Recent Work for the Motley Fool

Below, please find our most recent work for The Motley Fool. We have attached links to the articles for your perusal.

1. Ethan Allen's Masterful Q4 Decor (July 26, 2007) - See our brief take on Ethan Allen's (NYSE: ETH) fiscal fourth quarter earnings report. ETH masterfully managed EPS to within a penny of last year's result, despite a less than hospitable housing environment. (Companies mentioned within the article include: ETH, FBN, HOFT)
2. Pool Corporation's Soggy Q2 (July 24, 2007) - This article takes a deep look into Pool Corporation's (NASDAQ: POOL) second quarter report, and applies a broad valuation perspective that considers the company's sensitivity to housing and lending. This in-depth article provides unique insight into a company I followed as an analyst. It was in fact one of my first selections, discovered scientifically through screening. However, from approximately twenty screen survivors, I handpicked a select few, including POOL. Only 20% of the stocks that were discovered scientifically continued to beat the market in the year that followed. However, my choices quickly made me into an in-house star. That just goes to show you that it takes just the right mix of science and art to select stocks well. Despite the company's excellent performance, it was a tough sell to my supervisors, who initially vetoed my recommendation to make it a "Strong Buy," opting instead to make it a "Buy." As it quickly became one of our best performers, and I continued to push, my supervisors started to get it. When I left my firm in July 2005, I had the stock rated a "Hold" based on valuation and my concern for housing and interest rates. (POOL, ELY, OO)
3. Grilling Darden Restaurants (July 23, 2007) - This article provides a refreshing look into Darden Restaurants (NYSE: DRI) and the casual dining industry. It's a review of Darden's presentation, which I got a chance to survey during the company's recent road show. The casual space is currently under pressure, as consumer spending softens from the weight of the increasing cost of living. In Wall Street Greek's view, unlike the Fed, this includes food and energy prices. Darden is a company I analyzed in graduate school, and recommended and purchased as a result about ten years ago. I subsequently sold DRI and have held no interest for years now. I first gained insight into discounted cash flow analysis at the University of Pittsburgh's Katz Graduate School of Business, with the help of my favorite professor, Ken Lehn. I applied DCF analysis to value DRI, and later introduced DCF valuation to the group at S&P through a presentation. In the years that followed, a canned model was created for the entire department's use. (DRI, RUTH, PFCB, EAT, APPB, CAKE)
4. Chico's June Follows Suit (July 16, 2007) - A brief take on Chico's FAS (NYSE: CHS) rather weak, though in line with peers, June sales results. (CHS, ANN, KSS, JCP, M)
5. Taxing Consequences for Private Funds (June 28, 2007) - This in-depth article discusses my expectation for the "Blackstone Bill" currently in Congress, and how I think it could impact the private equity and hedge fund industries, and perhaps the entire financial system. It mentions Blackstone Group (NYSE: BX), Fortress Investment Group (NYSE: FIG), T. Rowe Price Group (NASDAQ: TROW) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE: GS).
6. Tasty Chicken, Tepid Price (June 28, 2007) - The brief article discusses Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM) shares two weeks ahead of its earnings report. It reaches a little beyond YUM, discussing pressures on restaurants as well. (YUM, DRI, EAT, CAKE, MCD)
7. CKE Restaurants Drowning in Fat? (June 29, 2007) - My brief take on CKE Restaurants (NYSE: CKR) and its recent earnings report. (CKR, WEN, MCD, SNS)

So, you see, the Wall Street Greek is not relaxing on a beach in Santorini as you expected. Remember, I will republish these articles in their entirety a week after "The Fool." This effort will only enhance my daily and weekly work for you.

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