Staples Upgraded to Neutral - Analyst Blog
September 06 2011 - 2:28PM
Zacks
We recently upgraded our long-term recommendation on
Staples Inc. (SPLS), the global leader in the
supply of office products, to Neutral with a price target of
$16.00, following better-than-expected second-quarter 2011 results.
Earlier, we had an Underperform rating on the stock.
The quarterly earnings of 22 cents a share topped the Zacks
Consensus Estimate of 19 cents and jumped 10% from 20 cents
delivered in the prior-year quarter. However, on a reported basis,
including one-time items, Staples delivered earnings of 25 cents a
share, up 38.9% from the prior-year quarter.
Staples now expects third-quarter earnings in the range of 46
cents to 48 cents and fiscal 2011 earnings between $1.39 and $1.45
per share. On a reported basis, including one-time items, the
company expects to deliver earnings in the range of $1.42 to $1.48
per share in fiscal 2011. Earlier, the company had projected fiscal
2011 earnings between $1.35 and $1.45 per share.
Staples reported total sales of $5,819.6 million that rose 5.2%
from the prior-year quarter, and came ahead of the Zacks Consensus
Estimate of $5,653 million. Management now forecasts sales to
increase in the low single-digits in the third quarter and fiscal
2011, respectively.
Being a leading retailer of office products and services,
Staples is better positioned than its competitors to sustain its
growth based on margin expansion, effective merchandising, and
growth prospects across its retail, delivery and international
divisions.
Staples is making prudent investments in the highly fragmented
North American retail market to expand its business technology, and
copy and print services that generate higher profit margins, while
enhancing its core supplies categories like ink and toner. The
company is also focusing on controlling expenses.
The company has been also actively managing its cash flows. The
company is returning much of its free cash to shareholders via
dividend and share repurchases. During the first half of 2011,
Staples repurchased 19.2 million shares for $345.6 million.
Management forecasts capital expenditures of approximately $400
million and expects to generate free cash flow of over $1 billion
in fiscal 2011.
Staples faces stiff competition from office supply retailers,
such as OfficeMax Inc. (OMX) and Office
Depot Inc. (ODP) and warehouse clubs, discount stores,
mass merchandisers, computer and electronics superstores on
attributes such as store format, pricing strategy and in-stock
consistency. This may weigh upon the company’s results.
Moreover, we remain cautious about the macroeconomic environment
and sluggish job market. The decline in business and consumer
spending, and weak credit markets have slowed the demand for
big-ticket items, such as business machines and other durable
products. We observe that the demand for office products is closely
tied to the health of the economy.
Staples holds a Zacks #3 Rank, which translates into a
short-term Hold rating.
OFFICE DEPOT (ODP): Free Stock Analysis Report
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STAPLES INC (SPLS): Free Stock Analysis Report
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