Hold on to these furniture chains

Article Excerpt

Many consumers are still putting off buying big-ticket items like furniture. That’s hurting sales and profits at Leon’s and BMTC. Leon’s cross-Canada operations make it less risky than BMTC, which only has stores in Quebec. But both are holds for now. LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $11.50 (Toronto symbol LNF; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 70.0 million; Market cap: $805.0 million; Dividend yield: 3.5%) has built its chain of over 76 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 June 30, 2012, Leon’s sales fell 1.1%, to $162.1 million from $163.9 million a year earlier. Weaker consumer spending and a drop in new-housing starts held back sales. Earnings fell 19.8%, to $9.0 million, or $0.13 a share, from $11.2 million, or $0.16 a share. The slower sales were the main reason for the earnings decline. The company also…