Key Takeaways Lowe's Q4 earnings and sales beat estimates, with comps up 1.3% on Pro and holiday strength.LOW posted higher net sales but saw its operating margin narrow to 8.3% from 9.9% last year.Lowe's expects FY26 sales of $92B-$94B and adjusted EPS of $12.25-$12.75.Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW) posted fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein both top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate and increased year over year. The Mooresville, NC-based home improvement retailer posted another quar ...

Key Takeaways Home Depot Q4 EPS beat estimates, while sales fell 3.8% and missed estimates.Home Depot's gross margin fell 20 bps and the operating margin contracted 120 bps y/y.Home Depot expects FY26 sales to rise 2.5-4.5%, with EPS projected between flat and 4% growth.The Home Depot Inc. (HD) has reported fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein the bottom line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, while the top line missed the same. However, sales and earnings per share (EPS) declined year over year.The ...

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]

Core Insights - On, a Swiss performance sportswear brand, will release its fourth quarter and full year 2025 financial results on March 3, 2026, before U.S. markets open [1] - The management will host an earnings conference call at 8 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time on the same day [1] - On was founded in 2010 with a mission to inspire movement and has since developed innovative products in footwear, apparel, and accessories for various activities [1] Financial Results Announcement - The financial results will be available before the opening of U.S. financial markets on March 3, 2026 [1] - A live conference call will be accessible via telephone and webcast, with details provided for participants from the U.S., the UK, and Switzerland [1] - A recording of the conference call will be made available on the company's investor relations website after the event [1] Company Background - On was established in the Swiss Alps and focuses on high-performance running, outdoor activities, and training [1] - The brand has gained a global presence in over 80 countries and has a growing digital community [1] - On's innovations, such as CloudTec® and LightSpray™, have contributed to its reputation in the circular economy and premium sportswear market [1]

Core Insights - Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2026 results, with both revenue and earnings exceeding expectations, driven by robust holiday demand across various regions and channels [2][3][8] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share reached $6.22, surpassing the consensus estimate of $5.80, and increased by 29% from $4.82 in the same quarter last year [3] - Net revenues grew 12% year over year to $2,406 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,318 million, with a 10% increase on a constant-currency basis [3] - Global direct-to-consumer comparable store sales rose in high-single digits, supported by balanced growth in physical and digital channels, while global wholesale sales experienced robust double-digit growth [4] Regional Performance - North America: Revenues increased by 8% year over year to $1.1 billion, with retail channel comps rising 7% [7] - Europe: Revenues rose 12% year over year to $676 million, with a 4% increase on a currency-neutral basis [9] - Asia: Revenues increased by 22% year over year to $620 million, with comps up 20% [10] Margin and Cost Analysis - Adjusted gross profit margin expanded by 150 basis points year over year to 69.9%, driven by strong average unit retail growth and a favorable product mix [11] - Adjusted operating income was $503 million, with an adjusted operating margin increasing by 220 basis points to 20.9% [12] Financial Position - As of the end of the third quarter, the company had cash and short-term investments of $2.3 billion, total debt of $1.3 million, and total shareholders' equity of $2.9 billion [13] - Inventory increased by 15% year over year to $1.1 billion [13] - The company repurchased nearly $37 million of Class A Common Stock and returned about $500 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases [14] Future Outlook - Following strong Q3 results, Ralph Lauren raised its full-year fiscal 2026 guidance, expecting revenue growth in the high-single to low-double digits on a constant currency basis [16][17] - For the fiscal fourth quarter, revenues are expected to grow in mid-single digits on a constant currency basis, with foreign currency expected to aid revenues by 200-300 basis points [20]

