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<generator>Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Insiders Snapping Up Coca-Cola, Western Gas and More]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/insiders/" rel="tag">Insiders</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/ko/" rel="tag">Coca-Cola (KO)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/stocks-to-buy/" rel="tag">Stocks to Buy</a></p><p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="Coca-Cola (KO) logo" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2010/02/coca-cola-logo-240.jpg" />If you are looking for clues telling you which stocks have a good chance of increasing in value, you might want consider watching what insiders are doing. After all, talk is cheap, but when insiders put their own money on the line, you should sit up and take note.</p>
<p>Coca-Cola (<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/the-coca-cola-company/ko/nys">KO</a>) topped the insider-buying charts for the week ending July 9th as insiders snapped up 270,000 shares of company stock at a market value of $16,899,786. During the past six months, insiders have increased their overall holdings in the company by 3.15% and now own 0.55% of KO stock.</p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Insiders Snapping Up Coca-Cola, Western Gas and More</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/">Insiders Snapping Up Coca-Cola, Western Gas and More</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19728966/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/11/22/insiders-snapping-up-coca-cola-western-gas-and-more/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>american apparel</category><category>app</category><category>coca cola</category><category>featured</category><category>inthenews</category><category>kkr</category><category>ko</category><category>primo water</category><category>prmw</category><category>wes</category><category>western gas</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Wade Hansen]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 22 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Closing Bell: A Strong Start for the Third Quarter (YHOO, IMAX, CCIH, APP, DVOX, GMCR)]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/yhoo/" rel="tag">Yahoo! (YHOO)</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/08/bell-black-white.jpg" alt="" />A slightly positive <a href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/slm-corp/ism/nys" class="inlinked">ISM</a> report and a positive report from China kept the U.S. markets in the black on Friday. The first day of the month and quarter is on the heels of a strong September, which was the strongest September in most of our lifetimes. Unfortunately, the joint report on the "Flash Crash" does little to instill any confidence that the system is safe and does not take away concerns that the system may be rigged against retail investors. <br />
<br />
Here were today's unofficial bell levels:<br />
<br />
Dow Jones 10,829.68 +41.63 (0.39%) <br />
S&amp;P 500 1,146.22 +5.02 (0.44%) <br />
Nasdaq 2,370.75 +2.13 (0.09%) <br />
<br />
<a href="http://247wallst.com/2010/10/01/top-analyst-upgrades-and-downgrades-aib-amzn-adm-cat-cop-de-ebay-goog-hbc-jaso-nflx-nsc-unp-xlnx/">TOP ANALYST CALLS</a><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Closing Bell: A Strong Start for the Third Quarter (YHOO, IMAX, CCIH, APP, DVOX, GMCR)</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/">Closing Bell: A Strong Start for the Third Quarter (YHOO, IMAX, CCIH, APP, DVOX, GMCR)</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19657727/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/10/01/closing-bell-a-strong-start-for-the-second-quarter-yhoo-imax/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>american apparel</category><category>APP</category><category>CCIH</category><category>chinacache</category><category>DVOX</category><category>dynavox</category><category>GMCR</category><category>green mountain coffee</category><category>YHOO</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jon Ogg]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 01 Oct 2010 16:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Closing Bell: Another Interruption for Bulls (T, APP, CPWM, NBG, TUTR)]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/t/" rel="tag">AT and T (T)</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/08/bell-black-white.jpg" alt="" />The bulls were firmly in control today. A solid Consumer Sentiment revision helped and managed to dwarf any concerns about <a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/goodrich-petroleum-corp-holding-co/gdp/nys">GDP</a> revisions. But a mid-day news report about a South Korean ship being sunk near North Korea took the wind out of the sails. Fortunately, that appears to be an accident or internal incident rather than anything sinister from the North Koreans. This was another day where the red/black line was not going to be known until the final minutes. <br />
<br />
Here are today's unofficial closing bell levels:<br />
<br />
<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/dow-jones-industrial-average/%24indu/dji">DJIA</a><br />
S&amp;P500<br />
<a class="inlinked" href="http://www.dailyfinance.com/quotes/nasdaq-composite/%24compx/nai">NASDAQ</a><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Closing Bell: Another Interruption for Bulls (T, APP, CPWM, NBG, TUTR)</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/">Closing Bell: Another Interruption for Bulls (T, APP, CPWM, NBG, TUTR)</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19416301/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2010/03/26/closing-bell-another-interruption-for-bulls-t-app-cpwm-nbg/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>american apparel</category><category>cost plus</category><category>greece</category><category>healthcare</category><category>nationa bank of greece</category><category>plato learning</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jon Ogg]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:20:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Nine (and then some) retail stocks to watch this holiday season]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/aapl/" rel="tag">Apple Inc (AAPL)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/ebay/" rel="tag">eBay (EBAY)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/wmt/" rel="tag">Wal-Mart (WMT)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/amzn/" rel="tag">Amazon.com (AMZN)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/sne/" rel="tag">Sony Corp ADR (SNE)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/bby/" rel="tag">Best Buy (BBY)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/cost/" rel="tag">Costco Wholesale (COST)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/anf/" rel="tag">Abercrombie and Fitch (ANF)</a></p><p><img border="1" hspace="4" alt="" vspace="4" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/12/shops.jpg" width="200" height="147" />The next month is the one that matters most to the retail sector. It will dominate the conversation when Q4 and full-year financials are reported. A strong <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/tag/BlackFriday/">Black Friday</a> brought with it <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/28/black-friday-busy-but-momentum-may-not-hold/" target="_blank">concerns that momentum will fade</a>, but opportunity is not dispensed equally. Some retailers will come through the season better than others, and industry experts have already chosen their favorites.