Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of confirming the sustainability of stock trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting that price movements should be supported by strong fundamentals and positive earnings estimates. Group 1: Stock Performance - Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) has shown a solid price increase of 25% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest in the stock [4] - The stock has maintained a price increase of 0.4% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5] - AS is currently trading at 82.7% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5] Group 2: Fundamental Strength - AS holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6] - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7] Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like AS that are on an uptrend supported by strong fundamentals [3] - There are additional stocks that meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, providing further investment opportunities [8]

Group 1 - Deutsche Bank has resumed coverage of key stocks in the global brand, discount retail, and professional beauty sectors, expressing optimism as it enters 2026, anticipating a "risk-on" macro environment despite potential fluctuations [1] - Analyst Christina Katay noted that the revenue trend in the first half of the year will remain robust due to favorable weather conditions and increased tax refunds, which are seen as drivers for same-store sales growth [1] - The bank estimates that the "Great Beauty Act" will increase tax refunds by approximately $55 billion, with total tax refunds in 2024 projected at $461 billion [1] Group 2 - The expected tax refunds will primarily benefit low- to middle-income consumers facing cost-of-living challenges, while affluent households are anticipated to benefit from increased state and local tax (SALT) deductions [2] - Deutsche Bank has assigned a "Buy" rating to stocks including Amphenol (AS.US), Birkenstock (BIRK.US), Ulta Beauty (ULTA.US), Ralph Lauren (RL.US), Ross Stores (ROST.US), and TJX Companies (TJX.US) [2] - The bank holds a more conservative view on stocks such as Bath & Body Works (BBWI.US), Burlington Stores (BURL.US), Nike (NKE.US), and Lululemon (LULU.US), assigning them a "Hold" rating [2]

Core Insights - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Products industry is experiencing growth due to increased health and fitness awareness, leading to solid demand for fitness products and outdoor recreation items [1][5]. Industry Overview - The industry includes companies that provide a range of recreational products and services, such as amusement products, swimming pools, marine products, and outdoor equipment. Economic growth, a healthy labor market, and rising disposable income drive consumer demand [2]. Trends Influencing the Industry - The U.S. golf business is in a growth cycle, with increased participation and engagement across various age groups. Off-course experiences are attracting younger consumers, broadening the sport's appeal [3]. - Higher play frequency among golfers is leading to increased demand for upgraded equipment, while innovations in fitting and data analytics are enhancing spending per participant [4]. - There is robust demand for fitness-related products, with consumers investing in home workout equipment and digital fitness platforms, driven by a focus on personal well-being [5]. - Technology is redefining engagement in the industry, with smart fitness equipment and app-enabled products enhancing customer experiences and extending lifetime value [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Products industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 110, placing it in the top 45% of over 244 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8]. - Despite the positive outlook, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 2.2% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's rise of 18.3% [10]. Valuation Metrics - The industry trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.4X, which is lower than the S&P 500's 23.11X and the sector's 18.45X. The industry has seen a range from 13.25X to 37.40X over the past five years, with a median of 20.67X [13]. Notable Companies - **Topgolf Callaway**: The company has seen a resurgence in traffic and sales, particularly in its core customer segment, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [14]. The stock has increased by 48.9% in the past six months [15]. - **Amer Sports**: Benefiting from strong demand for premium brands, particularly in footwear, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). The company expects a 22% year-over-year growth in earnings per share [19][20]. - **Acushnet Holdings**: Strong global golf participation and demand for Titleist products are driving growth, with a projected 7.1% increase in earnings for 2026 [23][24]. - **Pool Corporation**: Expected to benefit from steady maintenance demand and digital enhancements, with a forecasted 6.6% increase in earnings for 2026 [27][28].

Company Performance - Amer Sports continues to perform well in a volatile stock market, securing a position on the Investor's Business Daily Leaderboard and remaining in buy range past its latest entry point [4] - The stock has a B+ IBD Accumulation/Distribution Rating and a 1.5 up/down volume ratio, indicating strong buying interest [4] - Amer Sports sees its RS Rating rise to 81, reflecting improved relative strength [9] Market Trends - The Dow Jones and S&P 500 are at record highs, indicating a broadening uptrend in the market [9] - Amer Sports, along with other companies like ATI and Amphenol, is in focus as the market pauses ahead of Federal Reserve announcements [9]

