PetSmart’s Outlook Is Still Positive

Article Excerpt

PETSMART INC. $28 (Nasdaq symbol PETM; Aggressive Growth Portfolio, Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 134.6 million; Market cap: $3.8 billion; WSSF Rating: Above average) reported a 6.9% drop in earnings in its third fiscal quarter ended October 28, 2007, to $29.5 million from $31.7 million a year earlier. Earnings per share were unchanged at $0.23 due to fewer shares outstanding. Sales rose 8.7%, to $1.12 billion from $1.03 billion. Same-store sales rose 1.4%. High gas prices and the housing slump could slow PetSmart’s fourth-quarter sales and earnings growth. However, the company’s exclusive brands and wide range of merchandise and services will help it compete with large discount retailers like Wal-Mart and Costco. PetSmart is a buy. buy…