Archive for March, 2012
Could these Sportswear Players Become Targets in 2012?
Posted: March 6, 2012 at 6:05 am
By Bobby Fisher - March 5, 2012 | Tickers: COLM, FL, HIBB, NKE, FINL, UA | 0 Comments
Bobby is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinions of our bloggers and are not formally edited.
Sportswear makers, specificallyNike (NYSE: NKE)and Under Armour (NYSE: UA), have been outperforming the wider apparel and footwear sectors. Puma, Adidas,and Columbia Sportswear (NASDAQ: COLM)are also profiting from the positive momentum. Going forward, these companies will be benefitting from price declines in polyester and cotton, although they have to contend with higher labor costs in China, Thailand, Vietnam, and Brazil, as do other companies in the clothing and shoe sectors.
I expect advantageous valuations, improving performance, and positive cash positions of potential targets, as well as the intense competition in sports retailing in the U.S., to spur takeover and buyout activity in the sportswear sector.
One deal is already in the making. Private equity investor TPG Capital recently made an $820 million bid for Quiksilverrival Australian swimwear and surfing goods maker Billabong International. Billabong rejected the proposal and countered by announcing the sale of part of youth brand Nixon to cut debt and boost its performance. Nevertheless, it has left the door open for TPG to improve on its $3 per share offer or for another buyer to come forward.
I see the following five U.S. sportswear manufacturers or retailers as likely targets for private equity or for industry rivals.
As of December 31, 2010,Columbia Sportswear operated 41 outlet retail stores and eight branded retail stores in the U.S., 40 branded retail stores and 13 outlet retail stores in Japan and Korea; seven outlet retail stores and three branded retail stores in various locations in Western Europe; and two outlet retail stores in Canada. I believe that Columbias attractiveness lies in its excellent brand recognition and its increasing appeal to younger consumers thanks to its line of fishing-style sport shirts. Nike, with its $3.37 billion of cash, might be a potential buyer.
Columbia is a less likely target for VFC, which offers similar products under The North Face brand. Colombia currently has a market cap of $1.7 billion. Its forward P/E ratio is relatively high at 14.18 and so is its price to sales ratio of 0.98, which largely exceeds the 0.39 average for the textile/apparel clothing industry. However, its operating margin of 8.05% is better than the 6.88% industry average, and it has no debt.
Next, we have Hibbett Sports (NASDAQ: HIBB), whichoperates sporting goods stores in small to mid-sized markets primarily in the southeast, southwest, Mid-Atlantic, and the Midwest regions of the U.S. Its stores offer an assortment of athletic equipment, footwear, and apparel. The company also provides its merchandise directly to educational institutions and youth associations. Hibbett recently agreed for Dreams (DRJ) to become their exclusive online provider for team merchandise in the licensed sports category. As of April 30, 2011, HIBB operated a total of 799 retail stores comprised of 778 Hibbett Sports stores, 18 Sports Additions athletic shoe stores, and three Sports & Co. superstores in 26 states. HIBB could be a target for Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS), the largest listed U.S. sporting goods retailer with 437 stores.
Buying more stores would help Dick's to compete against privately held The Sports Authority, which has more than 450 stores across the U.S. Dick's has made no major acquisitions since 2007, when it paid $40 million for Chick's Sporting Goods and $225 million for Golf Galaxy. Hibbetts market valuation is $1.28 billion. Its operating margin of 12.27% is well above the average of 4.05% for sporting goods stores. However, it is also more expensive, with a P/S of 1.83 compared to 0.82 for the industry, and a forward P/E ratio of 19.76. Hibbett has total cash of $53 million versus total debt of only $2.31 million.
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Could these Sportswear Players Become Targets in 2012?
AirCover Personal Security App Launches for iOS and Android Devices
Posted: at 6:05 am
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
BlueSprig, the fresh alternative to software, today announced the launch of AirCover, a new personal security app and location tool for iOS and Android devices. AirCover protects users from loss, theft, viruses, malware and other threats to mobile devices, while ensuring the safety of family and other loved ones via GPS tracking, user check-ins and emergency alerts. The app is available for free download from the iTunes App Store and Android Market.
Smartphones have become integral tools to everyday life, allowing people to go new places and do new things while staying closely connected with family and friends, said Jason Johnson, CEO of BlueSprig. AirCover is a powerful personal security app that helps you protect all the important information you have on your phone while giving you the peace of mind that loved ones are safe as well.
AirCover features include:
AirCover can also track users across iOS and Android mobile platforms for the ultimate personal safety and convenience. The app is compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad with versions iOS 4.0 or later, and Android versions 2.1 and above.
