2008-11-18 18:02:31 - SADIF-Investment Analytics SA has applied its StockMarks™ stock-rating system to Metro Inc and produced a research report, rating the company's attractiveness to long-term investors.

Mira, Portugal - November 18, 2008 - SADIF Investment Analytics SA, today announced the release of a new equity research report covering Metro Inc (MRU.A). The report utilizes SADIF's powerful StockMarks™ stock rating system and is required reading for any current or potential Metro Inc investor.

Report Summary: Canadian retailer Metro Inc operates supermarkets in Ontario and Quebec. The company's positioning

in the non-cyclical consumer goods sector has afforded it a level of resilience to the current volatility in the markets and talk of a global recession. Metro's shares have gained 15.5% this year, compared to the 31% decline in the TSX composite index. The company has come under pressure in recent years due to the entrance of Wal-Mart into the Canadian grocery retailing industry, intensifying competition among the local players. Nevertheless, during the first half of 2008 Metro was able to squeeze earnings growth out of its business. While sales growth was slow during the company's third fiscal quarter ended July 5th, increasing 0.9% compared to the same period in 2007, diluted earnings per share rose 6.5%. Metro was successfully able to pass on rising costs to the consumer while at the same time boosting earnings during the quarter. Investors will get an update on the company's progress when it releases results on November 19th. Metro is making moves to consolidate many of its Ontario stores under the Metro banner, aiming to create a national brand. However, is the boost in Metro shares simply the result of a movement of investors towards defensive stocks or does it accurately reflect the company's outlook? In order to assess this question, we can examine the company through the use of the StockMarks framework. Metro Inc currently has an overall long-term investment-attractiveness rating (Total StockMark or SMT) of 66, rating above the Canadian market average. This rating places Metro fourth when compared to ten of the company's closest peers, selected on the basis of both similarity of business and market positioning factors.

The complete report breaks down the Total StockMark into its three components - Business, Management and Price, performing a thorough analysis of Metro Inc for long-term investors.

A summary of the StockMarks™ ratings for Metro Inc is available here:
sadifanalytics.com/stockmarks/company.php?ticker=MRU.A&cod_count ..

The report has been distributed to Reuters, and forwarded to Yahoo Finance and FT.com. It is available under 'Analyst Reports' from these websites, from multiple professional platforms including Reuters Knowledge, TheMarkets.com and Thomson Research or directly from SADIF-Investment Analytics SA at:
sadifanalytics.com/stockmarks/article/hist_article.php?cod_count ..


About SADIF-Investment Analytics SA
SADIF-Investment Analytics SA is an independent investment research company covering sixteen different markets and over 12,000 companies. Our StockMarks™ system is based on proven investment principles and is designed to drive long-term shareholder returns.