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.

Continue reading Emerging Markets and Electronics Retailers Sport Best Intangible Values

Emerging Markets and Electronics Retailers Sport Best Intangible Values originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Affordable fashion retailer Hennes & Mauritz (OTC: HMRZF) beat profit and margin expectations for the second quarter of 2009, as currency swings are becoming less costly. Gross margins reached 61%, ahead of the 60.2% forecasted by analysts for the world's third largest clothing retailer. Even though some sales figures were under pressure, H&M has turned in a strong quarter and is well-positioned for the rest of the year, particularly in a tight market for consumers.

H&M's pre-tax profits increased 6.4% to $735 million for the second quarter (which ended on May 31, 2009). The mean forecast was $721 million, according to a Reuters poll. May sales were unchanged from May 2008, though a 1.4% gain was expected. Sales in stores open for at least a year dropped 9%, rather than the forecasted 8.5%. Nonetheless, the positive developments more than offset the negative.

Continue reading H&M beats Q2 expectations, well-positioned for 2nd half

H&M beats Q2 expectations, well-positioned for 2nd half originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 25 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Amid all the dire financial news of late, it's easy to believe that the retail market is on its way to becoming a wasteland, populated by vacant, run-down malls and gargantuan box stores. Watching the declining fortunes of malls and the stores that populate them, many analysts seem to be predicting a freaky, post-apocalyptic future in which all clothes will be purchased online or from Wal-Mart.

Before we go overboard, though, it might be wise to consider the current fortunes of H&M. Listed on the Swedish Exchange as HMB, H&M's shares have been consistently rising, and its first-quarter profit is up by 28%. In fact, even as many clothing retailers are closing stores, H&M is planning to open 190 outlets in the United States and Europe. It already is running profitable stores in China and the Middle East, and is planning on opening stores in Russia starting in 2009.

H&M's secret is surprisingly obvious: it sells well-made, nicely-tailored clothing at very reasonable prices. Its stores are clean and well-run, its employees are knowledgeable, and its styles are up-to-date. In fact, for considerably less than the cost of a baggy, ill-fitting suit from JC Penney, I can buy a matched-separates pair of pants and jacket from H&M. Its clothes fit well, wear well, and don't carry the stigma that is attached to most department stores.

Good prices, good service, good product ... it isn't hard to see why H&M is gearing up to be the last one standing!

H&M clothiers: A peek at the bright side originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.