Simon Shares

• Top40 is all about China. Economic data from China for 2022 released this week was weak, but better than expected.

Which food retailer offers the best value?

Food inflation is still high, 12.7% YonY for December.

But likely peaked (good rains, diesel lower and reducing input costs)

Preferred food retailer?

• Always Shoprite* (JSE code: SHP). But expensive, forward PE 19.5x
• Pick n Pay (JSE code: PIK). Forward PE 20.5x and not as good as Shoprite.
• Woolies* (JSE code: WHL). Exited disaster that is Australia. Forward PE 15x and if they can also fix clothing, real winner.
• Spar (JSE code: SPP). CEO and chair exiting after bad press recently. Poland issues but forward PE 10x.

* I hold ungeared positions.