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Coach Marching Ahead of the Industry: What's Behind Rally?

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In the past three months, Coach, Inc. has exhibited an impressive run in the index. The stock has not only outperformed the Zacks categorized Textile-Apparel Manufacturing industry but also the broader sector. In the said period, the stock has increased 12.4%, while the industry has lost 9.6%. Meanwhile the broader Consumer Discretionary sector advanced 7%.

As one of the leading American marketers of fine accessories and gifts, Coach boasts a proven strategy of investing in stores to enhance sales output through product innovation, a compelling pricing strategy, new merchandise assortments and a cost-effective global sourcing model. We believe that these strategies will help drive comparable-store sales and operating margins in the long term. The company’s growth drivers include expansion of global distribution model and venturing into under-penetrated markets.

Coach, which shares space with Lululemon Athletica Inc. (LULU - Free Report) , Columbia Sportswear Company (COLM - Free Report) and Delta Apparel, Inc. is undergoing a brand transformation and introducing modern luxury concept stores in key markets. The acquisition of Stuart Weitzman has been accretive to performance and is being viewed as a significant step in efforts toward becoming a multi-brand company. Further, it remains optimistic about dual-gender Legacy lifestyle collection, dedicated men's stores and international growth opportunities. Additionally, the company is aggressively expanding eCommerce platform.

Impressive Earnings Streak & Decent Outlook

The company has undertaken transformational initiatives revolving around products, stores and marketing to bring itself back on the growth trajectory and emerge as a multi-brand company. These efforts have helped it to outpace the industry so far this year, amid a backdrop of tough retail environment, volatility in tourist spending and macroeconomic headwinds. It also facilitated the company to post 12th straight quarter of earnings beat, when it reported second-quarter fiscal 2017 results, wherein both the top line and bottom line grew year over year.

Due to strengthening of the U.S. dollar, management now envisions low-single digit increase in fiscal 2017 revenue, including an expected unfavorable impact of 50 basis points (bps) from foreign currency. Earlier, the company had projected low-to-mid single digits increase in revenue, including a favorable impact of 100–150 bps from foreign currency.

Coach currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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