Group 1: Manufacturing Sector - The report highlights a positive outlook for the textile manufacturing sector as tariff impacts are easing, leading to improved export conditions. The demand side shows a mixed performance in global apparel retail, with domestic recovery being weak while overseas apparel demand remains stable. The export decline has narrowed following progress in US-China trade negotiations, and manufacturing orders are expected to improve in 2026 due to a healthy inventory level among downstream brand clients [3][6][13]. - Key companies to watch include Shenzhou International, which has a lower exposure to the US market and is expected to see marginal improvements from major clients, and Huayi Group, which is experiencing strong growth from new clients and is ramping up production capacity [3][21][29]. Group 2: Sportswear Sector - The domestic sportswear market is showing signs of weak recovery, with high-end brands like Li Ning and Tebu International demonstrating resilience. The report anticipates a recovery in 2026 driven by macroeconomic improvements and policy catalysts, particularly with the upcoming Olympic events [3][6][19]. - Internationally, high-end sports brands are experiencing differentiated growth dynamics. ON is maintaining a strong brand image and expanding in the Asia-Pacific market, while Amer Sports is benefiting from its multi-brand strategy. However, brands like Lululemon and Deckers are facing short-term pressures in the North American market [3][6][19]. Group 3: Luxury Goods Sector - The luxury goods market in China is showing signs of gradual recovery, driven by wealth effects from the capital market and stabilization in the real estate market. Sales from luxury groups like LVMH and Richemont have improved significantly in Q3 2025, indicating a positive trend in the luxury sector [3][7]. - The report notes a shift in consumer behavior, with a loss of "aspirational consumers" and an increase in the importance of top-tier customers. This shift is leading to a focus on value, experience, and cost-effectiveness in luxury consumption, which is benefiting local high-end brands [4][7].

Core Viewpoint - Amer Sports Inc. is identified as a promising investment opportunity with strong growth potential over the next three years, supported by positive analyst ratings and market conditions [1][2][3]. Analyst Ratings - Deutsche Bank resumed coverage of Amer Sports with a Buy rating and a price target of $49, citing a favorable macroeconomic environment and improved weather conditions as key factors for expected strong performance through H1 2026 [1]. - UBS raised its price target for Amer Sports to $58 from $54 while maintaining a Buy rating, highlighting the resilience of the US consumer and the emerging Health & Wellness 2.0 trend as supportive of earnings potential [2]. - Wells Fargo increased its price target for Amer Sports to $45 from $40, maintaining an Overweight rating, and expressed optimism about the retail sector as it heads into 2026 [3]. Company Overview - Amer Sports Inc. is engaged in the design, manufacture, marketing, distribution, and sale of sports equipment, apparel, footwear, and accessories, operating through three segments: Technical Apparel, Outdoor Performance, and Ball & Racquet Sports [4].

Core Insights - The article highlights that Amer Sports has been recognized as a "Top Employer in China 2026" due to its strategic talent development, organizational cohesion, and deep commitment to employee experience [1][3]. Group 1: Certification and Evaluation - The "2026 China Top Employer" certification is based on a unified assessment framework covering nearly 2,500 companies globally, evaluating employer practices across various dimensions such as business strategy, digitalization, employee well-being, mission, and values [3]. - Amer Sports integrates talent development and organizational collaboration into daily management, leading to employees consistently achieving personal records in both "height and width" each year in the Greater China region [3]. Group 2: Employee Experience and Initiatives - Amer Sports has made long-term and specific investments in "employee experience," launching the AMPOWER YOU comprehensive compensation and benefits program in Greater China to meet diverse employee needs at different life stages [5]. - The company promotes sustainability through various internal initiatives, such as donating old clothes and engaging in environmental activities, making sustainable practices a part of employees' lifestyles [5]. - The "Dreams in Sports" program encourages employees to pursue their athletic dreams outside of work, offering a dream fund and sports leave to help them explore their potential [5]. Group 3: Organizational Culture and Future Focus - Amer Sports aims to create a high-cohesion, strong-connection, and growth-oriented workplace environment, fostering inclusivity, trust, and mutual support as norms in team collaboration [5]. - The company plans to continue focusing on strategic talent reserves and the full-cycle employee experience, embedding the spirit of sports into team culture as a continuous driving force [5].

