REIT spinoff will unlock Leon’s value

Article Excerpt

In the past few years, several big Canadian retailers, including Loblaw and Canadian Tire, have unlocked the hidden value of their real estate holdings by setting up publicly traded real estate investment trusts (REITs). Shares of furniture retailer Leon’s rose 10% after it announced its own plans to spin out its real estate holdings as a REIT. We feel the plan will spur the shares even higher over the next few years. Meantime, Leon’s will continue to benefit from its strong brand and expanding online sales. LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $22 is a buy for aggressive investors. The retailer (Toronto symbol LNF; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 67.9 million; Market cap: $1.5 billion; Dividend yield: 2.9%; Takeover Target Rating: Lowest; www.leons.com) began operating in 1909. It now controls nationwide chains (a total of 303 stores) selling furniture and appliances, mainly under the banners of Leon’s (88 stores), The Brick (183), The Brick Mattress Store (21), The Brick Outlet (6) and Appliance Canada (5). Franchisees operate 101 (33.3%) of…