Rocky Brands (NasdaqGS:RCKY) FY 2026 Conference January 12, 2026 02:30 PM ET Company ParticipantsThomas Robertson - CFO and COOJason Brooks - President and CEOConference Call ParticipantsJonathan Komp - Senior Research AnalystJonathan KompLet's get started here. I'm Jonathan Komp, a Senior Analyst from Baird. Very pleased to host Rocky Brands today. You may know Rocky as a company with more than 90 years of operating history and a leading designer, manufacturer, marketer of rugged boots and outdoor gear. A ...

Rocky Brands (NasdaqGS:RCKY) FY 2026 Conference January 12, 2026 02:30 PM ET Speaker1Let's get started here. I'm Jonathan Komp, a senior analyst from Baird. Very pleased to host Rocky Brands today. You may know Rocky as a company with more than 90 years of operating history and a leading designer, manufacturer, marketer of rugged boots and outdoor gear. A couple of household names in the portfolio you may know: Rocky Boots, Georgia Boots, Durango, more recently the Original Muck Boot brand, as well as XTRAT ...

Boot Barn (NYSE:BOOT) FY 2026 Conference January 12, 2026 10:30 AM ET Company ParticipantsJim Watkins - CFOJohn Hazen - CEOConference Call ParticipantsPeter Keith - Managing Director and Senior Research AnalystJohn HazenJob, some new screening tools for order management, better search functionality, better merchandising, additional payment methods on the site. So those all contributed to the e-commerce business for the quarter. And as we think about those exclusive brands, it really is about driving the awa ...

Two developments over the weekend underlined the retailer's transformation from big-box store chain to e-commerce giant. ...

Company Overview - ASML Holding is a leading semiconductor technology company based in the Netherlands, dominating the lithography market and controlling the extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography industry, essential for producing high-performance computer chips [4][5] - The company generated $33 billion in revenue in 2024, with a net income of $8.8 billion, indicating strong performance despite a slight decline in net income [5] Market Position - ASML's primary customer is Taiwan Semiconductor, the largest manufacturer of high-performance silicon, highlighting ASML's critical role in the semiconductor supply chain [4] - The company holds tens of thousands of patents, reinforcing its competitive advantage in the lithography market [4] Financial Performance - ASML's revenue growth has been inconsistent, with a 69% increase in 2021, a slight contraction in 2022, a nearly 41% growth in 2023, and a projected 31% increase for 2025, but only a 5% improvement expected for 2026 [8][10] - The average annualized revenue growth rate since 2015 has been about 18%, which, while impressive, may not be sufficient for significant long-term investment returns [10] Investment Considerations - A $10,000 investment in ASML is unlikely to yield millionaire-making returns, primarily due to the cyclical nature of its business and the high cost of its EUV lithography machines, priced around $400 million each [5][7] - The company sold 380 new lithography units in 2024, indicating a typical year for sales, which contributes to revenue volatility [7] Future Outlook - There are concerns regarding China's ambitions to develop its own EUV lithography machines by 2028, which could impact ASML's market position and patent protections [11] - Despite its solid performance, the current stock price may be vulnerable to pullbacks, suggesting that potential investors might consider waiting for a more favorable entry point [15]

Though it is worth noting that on a total-company basis, adjusted comparable sales were 6.2% in December, compared to 6.4% in November. The total company adjusted comparable sales figure was weighed down by a deceleration in Canada and the company's "other international" segment.Costco's December comparable sales rose 7% in December, or 6.2% on an adjusted basis. But here's the particular detail behind this metric that may excite investors about Costco's comparable sales trends. Costco's U.S. adjusted compa ...

Key Takeaways COST saw 10.6% comp sales growth in Other International vs. 6% in the United States for December.For fiscal 2026 to date, COST's global comps rose 6.6%, led by 9.5% growth in Other International markets.Half of COST's 30 planned new clubs will open abroad, backed by strong 89.7% global renewal rates.Costco Wholesale Corporation’s (COST) December sales highlight a significant shift in growth dynamics. While the United States remains the company’s largest market, international segments are becom ...