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/companyNews/idUSN2743537120091127?pageNumber=1&amp;virtualBrandChannel=11617" target="_blank">Michael Dart, senior partner at Kurt Salmon Associates, says</a>, "We are seeing a paradigm shift in the way consumer interprets value and what they are looking for." The winners will do more than pitch deep discounts to convince consumers to part with their hard-earned cash.<br /></p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Nine (and then some) retail stocks to watch this holiday season</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/">Nine (and then some) retail stocks to watch this holiday season</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19256725/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/11/30/nine-and-then-some-retail-stocks-to-watch-this-holiday-season/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>aapl</category><category>abercrombie and fitch</category><category>Aeropostale</category><category>amazon</category><category>Amazon Kindle</category><category>amazon.com</category><category>american apparel</category><category>amzn</category><category>anf</category><category>ann taylor</category><category>app</category><category>Apple</category><category>aro</category><category>Barclays</category><category>barnes and noble</category><category>bcs</category><category>bebe</category><category>Big Lots</category><category>bks</category><category>Black Friday 2009</category><category>consumer spending</category><category>cost</category><category>costco</category><category>deck</category><category>deckers</category><category>DLTR</category><category>Dollar Tree Stores</category><category>e-readers</category><category>eBay</category><category>featured</category><category>inthenews</category><category>j crew</category><category>jcg</category><category>kindle</category><category>retail sales</category><category>retail sector</category><category>retail stocks</category><category>retailers</category><category>sne</category><category>SONY</category><category>tjx</category><category>tjx companies</category><category>ugg boots</category><category>uggs</category><category>wal-mart</category><category>walmart</category><category>wmt</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Tom Johansmeyer]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 30 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel lays off a quarter of its workers over immigration issues]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/management/" rel="tag">Management</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/employees/" rel="tag">Employees</a></p><p><img hspace="4" alt="" vspace="4" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2009/09/american-apparel.jpg" width="205" height="205" /><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel Inc.</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) has always been unlike any other clothing company: a flamboyant CEO who received oral sex during a magazine interview and marketing logo- and image-free clothing that has become one of the hottest brands in the country.</p>
<p>And the weirdness continues. CEO Dov Charney has been a vocal proponent of immigration rights, and many of the workers at the company's Los Angeles factories were immigrants. Now 1,500 of the company's 5,600 factory workers are being fired because of documentation issues following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation.</p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel lays off a quarter of its workers over immigration issues</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/">American Apparel lays off a quarter of its workers over immigration issues</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19150876/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/09/04/american-apparel-lays-off-a-quarter-of-its-workers-over-immigrat/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>APP</category><category>Dov Charney</category><category>inthenews</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Fri, 04 Sep 2009 12:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel CEO puts big ugly foot in his mouth]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/bad-news/" rel="tag">Bad News</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/management/" rel="tag">Management</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/law/" rel="tag">Law</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/employees/" rel="tag">Employees</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="0" align="right" alt="American Apparel" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/12/american-apparel.jpg" />We might be tempted to think, in this day and age, that a move as stupid as this one could not happen in our enlightened business world. However, the CEO of <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Appare</a>l (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>), seems to think otherwise.<br /><br />According to a <a href="http://gawker.com/5323472/we-predict-more-lawsuits-in-dov-charneys-future">story provided by Gawker.com</a>; "American Apparel's ... madman CEO, Dov Charney is demanding the firing of employees he deems unattractive and thus detrimental to the "AA aesthetic." <br /><br />It doesn't take a rocket scientist to know that people (especially in America) are ultra sensitive to negative comments about appearance. It also does not take a great deal of intelligence to recognize that the firing of employees based on their looks is a stupidly discriminatory practice. So, being that this project is being undertaken at the sole direction of CEO Charney, one does not have to spend much time analyzing exactly who is the stupid one over there.<br /><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel CEO puts big ugly foot in his mouth</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/">American Apparel CEO puts big ugly foot in his mouth</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://gawker.com/5323472/we-predict-more-lawsuits-in-dov-charneys-future>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19110663/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/27/american-apparel-ceo-puts-big-ugly-foot-in-his-mouth/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>appearance</category><category>Dov Charney</category><category>DovCharney</category><category>lawsuits</category><category>ugly</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Gary Sattler]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 27 Jul 2009 15:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel investigated for immigration violations]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/bad-news/" rel="tag">Bad News</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/12/american-apparel.jpg" alt="" />BloggingStocks is a family site, so I will simply note the <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090701/us_nm/us_americanapparel">Reuters headline</a> for this story: <strong>Probe fingers 1,800 <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP)</a> workers</strong>.<br /><br />Now that you have had a moment to make your own joke, we continue with the news -- although I will say that when I saw this headline, I thought that CEO Dov Charney was back to his old tricks.<br /><br />Anyway, a United States federal probe found that about one-third of the company's LA-area factory workers were not authorized to work in the United States.