SCSS

Household Durables Firms, Electronics Retailers Face Pressure

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On Monday, the maker of the Sleep Number bed, Select Comfort (SCSS) sent shudders through the furniture and bedding manufacturing industry when it warned that not only would fourth-quarter sales miss the mark but that the challenging times would continue into 2014: Select Comfort Corp…reported that preliminary fourth-quarter 2013 total net sales grew 5% year-over-year to $231 million, with flat company-controlled comparable sales growth. The mid-point of the company’s fourth-quarter EPS guidance range of $0.18 to $0.26 assumed low-double-digit growth in total net sales and mid-single-digit growth in company-controlled comparable sales. Through November, company performance was trending consistent with the EPS guidance range, with solid sales results and expense controls. From Cyber Monday through the end of December, however, sales … Read more

4 Quotes That Suggest This Economy May Not Be So Hot

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The stock market’s recent performance has been puzzling to say the least. Not only are valuations stretched, but it seems like with each passing trading session, the broader equity market manages to edge out new highs (regardless of underlying business fundamentals). Though we’re happy to see the market march ever higher, a number of firms on our radar have issued some cautionary comments that are worth noting. Over the intermediate- to- long-term, corporate fundamental outlooks will trump any near-term rise in sentiment caused by the re-scheduling of yet another debt ceiling debate (this one now scheduled for February 7). We’re paying close attention to corporate activity. IBM (IBM) “From a geographic perspective our challenge this quarter was in growth markets, … Read more

Nelson: The 16 Most Important Steps To Understand The Stock Market

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A previous version of this article appeared on our website July 21, 2013. Refreshed and updated throughout, as of July 2018. By Brian Nelson, CFA After earning my MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and training stock and credit analysts from large organizations over the past decade or so, I have heard just about every question (though I admit I am still surprised by many things and remain a very humble student of the markets). I’ve also spent years perfecting the discounted cash flow process for large research organizations such as Morningstar and studied under one of the most famed aggressive growth investors of all time, Richard Driehaus. My knowledge runs the gamut from value through … Read more

How to Think About Corporate Tax Reform

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