Stock Values

Kroger reported its second quarter earnings on Tuesday morning, September 15th, 2009. Earnings were 39 cents vs. 42 cents a year ago, disappointing analysts whose consensus view was 4 cents higher. Sales for the quarter were fractionally lower, as well - $17.74 billion vs. $18.09 billion in the year ago quarter. Here again, analysts expected a slight improvement vs. last year. Kroger also trimmed its profit projections for the year down to $1.90 - $2.00 range. Predictably, market players punished the stock trimming its value by 8%.

When I last looked at clothing companies on May 3, 2007, it was already rather clear that these apparel makers were in for hard times. I called for mid tear brands like Liz Claiborne Inc. (LIZ) and Jones Apparel Group Inc. (JNY) to disappoint, while the more upscale Kenneth Cole Productions Inc. (KCP) and Polo Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) to be less affected. Indeed, over the next two years, as the recession deepened, KCP and RL handily outperformed LIZ and JNY.

Large short-horned grasshopper in the vicinity of Jackson Lake State Park

As markets have continued to rise since the March lows, I've stuck to my strategy of selling positions that reach my end-game targets. Despite this summer's generous boost to most people's portfolios, it produced few meaningful breakouts for individual stocks. A notable exception was Noven Pharmaceuticals (NOVN), which I sold after Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical announced its acquisition (see comment).

I made another step towards self sufficiency yesterday by learning how to properly butcher a kosher chicken. Two Black Leghorn roosters gave their lives to the cause. They were the most misbehaving - plucking hens and always causing a ruckus. I still have 50 chickens (way too many) and a turkey (G-d willing, we will have her for Thanksgiving) left!

Black Leghorn roosters