<p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel investigated for immigration violations</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/">American Apparel investigated for immigration violations</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090701/us_nm/us_americanapparel>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/19084048/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/07/01/american-apparel-investigated-for-immigration-violations/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>illegal immigration</category><category>IllegalImmigration</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel settles suit with Woody Allen]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/law/" rel="tag">Law</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/marketing-and-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing and Advertising</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2009/05/220px-woody_allen_at_the_premiere_of_whatever_works.jpg" />Back in April, <a href="http://www.walletpop.com/blog/2009/04/16/american-apparel-tangles-with-woody-allen/">I wrote about Wood Allen's decision</a> to file a lawsuit against <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>). Woody was upset because his image appeared on company billboard that were up for less than one week, and he wanted $10 million in damages. I thought the figure was laughably high and American Apparel lawyers said they did too -- but today <a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-lawsuit-with-woody-allen/?hp"><span style="font-style: italic;">The New York Times</span> reports</a> that the matter has been resolved:<br /><em><br />On Monday morning, as a trial was set to begin in Federal District Court in Lower Manhattan, Mr. Allen announced that he had accepted a $5 million settlement in his lawsuit against American Apparel and Dov Charney, its founder and chief executive. The settlement means that Mr. Allen, who had initially sought $10 million in the trial, can avoid a trial that could have dredged up potentially salacious details about the filmmaker and his wife, Soon-Yi Previn.</em><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel settles suit with Woody Allen</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/">American Apparel settles suit with Woody Allen</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 18 May 2009 18:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-lawsuit-with-woody-allen/?hp>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1549379/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/05/18/american-apparel-settles-suit-with-woody-allen/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>inthenews</category><category>Woody Allen</category><category>WoodyAllen</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 18 May 2009 18:40:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel CEO buys company stock]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/management/" rel="tag">Management</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/insiders/" rel="tag">Insiders</a></p><img hspace="4" border="1" align="right" vspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2009/03/aa_button.gif" alt="" />Shares of <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) have been poor performers since the company went public through a special-purpose acquisition vehicle, even though the company's same-store sales numbers have been incredibly impressive.<br /><br />The company's shares have rebounded recently following the announcement of a major investment by Lion Capital. Now CEO Dov Charney is making his first trades in his company's stock since it went public and guess what? He's buying: 855,000 shares for $2.67 million, including 460,000 shares purchased on margin.<p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel CEO buys company stock</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/">American Apparel CEO buys company stock</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123793816005132057.html#mod=todays_us_money_and_investing>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1497767/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2009/03/25/american-apparel-ceo-buys-company-stock/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>Insider Trading</category><category>InsiderTrading</category><category>inthenews</category><category>retail stocks</category><category>RetailStocks</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 25 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Another CFO for American Apparel]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/management/" rel="tag">Management</a></p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/12/american_apparel-logo.jpg" /><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>), the fashion company sporting impressive growth along with a bizarre corporate sideshow, has a new chief financial officer.<br /><a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/pressRelease/idUS98871+29-Dec-2008+BW20081229"><br />According</a> to a press release, Adrian Kowalewski has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. He's been with the company since 2006, most recently as Director of Corporate Finance and Development. He is only 31 years old. The company's last CFO bowed out not long after CEO Dov Charney <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/">publicly blasted him</a> as a "complete loser."<br /><br />American Apparel's operational growth has been nothing short of phenomenal, but its stock price has been hurt by a lack of professionalism and faith in managerial competence. It's possible that Mr. Kowalewski will do a great job, but let's face it: appointing a 31-year old with little in the way of executive suite experience is not going to get investors breathing a sigh of relief.<br /><br />Hiring a company outsider with a long track record in the industry would have been the savvier move from a PR perspective, but this is a company that marches to the drum of its eccentric founder.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/">Another CFO for American Apparel</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:02:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1413460/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/29/another-cfo-for-american-apparel/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Mon, 29 Dec 2008 15:02:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Debt bombs defused at Macy's, American Apparel]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/competitive-strategy/" rel="tag">Competitive Strategy</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/siri/" rel="tag">Sirius Satellite Radio (SIRI)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/stocks-to-sell/" rel="tag">Stocks to Sell</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/recession/" rel="tag">Recession</a></p><p><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/12/bomb.jpg" align="right" vspace="4" border="1" />In my <a href="http://www.investorplace.com/experts/james_dlugosch/articles/gallery/stocks-to-avoid-in-2009.html">Top 10 Stocks to Avoid in 2009</a>, I suggested that investors stay away from stocks impacted by a handful of specific themes that will play out during the coming year.</p>
<p>Stocks impacted by higher fuel prices, a stronger U.S. dollar, and high defaults in the credit card space should be investment afterthoughts in 2009.</p>
<p>One theme that did not make the list, and probably should have, are companies with so-called debt bombs set to go off at some point during the next year. There are many businesses that have big debts coming due in 2009.</p>
