Ken Perkins
Ken Perkins
despite difficult february good last percent results sales today
We're getting some very good results today despite the very difficult 6.7 percent February same-store sales comparisons from last year.
both difficult facing form gain hurdle last limited percent retailers seen september year
We've already seen some big disappointments in both Limited and Ann Taylor. Up front, retailers are also facing their most difficult hurdle of the year in the form of a 6.1 percent gain racked up in September last year.
began compared couple department group improving november percent performance positive profits quarters rise rose sales seen since stores tracking year
We haven't seen this kind of positive sales performance since we began tracking the group in November 2000. Fourth-quarter profits for department stores rose 5 percent compared to a 1 percent rise a year ago. We've now has a couple of quarters of improving trends.
above average beating falling percent short term
That's well above the long term average of 54 percent beating and 42 percent falling short of expectations.
april december easter gain last low percent prior pushed sales time year
The last time Wal-Mart had a monthly same-store sales gain that low was back in December of 2000, with a 0.3 percent rise. Prior to that was in April of 1996, with a 0.2 percent gain. That was probably another year when Easter got pushed into April.
appear commerce conditions economic improved iraq last march month people run shopping year
Economic conditions have improved significantly from March last year when commerce was impeded for much of the month by the run up to the Iraq war. People do appear to be shopping more.
built carry despite everybody holiday momentum next tough waiting whether year
Everybody is waiting to see whether they can carry the momentum they've built this year into next year despite the tough holiday period.
analyst nightmare numbers october
These numbers are not good. As one analyst put it, October will be the nightmare before Christmas.
consumer continues fairly gas job market provided remain run
The consumer has not run out of gas yet, provided the job market continues to remain fairly decent.
baked cake expected good news numbers quarter rally results second
If numbers are better than expected and the news is good for second quarter outlooks, then we could rally on that. But I think the results are pretty much baked into the cake here.
complete egg laid
It was a complete egg that was laid there. By all accounts, they got killed in apparel.
concerned earnings hit investors sales unless
That's a pretty long stretch, and investors are concerned that earnings could take a hit unless sales improve.
earnings less order strong tech
Earnings are going to have to really go up in order for valuations to look attractive. Tech earnings are going to be strong but it's already more or less priced into the stocks,
aggressive best buy circuit city held holiday looks moving player players primary share taking tried
Best Buy traditionally has been the primary player here and taking share very aggressively from some of the other players in the space, but Circuit City looks to have held their own here this holiday season. The discounters have tried to get into the space. Wal-Mart's been very aggressive in moving in there.