U.S. Bancorp (USB.PRG) Analysis - Stock Analysis, Stock Ratings

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USB.PRG has yet to be featured as an InvestorGuide.com Stock of the Day. But read about today's featured stock: Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Dresses for Success with a New Wardrobe
Excerpt from the InvestorGuide.com Stock of the Day on 11/20/2009

AnnTaylor Stores Corporation, a women's clothing chain, reported a $2.1 million third quarter profit today. This news may sound relatively run-of-the-mill on the surface, but it is particularly exciting for investors considering that Ann Taylor posted a $13.4 million loss just a year ago. The retail sector in general has been rather stagnant because of the slumping economy. Consumers seem to be tightening their budgets and cutting back on leisure expenses. Women, especially ones with families, tend to be more inclined to make family purchases before personal ones. Even with all these obstacles in play, how was Ann Taylor able to generate a profit?

A big contributing factor in Ann Taylor's turnaround has been its recent corporate strategy. Ann Taylor revaluated its branding position and realized that it needed a change. The women's apparel retailer is traditionally associated with "career" clothing. However, this type of clothing has been difficult to sell with the economy under so much stress lately. As a result, Ann Taylor has worked hard to reposition itself as more than just a professional attire clothing store. The initial rollout of the Loft's more casual and trendy clothing line generated a very positive response from Ann Taylor consumers, and has been very encouraging for the corporation. Ann Taylor is really making an effort to distance itself from the career clothing stereotype. The female clothing retailer does not plan to stop selling its more traditional collection styles, but it is aiming to diversify its product line. With this is in mind, Ann Taylor has decided to make its new, casual autumn line the focal point for its fourth quarter collection. Ann Taylor has been spotlighting the more casual clothing in its store display windows while also flooding fashion magazines with advertisements. More >

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