<p>With the credit markets in disarray, the likelihood of obtaining new loans to replace old debt is difficult at best. As such, companies must obtain concessions from bond holders or run the risk of going into default. Whatever scenario plays out, the result is likely to be negative for common shareholders. With so much risk, it makes little sense to venture into stocks with these issues outstanding.</p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Debt bombs defused at Macy's, American Apparel</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/">Debt bombs defused at Macy's, American Apparel</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1407283/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/12/20/debt-bombs-defused-at-macys-american-apparel/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>american apparel</category><category>app</category><category>debt</category><category>debt bomb</category><category>dlugosch</category><category>featured</category><category>m</category><category>macys</category><category>retail</category><category>retail stocks</category><category>retailers</category><category>SIRI</category><category>Sirius</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Jamie Dlugosch]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 20 Dec 2008 13:10:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Former accountant sues American Apparel -- alleges manipulation]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/scandals/" rel="tag">Scandals</a></p>There's plenty of scandal surrounding <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) since it went public but, up until now, it's consisted almost exclusively of allegations of bizarre sexual conduct by the company's founder and CEO Dov Charney.<br />
<br />
But a new lawsuit tosses the American Apparel quandary into a whole new category. Roberto Hernandez, a former accountant at the company, is <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122645241687819393.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace">suing</a> (subscription required) for wrongful termination alleging that, in 2006, Charney "demanded that Mr. Hernandez pad the inventory" in attempt to make the company appear more attractive to investors. Hernandez says that he "refused to participate in any scheme to potentially defraud the investors" and was fired on November 9th of that year.<br />
<br />
This is second time this month that American Apparel has come under fire over allegations that it sought to mislead investors. On November 4th, I <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/">wrote</a> about a lawsuit accusing the company of asking an alleged victim of <a href="http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/05/10/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-5-things-you-need-to-know/">sexual <layer style="background-color: Yellow; color: black;" id="google-toolbar-hilite-0">harassment</layer></a> to participate in an arbitration hearing with a predetermined outcome -- and then plotting to issue a press release declaring victory in the sham hearing.<br />
<br />
Here's the question: With American Apparel's stock beaten down so badly in spite of incredibly impressive sales growth, does any of this really matter? Up until now, you might have been able to say that it doesn't. But many investors will want to steer clear of a company with a lawsuit accusing the company's CEO of directing an accountant to cook the books.<br />
<br />
The shares fell yesterday after the company reported <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-reports-third-quarter/rfid156963891">earnings</a> that were down sharply because of stock-based compensation expenses.<br />
<br />
<strong>UPDATE:</strong> This morning American Apparel released a <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-issues-statement-in/rfid15750627http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-issues-statement-in/rfid1575062722">statement</a> in response to the lawsuit and media reports, calling it a "frivolous and baseless    lawsuit recently filed by a disgruntled former employee." The company added that "It is unfortunate that the media continues to focus on sideshows and    false allegations. It does a disservice to the 10,000 men and women who    make American Apparel such an outstanding company; to our customers who    love our products; and to our investors who appreciate our strong    financial performance and our dedication to being a leading public    company."<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/">Former accountant sues American Apparel -- alleges manipulation</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122645241687819393.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1369355/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/12/former-accountant-sues-american-apparel-alleges-manipulation/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>accounting</category><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>dov charney</category><category>DovCharney</category><category>inthenews</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:45:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The week in preview: Macy's, Nordstrom, Abercrombie, JCPenney, and Kohl's]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/earnings-reports/" rel="tag">Earnings Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/forecasts/" rel="tag">Forecasts</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/wmt/" rel="tag">Wal-Mart (WMT)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/kss/" rel="tag">Kohl's Corp (KSS)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/crox/" rel="tag">Crocs Inc (CROX)</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/urbn/" rel="tag">Urban Outfitters (URBN)</a></p><p><img vspace="4" hspace="4" border="1" align="right" alt="" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/11/urbn_kss_m_crox.jpg" /></p>
<p><em><strong> Update Nov. 26, 2008: See all 2008 <a href="http://www.walletpop.com/specials/black-friday-deals">Black Friday deals.</a> </strong></em><br /></p>
This week, some apparel and accessory producers and retailers offer a look at how they've been doing between early summer's economic stimulus spending and the coming holiday season. While <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/polo-ralph-lauren-corporation/rl/nys">Polo Ralph Lauren Corp.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/polo-ralph-lauren-corporation/rl/nys">RL</a>) reported higher earnings last week, <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/coldwater-creek-inc/cwtr/nas">Coldwater Creek Inc.</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/coldwater-creek-inc/cwtr/nas">CWTR</a>), <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/eddie-bauer-holdings-inc/ebhi/nas">Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc.</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/eddie-bauer-holdings-inc/ebhi/nas">EBHI</a>), <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/cole-kenneth-productions-inc/kcp/nys">Kenneth Cole Productions Inc.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/cole-kenneth-productions-inc/kcp/nys">KCP</a>), and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/k-swiss-inc/ksws/nas">K-Swiss Inc.</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/k-swiss-inc/ksws/nas">KSWS</a>) all reported net losses as consumers pulled back on spending over the summer due to higher fuel prices and other economic worries. The expectations of analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial for such companies scheduled to report this week don't look much different; i.e., a bright spot or two among lower expectations overall.
