We delivered a high level of client service, maintained a strong financial position, and continued to skillfully navigate lingering macroeconomic headwinds in certain key markets, mainly caused by the effect of tariffs and trade destocking and, of course, geopolitical conflicts. Innovation will continue to define our success, including the rollout of brands recently signed or acquired, namely Longchamp, Off-White, and Goutal, as well as a 15-year extension of our GUESS license and our strengthening partners ...

Core Insights - Westlake Corporation (WLK) has expanded its epoxy distribution partnership with Brenntag into India, enhancing its presence in the Asia-Pacific region [1][8] - The partnership aims to improve product availability, supply chain efficiency, and provide localized technical support to customers [2] - Westlake is leveraging Brenntag's established infrastructure and customer network to capitalize on India's infrastructure development and industrial growth [3] Company Performance - WLK's shares have decreased by 17% over the past year, while the industry has seen a rise of 4.2% [5]

Industry Overview - The U.S. beauty and cosmetics industry demonstrates resilience, providing a defensive growth profile even during economic fluctuations, with stable demand for skincare, fragrance, and color cosmetics [1] - Structural growth drivers include the rapid expansion of skincare and prestige fragrance, with wellness, ingredient transparency, and sustainability influencing purchasing decisions, particularly among Gen Z and millennials [2] Digital Transformation - Digital transformation is crucial for competitive advantage, with elevated e-commerce penetration; retailers combining online convenience with experiential store formats are better positioned for customer loyalty [3] - Companies like Ulta Beauty, Inc. leverage robust loyalty programs and omnichannel capabilities to align with evolving consumer preferences [3] Brand Strategy - A diverse portfolio across mass and prestige offerings allows companies to navigate shifting demand trends effectively; Coty Inc. exemplifies this with its mix of consumer beauty products and higher-growth prestige fragrance assets [4] - Interparfums focuses on developing fragrance franchises for global fashion houses, emphasizing brand identity and long-term partnerships rather than short-term volume [7] Innovation and Growth - Continuous innovation is central to Interparfums' strategy, with successful product lines like Jimmy Choo and Montblanc enhancing brand visibility and consumer engagement [8][9] - The Estee Lauder Companies is reshaping its approach through the "Beauty Reimagined" strategy, focusing on consumer-centricity and agility across various channels [10][11] Market Positioning - e.l.f. Beauty has emerged as an agile player by offering high-quality, prestige-inspired products at accessible prices, quickly adapting to consumer demand [13] - Product innovation is key for e.l.f., with successful launches in various categories and strong in-store execution supporting brand visibility [14][15] Investment Opportunities - The beauty and cosmetics sector presents stability and long-term growth potential, with companies like Interparfums, The Estee Lauder Companies, and e.l.f. Beauty identified as positioned to benefit from industry growth drivers [5]

Core Insights - NetApp, Inc. (NTAP) is expected to report third-quarter fiscal 2026 earnings on February 26, with non-GAAP earnings per share projected between $2.01 and $2.11, and a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.07, reflecting an 8.4% year-over-year growth [1][10] Financial Performance - Anticipated net sales for the quarter are between $1.615 billion and $1.765 billion, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.69 billion, indicating a 2.9% increase from the previous year [2] - NTAP has beaten earnings estimates in three of the last four quarters, with an average surprise of 2.68% [2] Demand and Product Performance - There is increasing demand for NetApp's modern all-flash arrays, particularly the C-series and ASA products, with All-Flash Array revenues rising 9% year-over-year to $1 billion in the fiscal second quarter, equating to an annualized run rate of $4.1 billion [3][10] - The company is also seeing growth in its cloud storage and AI solutions, having launched AFX and AIDE, and closed around 200 AI-related deals [4] Public Cloud Segment - The Public Cloud segment's revenues increased by 2% to $171 million, with an 18% growth year-over-year when excluding the divested Spot business; first-party and marketplace cloud storage services grew by 32% [5] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the Public Cloud segment revenues is $179 million for the fiscal third quarter [5] Recent Developments - On December 9, 2025, NetApp and F5 expanded their collaboration to deliver AI data solutions, integrating NetApp's data infrastructure with F5's security platform [7] - On December 2, 2025, NetApp introduced a new capability to connect AWS AI and Analytics services directly to its data across cloud and on-premises environments [8]

For those looking to find strong Consumer Discretionary stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is New Oriental Education (EDU) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.New Oriental Education is a member of the Consumer Discretionary sector. This group includes 256 individual stocks and currently holds a Zacks Sector Rank of #10. The Zacks Sector Rank considers 16 different groups, measu ...

Core Viewpoint - Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL) is expected to report revenue growth of 7.8% year-over-year, with a consensus estimate of $885.3 million for Q4 2025, and earnings per share estimated at 94 cents, reflecting a 13.3% increase from the previous year [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance Expectations - The consensus estimate for Gildan's revenues is $885.3 million, indicating a rise of 7.8% from the year-ago figure [1]. - The consensus estimate for earnings is 94 cents per share, which indicates a 13.3% increase from the year-ago quarter's actual [1]. - Gildan has a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 2.6%, with a 2% earnings surprise in the last reported quarter [2]. Group 2: Factors Influencing Q4 Results - Gildan's results are expected to benefit from its Sustainable Growth Strategy, which includes expanding capacity, driving innovation, and advancing ESG initiatives [3]. - The company has completed the acquisition of HanesBrands, contributing to increased market share through brand strength, product innovation, and enhanced customer service [4]. - The Activewear segment is gaining momentum due to market share expansion and strong demand, which is likely to positively impact the upcoming quarter's performance [4]. Group 3: Challenges and Market Conditions - The company faces challenges from a tough operating landscape, including inflationary pressures and softness in the hosiery and underwear category [5]. - Higher operating expenses are expected to have somewhat dampened profitability in the quarter under review [5]. Group 4: Valuation and Stock Performance - Gildan has a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 15.72x, which is below the industry's average of 16.41x and below its five-year high of 21.94x [7]. - Gildan shares have gained 31.2% in the past six months, significantly outperforming the industry's growth of 0.1% [7].

