These retailers sell into tough markets

Article Excerpt

BMTC GROUP $17.93 (Toronto symbol GBT; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (514-648-5757; No website; Shares outstanding: 35.5 million; Market cap: $630.5 million; Dividend yield: 1.3%) has 38 outlets and is one of Quebec’s biggest retailers of furniture, electronics and appliances. The company mainly sells these items through two chains: Brault & Martineau, and Ameublements Tanguay. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, BMTC’s overall sales rose 3.1%, to $203.7 million from $197.6 million a year earlier. The company earned $17.5 million, or $0.48 a share, in the latest quarter. That’s up 19.2% from the $14.7 million, or $0.40 a share. The gain came mostly from the higher sales, but was also due to an increase in the value of BMTC’s investment portfolio. The company will now change its fiscal year end to January 31 from December 31. That brings it in line with most other retailers. December 31 is typically too close to the year’s heaviest selling season. That makes it more…