Core Insights - Boot Barn Holdings, Inc. reported a 16% year-over-year increase in net sales for the third fiscal quarter, reaching $705.6 million, driven by strong demand across various merchandise categories and channels [4][5] - The company achieved a merchandise margin expansion of 110 basis points, contributing to earnings per diluted share of $2.79, up from $2.43 in the prior year [4][5] - Same store sales increased by 5.7%, with retail store same store sales rising 3.7% and e-commerce same store sales growing 19.6% [4][5] Financial Performance - Net income for the quarter was $85.8 million, compared to $75.1 million in the prior-year period [4][5] - Gross profit was $281.2 million, representing 39.9% of net sales, an increase from 39.3% in the previous year [5][6] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose to $166.5 million, or 23.6% of net sales, up from 22.9% in the prior year [5][6] Store Expansion and Operations - The company opened 25 new stores, bringing the total store count to 514 as of the end of the quarter [4][5] - Average inventory per store increased approximately 4.1% on a same-store basis compared to the previous year [11] - Boot Barn plans to open 70 new stores in the upcoming fiscal year [11] Future Outlook - For the fiscal year ending March 28, 2026, the company expects total sales between $2.24 billion and $2.25 billion, representing growth of 17% to 18% over fiscal year 2025 [11] - SG&A expenses are projected to be approximately 24.5% of net sales, with net income expected to be between $222.8 million and $225.8 million [15]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) reported fourth-quarter 2025 results with both net sales and earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate, indicating a challenging quarter for the company [1][10] Financial Performance - Net sales increased by 3.3% year over year to $3.90 billion, but fell short of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.01 billion [2] - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at 43 cents, below the expected 46 cents, and represented a 2.3% decline from the prior year's quarter [1][10] - Comparable store sales (comps) rose by 0.3% year over year, a decrease from the 0.6% increase in the same quarter last year [2] Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross profit increased by 3% year over year to $1.37 billion, while gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 35.1% due to elevated tariffs and higher transportation costs [5] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 6% to $1.07 billion, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales increasing to 27.5% from 26.8% [6] - Operating income fell by 6.5% year over year to $297.7 million, with the operating margin decreasing by 80 basis points to 7.6% [7] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, the company had cash and cash equivalents of $194.1 million and long-term debt of $1.76 billion [8] - In 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.64 billion, with capital expenditures amounting to $894.8 million [8] Shareholder Returns - In 2025, Tractor Supply returned $848.5 million to shareholders, which included share repurchases of 6.6 million shares for $360.8 million and cash dividends of $487.7 million [9] Future Outlook - For 2026, the company expects net sales growth of 4-6% and comps growth of 1-3%, with an operating margin projected between 9.3% and 9.6% [10][12] - Net income is anticipated to be between $1.11 billion and $1.17 billion, with EPS expected to range from $2.13 to $2.23 [12]

Core Viewpoint - On Holding AG has announced the appointment of Frank Sluis as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective May 1, 2026, to support the company's global ambitions and rapid expansion [1][5]. Group 1: Leadership Background - Frank Sluis previously served as CFO for Europe & Indonesia at Ahold Delhaize, managing financial operations for over EUR 30 billion in annual net sales and leading a team of approximately 800 professionals [2]. - With over 25 years of experience in finance leadership roles at major consumer companies like Reckitt Benckiser and Unilever, Sluis possesses a strong understanding of consumer behavior and brand management [3]. Group 2: Company Vision and Strategy - The leadership at On believes that Sluis's experience aligns with the company's long-term vision and financial leadership needs, especially as the brand continues to resonate globally and achieve record results [6]. - Sluis expressed enthusiasm for joining On, highlighting the company's unique brand, strong values, and ambitious growth trajectory in the sportswear market [6]. Group 3: Transition and Continuity - Sluis will succeed Martin Hoffmann, who has expanded his role as CEO while continuing to oversee the Finance organization until Sluis's start date to ensure a smooth transition [5].

Core Insights - Anta is acquiring a 29%-plus stake in Puma for 1.5 billion euros ($1.8 billion), signaling a strategic investment during Puma's turnaround phase [3][6] - Anta's Chairman, Ding Shizhong, expressed confidence in Puma's long-term brand value despite recent stock declines and management changes [3][4] - The acquisition is expected to close by the end of the year, with Anta not planning a takeover but considering future partnership deepening [6] Company Overview - Anta Sports Products has a diverse portfolio that includes brands such as Fila, Descente, Kolon Sport, Maia Active, and Jack Wolfskin, in addition to its majority stake in Amer Sports [5] - The management team at Puma has undergone significant changes, with new leadership including CEO Arthur Hoeld and Chief Brand Officer Maria Valdes [4] Market Context - Puma faced challenges in 2025, including leadership shakeups and layoffs, which have impacted its performance [3] - Anta aims to leverage its strengths to support Puma's revival while maintaining the brand's independence [4][6]