KIRK - News and Analysis from Seeking Alpha 'KIRK' Tag RSS Syndication from SeekingAlpha.com SeekingAlpha.com http://seekingalpha.com/symbol/kirk Best Performing Stocks Since 3/9/09 and 10/9/07 http://seekingalpha.com/article/173057-best-performing-stocks-since-3-9-09-and-10-9-07?source=feed 173057 Below we highlight the best performing Russell 3,000 stocks since the March 9th, 2009 low as well as since the October 9th, 2007 market peak. As you'll see, the majority of the stocks that have done the best since March 9th are still down significantly from their 10/9/07 prices.

The real winners are the stocks that are up the most since the October 9th, 2007 market peak. These companies have seen big gains even as the market pulled back more than 60% before rallying again this year. Kirkland's (KIRK) has done the best since 10/9/07 with a gain of 1,111%. KIRK rose 170% during the 10/9/07-3/9/09 bear, and has since rallied an additional 348%. Other stocks that did well during the bear market and the current bull market include BSTC, BPSG, GTE, MITI, EBIX, JRCC, and NFLX.

]]> Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:46:36 -0500 Bespoke Investment Group Hickey and Walters (Bespoke) submit:

Below we highlight the best performing Russell 3,000 stocks since the March 9th, 2009 low as well as since the October 9th, 2007 market peak. As you'll see, the majority of the stocks that have done the best since March 9th are still down significantly from their 10/9/07 prices.

The real winners are the stocks that are up the most since the October 9th, 2007 market peak. These companies have seen big gains even as the market pulled back more than 60% before rallying again this year. Kirkland's (KIRK) has done the best since 10/9/07 with a gain of 1,111%. KIRK rose 170% during the 10/9/07-3/9/09 bear, and has since rallied an additional 348%. Other stocks that did well during the bear market and the current bull market include BSTC, BPSG, GTE, MITI, EBIX, JRCC, and NFLX.


Complete Story »]]> AIPC ARM AXL BPSG BSTC BZ BZH CAR DDRX DNDN DTG EBIX GTE HGSI JRCC KIRK MED MITI NFLX PIR QCOR Bespoke Investment Group 19 'Babies with Bathwater' and 1 'Dog with Fleas' Stocks for the Week http://seekingalpha.com/article/168732-19-babies-with-bathwater-and-1-dog-with-fleas-stocks-for-the-week?source=feed 168732 At the end of each trading week, Hillbent scans the equity market for potential anomalies which exhibit extremely oversold and overbought conditions. Past observations have revealed that such candidates may experience reversal corrections to the upside or downside once the market reconfirms that their fundamentals remain solidly intact or relatively poor. From a contrarian perspective, these lists may also serve as a precursor to changes in institutional sentiment and underlying fundamentals.

(The purpose of this report is not to provide specific recommendations, but instead serve as a time-saving reference tool and starting point for investment ideas as the upcoming trading week unfolds. Of course, the results generated are not always perfect and users are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence on these names. Note that overbought and oversold conditions are based upon proprietary algorithms and quantitative models instead of conventional technical analysis indicators. As a supplement to this report, please refer to our ETF Trends Report to determine if market direction trends support a bullish or bearish investment bias over short-term, intermediate, and long-term timeframes.)

]]> Mon, 26 Oct 2009 03:15:09 -0400 J Clinton Hill J Clinton Hill submits:

At the end of each trading week, Hillbent scans the equity market for potential anomalies which exhibit extremely oversold and overbought conditions. Past observations have revealed that such candidates may experience reversal corrections to the upside or downside once the market reconfirms that their fundamentals remain solidly intact or relatively poor. From a contrarian perspective, these lists may also serve as a precursor to changes in institutional sentiment and underlying fundamentals.

