“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.”
“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.”
“If you are worried about an international company that might lose revenue growth [as a result of economic turmoil abroad] you go back to the domestic places with the earnings, that means retail,”
“Retailers are getting smarter in the way they do business. They are reducing their inventories and keeping prices steady. Consumers are beginning to realize that they can't just wait for the sales like they used to.”
“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.”
