Two top retailers with gains ahead

Article Excerpt

REITMANS (CANADA) LTD. $16.28 (Toronto symbol RET.A; SI Rating: Extra Risk) (514-384-1140; www.reitmans.com; Shares outstanding: 68 million; Market cap: $1.1 billion; Dividend yield: 4.4%) owns 984 women’s clothing stores across Canada. The chain consists of 372 Reitmans, 167 Smart Set, 163 Penningtons, 123 Addition Elle, 76 Thyme Maternity, 66 RW & Co. and 17 Cassis stores. Reitmans continues to monitor its regional markets, and open and close stores as necessary. In the three months ended October 31, 2009, Reitmans’ revenue fell slightly, to $270.7 million from $271.2 million a year earlier. Same-store sales declined 2.2%. Earnings fell 17.7%, to $18.9 million, or $0.28 a share, from $23 million, or $0.33 a share. The recession and rising unemployment in Ontario and Alberta hurt Reitmans’ sales and profits in the latest quarter. To boost sales, the company spent more on advertising. The higher advertising costs, and lower investment income, also hurt Reitmans’ profits. However, the company’s strong brand recognition puts it in a good position…