Baird Upgrades VF Corp, Canada Goose, and Rocky Brands Due to Improved Outlook for 2026
Retail Sector Outlook: The retail sector is expected to improve in the latter half of 2025 due to better back-to-school spending and a favorable macro environment, which will boost consumer spending.
Analyst Upgrades: Baird Equity Research has upgraded VF Corp, Rocky Brands, and Canada Goose to Outperform from Neutral, citing reduced tariff impacts and improved financial metrics as key factors.
Company-Specific Insights: Canada Goose is anticipated to gain brand momentum through enhanced products and marketing, while VF Corp is focusing on cost savings and leveraging its financial position despite challenges with its Vans brand.
Market Sentiment: The broader retail sector shows reasonable valuations, with expectations for near-term earnings growth starting in 2026, although risks related to labor market conditions and brand health remain important to monitor.
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- Significant Rating Upgrade: Rocky Brands Inc's rating has been upgraded from 0% to 90% based on Joseph Piotroski's investment strategy, indicating substantial improvements in the company's fundamentals and stock valuation, which reflects strong market interest in the stock.
- Financial Health Indicators: The strategy identifies financially sound firms by screening for high book-to-market stocks and assessing a range of improving financial criteria, with Rocky Brands excelling in these metrics, showcasing its ongoing financial stability.
- Market Positioning: Rocky Brands focuses on designing, manufacturing, and marketing a portfolio of footwear and apparel across wholesale, retail, and contract manufacturing segments, enhancing its competitive position in the footwear market.
- Increased Investor Confidence: The rating upgrade is likely to bolster investor confidence in Rocky Brands, potentially attracting more capital inflows, which could drive up its stock price and increase market share.

Validea's Upgrades: Today's upgrades for Validea's Book/Market Investor model highlight significant changes in ratings for Rocky Brands Inc. (RCKY) and Just Eat Takeaway.com NV (JTKWY), reflecting improved financial fundamentals and stock valuations.
Rocky Brands Inc. Analysis: RCKY, a small-cap value stock in the Footwear industry, saw its rating increase from 0% to 90%, indicating strong interest based on its financial health and valuation metrics.
Just Eat Takeaway.com NV Analysis: JTKWY, a mid-cap value stock in the Business Services sector, experienced a rating rise from 0% to 80%, suggesting notable interest due to its underlying financial performance.
Joseph Piotroski's Influence: Joseph Piotroski, an accountant and professor, developed a stock-selection method that has historically outperformed the market, and his strategies are utilized by Validea to identify promising investment opportunities.
Third Quarter Profit Increase: ROCKY BRANDS INC reported a profit of $7.21 million, or $0.96 per share, for the third quarter, up from $5.27 million, or $0.70 per share, in the same period last year.
Adjusted Earnings: The company’s adjusted earnings for the quarter were $7.75 million, or $1.03 per share, excluding certain items.
Revenue Growth: Revenue increased by 7.0% to $122.54 million, compared to $114.55 million in the previous year.
Earnings Summary: Key earnings figures include $7.21 million in earnings, $0.96 EPS, and $122.54 million in revenue, all showing improvement from last year.
Validea's Value Investor Model: Today's upgrades for Validea's Value Investor model, based on Benjamin Graham's strategy, highlight ROCKY BRANDS INC and GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO, both of which saw their ratings increase from 71% to 86% due to improved fundamentals and valuations.
Company Profiles: ROCKY BRANDS INC operates in the footwear industry with a diverse brand portfolio, while GRAHAM HOLDINGS CO is a diversified holding company involved in various sectors including education, broadcasting, and manufacturing.

Semtech's Strong Performance: Semtech shares surged 17% after reporting better-than-expected Q2 results with a profit of 41 cents per share and strong revenue guidance for Q3 at $266 million.
Cracker Barrel's Logo Controversy: Cracker Barrel's stock rose 4.5% following backlash over its new logo, with President Trump suggesting a return to the old design after seven days of losses.
EchoStar's Major Deal: EchoStar's stock skyrocketed 80% after AT&T announced plans to purchase wireless spectrum licenses from them for $23 billion, expected to close by mid-2026.
Mixed Reactions in Retail and Pharma: Canada Goose and VF Corp saw gains after upgrades, while Constellation Brands fell 2% due to a downgrade; Eli Lilly's weight loss pill showed promising trial results, boosting its stock by 2%.

Semtech's Strong Performance: Semtech's shares rose 17% after reporting better-than-expected Q2 results with a profit of 41 cents per share and strong guidance for Q3 revenue at $266 million.
Cracker Barrel's Logo Controversy: Cracker Barrel's stock increased by 4.5% following backlash over its new logo, with President Trump suggesting a return to the old design after seven days of losses.
EchoStar's Major Surge: EchoStar's stock surged 80% after AT&T announced plans to purchase wireless spectrum licenses from them for $23 billion, expected to close in mid-2026.
Mixed Reactions in Retail and Pharma: Canada Goose and VF Corporation saw gains after upgrades, while Constellation Brands fell 2% due to a downgrade, and Eli Lilly's stock rose 2% after positive trial results for its weight loss pill.