<p> </p>
<p>Hip retailer <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">Urban Outfitters Inc.</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">URBN</a>) is expected to post earnings 22.9% higher than a year ago, to $0.35 per share, on revenue of $475.9 million (+26.4%). The Philadelphia-based company already said that <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/ap/_a/urban-outfitters-3q-same-store-sales-up/rfid155772107">same-store sales in the quarter</a> were 10% higher. Urban Outfitters has beat expectations in recent quarters, by 11.5% in the previous quarter, and analysts on average recommend buying URBN. Shares fell to a 52-week low of $16.61 per share on Friday, and are down 29.5% from a year ago. Other companies expected to report more modest earnings growth in the coming week include watch and accessory maker <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fossil-incorporated/fosl/nas">Fossil Inc.</a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fossil-incorporated/fosl/nas">FOSL</a>), retail giant <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wal-mart-stores-inc/wmt/nys">Wal-Mart Stores Inc.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wal-mart-stores-inc/wmt/nys">WMT</a>), and <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tjx-companies-incorporated/tjx/nys">TJX Companies Inc.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tjx-companies-incorporated/tjx/nys">TJX</a>), parent of such discount retail chains as T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. These three companies have tended to top analysts estimates in recent quarters, and Fossil and TJX ended the week near their 52-week lows.</p>
<p>While Los Angeles-based <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel Inc.</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) had a <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/ap/_a/american-apparel-shares-soar-on-2q/rfid131042046">strong second quarter</a>, the casual wear maker is expected to report $0.13 per share earnings for the third quarter, the same as in the year-ago period. And analysts anticipate that <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kohl-s-corporation/kss/nys">Kohl's Corp.</a> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/kohl-s-corporation/kss/nys">KSS</a>) will report that profits fell 16.4% to $0.51 per share on revenue of $3.9 billion (+1.9%). Though <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/ap/_a/kohls-reiterates-3rd-quarter-guidance/rfid155820635">same-store sales for October</a> fell 9%, the Menomonee Falls, Wis.-based company reaffirmed its third-quarter forecast. Kohl's has offered positive surprises in recent quarters, topping estimates by 5.6% in the previous quarter. The consensus recommendation remains to buy KSS. Shares have been climbing after reaching a 52-week low in late October, but are still down 32.8% from a year ago.</p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The week in preview: Macy's, Nordstrom, Abercrombie, JCPenney, and Kohl's</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/">The week in preview: Macy's, Nordstrom, Abercrombie, JCPenney, and Kohl's</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1365495/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/09/the-week-in-preview-macys-nordstrom-abercrombie-jcpenney-a/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Abercrombie</category><category>American Apparel</category><category>ANF</category><category>APP</category><category>apparel</category><category>Charlotte Russe</category><category>CHIC</category><category>Coldwater Creek</category><category>Crocs</category><category>CROX</category><category>CWTR</category><category>earnings</category><category>EBHI</category><category>Eddie Bauer</category><category>fashion</category><category>featured</category><category>Fitch</category><category>FOSL</category><category>Fossil</category><category>JCP</category><category>JCPenney</category><category>JWN</category><category>K-Swiss</category><category>KCP</category><category>Kenneth Cole</category><category>Kohls</category><category>KSS</category><category>KSWS</category><category>LIZ</category><category>Liz Claiborne</category><category>Macys</category><category>Marshalls</category><category>Nordstrom</category><category>Polo Ralph Lauren</category><category>Ralph Lauren</category><category>retail</category><category>RL</category><category>T.J. Maxx</category><category>TJX</category><category>Urban Outfitters</category><category>URBN</category><category>Wal-Mart</category><category>WMT</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Trey Thoelcke]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 09 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[More harassment drama for American Apparel]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/law/" rel="tag">Law</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/scandals/" rel="tag">Scandals</a></p>Even as <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) posts incredible sales numbers in an incredibly tough environment, the company can't seem to shake the scandals created by its eccentric CEO Dov Charney who was settled a <a href="http://smallbusiness.aol.com/2010/05/10/sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace-5-things-you-need-to-know/">sexual <layer style="background-color: Yellow; color: black;" id="google-toolbar-hilite-0">harassment</layer></a> claim involving one of his female employees earlier this year.<br />
<br />
<em>The Wall Street Journal</em> <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122575572996695011.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace">reports</a> (subscription required) that the company has agreed to pay the employee $1.3 million to settle the claim with one catch -- that she keep the settlement a secret "and instead participate in an arbitration proceeding, with a preordained outcome" so that Charney could publicly declare victory.<br />
<br />
The woman refused to participate in the arbitration and the matter ended up in court. Last week, a three judge panel of California's Second Appellate District in Los Angeles said that the woman's alleged breach of the agreement should be reviewed by independent arbitrators.<br />
<br />
However, the court added that it was concerned about the "potential illegality of the 'arbitration' clause ... with its goal of issuing a press release for the purpose of misleading journalists and the public."<br />