Core Insights - The retail sector is entering 2026 with improved conditions due to easing inflation, stabilizing supply chains, and the Federal Reserve cautiously cutting interest rates after a period of restrictive policy [1][2] Consumer Behavior - Consumer spending remains uneven, with higher-income shoppers focusing on premium products while price-sensitive households prefer discounts and essentials, influencing demand across the retail landscape [2] - Retailers with integrated pricing, loyalty programs, and omnichannel strategies are better positioned to attract customers without sacrificing margins [2] E-commerce and Fulfillment - Physical stores remain dominant, but sustained e-commerce growth is essential, supported by faster delivery and AI-driven recommendations [3] - Companies enhancing online shopping experiences and last-mile delivery are likely to expand their customer base, leveraging a combination of physical and digital channels for competitive advantage [3] Investment Opportunities - Stock selection in 2026 should focus on retailers with structural advantages, combining steady demand drivers with brand strength and operational efficiency [4] - Recommended retail stocks include Five Below, American Eagle Outfitters, The Gap, and Ulta Beauty, which are positioned well amid improving sector conditions [4][8] Company Highlights Five Below - Five Below is strengthening its position as a leading value retailer with a trend-focused product assortment appealing to teens and tweens, showing consistent increases in foot traffic and significant traffic growth through operational innovations [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates sales growth of 19.6% for the current year and 8.9% for the next year [10] American Eagle - American Eagle is revitalizing its brands, particularly Aerie and OFFLINE, through impactful marketing and collaborations, leading to strong customer acquisition and operational resilience [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate forecasts sales growth of 2.4% for the current year and 2.6% for the next year [13] Gap - Gap is executing a brand reinvigoration strategy, leveraging marketing and partnerships to attract younger demographics while maintaining core customer loyalty [15] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate suggests sales growth of 1.8% for the current year and 2.4% for the next year [16] Ulta Beauty - Ulta Beauty is achieving momentum through its "Ulta Beauty Unleashed" strategy, with a competitive advantage from its diverse brand assortment and successful international expansion [18] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates sales growth of 8.7% for the current year and 5.8% for the next year [19]

Core Insights - The Zacks Furniture industry is focusing on long-term growth through innovation, digital expansion, and product evolution, leveraging e-commerce, AI-driven personalization, and AR/VR tools to enhance customer engagement [1][4][5] - Demand for multifunctional furniture, particularly from millennials and Gen Z, is driving new product development, while strategic acquisitions and partnerships are enhancing growth opportunities [1][6] Industry Overview - The Zacks Furniture industry includes manufacturers, designers, and marketers of residential and commercial furnishing solutions, with involvement in various sectors such as construction, healthcare, and retail [3] - Companies are diversifying their portfolios and expanding their geographic reach, particularly in resilient sectors like healthcare and public infrastructure [6] Trends Impacting the Industry - The industry is experiencing significant growth in e-commerce and digital transformation, with investments in technology to improve customer experiences and operational efficiency [4][5] - There is a rising demand for multifunctional furniture due to urban living constraints, with products like convertible sofas and foldable tables gaining popularity [4] Economic Challenges - Near-term headwinds include cautious consumer spending and weak housing activity, which are negatively impacting demand for big-ticket furniture [2][7] - Elevated costs related to labor, occupancy, and marketing, along with competitive pricing and supply-chain inefficiencies, are pressuring profit margins [2][9] Performance Metrics - The Zacks Furniture industry has underperformed compared to the broader Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector and the S&P 500, declining 20.4% over the past year [13] - The industry is currently trading at a forward P/E of 10.12X, significantly lower than the S&P 500's 23.11X and the sector's 18.24X [17] Company Highlights - La-Z-Boy is expanding its retail footprint and optimizing its portfolio, with a focus on its core upholstery business, which is expected to enhance margins [19][20] - Bassett is benefiting from product innovation and improved customer engagement through its Custom Studio concept, which is expected to drive profitability despite market challenges [24][28] - MillerKnoll is experiencing growth through strategic retail expansion and product innovation, particularly in contract markets, supported by a return-to-office trend [27][30]

Core Viewpoint - Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA) is recognized as one of the best dividend stocks to invest in for January, reflecting its strong market position and growth potential [1]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Freedom Capital analyst Mikhail Paramonov raised the price target for Mastercard to $655 from $635, maintaining a Hold rating, following strong Q4 results [2]. - Mastercard is experiencing faster growth compared to Visa, despite operating on a smaller scale [2]. Group 2: E-commerce Growth - The steady expansion of e-commerce continues to benefit Mastercard, as both merchants and consumers prefer the convenience and cost efficiencies of online transactions [3]. - Early data from Mastercard SpendingPulse indicates healthy consumer activity during the holiday season, with US retail sales (excluding autos) rising 3.9% year over year from November 1 to December 21 [4]. - E-commerce sales increased by 7.4% during the holiday period, while in-store sales rose by 2.9%, highlighting the trend of blended shopping [4]. Group 3: Company Overview - Mastercard operates as a technology company in the global payments space, connecting consumers, financial institutions, merchants, and governments through its payments network [5].