Core Insights - Carter's, Inc. (CRI) is anticipated to show revenue growth in its fourth-quarter 2025 results, but a decline in earnings is expected [1][2] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fourth-quarter revenues is $916.4 million, reflecting a 6.6% increase from the previous year [2] - The consensus estimate for quarterly earnings is $1.70 per share, indicating a decrease of 28.9% compared to the same quarter last year [2] Sales Performance - Preliminary net sales for the fourth quarter indicate a high single-digit percentage increase year-over-year, with U.S. Retail segment net sales also rising in the high single-digits [5][10] - U.S. Retail comparable sales grew in mid-single-digits, driven by strong e-commerce demand, while average unit retail pricing increased in mid-single-digits [5][10] Market Position and Strategy - Carter's holds a leading position in the baby and children's apparel market, benefiting from strong brand recognition and a wide distribution network [4] - The company's direct-to-consumer strategy enhances margins and customer relationships, supported by improved pricing and inventory management [4] Distribution and Omnichannel Efforts - The company has a diversified distribution network, including retail stores, e-commerce platforms, and wholesale partnerships, with expanded omnichannel facilities [6] - Strength in U.S. Retail and International segments is expected to contribute positively, with International net sales projected to increase by 8% [6] Cost Pressures - Carter's faces challenges from ongoing inflation and increased discretionary spending constraints, impacting apparel demand [7] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses are expected to rise by 10.6% in the fourth quarter due to higher store-based expenses and increased marketing investments [7][10] Valuation - The stock is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 17.01x, which is below its five-year high and the industry average, presenting an attractive investment opportunity [11] - CRI's shares have increased by 43.6% over the past three months, outperforming the industry growth of 4.3% [12]

Core Insights - Monster Beverage Corporation (MNST) is anticipated to report strong growth in both revenue and earnings for Q4 2025, driven by robust demand for energy drinks, effective pricing strategies, and ongoing international market expansion [1][9] Revenue and Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Q4 revenues is $2.1 billion, reflecting a 13% increase from the same quarter last year [2][9] - The consensus estimate for earnings is 49 cents per share, indicating a 28.98% rise compared to the previous year [2][9] - The consensus estimates have remained stable over the past 30 days, with the company having a history of positive earnings surprises [2][8] Demand and Market Trends - Continued strength in global energy drink demand is expected, particularly in North America, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions [3] - The energy drink category is experiencing healthy growth, supported by increased household penetration and consumer interest in functionality and lifestyle [3] - Monster Beverage's diverse product portfolio, including Monster Energy and the Ultra family, positions the company to capitalize on evolving consumer preferences, especially for zero-sugar and flavored products [3] Innovation and Product Mix - Product innovation, particularly within the Ultra and Juice Monster families, is a key growth driver, supported by strong demand for zero-sugar options and new flavor launches [4] - Limited-time offerings and athlete-backed products are crucial for maintaining brand relevance and encouraging repeat purchases [4] Pricing and Cost Management - Pricing actions and cost management are expected to significantly influence profitability, with selective price adjustments and reduced promotional allowances anticipated to help maintain gross margins [5] - Ongoing supply chain optimization and strategic hedging against aluminum price volatility are expected to stabilize input costs [5] International Performance and Macro Conditions - International markets are contributing positively to Monster Beverage's performance, although currency fluctuations and regulatory developments present potential challenges [6] Operating Expenses - The company is facing high operating expenses due to increased costs related to sponsorships, endorsements, and payroll, which may necessitate tighter expense management to preserve margins [7] Valuation and Stock Performance - Monster Beverage's stock is trading at a premium, with a forward P/E ratio of 35.49x compared to the industry average of 20.08x [11] - The stock has gained 29.5% over the past six months, outperforming the industry growth of 14.6% [13]

Key Takeaways KVUE beat Q4 earnings and revenue estimates, with both metrics rising year over year.Kenvue's margins improved on supply chain productivity and cost discipline despite higher brand spend.KVUE saw double-digit sales growth in EMEA, Asia Pacific and Latin America, offsetting North America softness.Kenvue Inc. (KVUE) posted solid fourth-quarter results, wherein the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both metrics increased year over year. Organic growth was driven b ...

Core Insights - Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) has increased its share repurchase authorization by an additional $100 million, indicating a commitment to enhancing shareholder value and a belief that its shares are currently undervalued [1][10]. Share Repurchase Program - The share repurchase program has no expiration date, allowing the company to limit, suspend, or terminate it at any time without prior notice, reflecting confidence in its financial position [2]. - In the first quarter of fiscal 2026, the company repurchased approximately 660,000 shares for $18.5 million, with $28 million remaining under the existing authorization for future buybacks [3][10]. Financial Performance and Strategy - Central Garden & Pet is executing a multi-year transformation plan aimed at strengthening its leadership in pet consumables and lawn and garden categories through innovation and supply-chain simplification [4]. - The company reported cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments of $721 million at the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2026, a year-over-year increase of $103 million [6][10]. - Management reaffirmed its fiscal 2026 earnings per share target of $2.70 or higher, with the Pet segment showing steady growth and the Garden segment expected to recover seasonally [5][10]. Valuation and Market Performance - CENT shares have gained 19.7% in the past month, outperforming the industry growth of 9.3% [7]. - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 13.60X, which is lower than the industry's average of 18.23X, indicating potential value [8].