"Deckers Outdoor (DECK) -- which is on our recommended buy list -- reported Q4 earnings, once again easily topping analyst estimates on both the top and bottom lines," says Geoffrey Seiler.

The editor of BullMarket.com explains, "This was just a fabulous quarter from Deckers with the company firing on all cylinders. And, in our view, the best could still be yet to come for the footwear and accessories maker.

"For the quarter, the maker of the popular UGG boots posted a profit of $89.2 million, or $2.27 per share, up 32% from $67.7 million, or $1.74 per share, a year earlier. That easily surpassed the $1.99 consensus.

Continue reading Deckers Outdoor (DECK): 'Fabulous Quarter'

Deckers Outdoor (DECK): 'Fabulous Quarter' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"A financial crisis, severe recession, a supposedly 'tapped out' U.S. consumer -- none of it has been enough to derail Aeropostale (ARO), the New York City-based teen clothing retailer," says John Reese.

The editor of Validea Hot List Newsletter explains, "While other companies have struggled to survive in the past few years, the mall-based firm upped both earnings and sales in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and it's on track to do so again in 2010.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Aeropostale (ARO)

Top Picks 2011: Aeropostale (ARO) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

This post is one in a series in which more than 60 newsletter advisors share their Top Stock Picks for 2011. This special report is courtesy of TheStockAdvisors.com.

"Athletic apparel manufacturer Under Armour (UA) has been a solid performer in 2010, gaining 110% over the past year," notes Bernie Schaeffer.

The editor of Schaeffer's Investment Research explains, "The stock -- our top pick for 2011 -- has been in a strong uptrend since early September, and is trading above all major moving averages.

Continue reading Top Picks 2011: Under Armour (UA)

Top Picks 2011: Under Armour (UA) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Lululemon Athletica: Recipe for Success

Lululemon Athletica: Recipe for Success originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Dressed for Success: A Trio of Apparel Retailers

Dressed for Success: A Trio of Apparel Retailers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading Coach (COH): A Fashionable Investment

Coach (COH): A Fashionable Investment originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The editor of 2-for-1 Stock Split Newsletter, the advisor notes, "This month, we are shifting from our normal strategy to buy a stock that has split 3-for-2: Aeropostale (ARO), the clothing retailer.

Continue reading Aeropostale (ARO): A 'Split' Buy Among Retailers

Aeropostale (ARO): A 'Split' Buy Among Retailers originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 19 Feb 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The Limited Brands (LTD), which operates both Victoria's Secret and Bath & Body Works, is a sold big cap play in the retail apparel sector," says Leo Fasccioco.

In his Ticker Tape Digest, the technician focuses on stocks that have broken out of basing patterns. He says, "The stock's 12-week, 'W' base is picture perfect. The breakout on the gap move is ideal."

Continue reading The Limited (LTD): Breakout Buy in Women's Apparel

The Limited (LTD): Breakout Buy in Women's Apparel originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Maidenform Brands (NYSE: MFB), which earns our strong buy rating, saw sales rise 5.6% in the second quarter based on strong demand," reports analyst Tracey Ryniec.

In Zacks Elite Stocks, she explains, "Maidenform Brands sells intimate apparel such as bras and shapewear at department stores and other retail outlets.

"The company provides a collection of recognizable brands including Maidenform, Lilyette, Control It!, and Sweet Nothings. It also licenses the Donna Karan and DKNY brands, which it launched in the first quarter.

Continue reading Maidenform Brands (MFB): In good form

Maidenform Brands (MFB): In good form originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 11:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

After filing for bankruptcy protection a month ago, Eddie Bauer Holdings Inc. (OTC: EBHIQ) is already seeing the suitors line up. Iconix Brand Group Inc. (NASDAQ: ICON), which owns Rocawear, is showing some interest. Hilco Consumer Capital and Gordon Brothers Group LLC are also looking to make a joint offer for the embattled clothing retailer, and Golden Gate Capital is said to be interested. Hudson Capital Partners LLC may throw its hat in the ring, as well.

Tomorrow's the bidding deadline, and there's an auction lined up for Eddie Bauer's assets on Thursday.

Already in the game, CCMP Capital Advisors ponied up $202 million in a "stalking horse bid," meaning that it will make the acquisition if nobody else beats its offer.

For now, Bauer's is living on borrowed time -- and cash. The company got court permission to take a loan for $100 million to keep the operation moving until an acquisition or auction is complete.

The private equity firms rumored to be eyeing Eddie Bauer have retail and apparel companies in their portfolios, which suggests a possibility that the company could be turned around with the right investment and management team. If not, I wonder if they'll sell the window decorations at the auction . . . always wanted my living room to look like a mall.

Bidders line up for bankrupt Bauer originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Stocks have struggled lately after their huge recovery; still, I continue to see opportunities, and I especially like Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN)," says Mark Skousen in The Turnaround Alert.

"Urban Outfitters, the apparel retailer, after it beat Wall Street analysts' estimates. Two years ago, the stock was selling for $37 a share.

