Core Insights - Retail sales in September totaled $733.3 billion, increasing 0.2% month-over-month and 4.3% year-over-year, although falling short of the expected 0.4% rise [3][9] - The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates twice since September, with expectations for another cut in December, which is favorable for the retail sector [5] - The holiday season is anticipated to boost retail sales, with significant online spending observed during Black Friday [6][7] Retail Sector Performance - Retail sales growth has been steady despite inflationary pressures, with a total increase of 4.5% year-over-year from July to September [3] - The rise in retail sales in September followed a 0.6% increase in August, but was impacted by a struggling labor market and high unemployment rates [4] - Online sales on Black Friday reached a record $11.8 billion, up 9.1% year-over-year, indicating strong consumer spending trends [6][7] Investment Opportunities - Recommended retail stocks with strong online presence include Amazon.com, Boot Barn Holdings, Tapestry, and Ross Stores, all carrying a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [2] - Amazon.com has an expected earnings growth rate of 29.7% for the current year, with a 4.8% improvement in earnings estimates over the last 60 days [10] - Boot Barn Holdings has an expected earnings growth rate of 20.5%, with a 6.9% increase in earnings estimates over the past 60 days [12] - Tapestry's expected earnings growth rate is 10.4%, with a 3.3% improvement in earnings estimates [14] - Ross Stores has a modest expected earnings growth rate of 0.63%, with a 2.7% increase in earnings estimates [16]

Core Insights - Zacks Premium offers various tools for investors to enhance their stock market engagement and confidence [1] - The Zacks Style Scores provide a unique rating system for stocks based on value, growth, and momentum, aiding investors in selecting securities with high potential for market outperformance [2] Zacks Style Scores Overview - Stocks are rated from A to F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics, with A being the highest score indicating better chances of outperforming the market [3] - The Style Scores are categorized into four types: Value Score, Growth Score, Momentum Score, and VGM Score, each focusing on different investment strategies [3][4][5][6] Value Score - The Value Score targets value investors by identifying stocks trading below their intrinsic value using various financial ratios [3] Growth Score - The Growth Score focuses on a company's financial health and future growth potential, analyzing historical and projected earnings, sales, and cash flow [4] Momentum Score - The Momentum Score assists momentum traders in capitalizing on price trends, utilizing recent price changes and earnings estimate adjustments [5] VGM Score - The VGM Score combines all three Style Scores, providing a comprehensive rating that highlights stocks with attractive value, strong growth forecasts, and positive momentum [6] Zacks Rank Integration - The Zacks Rank, based on earnings estimate revisions, is a proprietary model that has historically delivered a +23.81% average annual return since 1988, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 [7] - Investors are encouraged to select stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 and Style Scores of A or B for optimal returns [9] Company Spotlight: Tapestry, Inc. - Tapestry, Inc., formerly known as Coach, Inc., is a designer and marketer of lifestyle products, operating under three segments: Coach (79.9% of fiscal 2025 sales), Kate Spade (17.1%), and Stuart Weitzman (3.1%) [11] - Tapestry holds a Zacks Rank of 3 (Hold) with a VGM Score of B, and a Momentum Style Score of B, reflecting a 6.6% increase in shares over the past four weeks [12] - The company has seen a positive revision in earnings estimates, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2026 increasing to $5.46 per share, alongside an average earnings surprise of +10.3% [12][13]