Debt-free furniture sellers poised for gains

Article Excerpt

LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $12.33 (Toronto symbol LNF; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 73.1 million; Market cap: $892.9 million; Dividend yield: 2.9%) has built its chain of over 66 furniture stores 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. In the three months ended March 31, 2011, Leon’s sales fell 6.0% in to $191.6 million from $203.8 million a year earlier. Weaker consumer spending and a drop in new-housing starts held back sales. 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,…