Amer Sports, Inc. ( AS ) reported blowout Q4 results as Arc’teryx and Salomon continued to shine, but the market still reacted negatively—an increased valuation has already put massive expectations on the two brands, stalling stockI am an avid investor with a major focus on small cap companies with experience in investing in US, Canadian, and European markets. My investment philosophy to generating great returns on the stock market revolves around identifying mispriced securities by understanding the driver ...

Salomon’s footwear is moving from strength to strength, and its parent Amer Sports Inc. knows what it needs to do to keep up the momentum. “Fourth quarter was a great finish to a breakout year for Amer Sports. Our growth was led by our flagship Arc’teryx brand and the rising star Salomon, which recently surpassed the $2 billion sales mark,” Amer’s chief executive officer Jie (James) Zheng told investors during the firm’s quarterly conference call on Tuesday. More from WWD Growth was led by the technical ...

Achieved 27% annual revenue growth driven by the 'breakout' performance of Arc’teryx and Salomon, the latter of which surpassed $2,000,000,000 in sales. Management attributed the 110 basis point Q4 operating margin decline to intentional, opportunistic SG&A investments aimed at scaling Salomon’s global sneaker market share. Arc’teryx performance was led by a disruptive direct-to-consumer model and high-growth categories in women’s apparel and technical footwear. Salomon’s growth is being fueled by a ...

Shares of Amer Sports were down as much a 7.1 percent in pre-market trading after the company issued first quarter guidance that opened the door to concerns over higher costs. Amer guided first quarter results ending March 31 to adjusted diluted earnings per share in the range of 28 cents to 30 cents on revenue growth at up 22 percent to 24 percent. For the full year ending Dec. 31, 2026, Amer Sports forecasted adjusted diluted EPS at between $1.10 to $1.15, on revenue growth of 16 percent to 18 percent. ...

Core Insights - Amer Sports, Inc. shares increased by 5.4% to close at $39.54, supported by strong trading volume, contrasting with a 2.7% decline over the past four weeks [1] - The company is experiencing growth driven by Salomon's footwear business and Arc'teryx's performance, enhancing its financial profile and long-term value creation potential [2] Financial Performance - The upcoming quarterly earnings are projected at $0.27 per share, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 58.8%, with revenues expected to reach $1.99 billion, up 21.7% from the previous year [3] - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 2.3% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a positive trend that typically correlates with stock price appreciation [4] Industry Context - Amer Sports operates within the Zacks Leisure and Recreation Products industry, where another competitor, Yeti, has seen a 1% decline in its stock price, with a month-to-date return of -4.4% [5] - Yeti's EPS estimate has increased by 8.7% over the past month, but it represents a year-over-year decline of 12%, and it currently holds a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) [6]

来源：国际移民组织 近日，国际移民组织（IOM）与安踏（ANTA）正式签署为期三年的全球合作框架协议。双方将以技术 支持、人道主义援助、可持续发展联合倡议为核心举措，携手推进安全、有序、正规的迁移及联合国可 持续发展目标（SDGs）的实现，助力提升移民工人权益保障水平与脆弱群体福祉。 IOM驻华代表李文表示：IOM作为在移民领域发挥领导性作用的联合国机构，始终倡导通过多方协作推 动移民福祉提升与全球可持续发展。此次与安踏的合作涵盖多个领域，其中移民工人权益保障相关协作 是IOM首次与中国企业携手，具有积极示范意义。同时，这一合作也契合了中国企业出海、提升负责任 供应链合规水平、深化ESG实践的趋势，为企业实现可持续发展提供支持。 来源：国际移民组织 近日，国际移民组织（IOM）与安踏（ANTA）正式签署为期三年的全球合作框架协议。双方将以技术 支持、人道主义援助、可持续发展联合倡议为核心举措，携手推进安全、有序、正规的迁移及联合国可 持续发展目标（SDGs）的实现，助力提升移民工人权益保障水平与脆弱群体福祉。 安踏集团副总裁林伟表示：作为一家立足中国、服务全球的体育用品集团，安踏始终将"移民工人的权 益保障" ...

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 - 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 - Anta Sports Products Ltd. is exploring a potential takeover of Puma SE, with discussions being preliminary and involving potential partnerships with private equity firms [1][3]. Group 1: Anta Sports - Anta is working with an adviser to evaluate a bid for Puma and may collaborate with a private equity firm if it proceeds [1]. - Anta has a market value of $31 billion and has gained 10% in Hong Kong trading this year [5]. - Anta previously led a consortium that acquired Amer Sports for $5.2 billion in 2019, maintaining its position as the largest investor after Amer's IPO in New York [5]. Group 2: Puma - Puma shares surged 19% in Frankfurt trading, marking the largest increase since October 2001, but had previously dropped 62% this year, resulting in a market value of €2.5 billion ($2.9 billion) [2][3]. - The valuation expectations of Puma's largest shareholder, the Pinault family, may pose a significant challenge to any potential transaction [3]. - The Pinault family's Artémis holding company owned 29% of Puma at the end of the previous year [4]. Group 3: Other Potential Bidders - Other potential bidders for Puma include rival Chinese apparel firm Li Ning, which is exploring financing options with banks [2]. - Li Ning's stock has risen about 7% in 2025, giving it a market value of $5.8 billion [6]. - Asics Corp. has stated it is not in talks and has no plans to acquire Puma, while Li Ning has indicated it remains focused on its brand growth without conducting substantive negotiations regarding Puma [6].

Core Viewpoint - Puma's shares have surged following reports that Anta Sports Products is exploring a potential takeover of the German sports company, indicating strong interest from Asian firms in acquiring Puma [2][3]. Company Overview - Puma has been refocusing its activities on key sports categories, particularly soccer, under the leadership of new CEO Arthur Hoeld [10]. - The company has faced challenges in generating consumer enthusiasm for its product ranges in recent years [10]. Market Activity - Puma's shares increased nearly 15% in early Frankfurt trading, although they remain down over 50% year-to-date [3]. - The market value of Puma prior to the takeover rumors was approximately $2.9 billion [5]. Potential Bidders - Anta Sports, which has a market capitalization of around $31 billion and owns brands like Fila and Jack Wolfskin, is reportedly working with an adviser to evaluate a bid for Puma [3][8]. - Other potential bidders include Chinese rival Li Ning Co. and Japan's Asics Corp. [3]. Financial Context - Anta's previous acquisition of Amer Sports for $5.2 billion in 2019 demonstrates its capability to finance large transactions [4]. - Anta's strong cash position and free cash flow generation suggest it can manage the financial aspects of a potential acquisition [8]. Strategic Implications - Acquiring Puma would allow Anta to expand its footprint in competitive markets like North America and EMEA [7]. - Anta's strategy involves buying scale while preserving brand autonomy, as seen in its handling of Fila China and Amer Sports [8]. Future Outlook - Puma aims to return to growth by 2027 and re-establish itself as a top three sports brand globally, which includes plans to cut 900 jobs and sharpen its focus on running, soccer, and training [11].