SGB Executive Sports & Fitness

Compass Points Downgrades Callaway Golf To Sell

Compass Point lowered its rating on Callaway Golf from “Neutral” to “Sell” due to a lower valuation put on TopGolf, an investment for Callaway’s, than expected.

Wall Street Reacts: Nike Q2

While some were dismayed that the North American marketplace recovery wasn’t more apparent, Wall Street was generally pleased with Nike’s better-than-expected second-quarter results.

Nike’s North American Struggles Continue In Q2

With strong double-digit growth overseas, Nike Inc. reported second-quarter earnings and sales that topped Wall Street’s expectations but growth in North America decelerated further in the period. Nike officials further indicated that it will take one or two quarters for growth to resume in the region.

Finish Line Raises Guidance On Sales Uptick

While the selling climate remains highly promotional, Finish Line Inc. said an acceleration in sales in running and basketball helped support a lower-than-expected loss in the third quarter ended November 25, prompting the sneaker chain to raise its guidance for its fiscal year.

Lululemon, Nike, REI And Adidas Land On Best Employers List

Lululemon was the highest-ranked retailer in Glassdoor’s “2018 Best Places to Work” survey for U.S. companies. Lululemon was ranked 6. Other companies in the active space making the top-100 list included Nike, ranked 53; REI, 61; and Adidas, 93.

Athletic Brands Showing Momentum In Cowen’s Holiday Survey

In Cowen’s second annual Holiday Brand Survey, athletic brands largely led in shopping preference over non-athletic brand choices, similar to last year. Nike came in first, at 34 percent, followed by Under Armour and Adidas at 25 percent each, Victoria’s Secret at 23 percent, The North Face at 22 percent and Columbia and Skechers at 20 percent each.

Sports Zone Follows Sheikh Shoes To Bankruptcy Court

Sports Zone Elite, the sneaker chain in Washington, DC and Maryland, became the second retailer in the last month to find its dependence on Nike to be a blessing during good times and a liability during more difficult ones.

Buckingham Raises Price Target On Nike

Buckingham wrote in a note that by the second half of its fiscal year, Nike should see healthier sales from new product launches, fewer products selling at markdowns overall in the marketplace, and a benefit for a change from foreign exchange fluctuations.

Canaccord Genuity Upgrades Foot Locker To “Buy”

Canaccord Genuity raised its rating on Foot Locker to “Buy” from “Hold” due to signs of improving footwear trends, the benefits of its supply chain enhancements and its “strong and symbiotic” relationship with Nike.

Deckers Wins Fight Against Activist Investor

Triumphing from a 10-month fight against an activist shareholder, Deckers Brands said all its candidates had been elected to its board of directors at its 2017 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Deutsche Bank Turns Bullish On Athletic Stocks

Deutsche Bank upgraded its stock ratings on both Lululemon and Finish Line while lifting its price targets on Nike, Under Armour, Foot Locker, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Hibbett Sports and Big 5 due to improving fundamentals for the athletic channel.