This isn’t the kind of thing I usually choose to write about. After some thought, I wanted to express how sad I was to hear about the recent passing of SPY CEO Seth Hamot. For years before I met Seth, I gave him a hard time. As a public company, SPY was a valuable source […]
A Brief Remembrance of SPY CEO Seth Hamot Read More »
My favorite part of a Zumiez’s conference call is when CEO Rick Brooks apparently decides the analyst has asked the wrong question or doesn’t quite understand the implications of what’s been asked. Two plus pages of transcript later, sometimes ably supported by CFO Chris Work, we may have forgotten the original question, but we’ve always
Zumiez’s Annual Results; And Tales from its Conference Call Read More »
I’ve spent some time on VF’s 10-K filing for the year ended December 31, 2017. It was a thought provoking read (yes, I know I’m the only one who would say that about a 10-K) that left me thinking about how VF tries to derive its competitive advantage. There are some lessons in it for
VF’s Management Process and Strategy: Thoughts on Their Annual Report Read More »
Globe’s report for the six months ended 31 December 2017, as usual, gives us very little information. The only 17 page report makes just one incomplete mentions of their brands and tells us exactly nothing about how any of them are doing individually. Perhaps I’ll start by reminding you of their brands. They own are
Revenues Flat, But Strong Bottom Line Performance; Globes Half Year Results Read More »
Thursday’s earnings call by Billabong for the six months ended 31 December 2017 was its last unless something unexpected happens. With an anticipated late April closing of the acquisition of Billabong by Boardriders for $1.00 a share, with Billabong ending up private, we won’t be seeing any more of the company’s numbers. Everybody knows that
One Last Time! Billabong Reports Its Half Yearly Earnings. Read More »
On February 14th, Billabong released a 194 page document explaining the deal under which Boardriders (formerly Quiksilver and owned by Oaktree) will buy it for $1.00 a share (all number in Australian dollars unless otherwise noted). You can go to this page and click on “Court Orders Convening of Scheme Meeting” to download the document
Insights on the Sale of Billabong to Boardriders Read More »
I’m back from the first combined Outdoor Retailer/Snow Show trade show in Denver. The most impactful thing I brought back from the show was the flu. You guys who had dinner with me Thursday night- let me know if you got it. You know, last year I came home from Denver with what turned out
Trade Shows and Scooters Read More »
Back in September of 2013, when Centerbridge and Oaktree invested in Billabong, there was some discussion/consternation about the possibility of Oaktree combining Quiksilver, which it already controlled with Billabong. Quiksilver’s name, as you know, was changed to Boardriders. It owns the Quiksilver, Roxy and DC brands. Billabong’s three largest brands are Billabong, RVCA, and Element.
Speaking of Consolidation- Boardriders’ Acquisition of Billabong Read More »
In the past, I’ve been more than willing to criticize trade shows, suggest changes, and express our mutual uncertainty as to what the role of trade shows should be and how they should perform that role. Even recognizing that the winter Long Beach Agenda typically has lower attendance than summer, I was surprised at the
Agenda Was Kind of Slow Last Week Read More »