To celebrate the launch of AirCover, attendees of SXSW Interactive are invited to attend the Do512 & AirCover Epic Interactive Party at The Belmont on Friday, March 9th, 7pm to 1am. To RSVP, click here.
About BlueSprig
BlueSprig puts the 'personal' back in personal computing. With powerful, lightweight, easy-to-use utility apps, BlueSprig is the fresh alternative to software, at home or on the go your one-stop shop for security, privacy, performance and efficiency. Led by successful entrepreneurs in Silicon Valley and China, BlueSprig has offices in San Francisco and Chengdu, China. For more information, visit:www.bluesprig.com.
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AirCover Personal Security App Launches for iOS and Android Devices
Study in blanket (Sherlock) – Video
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Study in blanket (Sherlock) - Video
New Era Success TV: My 4 Step Personal Power Routine – Video
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New Era Success TV: My 4 Step Personal Power Routine - Video
King on CHL: Who's hot & cold
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Team success is leading to personal success for the Saint John Sea Dogs.
The defending MasterCard Memorial Cup champions are turning heads and taking names with a 17-game winning streak. Overage forward Danick Gauthier, an undrafted free agent, signed with the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday. He wasn't the only undrafted overager to sign, as Tri-City's Brendan Shinnimin inked a deal with Phoenix the same day.
Ontario Hockey League
Hot team: Plymouth Whalers
As is customary in Plymouth, the Whalers are turning in a dominant run for the stretch drive. The Whalers are riding a six-game winning streak after coming out on top in four games last week. Plymouth is now just two points back of London for top spot in the Western Conference and overall league standings. Given their second-half surge, the best could still be yet to come for the Whalers.
Cold team: Kitchener Rangers
The Rangers haven't fared too well away from home of late. Kitchener dropped its last four games, all on the road, and won just three of the last 10 games. Goaltender John Gibson returned from injury last week, but was understandably rusty after a month on the shelf. The Rangers have been outscored 26-12 during this stretch, but continue to hold the third spot in the Western Conference standings.
Game of the week: Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds vs. Windsor Spitfires, Thursday
The eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference standings could come down to these two teams. Windsor begins the week in eighth, while Sault Ste. Marie trails by two points with a game in hand. The Guelph Storm are also tied with Windsor in points, but have two games in hand. Among the interesting subplots is a trade the two teams made in November, which sent American world junior goaltender Jack Campbell to the Greyhounds. His team opens the week riding a two-game winning-streak, while his old team lost two straight. This game will go a long way in determining which team is in and which is out when the playoff picture is settled.
Canadian NHL team's OHL prospects:
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King on CHL: Who's hot & cold
Fox News big: Mitt 'uncomfortable with people'
Posted: at 6:05 am
Mitt Romneys inability to connect with people not his corporate success and vast personal fortune could ultimately be what derails his campaign, said business broadcast veteran Neil Cavuto in an exclusive interview.
Weve had lots of wealthy presidents, Cavuto, managing editor for business news at Fox News Channel and Fox Business News, told the Herald. Romneys wealth has hurt him because he hasnt embraced it.
Cavuto, referring to the latest of Romneys Thurston Howell III-like wealth gaffes, said, Romney should have told voters he wants to be in the position to help them get a couple of Cadillacs. He needs to be quicker on his feet. Theres nothing wrong with being wealthy. Theres something wrong with being uncomfortable with people.
As Massachusetts primary voters head to the polls today, Cavuto said, Ask if your former governor is up for the task. Can he make things economically right?
The veteran business journalist, who has been covering the primary as a business story because the economy is such a key issue, said President Obama soon may regret his strategy of attacking Wall Street.
I dont think demonizing Wall Street was a good strategy, Cavuto said. I think you dont damn success and point fingers. You find a better way to do it. Like John F. Kennedy did quietly with the steel industry.
But Obama may benefit from economic recovery, he said.
Theres a distinct likelihood the unemployment rate could be under 8 percent in November, Cavuto said. The trend is the presidents friend.
The news anchor, a cancer survivor who is battling multiple sclerosis, said he doesnt like to complain, either about his illnesses or the challenges of building up the Fox Business News brand.
At first when I left CNBC, it was like I was in the witness protection program, said Cavuto, who joined Fox News nearly 16 years ago. But good things take time. I believe if you build it, they will come. Im not going to lie to you. Its an uphill battle, but I know what it takes to connect to people.
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Fox News big: Mitt 'uncomfortable with people'
Personal Development – Men need to be Covered – Video
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Personal Development - Men need to be Covered - Video
Local turns personal experience into business venture
Posted: at 6:04 am
Published: Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:54 a.m. Last Modified: Monday, March 5, 2012 at 10:54 a.m.
