To me, one of the most important things we can do as we wrap up 2025 is to drive a substantial rotation in our portfolios. I'm specifically looking to increase my allocation to beaten-down consumer discretionary and enterprise software stocks as wellWith combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the industry today. He has been a ...

To me, one of the most important things we can do as we wrap up 2025 is to drive a substantial rotation in our portfolios. I'm specifically looking to increase my allocation to beaten-down consumer discretionary and enterprise software stocks as wellWith combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the industry today. He has been a ...

Group 1 - Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) is recognized for its diverse product offerings, including cookware, kitchen tools, home furnishings, decor, bedding, lighting, rugs, and personalized home products [1] - The company's management has received positive remarks from Jim Cramer, who noted a year-over-year increase in operating margins at the midpoint despite tariff impacts [1] - Williams-Sonoma's stock performance showed a gain of 2% during a recent market discussion, indicating investor confidence [1] Group 2 - Cramer highlighted Williams-Sonoma as one of the companies "firing on all cylinders," alongside Gap, suggesting strong operational performance [1] - The company is perceived to have a variable tariff impact that is well-managed, contributing to its resilience in the current market environment [1] - There is a suggestion that while Williams-Sonoma has potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [1]

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (NYSE:WSM) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer shed light on. Cramer highlighted the company’s “tariff hit,” as he remarked: “How about two I really like right here: Williams-Sonoma and Gap. Their tariff hit is pretty variable and pretty covered. These are all moving targets, but these two companies are firing on all cylinders. Williams-Sonoma is even guiding for a modest year-over-year increase in operating margins at the midpoint despite the tariffs.” Stock market data. Photo by Ale ...

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. While this article may sound like financial advice, please observe that the author is not a US-based C ...

It has been about a month since the last earnings report for Williams-Sonoma (WSM) . Shares have added about 9.7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.But investors have to be wondering, will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Williams-Sonoma due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the latest earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.Williams-S ...

Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM) operates as a leading omni-channel specialty retailer specializing in premium home furnishings, kitchenware, and decor. Headquartered in San Francisco, California, the company oversees a portfolio of iconic brands such as Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, West Elm, and Rejuvenation. It delivers products through e-commerce platforms, catalogs, and international franchises, prioritizing cooking essentials, furniture, bedding, and custom furnishings. The company has a market capital ...

Core Insights - The performance of top U.S. home brands like RH, Williams Sonoma, and Arhaus has remained strong despite challenges in the housing market, with RH reporting a 9% revenue increase to $884 million in Q3 [2] - A report by TD Cowen suggests that the U.S. housing market will continue to face challenges, with expectations of slower home sales persisting into 2026 [3][4] - Affordability issues are becoming more pronounced, with home prices significantly outpacing median household incomes in states like California and New York [6] Company Performance - RH's CEO expressed optimism about future performance in a stronger housing market during the Q3 conference call [1] - Williams Sonoma achieved record revenues of $1.88 billion in Q3, while Arhaus saw an 8% sales increase to $345 million [2] - RH's revenue growth of 9% to $884 million exceeded expectations [2] Market Outlook - TD Cowen's report indicates that U.S. mortgage rates are expected to decrease to 5.5%, which may facilitate more transactions but not significantly boost market activity [4] - The report also highlights that the supply of existing homes is likely to outpace demand, hindering new housing starts in 2026 [5] Affordability Challenges - The average home price in California is $754,304, while the median household income is projected to be around $96,334 to $100,600 for 2024 [6] - In New York, the median home price is $502,060, with a median household income of $85,820 for 2024 [6] - The political landscape is shifting towards addressing affordable housing, as seen in campaigns like Zohran Mamdani's in New York City, where the median home price is $793,963 [7]

Group 1 - Retailers are extending discounts on various goods, including sports gear and books, to attract price-sensitive consumers amid rising costs and tariffs [2][3] - The average size of discounts on Amazon has slightly decreased from 2024 to 2025, with markdowns rarely exceeding 5% [3] - Major retailers like Target and Lowe's are promoting sales and encouraging consumers to take their time with purchases [5][9] Group 2 - Merchants are providing clear deadlines for holiday orders to ensure timely delivery, with cut-off dates varying by retailer [6] - Up to 20% of items may be available at their lowest prices of the year leading up to Christmas, with average reductions around 20% [7] - Heavily discounted categories include toys, books, games, and apparel, which are expected to remain well discounted [8][9]

Core Insights - Dividend investors often focus on well-known companies like Pepsi, Johnson & Johnson, and Procter & Gamble, but this approach overlooks numerous other opportunities that may offer better returns [1][2] - There are lesser-known dividend stocks that operate in stable industries, consistently raise their payouts, and outperform larger, more popular dividend stocks [2][4] - The current market volatility has prompted investors to seek companies that can grow without relying on ideal market conditions, making these under-the-radar dividend stocks appealing for their stability and potential upside [4][5] Company Summaries - **Rexford Industrial Realty**: Operates industrial properties in Southern California, the largest supply-constrained industrial market in the U.S. The company has achieved a compound growth rate of 16% in funds from operations over the past five years, nearly double that of its peers. The stock yields 4.21%, with an annual return of $1.72 per share, and has increased dividends for 12 consecutive years [8][9] - **Automatic Data Processing (ADP)**: Known for payroll and HR services, ADP has raised its dividends for 51 years. The stock yields 2.60% with an annual dividend of $6.80. The company maintains a moderate payout ratio, indicating potential for future increases, and benefits from predictable cash flow due to high client retention [11][12][13] - **Williams Sonoma**: A well-known retail name that has successfully navigated supply chain challenges and changing consumer habits. The company has a consistent dividend growth supported by strong operating cash flow. The stock yields 1.49% with an annual dividend of $2.64 and a payout ratio of 27.98%, making it an attractive option for investors [15][16]