Topic: Growth Stocks

REITMANS (CANADA) LTD. $14.25 – Toronto symbol RET.A

REITMANS (CANADA) LTD. $14.25 (Toronto symbol RET.A; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (514-384-1140; www.reitmans.com; Shares outstanding: 66.3 million; Market cap: $944.8 million; Dividend yield: 5.6%) owns 975 women’s clothing stores across Canada.

The chain consists of 366 Reitmans, 158 Penningtons, 158 Smart Set, 123 Addition Elle, 77 Thyme Maternity, 68 RW & Co. and 25 Cassis stores. Reitmans is in the process of closing the Cassis stores and converting them to its other chains.

In the three months ended October 29, 2011, Reitmans’ earnings fell 49.0%, to $10.6 million, or $0.16 a share, from $20.7 million, or $0.31 a share, a year earlier. The company’s sales were down 3.2%, to $254.1 million from $262.5 million. Same-store sales declined 5.8%.

Fewer shoppers visited Reitmans’ stores in the quarter, due to weaker consumer confidence. As well, the company spent more on promotions to fend off rising competition.

However, Reitmans’ strong brands should help its earnings rebound as consumer spending continues to recover. Moreover, strong Canadian dollar helps the company, because it pays its Chinese suppliers in U.S. dollars.

The retailer’s balance sheet remains strong: it holds cash of $229.1 million, or $3.44 a share, and just $9.0 million of long-term debt. Its shares yield a high 5.6%.

Reitmans is still a buy.

Comments

Tell Us What YOU Think

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Please be respectful with your comments and help us keep this an area that everyone can enjoy. If you believe a comment is abusive or otherwise violates our Terms of Use, please click here to report it to the administrator.