Payless ShoeSource
The company's third-quarter earnings report was what pleased investors today. Analysts expected the company to earn a nickel per share, but it surprised them by bringing home a dime. While a dime sounds like small change, it looks downright rich compared with last year's loss, which was three pennies.
The watchword at Payless is restructuring, which it calls strategic initiatives. The company is closing stores, cutting staff, and getting focused on making money. What a novel idea. This restructuring could cost $90 million this year -- with up to $46 million falling in the fourth quarter. Translation: Restructuring charges will produce a loss in that quarter. Enjoy your dime while it lasts.
Total debt and cash are about equal. Inventory is down -- as you would expect after store closings. Inventory per store decreased 8%, too. That's good news if same-store sales grow (indicating customers are getting what they want) and margins improve (meaning there were fewer discounts to get unwanted merchandise out the door).
Analysts expect the company to earn $0.62 a share in 2005 -- meaning the stock sells for 21 times forward earnings. That's rich, considering you can buy Wal-Mart
At current prices, and with the uncertainty of restructuring and new initiatives, Payless is too highly priced to be comfortably slipped into my portfolio.
For related Fool Takes, see:
The Motley Fool is investors talking to investors. Join in the discussion of Payless ShoeSource, Wal-Mart, and a thousand other stocks on the Motley Fool discussion boards.
Fool contributor W.D. Crotty does not own stock in any of the companies mentioned.