Pick of the Junior Retailers – Outlook Stays Positive for These 2 Retailers

Article Excerpt

LEON’S FURNITURE $11.38 (Toronto symbol LNF; SI Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 70.8 million; Market cap: $805.5 million) has built new warehouse showrooms and renovated its existing stores to profit from the boom in residential construction over the last few years. But even if housing sales in Canada slow down significantly, the company will keep prospering because new homeowners tend to keep buying home furnishings in the first few years of ownership. Leon’s has built its chain of over 60 furniture outlets on its three main advantages: a huge selection of furniture, appliances and electronics; a lowest-price guarantee; and superior after-sales service. Leon’s aggressively promotes its cross-Canada stores with TV, radio and print ads. Leon’s reported 3.2% higher sales in the three months ended December 31, 2007, to $185.9 million from $180.1 million earlier. Excluding one-time items, earnings per share rose 10.3%, to $0.32 from $0.29. The company has no debt, and holds cash of $142.6 million or $2.01 per share. Leon’s…