CHICAGO, Nov. 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include the FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:FCN-Free Report), Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M-Free Report), Sears Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SHLD-Free Report) and Kohl's Corp. (NYSE:KSS-Free Report).
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
Here are highlights from Thursday's Analyst Blog:
FTI Expects 3.5% Jump in Holiday Sales
Recent research by global business advisory firm FTI Consulting, Inc. (NYSE:FCN-Free Report) projected nominal holiday sales to register a 3.5% increase this season. This indicates a healthy pickup from the disappointing holiday performance of 2013, which saw the slowest pace of sales increase of 1.8%, since the end of the recession.
FTI anticipates holiday sales to show a marked year-over-year improvement, but still be weak from a historic perspective.
Gradual recovery in the housing market, a strengthening manufacturing sector, and an improving labor market are indicating a steady recovery in the U.S. economy. Moreover, consumer confidence has improved. Another trend that has become common among retailers is the opening of stores early on Thanksgiving evening. Retailers such as Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M-Free Report), Sears Holding Corp. (Nasdaq:SHLD-Free Report) and Kohl's Corp. (NYSE:KSS-Free Report) are opening their shutters early to draw in traffic.
Stronger economic growth notwithstanding, the reality remains that much of the recovery has not translated into consumer spending. In spite of firmer financial footing, consumers still remain cautious.
Moreover, the aggressive promotional tactics that gained ground in 2013 is still continuing in the retail landscape. Deep discounting trends may erode margins and upset bottom-line.
Fragile macroeconomic conditions continue to drive unpredictable changes in the consumer retailing business. Retailers are striving to adjust to the changing demographics, specifically the much weakened pricing power and lasting shifts in consumer attitude. This season, a few retailers like Michael Kors Holdings have already committed to better discipline with regard to price discounting, and will refrain from offering major deals.
Increased focus on high-margin products, improved sales mix in line with recent sales trends and launching promotional strategies early on to leverage e-commerce are some of the strategies retailers can adopt to boost profitability this season.
Today, Zacks is promoting its ''Buy'' stock recommendations. Get #1Stock of the Day pick for free.
About Zacks Equity Research
Zacks Equity Research provides the best of quantitative and qualitative analysis to help investors know what stocks to buy and which to sell for the long-term.
Continuous coverage is provided for a universe of 1,150 publicly traded stocks. Our analysts are organized by industry which gives them keen insights to developments that affect company profits and stock performance. Recommendations and target prices are six-month time horizons.
Zacks "Profit from the Pros" e-mail newsletter provides highlights of the latest analysis from Zacks Equity Research. Subscribe to this free newsletter today.
About Zacks
Zacks.com is a property of Zacks Investment Research, Inc., which was formed in 1978. The later formation of the Zacks Rank, a proprietary stock picking system; continues to outperform the market by nearly a 3 to 1 margin. The best way to unlock the profitable stock recommendations and market insights of Zacks Investment Research is through our free daily email newsletter; Profit from the Pros. In short, it's your steady flow of Profitable ideas GUARANTEED to be worth your time! Register for your free subscription to Profit from the Pros.
Get the full Report on FCN - FREE
Get the full Report on M - FREE
Get the full Report on SHLD - FREE
Get the full Report on KSS - FREE
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/zacksresearch
Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts
Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates.
Media Contact
Zacks Investment Research
800-767-3771 ext. 9339
[email protected]
http://www.zacks.com
Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit http://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101027/ZIRLOGO
SOURCE Zacks Investment Research, Inc.
Share this article