"But today, it's selling for nearly half that. During the deep recession, retailers have seen sales drop as consumers cut back on spending for clothing and other discretionary purchases. As a result, retail apparel stocks fell sharply.

Continue reading Urban Outfitters (URBN): Dressed for success?

Urban Outfitters (URBN): Dressed for success? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Stocks have struggled lately after their huge recovery; still, I continue to see opportunities in the market, and I especially like Urban Outfitters (NASDAQ: URBN)," says Mark Skousen in The Turnaround Alert.

"Urban Outfitters, the apparel retailer, after it beat Wall Street analysts' estimates. Two years ago, the stock was selling for $37 a share.

"But today, it's selling for nearly half that. During the deep recession, retailers have seen sales drop as consumers cut back on spending for clothing and other discretionary purchases. As a result, retail apparel stocks fell sharply.

Continue reading Urban Outfitters (URBN): Dressed for success?

Urban Outfitters (URBN): Dressed for success? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 23 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

"Our confidence in this market is growing... albeit slowly; the fundamental blocks are already in place for a market bottom, and the technical blocks seem to be following," says Jim Stack, well known for having accurately forecast the market. housing and economic downturn.

In InvesTech Market Analyst, he suggests, "We are now stepping up our allocation. The newest addition to our Model Portfolio is VF Corp. (NYSE: VFC)."

"VF Corporation is the world's largest publicly held apparel manufacturer and distributor. It owns an incredibly diverse line of brands; including such well known names as Wrangler, Lee, North Face, Vans, and Nautica.

Continue reading VF Corp. (VFC): Dressed for success

VF Corp. (VFC): Dressed for success originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Tue, 05 May 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Continue reading AnnTaylor shares climb on raised forecast... but it's still retail

AnnTaylor shares climb on raised forecast... but it's still retail originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 12 May 2008 14:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

For 25 years, Steven Halpern, editor of TheStockAdvisors.com, has surveyed the leading financial newsletter advisors asking for their favorite stocks for the coming year. This article is one of 100+ ideas in the Best Stocks for 2008 report.

"My 'home run' speculation for 2008 is The Buckle (NYSE: BKE), a retailer of medium- to better-priced casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion-conscious young men and women," says value investor Charles Mizrahi, editor of Hidden Values Alert.

"The company focuses on personal service, including free alterations, free gift-wrapping,easy layaways, the Buckle private-label credit card and a frequent shopper program. The Buckle operates 350 retail stores in 38 states. Most stores are located in regional, high-traffic shopping malls and lifestyle centers.

"The balance sheet is strong with $157 million in cash and current liabilities of only $56 million. Net profit margin is 11.5%, in line with previous years. The company has no long-term debt, and management and directors own 56.1% of outstanding shares.

"BKE is a good company, and a price of $32 or less per share represents very good value. If BKE can grow earnings at 11% per annum and maintain a P/E of 15, the stock will handsomely reward investors in the next five years."

Best Stocks for 2008: Value shopping at The Buckle (BKE) originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sat, 22 Dec 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

With earnings due out tomorrow, only those comfortable with potential near-term volatility should consider Mark Fightmaster's recommendation for Under Armour (NYSE: UA). Nevertheless, the analyst with Schaeffer's Investment Research says, "I am a raging bull when it comes to this athletic apparel firm."

He explains, "Under Armour has a lot going for it. UA darn near has the market cornered when it comes to performance apparel. Its marketing is aggressive and catchy, and it was the innovator, not the imitator."

"Walk into your local sporting goods store or look at UA's internet site," he notes, and "check out the ducats you need to shell out for one of the company's shirts."

The advisor continues, "Okay, now let's take a look at UA's technical merits and see if my bullish enthusiasm is warranted. The shares are positioned above potential support at their 50-week moving average. Since its inception, UA has finished just one week below this trendline, which is rapidly ascending into the technical picture to provide support."

Continue reading Under Armour (UA): Contrary technician is a 'raging bull'

Under Armour (UA): Contrary technician is a 'raging bull' originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Mon, 29 Oct 2007 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Move over Coach (NYSE: COH). Prada may be planning its own IPO. According to the Financial Times, CEO Patrizio Bertelli has hinted that the Prada could go public in the next year, and it's currently looking for an investor relations director.

The Italian company may need the cash to expand aggressively into China, Brazil, and India, as well as to increase its presence in the United States and in Japan. Based on its sale of 5% of the company to Intesa Sanpaolo last year, the company is worth at least $2.7 billion. Given sales of about $1.9 billion in 2006, that would give the stock a pretty conservative price/sales multiple.

Considering the recent strength of Coach, this is an IPO that investors would probably be hungry for -- I may have to buy my mother a few shares. If you're going to invest in fashion and apparel stocks, I think the high-end names are the way to go. Companies like Crocs (NASDAQ: CROX) that don't have strong, established brands could see their competitive advantages wane as competitors move in in search of their high margins. Prada seems to have a pretty good moat.

An IPO for Prada? originally appeared on BloggingStocks on Sun, 29 Apr 2007 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.