The Successful Investor Hotline – Friday, February 19, 2016

Article Excerpt

CANADIAN TIRE CORP., $129.83, Toronto symbol CTC.A, saw weaker sales in the latest quarter, as warmer-than-usual weather hurt demand for winter goods such as snow shovels and tires. Lower gasoline prices also dampened revenue at its gas stations. The company’s overall sales fell 7.5%, to $3.4 billion from $3.7 billion. Cost controls and lower marketing costs boosted company earnings, despite the revenue fall. In the three months ended January 2, 2016, the company earned $225.2 million, up 8.1% from $208.3 million a year earlier. Earnings per share gained 13.6%, to $3.01 from $2.65, on fewer shares outstanding, easily beating the consensus estimate of $2.55. The 498 Canadian Tire outlets outperformed the company’s other retail chains. It reported 2.0% higher same-store sales, thanks to stronger demand for kitchen equipment, cleaning products, toys and Christmas-related merchandise. Same-store sales fell 0.4% at its 433 sporting goods stores, including Sport Chek and Sports Experts, on lower demand for winter clothing and weaker sales at its Alberta stores. The…