SGB Executive Apparel
CES 2018: Sports Tech’s Highlights
Artificial intelligence, sensors embedded in apparel, the quantified self and gamification were some underlying themes across the sports and fitness-related products that landed at CES 2018. Black Box VR, Garmin, Peloton, Myant, L’Oreal and Sony were among the brands earning some hype.
Buckingham Research Hikes Dick’s To Buy
Buckingham Research raised its rating due to the potential bottoming of domestic athletic cyclical pressures, an improving vendor product pipeline set to arrive in the second half of 2018, and an eventual payback from its strong partnerships with the industry’s key branded players: Nike, Adidas and Under Armour.
Macquarie Capital Downgrades Under Armour To Underperform
Macquarie Capital downgraded its rating on Under Armour to “Underperform” due to sales, margin and capital concerns. Sales In North America are expected to be pressured by the speculated exit out from tennis and some outdoor categories as well as continued challenges from Academy Sports & Outdoor.
Deutsche Bank Upgrades Dick’s On Signs Of Stabilizing Industry
Deutsche Bank upgraded its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods to “Buy”’ due to the signs of more-favorable trends in footwear and inventory pressures across the industry lessening.
Will Puma Be Better Off On Its Own?
On a call with media, Bjørn Gulden, CEO of Puma, said the spinoff from Kering will enable Puma to “continue with our current business strategy that has started to show some good results. We would be able to carry on to invest in becoming the fastest sports brand in the world to create value for our retailers, to improve performance for outlets and, of course, excite consumers.”
Aisle Talk, Week Of January 8
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Shiekh Shoes Battles Over DIP Financing Replacement
Shiekh Shoes, in bankruptcy proceedings since November 29, is seeking court approval for a new $5 million term loan on more generous terms from the owner’s brother to replace its debtor-in-possession facility. However, Comvest, a junior secured lender, has objected to the new financing and is pushing for a liquidation.
SGB Industry Outlook 2018
Nearly 40 active lifestyle industry executives share their thoughts on where we’re headed next. Comments from Brooks, Smartwool, PGA Tour Superstore, United Sports Brands, Fleet Feet, PrimaLoft, The North Face, Osprey Packs, TRX Training, Wilson, Saucony, SKLZ and others.
Susquehanna Downgrades Under Armour Over Discount-Channel Concerns
Believing it’s making the same mistake as Reebok in selling to lower-tier channels, Susquehanna Financial Group lowered its stock rating on Under Armour to “Negative,” which is essentially a sell, from “Neutral.”
Lululemon Still Bullish On North American Expansion
While hiking its guidance for the fourth quarter, Lululemon officials at the ICR Conference Monday laid out some core catalysts expected to drive its North America segment in the years ahead.
Canaccord Genuity Upgrades Hibbett Sports
Canaccord Genuity hiked its rating on Hibbett Sports to “Buy” from “Hold,” lifted its price target to $30 from $17, and increased its fiscal 2019 EPS target to $2.00 from $1.59 previously.
Billabong And Quiksilver To Create Action Sports Giant
Two companies that have struggled in recent years –Billabong and Boardriders (formerly Quiksilver) – have agreed to merge in hopes of faring better together tackling the brutal action sports marketplace.
Aisle Talk, Week Of January 1
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
Wells Fargo Sees Dick’s As Long-Term “Survivor”
Wells Fargo upgraded its rating on Dick’s Sporting Goods to “Outperform” in part because it believes the company will ultimately benefit from the industry’s consolidation, much like Best Buy has done in the consumer electronics channel.
Jefferies Downgrades Deckers, Upgrades Genesco, Bullish On Under Armour/Foot Locker
Jefferies lowered its rating on Deckers Outdoor to “Hold” in part due to the stock’s recent run-up in price, upgraded Genesco to “Buy,” and listed Under Armour and Foot Locker among its long-term buys.