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point in December but indicated only one rate cut is expected in 2026 due to persistent high inflation [2][7] - A softer inflation reading for November has raised hopes for more rate cuts, with expectations that inflation could decline to 2.4% by the end of 2026 and economic growth could accelerate to 2.3% next year [8] Consumer Discretionary Stocks - Five consumer discretionary stocks are recommended: Amer Sports, Inc. (AS), Crocs, Inc. (CROX), Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB), Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL), and Roku, Inc. (ROKU) [3] - These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and carry a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for solid returns [4] Company-Specific Insights - **Amer Sports, Inc. (AS)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 21.5%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 10.7% over the last 60 days [9][11] - **Crocs, Inc. (CROX)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 3.9%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 5% over the past 60 days [12] - **Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 5.3%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 0.7% over the past 60 days [13] - **Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 9.1%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 0.7% over the past 60 days [14] - **Roku, Inc. (ROKU)**: Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is over 100%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 83.3% over the past 60 days [15]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in short-term investing, highlighting that successful entries into trends are crucial for profitability [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) has shown a solid price increase of 11.4% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - The stock has also increased by 11.2% in the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - AS is currently trading at 81.1% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - AS holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like AS that have the fundamental strength to maintain their upward momentum [3]. - The article suggests that there are several other stocks passing through this screen, providing additional investment opportunities [8].

Group 1 - The Dow Jones Industrial Average and other stock indexes experienced a decline, with JPMorgan Chase, Amer Sports, Carpenter Technology, and Urban Outfitters identified as notable stocks to watch in the current market [4] - Key indexes are near all-time highs, prompting investors to look for new breakout opportunities using The IBD Methodology [4] - Eli Lilly and Urban Outfitters are highlighted as leading stocks in a divided market, with Urban Outfitters reaching new highs [7][8] Group 2 - Analysts are recommending 11 S&P 500 stocks for 2026, indicating a positive outlook for certain sectors [6] - Amer Sports is noted as the IPO Stock of the Week, following a strong breakout and entering a buy zone [7] - The market is currently focusing on stocks like Eli Lilly and Urban Outfitters, as well as a gold miner ETF, amidst broader market fluctuations [8]

Core Insights - Amer Sports Inc. is highlighted as a promising investment opportunity, with UBS raising its price target to $54 from $52 while maintaining a Buy rating due to strong growth prospects, particularly for brands like Arc'teryx and Salomon [1] - The company reported a significant revenue increase of 30% year-over-year in Q3 2025, totaling $1.76 billion, which exceeded market expectations [2][3] - Amer Sports' adjusted net income rose to $185 million, a substantial increase from $71 million in the previous year, leading to an adjusted diluted EPS of $0.33, up from $0.14 [3] Financial Performance - Q3 2025 revenue reached $1.76 billion, surpassing expectations by $29.35 million [2] - Adjusted gross margin improved by 2.4% to 57.9%, while adjusted operating margin expanded by 1.3% to 15.7% [2] - Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) sales surged by 51%, particularly driven by the Salomon brand in Greater China and the APAC region [3] Brand and Segment Performance - Technical Apparel revenue, led by Arc'teryx, increased by 31% to $683 million [3] - The growth was broad-based across various segments and geographies, indicating strong overall performance [3] Company Overview - Amer Sports Inc. designs, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories globally, operating through three segments: Technical Apparel, Outdoor Performance, and Ball & Racquet Sports [4]

Core Viewpoint - The previous investment stance on Amer Sports was a hold rating due to concerns over risks related to the Tibet backlash in China, insider selling trends, and a focus on long-term investments while also considering short-term opportunities for alpha generation [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment approach is centered on bottom-up analysis, focusing on the fundamental strengths and weaknesses of individual companies [1] - The investment duration is medium to long-term, aiming to identify companies with solid fundamentals, sustainable competitive advantages, and growth potential [1]

Revenue Growth - Total revenue increased by 30% year-on-year to $1.756 billion[7] - Revenue growth in Greater China reached 47%, while Asia-Pacific saw a 54% increase[7] - Functional apparel revenue grew by 31% to $683 million, and outdoor sports revenue increased by 36% to $724 million[7] Store Expansion - Total store count increased by 85 to 631, with a year-on-year increase of 178 stores[7] - Same-store sales growth for functional apparel improved from 15% to 27%[5] Profitability Metrics - Gross margin improved by 1.6 percentage points to 56.8%[7] - Operating profit margin was reported at 12.3%, with an adjusted operating profit margin of 15.7%[7] Strategic Outlook - The company expects full-year revenue growth of 23-24% and a gross margin of 58.0%[8] - Projected earnings per share for 2025 is between $0.88 and $0.92[8] Valuation and Rating - Target price set at $43.80, representing a 20% upside from the current stock price of $36.60[9] - The stock is rated as "Buy" based on a 27x price-to-earnings ratio[9] Risks - Increased competition in the mature outdoor market in Europe and the U.S. poses a risk to performance[10] - High dependency on single brands and markets could impact stability[10]