SGB Executive Sports & Fitness
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.
Hydro Flask Sees Robust Sell-Throughs In Q3
Said Julien Mininberg, CEO of Helen of Troy on a conference call with analysts, “Hydro Flask, with its number one market share position in insulated beverage bottles, continues to enjoy excellent point of sale performance across channels we track; retailer inventory levels are largely in line with consumer takeaway.”
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.
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.
M&A Fever Continues In 2017
Cabela’s, Gander Mountain, Eastern Mountain Sports, Majestic Athletic, Icebreaker, Villa, JackRabbit, Ogio and SIA’s Snow Show were among the businesses sold in yet another busy year of M&A action in 2017.
Most-Read SGB Exec Stories In 2017
Bankruptcies again dominated the top 30-clicked stories for SGB Exec in 2017, but big changes at Dick’s Sporting Goods, Nike, Fleet Feet Sports, Brooks Running and others also caught some attention.
Many Active Stocks Miss Market Rally In 2017
While the broader stock markets soared to record highs in 2017, many major stocks in the active lifestyle industry weren’t invited to the party.
Aisle Talk, Week Of December 25
Top headlines from the active lifestyle industry you may have missed this week.
B Riley Raises Price Target On Finish Line
“We believe management sounded more positive on the outlook for more innovation and product newness for the end of 2017/beginning of 2018, though new product will likely still have a smaller impact due to penetration until F2H19,” wrote analyst Susan Anderson in a note.
