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Topic: Growth Stocks

Aggressive portfolio: Leon’s Furniture earnings decline in latest quarter

Leon’s Furniture Ltd., symbol LNF on Toronto, has built its chain of over 69 furniture stores in Canada on its four main strengths: a huge selection of furniture, appliances and electronics; a lowest-price guarantee; strong after-sales service; and aggressive TV, radio and print advertising.

We analyze Leon’s in Stock Pickers Digest, our newsletter that recommends stocks that may be appropriate for your aggressive portfolio.

In the three months ended March 31, 2011, Leon’s sales fell 6.0 %, to $191.6 million from $203.8 million a year earlier. Weaker consumer spending and a drop in new-housing starts held back sales. The aggressive portfolio stock’s earnings fell 14.0%, to $9.8 million, or $0.14 a share, from $11.4 million, or $0.16 a share. The slower sales were the main reason for the earnings decline. The company also spent more on advertising.

Right now, Leon’s owns 39 of its stores and franchisees operate 30. The company plans to speed up its expansion by opening roughly five new stores a year over the next five years. In fall 2011, Leon’s plans to open four new stores, in Regina, Saskatchewan; Rosemere, Quebec; and the Ontario cities of Mississauga and Guelph.

The company is also renovating its existing stores. It is now making major upgrades to its stores in Sault Ste. Marie and Sudbury.

Leon’s has no debt, and holds cash of $202.8 million, or $2.90 a share. The company is also a dividend paying stock. Leon’s pays a quarterly dividend of $0.09 a share. The annual rate of $0.36 yields 2.9%.

We updated our advice on Leon’s and other stocks that may be suitable for your aggressive portfolio in the July 2011 issue of Stock Pickers Digest, which you get absolutely FREE when you take a 1-month free trial to Stock Pickers Digest. Click here to get started right away.

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