Topic: How To Invest

Hi Pat: With the economy slowly recovering, could I have your opinion on Rona? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

Rona Inc., $15.55, symbol RON on Toronto (Shares outstanding: 129.7 million; Market cap: $2.0 billion), is the largest Canadian distributor and retailer of hardware, home-renovation and gardening products. Rona operates a network of about 700 stores of various sizes and formats. Franchisees own some of these outlets. The company also operates 40 stores that are geared to commercial customers, particularly contractors. Rona supplies all of its stores through its own network, which consists of nine distribution centres across Canada. Rona first sold shares to the public for $6.90, and began trading on Toronto in October 2002. In February 2008, Rona announced its “PEP” plan (productivity, efficiency and profitability) to improve its stores. The first phase of the plan aimed to increase profits through a number of initiatives, including closing less-profitable stores and doing a better job of controlling inventory. The company also put more emphasis on training, and it improved its computer systems. In the three months ended September 27, 2009, Rona earned…