We are downgrading our recommendation on RC2 Corporation (RCRC) from Neutral to Underperform. While third quarter results were ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate, primarily due to the benefits of the cost containment initiatives, we note that the company has reported a drop in sales in the quarter.
Also, the holiday season is expected to be a challenge as families are restricting their discretionary spending. Hence, we expect the company to continue to face a difficult operating environment in the near future.
Additionally, the loss of the Thomas & Friends license to Fisher-Price will likely prove to be a significant blow in 2010. Further, the chances of retaining the Wooden track system license when it expires in 2012 have been reduced, in our opinion.Zacks Investment Research
