Hold these two for a consumer rebound

Article Excerpt

LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $12.09 (Toronto symbol LNF; TSINetwork Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 69.9 million; Market cap: $845.1 million; Dividend yield: 3.3%) has built its chain of over 72 furniture stores on its four main strengths: a huge selection of furniture, appliances and electronics; a lowest-price guarantee; strong after-sales service; and aggressive TV, radio and print advertising. In the three months ended December 31, 2011, Leon’s sales fell 2.1%, to $193.8 million from $197.9 million a year earlier. Weaker consumer spending and a drop in new-housing starts held back sales. Earnings fell 7.0%, to $19.9 million, or $0.28 a share, from $21.4 million, or $0.30 a share. The slower sales were the main reason for the earnings decline. The company also spent more on advertising. Leon’s plans to speed up its expansion by opening roughly five new stores a year over the next five years. The company recently opened new stores in Rosemere, Quebec; Bathurst, New Brunswick; Guelph, Ontario; Regina, Saskatchewan; and…