<br />
With the appearance of efforts to mislead investors about the nature of the case, this fiasco moves beyond the realm of the hanky panky that has been part of Mr. Charney's behavior and his company since it went public. Now you have to wonder about integrity.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/">More harassment drama for American Apparel</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:12:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122575572996695011.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1361720/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/11/04/more-harassment-drama-for-american-apparel/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>inthenews</category><category>sexual</category><category>SexualHarassment</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:12:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel scoops up ads on Facebook and MySpace]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/marketing-and-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing and Advertising</a></p><p><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/08/american_apparel-logo.jpg" align="right" vspace="4" />To say that <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) is a unique company is like saying that Tiger Woods is a talented athlete: you have a CEO who <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/15/time-to-try-on-american-apparel-perhaps-but-watch-out-for-the/">receives oral sex from employees during interviews</a>, tells reporters that his <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/">company's CFO is a "complete loser,"</a> and the company has taken out ads <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/18/american-apparel-takes-a-stand-on-immigration-reform-good-bus/">promoting its controversial views</a> on immigrations laws. Then, just for fun, the company is <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/">being sued by Woody Allen</a>.</p>
<p>But when you get past all the weirdness, you have a company that reported <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-reports-july-2008/rfid128562295">comparable store sales growth</a> of 25% for July, in one of the toughest environments for retailers in recent memory.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.portfolio.com/news-markets/top-5/2008/08/06/American-Apparels-Internet-Ads"><em>Portfolio</em></a> reports that American Apparel is making significant investments in advertising on MySpace and Facebook -- social networking sites that target the young, hip demographic that is the company's stronghold. According to comScore's data for April, American Apparel placed 483 million internet display ads -- more than apparel giant Nike!</p>
<p>Many companies have been wary of social networking sites as outlets for ads because, as cool as the users might be, they also tend to be broke. But it's hard to argue with 25% same store sales growth.</p>
<p>Shares of American Apparel are down more than 50% from where they traded as recently as December -- it seems that the market just doesn't have an appetite for a hot retail play right now.</p>
<p>Once you strip the kinkiness out of the American Apparel story, the stock looks cheap -- the question is, how much of the market's skepticism is justified?</p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/">American Apparel scoops up ads on Facebook and MySpace</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:10:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1280199/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/american-apparel-scoops-up-ads-on-facebook-and-myspace/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>Facebook</category><category>inthenews</category><category>MySpace</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 16:10:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[The week in preview: Wal-Mart profits expected to rise, JCPenney's to fall]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/earnings-reports/" rel="tag">Earnings Reports</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/forecasts/" rel="tag">Forecasts</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/economic-data/" rel="tag">Economic Data</a></p><p><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/08/macysfrominside.jpg" align="right" vspace="4" border="1" />Even with the stimulus checks, retail sales numbers for June and July have been <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/07/31/economy-expanded-modestly-in-q2-but-contracted-in-late-2007/">nothing to cheer about</a>. And this coming week should provide another look at how things have been shaping up in the apparel and accessories arena. A number of companies are scheduled to release quarterly numbers, from upscale retailer Nordstrom to the parent of discounter TJ Maxx, from hipster Urban Outfitters to global giant Wal-Mart. Here's a look at what Wall Street is anticipating.</p>
<p>Analysts surveyed by Thomson Financial expect the following to report strong earnings growth when compared to the same period of the previous year.</p>
<ul>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">Urban Outfitters Inc.</a></strong> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/urban-outfitters-inc/urbn/nas">URBN</a>): $0.30 EPS (+36.7%) on revenue of $448.5 million (+28.7%) </li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/the-estee-lauder-companies-inc/el/nys">Est&eacute;e Lauder Cos. Inc.</a></strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/the-estee-lauder-companies-inc/el/nys">EL</a>): $0.56 EPS (+19.6%) on revenue of $1.9 billion (+9.4%) </li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tjx-companies-incorporated/tjx/nys">TJX Cos. Inc.</a></strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/tjx-companies-incorporated/tjx/nys">TJX</a>): $0.46 EPS (+17.4%) on revenue of $4.6 billion (+6.8%) </li>
    <li><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fossil-incorporated/fosl/nas"><strong>Fossil Inc.</strong></a> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/fossil-incorporated/fosl/nas">FOSL</a>): $0.25 EPS (+16%) on revenue of $346.8 million (+13.2%) </li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wal-mart-stores-inc/wmt/nys">Wal-Mart Stores Inc.</a></strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/wal-mart-stores-inc/wmt/nys">WMT</a>): $0.84 EPS (+14.3%) on revenue of $101.7 billion (+9.3%) </li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/elizabeth-arden-inc/rden/nas">Elizabeth Arden Inc.</a></strong> (NASDAQ: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/elizabeth-arden-inc/rden/nas">RDEN</a>): $0.22 EPS (+9.1%) on revenue of $237.6 million (-2.1/%) </li>
