• Most Popular
  • Most Shared

Foot Locker stock could rally in next year-Barron's

Sun Jul 5, 2009 11:20am EDT

Stocks

   

* Foot Locker's shares could rise to $15-Barron's

Stocks  |  Global Markets

* Company's price-to-earnings ratios are below rivals

NEW YORK, July 5 (Reuters) - Foot Locker Inc's (FL.N) shares could rise up to 50 percent in the next year as a reorganization of the athletic shoe retailer positioned it to sprint when the U.S. economy starts to recover, Barron's said.

Foot Locker has been reshuffling its merchandise, closing stores and slashing costs over the last two years anticipating a downturn in the U.S. economy.

Now, the company -- that is trading below its book value of $12.58 per share -- could see its stock jump to $15 from $10 in the next year if the U.S. economy starts to grow, the weekly business publication said in its July 6 edition.

Foot Locker's price-to-earnings multiple of 14 times its fiscal 2009 estimated earnings is below the 15.1 times of Finish Line (FINL.O) and the 17.3 times of Dick's Sporting Goods (DKS.N), leaving Foot Locker in a more attractive position than its rivals.

Foot Locker, which operates more than 3,600 stores around the world, reported a better-than-expected profit in the first quarter as improved margins from recent the cost cuts helped offset a decline in sales. (Reporting by Juan Lagorio; Editing by Maureen Bavdek)



More from Reuters

Joint Terminal Attack Controller SSgt Clinton J. Herbison, a U.S. Airman from the 817 Expeditionary Air Support Operations Squadron (EASOS) takes a break during a night mission near Honaker Miracle camp at the Pesh valley of Kunar Province August 12, 2009. Credit: REUTERS/Carlos Barria

Pictures of the Year

A look at the best photos of 2009.  Slideshow 

    The Dalai Lama jokes with a nasal spray after being asked his opinion on the swine flu during a press conference after his first lecture in Lausanne, Switzerland, August 4, 2009. REUTERS/ Valentin Flauraud

    What a wacky year it's been...

    Um, what's up the Dalai Lama's nose? "Oddly Enough" editor Bob Basler rounds up the goofiest photos of the year.  Full Article 

    A caution sign is seen next to a stock board at the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) in Sydney September 5, 2008. REUTERS/Daniel Munoz
    Political Risk in 2010:

    Don't say we didn't warn you

    With the financial crisis (mostly) in the past, U.S. investors are eying a fresh start to the coming year. Here's a look at what speedbumps lie ahead.  Full Article