(The purpose of this report is not to provide specific recommendations, but instead serve as a time-saving reference tool and starting point for investment ideas as the upcoming trading week unfolds. Of course, the results generated are not always perfect and users are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence on these names. Note that overbought and oversold conditions are based upon proprietary algorithms and quantitative models instead of conventional technical analysis indicators. As a supplement to this report, please refer to our ETF Trends Report to determine if market direction trends support a bullish or bearish investment bias over short-term, intermediate, and long-term timeframes.)


Complete Story »]]> CPA CRZO DLX ELN ENP EXP HITK HLS HTCH JEF KIRK OREX OVTI RVBD SCSC SGMO SKYW SMP SMSI SPWRA J Clinton Hill Seven Ways to Profit with Retailers http://seekingalpha.com/article/158832-seven-ways-to-profit-with-retailers?source=feed 158832 With consumer spending sapped over the past year by a sinking economy, massive layoffs, and tanking home prices, investors have been concerned with the financial health of retail stores. At the start of the second quarter earnings report season, conventional wisdom believed that off-price retailers would fare well while luxury retailers would be hit as consumers focused on price and necessities.
Second Quarter Report Card
Most retailers have now reported their fiscal second quarter earnings. Much to the relief of investors, earnings have not been as bad as feared. Offsetting steep declines in sales with store closures, inventory cuts, and other cost reduction measures most retail stores beat second quarter earnings forecasts.
While industry profits declined for the ninth straight quarter, the 8% decline in year-over-year second quarter earnings was less than half the magnitude estimated at the depth of the recession in late March.
There were some surprises too. Discounter Wal-Mart (WMT) reported ho-hum results while competitor Target (TGT) exceeded analysts' forecast by nearly 20%. In high-end retailing, Nordstrom (JWN) reported profits in line with analysts' forecast while Saks (SKS) lost less than feared.
Among building materials retail stores, Lowe's (LOW) disappointed while Home Depot (HD) did not. In department stores, Kohl's (KSS) reported a profitable quarter while J. C. Penney's (JCP) results broke-even. Dillard's (DDS) bled red ink at a lower rate than forecasts as the same-store sales declined for the 12th straight quarter.
What's Ahead for Retailers and Retail Stocks
Retailing industry revenues appear to have stabilized albeit at a low level. Retail stocks as measured by the S&P Retail Index (RLX) are up nearly 24% since Jan. 2 outpacing the S&P 500's 12% gain.
click to enlarge

