Share buybacks add to their appeal

Article Excerpt

LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $15.41 (Toronto symbol LNF; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (416-243- 7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 70.1 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; Dividend yield: 2.3%) 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 September 30, 2010, Leon’s sales fell 4.2%, to $179.5 million from $187.4 million a year earlier. Weaker consumer spending hurt sales in the latest quarter. Before one-time items, earnings per share rose 11.4%, to $0.25 from $0.22. Earnings rose mostly due to the stronger Canadian dollar, which cut the cost of furniture the company imports. Leon’s was also able to lower its expenses. The company plans to continue to buy back shares. It repurchased $5.4 million of its stock in the latest quarter alone. Share buybacks raise earnings per share and other per-share calculations, and give…