    <li><strong><a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/abercrombie-and-fitch-co/anf/nys">Abercrombie &amp; Fitch Co.</a></strong> (NYSE: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/abercrombie-and-fitch-co/anf/nys">ANF</a>): $0.93 EPS (+5.4%) on revenue of $872 million (+8.4%) </li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>The week in preview: Wal-Mart profits expected to rise, JCPenney's to fall</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/">The week in preview: Wal-Mart profits expected to rise, JCPenney's to fall</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1279318/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/08/10/the-week-in-preview-wal-mart-profits-expected-to-rise-jcpenney/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>Abercrombie</category><category>Abercrombie and Fitch</category><category>American Apparel</category><category>ANF</category><category>APP</category><category>consumer price index</category><category>earnings</category><category>EL</category><category>Elizabeth Arden</category><category>Estee Lauder</category><category>FOSL</category><category>Fossil</category><category>GIL</category><category>Gildan</category><category>JCP</category><category>JCPenney</category><category>JWN</category><category>Kohls</category><category>KSS</category><category>LIZ</category><category>Liz Claiborne</category><category>M</category><category>Macys</category><category>Nordstrom</category><category>Penneys</category><category>Phoenix footware</category><category>PXG</category><category>RDEN</category><category>retail</category><category>stimulus checks</category><category>TJ Maxx</category><category>TJX</category><category>Urban Outfitters</category><category>URBN</category><category>Wal-Mart</category><category>WMT</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Trey Thoelcke]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:30:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel's odd press releases]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/scandals/" rel="tag">Scandals</a></p>On Friday morning before the opening bell, <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>) announced that CFO    Ken Cieply -- the main founder and CEO Dov Charney <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/">called</a> a "complete loser" -- had resigned. Except they didn't exactly announce that. The headline was <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-announces-hiring-of/rfid105799632">American Apparel Announces Hiring of Interim CEO</a>, which is reminiscent of the old joke about NASA needing another seven astronauts. But the market saw through the attempted spin and sent the stock down a few cents.<br /><br />But American Apparel's spin machine wasn't done. At 2:00 PM ET that same day, the company decided to <a href="http://money.aol.com/news/articles/qp/pr/_a/american-apparel-announces-25-million/rfid106106556">announce</a> a "$25 Million Share Repurchase Program," which allowed the stock to close up for the day. That press release raised a number of red flags. The reason for its timing was obvious: give investors some good news to go along with the resignation of the CFO. I'm always of skeptical of companies that use buybacks to try to pump up share prices. It's even worse when the company times its announcement of a buyback to pump up its stock price.<br /><br />Then there's the question of whether Charney and company are really in a position to be buying back stock. American Apparel has a substantial debt load and ambitious expansion plans. I doubt that it's generating enough cash to make a buyback prudent.<br /><br />Of course American Apparel hasn't committed to buying back stock. It's board of directors has simply said that it can. I'll be surprised if it does but, either way, the company made some PR hay.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/">American Apparel's odd press releases</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Tue, 27 May 2008 17:51:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121151364799516773.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1204033/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/05/27/american-apparels-funny-press-releases/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 27 May 2008 17:51:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel reponds to WSJ piece]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/newspapers/" rel="tag">Newspapers</a></p>On April 12th, I <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/">wrote about</a> a <em>Wall Street Journal</em> piece that raised some interesting questions about <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>): CEO Dov Charney had taken the ambitious step of referring to the company's CFO as a "complete loser", and the company was also dealing with accounting issues, a substantial debt load, and more. The stock took a hit following the <em>Journal</em> piece.<br /><br />American Apparel didn't issue any public rebuttal but, yesterday afternoon, DealBreaker <a href="http://dealbreaker.com/2008/04/why_isnt_american_apparel_bese.php">published a letter</a> sent by to the <em>Wall Street Journal</em> by director Adrian Kowalewski. Kowalewski wrote that "Our lawyers are currently pursuing this matter with News Corporation, so we have not yet issued a public statement." He went on to make the case that the company is in strong financial health and that, furthermore, Mr. Charney doesn't walk around the offices in his underwear, except for that one time, but that was part of a promotional video.<br /><br />The financial issues and Charney's unconventional personality aside, American Apparel has put up some pretty spectacular growth numbers.<br /><br />In a related story, Judge Judy is <a href="http://jezebel.com/382838/judge-judy-does-not-approve-of-american-apparel+inspired-photography?autoplay=true">not a fan</a> of American Apparel's racy ads.