It's easy for an investor to compare same-store-sales numbers, but it's even easier for retailers to manipulate those numbers. For a true apples-to-apples comparison, try this metric instead. The Fool's Buck Hartzell explains in the following video.
You're reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool's Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More
Why You Should Ignore Same-Store Sales
Retailers report same-store sales differently. For an apples-to-apples comparison, try this metric instead.
About the Author
Buck Hartzell is a Senior Investment Analyst and Lead Advisor at The Motley Fool and has been with the company since 1998. At The Motley Fool, Buck serves as an advisor for Fintech Fortunes and senior analyst for TMF Canada. Prior to that, he created and ran The Motley Fool’s Analyst Development Program. Buck holds a B.A. in Sociology from McDaniel College and an MBA from Wake Forest University. He also penned a chapter in Lawrence Cunningham’s book The Warren Buffett Shareholder.
Buck Hartzell owns shares of Apple and The Buckle. The Motley Fool recommends and owns shares of Apple and The Buckle. We Fools don't all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Stocks Mentioned



*Average returns of all recommendations since inception. Cost basis and return based on previous market day close.
Related Articles





Premium Investing Services
Invest better with The Motley Fool. Get stock recommendations, portfolio guidance, and more from The Motley Fool's premium services.