Stacy Sevin never planned to get involved in small-business development.
But when the BP oil spill hit, the Chauvin resident found herself assisting various family seafood businesses navigate the disaster's impact.
My whole family is pretty much in the seafood industry. I was basically consulting for about a year to help them get through that time, said Chauvin, 28, who spent her childhood working on her grandparents' dock in Cocodrie.
Her parents, who own Bait House Seafood on Little Caillou Road, devised a business plan and calculated their spill-related losses with the help of the Louisiana Small Business Development Center at Nicholls State University.
The organization gets its money from state and federal grants, and provides free, confidential services and low-cost business classes and training. It was designed to help offset the effects of hurricanes, Sevin said, but happened to open up the day after the spill.
Everybody in this area was affected by this spill, either directly or indirectly, Sevin said. Services like private consulting, or even having a CPA do an assessment for you, are very expensive. The claims process required detailed monthly loss documentation, and many fishermen don't normally do their books monthly.
Having helped her family with claims and development plans after the spill, Sevin realized she had a knack for small-business development work. In August, she started working as a consultant for the center which had helped save her parents' business.
Andrew and Christine Blanchard, who own Indian Ridge Shrimp company in Chauvin, have worked with Sevin for two months.
Stacy's been a big inspiration to us with all her help and ideas, said Christine Blanchard. As far as our website, we didn't know how to post things so we would get hits on Google. We didn't know you could do a Facebook page for a business and use that to get your name out there. She's helping us with our business plan now. Everyone else charges a fortune for all this, and she does it for free.
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Local turns personal experience into business venture
Getting Personal With Mode 7 and Frozen Synapse
Posted: at 6:04 am
A glimpse of multi-player combat.
Frozen Synapse is a turn-based tactical shooter, featuring pseudo-randomly generated spaces, asychronous multiplayer matchups, and a frenetic pace. It's received considerable critical acclaim since its release last year, and has earned nominations for two awards at the Independent Games Festival. There's also an iPad version, and DLC on the way. We had a chat with Mode 7 to learn more.
Game On: Who are you, and how did you get into game developing?
Paul Taylor: I co-own an indie game development studio with my business partner Ian Hardingham, who is our Lead Designer and Programmer.
I got into indie games through writing music for our first title Determinance. After that we decided to join forces and form a proper company.
Game On: What is Frozen Synapse?
Paul Taylor: We call Frozen Synapse a "simultaneous turn-based" title. Two players face off against each other with a small squad of units. Each player must decide what his units will do in the next five seconds. Once both have made their decisions, they then watch the outcome and see who came out on top!
Ian came up with the idea after playing a lot of an old PC game called Laser Squad Nemesis. He wanted to make a more modern, exciting, instantly-playable version of it that foregrounded the interesting decisions.
Your readers should play it because it's got insanely good reviews and it's brilliantly unique!
Also, we're incredibly humble!
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Getting Personal With Mode 7 and Frozen Synapse
Hanoi faces parking crunch
Posted: at 6:04 am
Motorcycles are parked on the pavement blocking people from walking past a street corner in downtown Hanoi on January 6, 2012. Vietnam's big cities such as Hanoi are facing serious urban problems like a lack of parking for both motorcycles and cars.
Viet Nam News/Asia News Network Tuesday, Mar 06, 2012
HANOI - While the number of personal vehicles in Ha Noi is increasing rapidly, the capital is still fumbling with solutions to tackle the dire shortage of parking facilities.
Figures from the municipal Transport Department show that there are about 300,000 cars and over 3.8 million motorbikes of various kinds in the city at present, excluding the number of vehicles owned by people commuting from other provinces to work and study.
The number of personal vehicles is increasing by 15 per cent each year, but there are only 1,178 licensed parking lots in the city, meeting just 10 per cent of demand.
Funding for parking facilities is supposed to account for 3 per cent of the traffic development budget, but in Ha Noi, it is just one-tenth of that, according to Vice Chairman of the Ha Noi Planning and Development Association Dao Ngoc Nghiem.
The remaining 90 per cent of vehicle users in the capital use parking lots in apartment blocks, urban areas, agencies, schools, hospitals, roadsides and alleys.
This lack of parking facilities has led to the development of dozens of illegal parking lots on pavements and in vacant public places throughout the city.
With increasing demand and insufficient facilities, municipal authorities had allowed certain pavements, roadsides and alleys to be used for parking as a temporary measure, said deputy head of the Urban Research and Infrastructure Development Institute Luu Duc Hai.
"However, many of our roads were not designed for this use, and parking on them obstructs traffic and adds to congestion," he said.
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Hanoi faces parking crunch