Many retail industry chiefs are cautious in their outlook. There are few signs that consumers will quickly increase their discretionary spending. Unlike previous recessions, consumers are not relying on credit cards to finance their spending. For one, consumers are de-leveraging and saving more of their income. Second, financial institutions have raised lending standards and lowered credit limits.
The back-to-school shopping season has been relatively subdued so far. There may be some hope here however as several states go on a 'tax holiday' this weekend.
On the brighter side, retail shares also have a few factors going for them.
Year-over-year sales comparisons for retailers stand to become easier in the months ahead. Retailers will not have to measure up against sales boosted by last summer's stimulus checks. Further, the steep fall in retail sales cratered during last year's fourth quarter should help comparisons.
Following positive earnings surprises in second quarter, analysts have been raising their full-year earnings forecasts for many retailers.
Investors with a healthy dose of risk appetite can find some attractive opportunities in the retailing landscape.
Two Mutual Funds
Mutual fund investors can look at no load funds from Fidelity Investments and Rydex Investments. Fidelity Select Retailing (FSRPX) with nearly $145 million in assets has an expense ratio of 1.06%. In comparison, Rydex Retailing (RYRIX) has nearly $115 million in assets and sports a 1.32% expense ratio.
Three ETFs
In the ETF space, SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) is a popular choice for investors. XRT is an equal-weighted ETF that holds positions in about 50 to 60 retailer shares. With over $360 million in assets, XRT has an expense ratio of 0.35%.
PowerShares Dynamic Retail (PMR) uses a selection algorithm that chooses securities based on their fundamental growth, valuation, investment timeliness and risk factors. PMR has nearly $60 million in assets and a 0.60% expense ratio.
Merrill Lynch Retail HOLDRS (RTH) is an exchange-traded investment vehicle that focuses on the retailing sector. The HOLDRS is a unit trust. RTH has invested its assets of $394 million in 18 retail names.
Two Stocks
Investors looking for stocks ideas can consider furniture retailer Kirkland's (KIRK) and discount retailer 99 Cents Only Stores (NDN). Both companies that have put together an impressive string of positive earnings surprises in a challenging retail environment. KIRK and NDN are retailers that make it through Zack's stock screen for 'Two in a Row 10% or more Positive Surprises'. KIRK trades at a forward P/E of about 15 while the less-volatile NDN shares change hands at a 19X forward P/E.
]]> Fri, 28 Aug 2009 05:49:56 -0400 Sam Subramanian With consumer spending sapped over the past year by a sinking economy, massive layoffs, and tanking home prices, investors have been concerned with the financial health of retail stores. At the start of the second quarter earnings report season, conventional wisdom believed that off-price retailers would fare well while luxury retailers would be hit as consumers focused on price and necessities.
Second Quarter Report Card
Most retailers have now reported their fiscal second quarter earnings. Much to the relief of investors, earnings have not been as bad as feared. Offsetting steep declines in sales with store closures, inventory cuts, and other cost reduction measures most retail stores beat second quarter earnings forecasts.
While industry profits declined for the ninth straight quarter, the 8% decline in year-over-year second quarter earnings was less than half the magnitude estimated at the depth of the recession in late March.
There were some surprises too. Discounter Wal-Mart (WMT) reported ho-hum results while competitor Target (TGT) exceeded analysts' forecast by nearly 20%. In high-end retailing, Nordstrom (JWN) reported profits in line with analysts' forecast while Saks (SKS) lost less than feared.
Among building materials retail stores, Lowe's (LOW) disappointed while Home Depot (HD) did not. In department stores, Kohl's (KSS) reported a profitable quarter while J. C. Penney's (JCP) results broke-even. Dillard's (DDS) bled red ink at a lower rate than forecasts as the same-store sales declined for the 12th straight quarter.
What's Ahead for Retailers and Retail Stocks
Retailing industry revenues appear to have stabilized albeit at a low level. Retail stocks as measured by the S&P Retail Index (RLX) are up nearly 24% since Jan. 2 outpacing the S&P 500's 12% gain.
click to enlarge

Many retail industry chiefs are cautious in their outlook. There are few signs that consumers will quickly increase their discretionary spending. Unlike previous recessions, consumers are not relying on credit cards to finance their spending. For one, consumers are de-leveraging and saving more of their income. Second, financial institutions have raised lending standards and lowered credit limits.
The back-to-school shopping season has been relatively subdued so far. There may be some hope here however as several states go on a 'tax holiday' this weekend.
On the brighter side, retail shares also have a few factors going for them.
Year-over-year sales comparisons for retailers stand to become easier in the months ahead. Retailers will not have to measure up against sales boosted by last summer's stimulus checks. Further, the steep fall in retail sales cratered during last year's fourth quarter should help comparisons.
Following positive earnings surprises in second quarter, analysts have been raising their full-year earnings forecasts for many retailers.
Investors with a healthy dose of risk appetite can find some attractive opportunities in the retailing landscape.
Two Mutual Funds
Mutual fund investors can look at no load funds from Fidelity Investments and Rydex Investments. Fidelity Select Retailing (FSRPX) with nearly $145 million in assets has an expense ratio of 1.06%. In comparison, Rydex Retailing (RYRIX) has nearly $115 million in assets and sports a 1.32% expense ratio.
Three ETFs
In the ETF space, SPDR S&P Retail (XRT) is a popular choice for investors. XRT is an equal-weighted ETF that holds positions in about 50 to 60 retailer shares. With over $360 million in assets, XRT has an expense ratio of 0.35%.
PowerShares Dynamic Retail (PMR) uses a selection algorithm that chooses securities based on their fundamental growth, valuation, investment timeliness and risk factors. PMR has nearly $60 million in assets and a 0.60% expense ratio.
Merrill Lynch Retail HOLDRS (RTH) is an exchange-traded investment vehicle that focuses on the retailing sector. The HOLDRS is a unit trust. RTH has invested its assets of $394 million in 18 retail names.
Two Stocks
Investors looking for stocks ideas can consider furniture retailer Kirkland's (KIRK) and discount retailer 99 Cents Only Stores (NDN). Both companies that have put together an impressive string of positive earnings surprises in a challenging retail environment. KIRK and NDN are retailers that make it through Zack's stock screen for 'Two in a Row 10% or more Positive Surprises'. KIRK trades at a forward P/E of about 15 while the less-volatile NDN shares change hands at a 19X forward P/E.

