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Strategies & Market Trends : The Epic American Credit and Bond Bubble Laboratory -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: russwinter who wrote (8371)	2/20/2004 12:27:33 PM
From: John Doyle	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

"stiff competition is forcing steel users to absorb the higher costs" I know of two steel fabricators in the north east that cannot raise their end prices because competition is tough up there. FYI They have to eat it an reduce margins wich are being squeezed by higher healthcare cost.

To: russwinter who wrote (8371)	2/20/2004 12:40:51 PM
From: ild	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 110194

Russ, question to you. From SSB research on LOW/HD In addition to weather patterns benefiting comps, a recent report out of major supplier Masco provided further evidence that the fourth quarter was a strong one at the major retailers. According to the company’s Friday earnings release, combined sales to Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Wal-Mart increased 22% in the fourth quarter, compared with an increase of 8% in the third, 6% in the second, and 4% in the first. Do you think 22% increase in Masco sales to retailers in the fourth quarter was result of higher prices or higher units?