The 2009 equity market recovery has led to an increase in Q ratios for the world's largest retailers. What does this mean? They're using their tangible assets effectively and have demonstrated the strength of intangible factors, such as brand and operational efficiency, to create shareholder value.

"Q" is the ratio of a public company's market capitalization to the market value of its tangible assets. So, a Q ratio of above one means that investors value the company's non-tangible assets -- e.g., brand, differentiation, innovation, customer experience and customer loyalty -- and see these factors as reasons to pay a higher price per share. A company with a Q ratio of below one can't generate a sufficient return on its physical assets. According to Deloitte, this could create an arbitrage opportunity, as it may be ripe for an acquisition.

Microsoft is looking to revolutionize the way grocery stores are able to communicate with their shoppers. Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is rolling out MediaCart consoles later this year that will let grocery stores send advertisements to consumers depending on where they are located in their stores.

The basic concept behind the new MediaCart consoles is that users are able to log into a website from their home, enter a shopping list, and have that list waiting for them on a shopping cart when they get to the store. The first of these mediacarts will be in ShopRite supermarkets on the East Coast later this year. For shoppers that have a ShopRite loyalty card, they will be able to get online at home and enter their shopping lists. Once they hit the stores, they will then be able to swipe their cards into the MediaCart, and their list will magically appear.

The carts will be able to keep track of items as they are gathered and will even keep track of the consumer's running bill as well as give them the option to pay for their merchandise without having to wait in the checkout line. I'm not really sure how this would work with weighed items such as produce, but I'm sure Microsoft has thought of this as well.