Company Overview - Amer Sports, owner of Wilson (the maker of NFL footballs), is positioned for growth ahead of the Super Bowl 2026, having rebounded from a recent slump [3][6] - The stock has been recognized on Investor's Business Daily Leaderboard and the IPO Leaders list, indicating strong market interest [3] Financial Performance - Amer Sports is experiencing triple-digit earnings growth, which is a significant indicator of its financial health and potential for investment [6] Market Position - The company is currently in or near buy zones, alongside other financial giants like JPMorgan and Urban Outfitters, suggesting favorable market conditions for investment [6] - The broader market, including the Dow and S&P 500, is at record highs, which may positively influence Amer Sports' stock performance [6]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the importance of confirming the sustainability of stock trends for successful short-term investing, highlighting that price movements should be supported by strong fundamentals and positive earnings estimates. Group 1: Stock Performance - Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) has shown a solid price increase of 25% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest in the stock [4] - The stock has maintained a price increase of 0.4% over the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5] - AS is currently trading at 82.7% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5] Group 2: Fundamental Strength - AS holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), placing it in the top 20% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6] - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7] Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like AS that are on an uptrend supported by strong fundamentals [3] - There are additional stocks that meet the criteria of the "Recent Price Strength" screen, providing further investment opportunities [8]

Group 1 - Deutsche Bank has resumed coverage of key stocks in the global brand, discount retail, and professional beauty sectors, expressing optimism as it enters 2026, anticipating a "risk-on" macro environment despite potential fluctuations [1] - Analyst Christina Katay noted that the revenue trend in the first half of the year will remain robust due to favorable weather conditions and increased tax refunds, which are seen as drivers for same-store sales growth [1] - The bank estimates that the "Great Beauty Act" will increase tax refunds by approximately $55 billion, with total tax refunds in 2024 projected at $461 billion [1] Group 2 - The expected tax refunds will primarily benefit low- to middle-income consumers facing cost-of-living challenges, while affluent households are anticipated to benefit from increased state and local tax (SALT) deductions [2] - Deutsche Bank has assigned a "Buy" rating to stocks including Amphenol (AS.US), Birkenstock (BIRK.US), Ulta Beauty (ULTA.US), Ralph Lauren (RL.US), Ross Stores (ROST.US), and TJX Companies (TJX.US) [2] - The bank holds a more conservative view on stocks such as Bath & Body Works (BBWI.US), Burlington Stores (BURL.US), Nike (NKE.US), and Lululemon (LULU.US), assigning them a "Hold" rating [2]

