Iconic retailer’s outlook is bright

Article Excerpt

Canadian Tire has risen 50% from a low of $36.56 last November. That’s mainly because the company is benefiting from its innovative new store designs, which include wider aisles and better lighting. It has also done a good job of managing its financing division during the credit crisis. Moreover, it is making better use of one of its most underappreciated assets — roughly $2 billion in real estate. CANADIAN TIRE CORP. $50 (Toronto symbol CTC.A; Conservative Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 81.6 million; Market cap: $4.1 billion; Price-to-sales ratio: 0.5; SI Rating: Above Average) operates 476 stores that sell automotive, household and sporting goods. These account for around 60% of the company’s revenue, and 45% of its earnings. Canadian Tire also owns other retail chains, including 374 Mark’s Work Wearhouse casual-clothing stores, 274 gas stations (many have car washes and convenience stores) and 87 Part-Source auto-parts stores. Mainly on the strength of its store renovations, Canadian Tire’s sales rose 29.2%, from…