Ken Perkins
Ken Perkins
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.
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.
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.
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.
bad far january numbers surprise turning
January is turning out to be a real surprise to the positive. So far the same-store numbers that we're getting aren't bad at all.
cheaper discount hurting impact marginal products stores
Is Wal-Mart also hurting its business? I think cheaper products at the discount stores did have a marginal impact on the company's sales.
consumer finding last resilient ways year
The American consumer has been particularly resilient over the last year plus, ... They're finding ways to spend.
opinion thrilled vote
We don't have an opinion or more importantly a vote one way or another. We're not thrilled with it ... but it's essentially up to the analysts.
against earnings growth half next second steep year
The deceleration in earnings growth is a significant concern. Techs are up against steep comparisons in the second half of this year and the first half of next year,
effect energy higher prices
We are going to see the effect of higher energy prices trickle up to the middle-income consumers.
district judged school seem valid
When you say a school and a district is going to be judged on this, and then it's not a valid test, that doesn't seem right.
finally gains great month numbers sales seen
We've finally got a great February. The first set of numbers indicates that this was a blowout month with the kind of sales gains that we haven't seen in a while.
happening housing levels market seems spending
If the housing market just levels off, which seems to be happening right now, we'll be OK. But if there's a precipitous drop, then spending could really fall.