Metcash reported FY22 sales of $17.4 billion and EBIT of $472 million. Adjusting for the 53-week in FY22, sales rose 4% and EBIT rose 16%. The results reflects higher price inflation across all divisions and a mix-shift towards the Hardware division, which has higher margins. Metcash has been able to hold onto much of its customer gains made during COVID-19. While we expect a lack of EPS growth over the next two years, the company’s competitive position has improved in each division.

We expect the stock to perform well as the market better understands the benefits Metcash has from higher inflation, the fundamental improvement in its Food market share and multiple revenue drivers in Hardware. Metcash’s market share in grocery has been stable since 2018, a function of its retailers’ better relative price position and less aggressive store openings by rivals. In its Hardware segment, Metcash will benefit from Total Tools store rollout as an offset to a cyclical industry-wide decline in late FY23e.

Metcash reported 1H22 EBIT up 14%. The growth was driven by a full-period contribution from Total Tools in Hardware. Total Tools still has a runway for further growth given imminent store acquisitions. The company has also fundamentally stabilised its market share in Supermarkets. Metcash has a much better business mix and industry structure than historically and as a result the shares should trade at a higher multiple.

Metcash has stabilised its food market share over the past two years and Hardware sales and earnings are likely to grow meaningfully. Metcash is perceived as a COVID-19 beneficiary and therefore has struggled to re-rate in recent months. However, our analysis suggests that its market share in Supermarkets is likely stabilised for more fundamental reasons. Competitors are opening fewer stores, IGAs are no longer shutting stores and the risk of contract losses is now in the rear vision mirror. In the hardware industry, Metcash is likely to gain share given its 60% skew to trade and continued rollout of Total Tools stores.

We have a positive outlook for both revenue growth and profit margins for Coles, Metcash and Woolworths. Higher food inflation is likely to show through and offset the pressures from lower population growth and lapping COVID-19 induced sales growth. Higher inflation is not simply transitory, but has been evident since 2019. The market structure in both supermarkets and liquor add to the investment appeal. We also see a strong recovery for Endeavour Group and can make acquisitions in Hotels.