Tempur-Pedic is still a buy

Article Excerpt

TEMPUR-PEDIC $10.93 (New York symbol TPX; SI Rating: Speculative)(800-878-8889; www.tempurpedic.com; Shares outstanding: 74.7 million; Market cap: $816.3 million) reports that in the three months ended March 31, 2008, earnings fell 54.6%, to $13.5 million from $29.8 million a year earlier. Earnings per share fell 48.9%, to $0.18 from $0.35 on fewer shares outstanding. Sales fell 7.1%, to $247.2 million from $266 million. In the latest quarter, international sales rose 10% due to the declining U.S. dollar, but domestic sales fell 16% as the U.S. economy continued to slow. Higher costs also hurt profitability. Approximately 75% of mattress sales are replacements, so buyers can postpone their purchases if they choose. As well, industrytrends and retailer feedback indicate that mattress prices are coming down. In response, Tempur-Pedic is launching new versions of some of the lower-priced models of its premium mattresses. Despite the current difficult U.S. retail environment, we still like the company’s longterm prospects. Tempur-Pedic is still a buy. buy…