Complete Story »]]> DDS HD JCP JWN KIRK KSS LOW NDN PMR RTH SKS TGT WMT XRT Sam Subramanian Cramer's Lightning Round - Can You Handle Caterpillar? (8/26/09) http://seekingalpha.com/article/158482-cramer-s-lightning-round-can-you-handle-caterpillar-8-26-09?source=feed 158482 Stocks discussed on the lightning round session of Jim Cramer's Mad Money TV Program, Wednesday August 26.

Bullish Calls:

Caterpillar (CAT): "Okay, you bought very well... You bought it when it was an accidentally high yielder. I personally think that CAT, a world class manufacturer. If you can handle it, this is up to you. If you can handle a dip down back to $40, if you can handle a 7 point dip, then I think you hold it, buy, buy, buy... But, if you can't... Sell, sell, sell... Fair enough, I put it in your hands."

]]> Thu, 27 Aug 2009 04:56:39 -0400 SA Editor Miriam Metzinger Stocks discussed on the lightning round session of Jim Cramer's Mad Money TV Program, Wednesday August 26.

Bullish Calls:

Caterpillar (CAT): "Okay, you bought very well... You bought it when it was an accidentally high yielder. I personally think that CAT, a world class manufacturer. If you can handle it, this is up to you. If you can handle a dip down back to $40, if you can handle a 7 point dip, then I think you hold it, buy, buy, buy... But, if you can't... Sell, sell, sell... Fair enough, I put it in your hands."


Complete Story »]]> CAT CNH CNK KIRK ORCL T VZ SA Editor Miriam Metzinger Kirkland’s Inc. Q2 2009 Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/158475-kirklands-inc-q2-2009-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 158475 Kirkland’s Inc. (KIRK)

Q2 2009 Earnings Call

August 26, 2009; 11:00 am ET

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 17:08:12 -0400 Kirkland’s Inc. (KIRK)

Q2 2009 Earnings Call

August 26, 2009; 11:00 am ET


Complete Story »]]> KIRK Closing Update for Wednesday, August 26: Scrapping Back http://seekingalpha.com/article/158470-closing-update-for-wednesday-august-26-scrapping-back?source=feed 158470 4:20 PM, Aug 26, 2009 --

  • NYSE down 9 (0.1%) to 6,687.94.
  • DJIA up 4.23 (0.04%) to 9,544.
  • S&P 500 up 0.12 (0.01%) to 1,028.
  • Nasdaq up 0.20 (0.01%) to 2,024.


GLOBAL SENTIMENT

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 16:32:42 -0400 Midnight Trader Brooks McFeely submits:

4:20 PM, Aug 26, 2009 --

  • NYSE down 9 (0.1%) to 6,687.94.
  • DJIA up 4.23 (0.04%) to 9,544.
  • S&P 500 up 0.12 (0.01%) to 1,028.
  • Nasdaq up 0.20 (0.01%) to 2,024.


