Raw Data Report: Quiksilver, American Eagle Outfitters, Macy's

Each day, Wall Street is flooded with stock research offering a multitude of conflicting investment opinions. As such, TickerMine is not in the business of providing more opinions. We believe that accurate raw data points can be used to gain insight in to the stock selection and valuation process.

Customers Still Love Quiksilver (ZQK)

TickerMine researched Quiksilver, the surfing clothing brand this month after news of its growing popularity in the UK. Respondents at 26 locations were asked if sales had peaked as summer approached? Are any items in backorder? And how much does the average customer spend?

We learned that 31% say business did not peak as summer approached but 69% felt that business increased. 23% say they have items in backorder (watches, shoes, jeans and shorts were mentioned). 77% did not. And the average Quiksilver customer spends more than $67 per visit, our survey says.

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Doing Fine Despite Economy

TickerMine surveyed American Eagle Outfitters stores last week and discovered that 59% of the locations saw a rise in business. American Eagle Jeans are the hottest seller according to 41% of the stores with 17% indicating that T-shirts are their biggest selling item. Every store surveyed claims they have sufficient stock of the hottest selling items for the upcoming season. The average customer spends nearly $64 at an American Eagle store with the range coming in at $25-120.

Sales of Tommy Hilfiger and INC International Concepts Hot at Macy's Stores (M)

Macy's Inc., was profiled by TickerMine this month just as the department store chain turned 150 years old. Researchers quizzed respondents at 25 stores about how business was this month? Which inventory is in excess and destined for the sale rack? Which women's clothing brand sells best? And do you think the weak housing market and economic crisis hurts business?

We found that 40% of respondents feel their business is "above average," surprisingly, and 16% even say it is "very strong." 36% report sales as just "average" and 8% say things are slow. 64% report having nothing in excess needing to go on sale, but 36% do and cite summer clothing, Ben Sherman clothing and men's suits as being in excess. 40% felt that the economic crisis impacted business. 60% say these factors don't hurt anything and BCBG was the most popularly cited woman's clothing brand (according to 12%). Tommy Hilfiger got the same number of mentions, as did INC International Concepts. Less popular brands included Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren, each mentioned by 8%.

Comments

[lorddarley:]

Shares of AEO at today's price are an absolute gift.

2008 Nov 03 08:11 AM