Gary Balter
Gary Balter
company discount flat gross margins near quarter reflection sluggish term transition trends view weather
While every quarter is important, we view AZO as a company in transition and would discount flat comps or sluggish gross margins as more a reflection of near term weather trends than a concern.
announced believe changes management michaels plus
Michaels announced management changes that we believe will be a plus to the story at this time.
above absent current earnings imply improvement level signals stock trades view
The stock trades above a level that we would view as appropriate for the current earnings that, absent signals of improvement or takeover, would imply downside.
commercial competitor despite drivers earnings executing faces footage improve investors looking margins operating remind results retailing sales slowing square strong
Despite the macro concerns, today's strong results should remind investors that Lowe's is executing as well in retailing today, has some significant sales and earnings drivers in installed sales, commercial and distribution, and faces a competitor that is slowing square footage and looking to improve operating margins in its core.
budget budgets core drives gets microsoft office product spending supply time
If Microsoft gets the product out in January, that would still be in time for the new budget spending that drives many mid-to-small businesses, the core of the office supply segment.
benign best cycle environment finally looks product stay
These are the best of times for Best Buy. The product cycle is finally here, the competitive environment ... is benign and looks to stay that way for the foreseeable future.
best
These are the best of times for Best Buy.
cash deal investors looking seems strange
At first glance, this seems like a strange deal as investors in Sears Holdings are looking for cash generation, not new investments.
cash continued growth higher lack point prices store
Their lack of investments in systems, continued new store growth by Wal-Mart and higher prices point to short-term cash maximization, not long-term growth,
apparel appliances consumer given light links nap nice section store weak
The two weak links in the store are apparel and consumer electronics. One could have had a nice nap in the consumer electronics section given the light traffic. Conversely, appliances were buzzing.