GLOBAL SENTIMENT


Complete Story »]]> ALU ATRO AVII BWS CAE CCUR CRME CSIQ DLTR DSW FNM HGSI KIRK PPHM RZ TC WSM Midnight Trader 8 'Bathwater Babies' and 20 'Dogs with Fleas' for the Week http://seekingalpha.com/article/158352-8-bathwater-babies-and-20-dogs-with-fleas-for-the-week?source=feed 158352 (As a supplement to this report, please refer to our ETF Trends Report to determine if market direction trends support a bullish or bearish investment bias over short-term, intermediate, and long-term timeframes.)

1) Stocks with Hillbent’s proprietary "A" (strongest) or "B" (next strongest) ranking in terms of positive fundamentals for revenue and earnings stability comprise what is better known as the "Weekly Babies With Bathwater" watchlist. (See results below)

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:03:00 -0400 J Clinton Hill J Clinton Hill submits:

(As a supplement to this report, please refer to our ETF Trends Report to determine if market direction trends support a bullish or bearish investment bias over short-term, intermediate, and long-term timeframes.)

1) Stocks with Hillbent’s proprietary "A" (strongest) or "B" (next strongest) ranking in terms of positive fundamentals for revenue and earnings stability comprise what is better known as the "Weekly Babies With Bathwater" watchlist. (See results below)


Complete Story »]]> AFFX ANEN ANGO ARJ BAM BLX BRCD CETV CSKI DCO DFG EXR FMR FSC GENZ GMCR HOC IPGP KIRK LDSH NICE SBX SMS SUI TAL TNB TSL WGO J Clinton Hill Small Caps Worth a Look: UIS, SIRI, LUV, SLAB, KIRK http://seekingalpha.com/article/148904-small-caps-worth-a-look-uis-siri-luv-slab-kirk?source=feed 148904 Kirkland's, Silicon Laboratories, Southwest Airlines, Sirius XM Radio, and Unisys have floated to the top.

The one thing I love more than a stock success story is a stock success story that nobody saw coming. These frequently come from the small cap segment of the market, and almost as frequently, these stocks start out their journey as penny stocks. I've got five such stocks to consider today... two are true penny stocks (four, if you go back to February's prices), and four are 'small' by most everyone's definition. Yet, I think all five could pack a large punch for portfolios.

]]> Wed, 15 Jul 2009 06:37:33 -0400 James Brumley James Brumley submits:

Kirkland's, Silicon Laboratories, Southwest Airlines, Sirius XM Radio, and Unisys have floated to the top.

The one thing I love more than a stock success story is a stock success story that nobody saw coming. These frequently come from the small cap segment of the market, and almost as frequently, these stocks start out their journey as penny stocks. I've got five such stocks to consider today... two are true penny stocks (four, if you go back to February's prices), and four are 'small' by most everyone's definition. Yet, I think all five could pack a large punch for portfolios.


Complete Story »]]> KIRK LUV SIRI SLAB UIS James Brumley Performance Review of Our Swing Trading Signals http://seekingalpha.com/article/141906-performance-review-of-our-swing-trading-signals?source=feed 141906 I am pleased to say that the results have been pretty good. As you can see in the following chart, there isn't a loser among the "Strong Buy" Swing Trading Signals:

SymbolNameDate of SignalOriginal PriceMost Recent PriceGain/Loss
ARSTArc Sight, Inc.5/16/2009$14.85$18.1922.0%
KIRKKirkland's, Inc.5/16/2009$6.19$9.5654.0%
DBRNThe Dress Barn, Inc.5/16/2009$14.23$16.5817.0%
ONCYOncolytics Biotech, Inc.5/19/2009$1.65$1.682.0%
HOOKCraft Brewers Alliance, Inc5/23/2009$1.96$2.076.0%
KKDKRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS5/26/2009$3.45$3.635.0%
PENNPenn National Gaming, Inc.5/26/2009$30.39$32.106.0%
AIGAMERICAN INT'L GROUP, INC6/4/2009$1.64$1.714.0%
MSSRMcCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.6/4/2009$6.50$6.754.0%
NBXHMorgan Stanley6/4/2009$5.50$5.500.0%

During this time when these signals were being generated, we have sort of had the wind at our backs. The market has been going through a bit of a trading range, which is good for this kind of signal, and early during this last week we had a breakout above the range. These factors helped the gains in the list above.

