We believe the combination of limited sales upside and conservative guidance may prove disappointing to investors, consequently limiting near-term upside in the stock. |
We continue to believe that order rates have been tracking well at both companies thus far in the quarter. |
We continue to believe that Street estimates incorporate sales growth assumptions that are likely to prove conservative. |
When all is said and done, we think the March report could confirm or possibly beat 'true' expectations while bringing published estimates more in line with reality, thus potentially setting a floor in the stock, and marking a good time to get more aggressive in adding to positions. |
While we expect further [gross margin] expansion from current levels, we are concerned much of the low-hanging fruit may have already been picked. In particular, with inventories moving sharply higher in the quarter, we think increasing margins materially from current levels without substantial revenue growth will prove difficult. |