Group 1 - The investment approach focuses on long-only strategies, evaluating companies from an operational and buy-and-hold perspective rather than market-driven dynamics [1] - The emphasis is on understanding the long-term earnings potential of companies and the competitive dynamics within their industries [1] - Most recommendations will be holds, indicating a cautious approach where only a small fraction of companies are considered buys at any given time [1] Group 2 - Hold articles are intended to provide valuable information for future investors and introduce a healthy skepticism in a generally bullish market [1]

Core Insights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 22.44, higher than the industry average of 18.41, indicating investor confidence in long-term growth despite trading below its one-year median P/E ratio of 24.48, suggesting a potential value opportunity [1] Price Performance - BOOT's shares have increased by 36.3% over the past year, significantly outperforming the Zacks industry's growth of 6.8%, the Retail-Wholesale sector's decline of 2.4%, and the S&P 500's increase of 13.9% during the same period [2] Stock Trading Metrics - Closing at $187.99, Boot Barn stock is 10.6% below its 52-week high of $210.25 reached on December 12, 2025, and is trading above its 200-day simple moving average of $174.46, indicating a favorable technical setup [3] Sales and Margin Growth - BOOT reported a 5.7% same-store sales growth and expanded merchandise margins by 110 basis points, driven by high single-digit growth in Western boots and mid-teens growth in denim [6][7] - Merchandise margin expansion was supported by buying scale benefits, supply chain efficiencies, and a 240 basis points growth in exclusive brands, with selective price increases planned for certain exclusive products [8] Omnichannel Strategy - The company's omnichannel strategy shows digital growth supported by strong in-store performance, with total same-store sales growing by 5.7%, including a 19.6% increase in e-commerce same-store sales and a 3.7% increase in retail store sales [9] Store Expansion - Boot Barn ended the fiscal third quarter with 514 stores, including 25 new openings, and aims for a long-term target of 1,200 locations nationwide, with new stores expected to generate approximately $3.2 million in annual sales in their first full year [11] Updated Guidance - The company raised its full-year sales outlook to between $2.24 billion and $2.25 billion, reflecting growth of 17% to 18% compared to fiscal 2025, and lifted merchandise margin guidance to approximately 50.8% of sales [14] - Consolidated same-store sales growth is now forecasted between 6.5% and 7%, with retail same-store sales expected to be in the range of 5.5%-6% and e-commerce same-store sales projected at 14.5%-15% [15] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BOOT's current and next financial year earnings per share has improved by 13 cents and 23 cents, respectively, in the past 30 days [17] Investment Perspective - Boot Barn's premium valuation is supported by broad-based category strength, disciplined margin expansion, and an accelerating omnichannel execution, suggesting that the current valuation reflects quality [18]

Core Insights - Investors should not rely solely on stock price movements without understanding a company's fundamentals, as this can lead to financial losses. A thorough review of a company's financial health is essential, particularly in an unpredictable market [1] Interest Coverage Ratio - The interest coverage ratio is a critical metric that indicates how effectively a company can pay interest charges on its debt [3][4] - This ratio is calculated by dividing Earnings before Interest & Taxes (EBIT) by Interest Expense, providing insight into a company's ability to meet its interest obligations [4] - A ratio lower than 1 indicates potential default risk, while a higher ratio suggests a company can withstand financial difficulties [6] Investment Strategy - Companies with an interest coverage ratio above the industry average, a favorable Zacks Rank, and a VGM Score of A or B are likely to yield better investment results [7] - Additional criteria for screening include a minimum stock price of $5, strong historical and projected EPS growth compared to the industry median, and an average trading volume greater than 100,000 [8][9] Company Performance Highlights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) has a Zacks Rank of 1, a VGM Score of B, and is projected to have a 17.6% sales growth and 26% EPS growth this fiscal year, with a stock price increase of 36.2% over the past year [10][11] - Brinker International, Inc. (EAT) also holds a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of A, with expected sales growth of 7.9% and EPS growth of 19.8%, although its stock has declined by 3.6% in the past year [11][12] - Tapestry, Inc. (TPR) has a Zacks Rank of 1 and a VGM Score of B, with projected sales growth of 9.6% and EPS growth of 23.7%, and a significant stock increase of 72.8% over the past year [12][13] - Cardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 and a VGM Score of A, with anticipated sales growth of 16.5% and EPS growth of 25.1%, and a stock surge of 74.8% in the past year [13][14]

