands is in a very strong competitive position and highly profitable. Its bottle shop businesses delivered sales of $2.1 billion over the most recent quarter and the brands dominate the wines markets for example, with the only serious competition coming from Coles operated bottle shops.
- After a period of poor performance, investors seem more confident in the group's prospects under CEO Brad Banducci.
- The November 9 sales of its petrol station business to EG Group for $1.725 billion means investors will expect some kind of capital management initiative from Woolworths' management either in the form of a share buyback or special dividend.
- It delivered $1.23 in earnings per share in FY 2018 and trades on 23x trailing earnings. This is not cheap, but analysts are forecasting healthy growth in earnings per share out to FY 2021.
Assuming its margins don't come under too much pressure Woolworths could be a reasonable bet for dividend seekers. But there are probably better bets out there if you're after growth, value and yield.
