Dow Futures Flat as Specialty Retailers Take a Hit
Although we don't believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes -- just in case they're material to our investing thesis.
According to stock index futures as of 7:40 a.m. EDT, the Dow Jones Industrial Average is set to stall out of the gate this morning, rising a negligible two points at the opening bell.
European stocks were down from their highs after it was reported that eurozone industrial production fell 1.5% in July. There has been a string of improving economic data out of Europe lately, but this dip in production suggests the area's building recovery may not be that strong.
Closer to home, here are three stock stories to watch for in today's market.
Lululemon stock is down after the retailer reported second-quarter earnings this morning. The yoga apparel company saw a strong 8% comparable-store sales rise and a 22% boost in revenue for the quarter. But profit was flat at $0.39 a share, kept down by a plunge in gross margin to 54% from 55.1% a year ago. The market appears to be looking past the generally solid quarter to focus on Lulu's outlook. The company projected a further slowdown in revenue growth next quarter and earnings of just $0.39 a share, which would be flat compared to the year-ago quarter. Shares are down 8% in premarket trading.
The Men's Wearhouse missed the mark in its Q2 earnings report. Sales fell 2.3% to $647 million as EPS and gross margin also took a hit. Men's Wearhouse saw lower customer traffic levels, which it blamed on the tough economic environment in clothing retail. The company also hosed down its guidance for the rest of the year, saying it was "increasingly concerned about the current macro trends" in the industry. Shares are down 15% in premarket trading.
Finally, Pandora should see a boost today after it announced a change in leadership at the top. Brian McAndrews is set to take over the CEO spot at the music-streaming company. McAndrews has a strong digital advertising background, which will come in handy as the company works to extract a profit out of its surging base of listeners. Pandora reported having 72 million active listeners for the month of August, but it only expects to break even in full-year profits. The stock is up 5.3% in premarket trading.
With the American markets reaching new highs, investors and pundits alike are skeptical about future growth. They shouldn't be. Many global regions are still stuck in neutral, and their resurgence could result in windfall profits for select companies. A recent Motley Fool report, "3 Strong Buys for a Global Economic Recovery," outlines three companies that could take off when the global economy gains steam. Click here to read the full report!
The article Dow Futures Flat as Specialty Retailers Take a Hit originally appeared on Fool.com.
Fool contributor Demitrios Kalogeropoulos has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Lululemon Athletica and Pandora Media. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not 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.
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