Core Insights - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Products industry is experiencing growth due to increased health and fitness awareness, leading to solid demand for fitness products and outdoor recreation items [1][5]. Industry Overview - The industry includes companies that provide a range of recreational products and services, such as amusement products, swimming pools, marine products, and outdoor equipment. Economic growth, a healthy labor market, and rising disposable income drive consumer demand [2]. Trends Influencing the Industry - The U.S. golf business is in a growth cycle, with increased participation and engagement across various age groups. Off-course experiences are attracting younger consumers, broadening the sport's appeal [3]. - Higher play frequency among golfers is leading to increased demand for upgraded equipment, while innovations in fitting and data analytics are enhancing spending per participant [4]. - There is robust demand for fitness-related products, with consumers investing in home workout equipment and digital fitness platforms, driven by a focus on personal well-being [5]. - Technology is redefining engagement in the industry, with smart fitness equipment and app-enabled products enhancing customer experiences and extending lifetime value [6]. Industry Performance - The Zacks Leisure and Recreation Products industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 110, placing it in the top 45% of over 244 Zacks industries, indicating positive near-term prospects [7][8]. - Despite the positive outlook, the industry has underperformed the S&P 500, with a collective decline of 2.2% over the past year compared to the S&P 500's rise of 18.3% [10]. Valuation Metrics - The industry trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 21.4X, which is lower than the S&P 500's 23.11X and the sector's 18.45X. The industry has seen a range from 13.25X to 37.40X over the past five years, with a median of 20.67X [13]. Notable Companies - **Topgolf Callaway**: The company has seen a resurgence in traffic and sales, particularly in its core customer segment, with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [14]. The stock has increased by 48.9% in the past six months [15]. - **Amer Sports**: Benefiting from strong demand for premium brands, particularly in footwear, with a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy). The company expects a 22% year-over-year growth in earnings per share [19][20]. - **Acushnet Holdings**: Strong global golf participation and demand for Titleist products are driving growth, with a projected 7.1% increase in earnings for 2026 [23][24]. - **Pool Corporation**: Expected to benefit from steady maintenance demand and digital enhancements, with a forecasted 6.6% increase in earnings for 2026 [27][28].

Company Performance - Amer Sports continues to perform well in a volatile stock market, securing a position on the Investor's Business Daily Leaderboard and remaining in buy range past its latest entry point [4] - The stock has a B+ IBD Accumulation/Distribution Rating and a 1.5 up/down volume ratio, indicating strong buying interest [4] - Amer Sports sees its RS Rating rise to 81, reflecting improved relative strength [9] Market Trends - The Dow Jones and S&P 500 are at record highs, indicating a broadening uptrend in the market [9] - Amer Sports, along with other companies like ATI and Amphenol, is in focus as the market pauses ahead of Federal Reserve announcements [9]

Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by a quarter percentage point in December but indicated only one rate cut is expected in 2026 due to persistent high inflation [2][7] - A softer inflation reading for November has raised hopes for more rate cuts, with expectations that inflation could decline to 2.4% by the end of 2026 and economic growth could accelerate to 2.3% next year [8] Consumer Discretionary Stocks - Five consumer discretionary stocks are recommended: Amer Sports, Inc. (AS), Crocs, Inc. (CROX), Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB), Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL), and Roku, Inc. (ROKU) [3] - These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the past 60 days and carry a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for solid returns [4] Company-Specific Insights - **Amer Sports, Inc. (AS)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 21.5%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 10.7% over the last 60 days [9][11] - **Crocs, Inc. (CROX)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 3.9%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 5% over the past 60 days [12] - **Kontoor Brands, Inc. (KTB)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 5.3%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 0.7% over the past 60 days [13] - **Ralph Lauren Corporation (RL)**: Expected earnings growth rate for next year is 9.1%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 0.7% over the past 60 days [14] - **Roku, Inc. (ROKU)**: Expected earnings growth rate for the current year is over 100%, with current-year earnings estimates improving by 83.3% over the past 60 days [15]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of timing and sustainability in short-term investing, highlighting that successful entries into trends are crucial for profitability [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Amer Sports, Inc. (AS) has shown a solid price increase of 11.4% over the past 12 weeks, indicating strong investor interest [4]. - The stock has also increased by 11.2% in the last four weeks, suggesting that the upward trend is still intact [5]. - AS is currently trading at 81.1% of its 52-week high-low range, indicating a potential breakout opportunity [5]. Group 2: Fundamental Strength - AS holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), placing it in the top 5% of over 4,000 ranked stocks based on earnings estimate revisions and EPS surprises [6]. - The stock has an Average Broker Recommendation of 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting high optimism from the brokerage community regarding its near-term price performance [7]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - The "Recent Price Strength" screen is a useful tool for identifying stocks like AS that have the fundamental strength to maintain their upward momentum [3]. - The article suggests that there are several other stocks passing through this screen, providing additional investment opportunities [8].