Core Viewpoint - Stephens upgraded Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) to Overweight from Equal Weight and raised its price target to $237 from $196, citing a clearly defined earnings growth model and confident management [1] Group 1: Analyst Upgrades and Price Targets - BofA analyst Christopher Nardone increased his price target for Boot Barn to $240 from $235 while maintaining a Buy rating, noting strong third-quarter results and a positive sales outlook [2] - The upgrade by Stephens is seen as a tactical call related to potential spring consumer trade and tax refund beneficiaries, as well as a long-term investment perspective [1] Group 2: Financial Performance - Boot Barn reported third-quarter revenue of $705.643 million, slightly above the consensus estimate of $704.84 million, with a year-over-year sales increase of 16% [3] - The company guided fiscal 2026 revenue to between $2.24 billion and $2.25 billion, aligning with the consensus of $2.24 billion [3] - Merchandise margin expanded by 110 basis points, contributing to a diluted EPS of $2.79 [3] Group 3: Company Overview - Boot Barn operates specialty retail stores in the U.S. and internationally, focusing on western and work-related footwear, apparel, and accessories for men, women, and kids [4]

Key Takeaways BOOT's Q3 e-commerce same-store sales surged 19.6%, outpacing retail growth of 3.7%.BOOT launched stand-alone sites for Cody James and Hawx, attracting first-time buyers.BOOT raised its full-year e-commerce growth outlook to 15%, backed by its omnichannel strategy.Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) delivered robust online sales growth, underscoring the early success of its exclusive brand website strategy. In the third quarter fiscal 2026, e-commerce same-store sales jumped 19.6% year over year, ...

Core Insights - Ranger Investment Management sold 99,800 shares of Boot Barn Holdings, valued at approximately $18.62 million, during the fourth quarter of 2025 [2][7] - The fund's position in Boot Barn Holdings decreased by $15.63 million, reflecting both trading and price movement effects [2] Company Overview - Boot Barn Holdings operates over 500 stores across 49 states and multiple e-commerce platforms, focusing on western and workwear apparel [6] - The company reported a market capitalization of $5.72 billion and revenue of $2.17 billion for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4] - Net income for the TTM was $218.98 million [4] Recent Performance - Boot Barn achieved a quarterly revenue growth of 16%, reaching $705.6 million, with same-store sales increasing by 5.7% and e-commerce sales up by 19.6% [9] - Net income rose to $85.8 million, translating to $2.79 per diluted share, with guidance for full-year sales projected up to $2.25 billion and diluted EPS as high as $7.35 [9] Financial Position - The company holds approximately $200 million in cash and has not drawn on its $250 million revolving credit facility [10] - Boot Barn plans to open 70 new stores in the current fiscal year while continuing share repurchases [10] Market Performance - As of February 12, 2026, Boot Barn shares were priced at $186.00, reflecting a 41.1% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 28.16 percentage points [7][10] - The valuation risk is acknowledged, but the operating fundamentals remain strong, with a focus on unit economics and brand penetration [11]

Company Overview - Boot Barn Holdings operates over 500 stores across 49 states, specializing in western and workwear apparel, and utilizes multiple e-commerce platforms to reach a diverse customer base [6][9] - The company reported a market capitalization of $5.72 billion, with a revenue of $2.17 billion and a net income of $218.98 million for the trailing twelve months [4] Recent Financial Performance - Boot Barn achieved a quarterly revenue growth of 16%, reaching $705.6 million, with same-store sales increasing by 5.7% and e-commerce comparable sales surging by 19.6% [10] - The net income for the quarter rose to $85.8 million, translating to $2.79 per diluted share, with guidance projecting full-year sales of up to $2.25 billion and diluted EPS as high as $7.35 [10] Investment Activity - Ranger Investment Management disclosed a sale of 99,800 shares of Boot Barn Holdings, valued at approximately $18.62 million, reducing its position in the company [2][8] - Post-transaction, Boot Barn Holdings represented 1.02% of Ranger's 13F assets under management, with the fund's quarter-end position value decreasing by $15.63 million [2][8] Market Performance - As of February 12, 2026, Boot Barn shares were priced at $186.00, reflecting a 41.1% increase over the past year, outperforming the S&P 500 by 28.16 percentage points [8][12] - The company maintains a strong cash position of approximately $200 million, with plans to open 70 new stores in the fiscal year while continuing share repurchases [11] Strategic Positioning - Boot Barn's differentiated product assortment and omni-channel strategy provide a competitive edge in the fragmented apparel retail market, targeting consumers seeking durable lifestyle-focused merchandise [6][9] - The company is positioned for growth, with a focus on unit economics and exclusive brand penetration, suggesting that its current store count may be a midpoint rather than a ceiling [12]