<p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/">American Apparel reponds to WSJ piece</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:22:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://dealbreaker.com/2008/04/why_isnt_american_apparel_bese.php>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1175306/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/23/american-apparel-reponds-to-wsj-piece/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>Wall Street Journal</category><category>WallStreetJournal</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Wed, 23 Apr 2008 10:22:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[American Apparel CEO calls CFO a 'complete loser' -- but wait, there's more!]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/management/" rel="tag">Management</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/scandals/" rel="tag">Scandals</a></p><p><img alt="" hspace="4" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2007/12/americanapparelthumb.gif" align="right" vspace="4" />Back in December, I wrote about <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>), which had recently <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/15/time-to-try-on-american-apparel-perhaps-but-watch-out-for-the/">gone public through special purpose acquisition vehicle</a>, and its CEO's checkered reputation -- sexual harassment lawsuits, masturbating in front of a reporter, etc. etc. etc. The stock has taken a beating since then.</p>
<p>This weekend's <em>Wall Street Journal</em> has a lengthy profile of <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120796037535209509.html?mod=todays_us_page_one">American Apparel and CEO Dov Charney</a>, and it just gets juicier. In an interview, he referred to his company's CFO, Ken Cieply, as a "complete loser," which is pretty ambitious.</p>
<p>The freak show stuff aside, there are some fundamentals-related issues dogging the company as well: the company's former insurer has said it won't cover the sexual harassment lawsuits, "inadequate expertise in the application of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles," a history of accounting woes, an Immigration and Customs Enforcement inquiry seeking citizenship documentation related to its workers, a government tax audit, and a substantial debt load. If you have a lot of time on your hands, flip through the <a href="http://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1336545/000119312508059085/d10k.htm#tx64769_3">risk factors disclosed in the latest 10-K</a>.</p><p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>American Apparel CEO calls CFO a 'complete loser' -- but wait, there's more!</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/">American Apparel CEO calls CFO a 'complete loser' -- but wait, there's more!</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:40:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1165419/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/12/american-apparel-ceo-calls-cfo-a-complete-loser-but-wait-t/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>APP</category><category>Dov Charney</category><category>inthenews</category><category>Ken Cieply</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:40:00 EST</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Woody Allen sues American Apparel for $10 million]]></title><link>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/</link><guid isPermaLink="true">http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/</guid><comments>http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/#comments</comments><description><![CDATA[<p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/law/" rel="tag">Law</a>, <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/category/marketing-and-advertising/" rel="tag">Marketing and Advertising</a></p><img width="300" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="168" align="right" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.bloggingstocks.com/media/2008/04/woodyallen-ad.jpg" alt="" />After taking an initial look at <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">American Apparel</a> (AMEX: <a href="http://finance.aol.com/quotes/american-apparel-inc/app/ase">APP</a>), I <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2007/12/15/time-to-try-on-american-apparel-perhaps-but-watch-out-for-the/">cautioned investors</a> that CEO Dov Charney's interesting management style -- which apparently includes public masturbation, sexual relations with employees, and posing nude for magazines -- might present a problem as the company makes the transition from private to public.<br /><br />Then the company drew some fire for its <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/01/18/american-apparel-takes-a-stand-on-immigration-reform-good-bus/">ad campaign</a> touting immigration reform. I questioned whether it was appropriate for a public company to be using shareholder capital for an ad campaign that advanced the CEO's political views.<br /><br />Now the strange saga of American Apparel gets a little more bizarre: Director Woody Allen has sued the company for $10 million, alleging that it used a photo of him dressed as a rabbi on billboard ads without his consent. <a href="http://www.forward.com/articles/deconstructing-woody/">Check out this post</a> from The Jewish newspaper Daily Forward for more background/funny commentary on the picture choice.<p><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Woody Allen sues American Apparel for $10 million</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/">Woody Allen sues American Apparel for $10 million</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com">BloggingStocks</a> on Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EST.  Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://online.wsj.com/article/SB120699827351678229.html?mod=todays_us_marketplace>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/forward/1154338/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.bloggingstocks.com/2008/04/01/woody-allen-sues-american-apparel-for-10-million/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a>]]></description><category>American Apparel</category><category>AmericanApparel</category><category>APP</category><category>inthenews</category><category>woody allen</category><category>WoodyAllen</category><dc:creator><![CDATA[Zac Bissonnette]]></dc:creator><pubDate>Tue, 01 Apr 2008 10:10:00 EST</pubDate></item></channel></rss>
