An easy way to determine the future of a company is to listen to the chairman, CEO and largest investor. So why is Sears (SHLD) surrounded with speculation of liquidations, real estate sales, brand sales or laundry lists of public takeover candidates?
Facts from Eddie Lampert:
- The company is not a real estate play.
- The company will be run as a retailer
- The company will not be selling its most valuable brands
- The company is pursuing lower costs of capital and improving debt levels
- The company is focused long-term and is not competing with WalMart (WMT)
Combine these facts and a business plan for a quality, higher-end retail outfit begins to emerge.
