Nordstrom, Inc. Earnings Preview

We expect Nordstrom to report a relatively in-line quarter compared with the Street consensus of $1.34 as well as implied guidance of $1.30-$1.35. Overall, we project 1% total sales growth, to $3.7 billion. We project gross margin, including the impact of Fashion Rewards, to decline 35 basis points, and SG&A deleverage of 40 basis points given the softer top line and continued investment. Nordstrom is … Continue reading Nordstrom, Inc. Earnings Preview

LivePerson, Inc. 3Q Results Make the Grade; Getting Nearer to the Turn

Last night, LivePerson Inc., (LPSN) reported stronger than expected 3Q earnings, beating our and the Street’s estimates for bookings, total revenue and non-GAAP EPS. For the next quarter and 2013, management is guiding largely in line with the consensus, though it is tightening the full year ranges for revenue and EPS. Though the company reported respectable results and valuation is reasonable (2.1x EV/2014E Revenue), we … Continue reading LivePerson, Inc. 3Q Results Make the Grade; Getting Nearer to the Turn

British American Tobacco Reports Continued Growth Behind Strength of Vype

As reported by StreetWise Tech, British American Tobacco’s Interim Management Statement for the nine months ended Sept. 30 shows that the group’s Global Drive Brands continue to perform well and that the firm’s newly launched eCig brand, Vype, is off to an encouraging start. We continue to believe that the firm’s wide economic moat is bolstered by its popular brands, global reach, and addictive product … Continue reading British American Tobacco Reports Continued Growth Behind Strength of Vype

Silgan Posts Dismal Quarter; Lowers Full Year Guidance

After reviewing Silgan’s disappointing third-quarter results, we are maintaining our $42 per share fair value estimate as well as our narrow economic moat rating. We are, however, reducing our full-year EPS estimate to $2.78 after management lowered guidance to $2.75-$2.85 from $3.00-$3.15. Our longer-term thesis on Silgan is that, while the company currently possesses a meaningful low-cost manufacturing advantage in its metal food can segment, … Continue reading Silgan Posts Dismal Quarter; Lowers Full Year Guidance

Polaris Continues to Surge; Results Beat Street Estimates

Polaris continues to deliver better-than-expected results, benefiting from persistent demand in response to well-received product launches and healthy growth in recently acquired businesses. While our narrow moat is predicated on strength in the firm’s brand and traditional product categories, we believe acquisitions and expansion into adjacent businesses could act as a major catalyst for earnings over the next decade. Shares are up 54% year to … Continue reading Polaris Continues to Surge; Results Beat Street Estimates

Kimberly-Clark Withstands Pressure, Posts Adequate Earnings Results in Quarter

With a portfolio of leading brands and an expansive global distribution network, Kimberly-Clark continues to withstand the challenges resulting from intense competitive activity and lackluster macro conditions. Management raised the lower end of its full-year adjusted earnings per share expectations to $5.65-$5.75 (from $5.60 and compared with our forecast of $5.71), partly reflecting a lower tax rate and share count. Our $93 fair value estimate … Continue reading Kimberly-Clark Withstands Pressure, Posts Adequate Earnings Results in Quarter