These two stand out from the competition

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LEON’S FURNITURE LTD. $12.20 (Toronto symbol LNF; SI Rating: Average) (416-243-7880; www.leons.ca; Shares outstanding: 70.8 million; Market cap: $863.8 million; Dividend yield: 2.3%) has built its chain of over 66 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, 2009, Leon’s revenue fell 3.9%, to $198 million from $206.1 million a year earlier. But despite the decline, earnings per share rose 3%, to $0.34 from $0.33. The weak economy prompted many consumers to put off buying new furniture. That’s why Leon’s revenue fell during the latest quarter. However, the company’s earnings rose because it was able to cut its costs. In the spring of 2009, Leon’s finished a major renovation at its warehouse-and-showroom store in Laval, Quebec. That was followed by the opening of its first downtown Toronto showroom store, known as the Roundhouse, in the summer…