Costly upgrades for BMTC

Article Excerpt

BMTC GROUP $13.00 (Toronto symbol GBT.A; TSINetwork Rating: Extra Risk) (514- 648-5757; No website; Shares outstanding: 37.0 million; Market cap: $481.0 million; Dividend yield: 1.9%) is one of Quebec’s largest retailers of furniture, electronics and household appliances. In the three months ended June 30, 2016, sales rose 4.6%, to $197.0 million from $188.4 million a year earlier. The company earned $12.4 million, up 1.7% from $12.2 million a year ago. The retailer continues to buy back shares. As a result, per-share earnings for the quarter jumped 18.5%, to $0.32 from $0.27, on fewer shares outstanding. Website and store improvements are a big part of BMTC’s growth plans. However, the cost of these upgrades—$25.6 million— will weigh on profits for the next year or two. BMTC Group is a hold. hold…