Core Insights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) is experiencing strong performance from its new store openings, consistently exceeding sales and earnings expectations across all U.S. regions [1][8] - The company aims to expand its store count to 1,200 locations nationwide, having ended the fiscal third quarter with 514 stores, including a record 25 openings during the quarter [1][8] Expansion Strategy - The new store openings are projected to generate approximately $3.2 million in annual sales during their first full year, with an expected payback period of under two years [2][8] - Boot Barn plans to open 15 additional stores in the fiscal fourth quarter, bringing the total for fiscal 2026 to 70 new stores, with a targeted annual growth rate of 12% to 15% for fiscal 2027 [4][8] Market Growth - Growth in non-legacy markets such as Florida, Jersey City, and the Northeast has been particularly promising, with sales and customer profiles resembling those in legacy markets like California, Arizona, and Texas [3] Financial Performance - Boot Barn's shares have increased by 5.4% year to date, outperforming the industry average of 3.9%, and the company holds a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [5] - The forward price-to-earnings ratio for BOOT is 22.17, which is higher than the industry average of 18.38 [6] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BOOT's earnings indicates a year-over-year growth of 26% for the current fiscal year and 16.1% for the next fiscal year [14]

Core Insights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. (BOOT) reported a strong performance in Q3 of fiscal 2026, with revenue increasing by 16% year over year to $706 million and same-store sales rising by 5.7% [1][9] Financial Performance - Quarterly revenue reached $706 million, marking a 16% increase year over year, with consolidated same-store sales up 5.7% [1][9] - Retail store same-store sales increased by 3.7%, while e-commerce same-store sales surged by 19.6% [1][9] - For the first five weeks of Q4, same-store sales rose by 5.7%, with an even higher rate of approximately 9.1% before weather disruptions [4][9] Category Performance - All major product categories showed robust growth, with men's and women's Western boots achieving high single-digit comparable sales growth [3] - Apparel outperformed the chain average, particularly denim, which saw mid-teens same-store sales growth [3] - Work boots also experienced mid-single-digit comparable sales growth, indicating sustained consumer demand across footwear and apparel [3] Digital and E-commerce Growth - The digital segment benefited from newly launched standalone websites for exclusive brands, attracting new customers [2] - Management plans to launch dedicated websites for additional brands, further enhancing digital presence [2] Market Position and Outlook - Boot Barn's sales growth, expanding margins, and strong digital traction support confidence in its long-term growth strategy and store expansion targets [5] - BOOT's shares have increased by 10% year to date, outperforming the industry average of 3.7% [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a year-over-year earnings growth of 26% for the current fiscal year and 16.1% for the next [12]

Core Insights - The Q4 earnings season for 2025 has been positive, with strong growth and many companies exceeding expectations, except for NVIDIA [1] Boot Barn (BOOT) - Boot Barn reported a 16% year-over-year increase in sales, with same-store sales rising by 5.7%, indicating strong performance in existing stores while expanding [2][4] - The company opened 25 new locations, bringing the total to 514, and achieved a gross margin of 39.9%, up from 39.3% year-over-year, reflecting improved profitability [4][6] - Boot Barn anticipates opening 70 new stores in FY26, with projected sales between $2.24 billion and $2.25 billion, and same-store sales growth expected to be between 6.5% and 7.5% [8] Cardinal Health (CAH) - Cardinal Health experienced an 18.8% year-over-year sales increase and a 36.3% growth in adjusted EPS, marking a significant recovery after stagnation in 2024 [9][12] - Sales growth was broad-based, with Pharmaceuticals and Specialty Solutions up 19% year-over-year, contributing approximately 90% of total sales [12] - The company raised its FY26 outlook for adjusted EPS to a range of $10.15 to $10.35, suggesting a 24.5% year-over-year growth [14] Overall Market Sentiment - Both Boot Barn and Cardinal Health have raised their guidance following strong quarterly results, indicating potential near-term outperformance [16]