]]> Mon, 08 Jun 2009 05:17:07 -0400 Trade Radar Operator Trade Radar Operator submits:

I am pleased to say that the results have been pretty good. As you can see in the following chart, there isn't a loser among the "Strong Buy" Swing Trading Signals:

SymbolNameDate of SignalOriginal PriceMost Recent PriceGain/Loss
ARSTArc Sight, Inc.5/16/2009$14.85$18.1922.0%
KIRKKirkland's, Inc.5/16/2009$6.19$9.5654.0%
DBRNThe Dress Barn, Inc.5/16/2009$14.23$16.5817.0%
ONCYOncolytics Biotech, Inc.5/19/2009$1.65$1.682.0%
HOOKCraft Brewers Alliance, Inc5/23/2009$1.96$2.076.0%
KKDKRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS5/26/2009$3.45$3.635.0%
PENNPenn National Gaming, Inc.5/26/2009$30.39$32.106.0%
AIGAMERICAN INT'L GROUP, INC6/4/2009$1.64$1.714.0%
MSSRMcCormick & Schmick's Seafood Restaurants, Inc.6/4/2009$6.50$6.754.0%
NBXHMorgan Stanley6/4/2009$5.50$5.500.0%

During this time when these signals were being generated, we have sort of had the wind at our backs. The market has been going through a bit of a trading range, which is good for this kind of signal, and early during this last week we had a breakout above the range. These factors helped the gains in the list above.


Complete Story »]]> AIG ARST DBRN HOOK KIRK KKD MSSR ONCY PENN Trade Radar Operator Kirkland’s, Inc. Q3 2008 (Qtr End 11/01/08) Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/107354-kirklands-inc-q3-2008-qtr-end-11-01-08-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 107354

Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

Q3 2008 Earnings Call

]]> Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:31:12 -0500

Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

Q3 2008 Earnings Call


Complete Story »]]> KIRK Kirkland's, Inc. Q2 2008 Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/93124-kirkland-s-inc-q2-2008-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 93124 Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

Q2 2008 Earnings Call

August 28, 2008 11:00 am ET

]]> Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:21:10 -0400 Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

Q2 2008 Earnings Call

August 28, 2008 11:00 am ET


Complete Story »]]> KIRK Kirkland’s, Inc. F4Q07 (Qtr End 02/02/08) Earnings Call Transcript http://seekingalpha.com/article/69888-kirklands-inc-f4q07-qtr-end-02-02-08-earnings-call-transcript?source=feed 69888 Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

F4Q07 Earnings Call

March 25, 2008 11:00 am ET

]]> Tue, 25 Mar 2008 16:50:10 -0400 Kirkland’s, Inc. (KIRK)

F4Q07 Earnings Call

March 25, 2008 11:00 am ET


Complete Story »]]> KIRK Is Kirkland's a Takeover target? http://seekingalpha.com/article/19-is-kirkland-s-a-takeover-target?source=feed 19 Kirkland's Inc (ticker: KIRK), a specialty home decor retailer, represents the exact type of a company a private equity or LBO fund would be interested in acquiring.

]]> Mon, 27 Jun 2005 17:32:06 -0400 William Meade Kirkland's Inc (ticker: KIRK), a specialty home decor retailer, represents the exact type of a company a private equity or LBO fund would be interested in acquiring.


Complete Story »]]> KIRK William Meade