Goldman Sachs Retail Update (LULU, SPLS, WMT, COLM, AAP, UA)

Analysts at Goldman Sachs GS said that the tone on Day 2 of its 17th Annual Global Retailing Conference taking place today, was still generally upbeat. The analysts wrote that "the overwhelming majority of retailers anticipate a stable economic backdrop-i.e. low-growth, similar to today's environment. None expected deterioration, with just 14% expecting outright acceleration." Most of the companies were expecting margin expansion. As a result of companies' expectations that margins will improve, the analysts wrote that "any incremental tailwind from the macro environment could drive earnings upside, as most firms do not expect a dramatic sales recovery." Goldman Sachs cited Buy-rated stocks with the most constructive takeaways as Lululemon LULU, Staples SPLS, and Wal-Mart WMT. Neutral rated stocks with the most upbeat outlook included Advance Auto Parts AAP, Columbia Sportswear Company COLM, and Under Armour UA. See Some of the Top Moving Indexes Here.