For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – November 24, 2015 – Zacks Equity Research highlights Cooper-Standard (CPS) as the Bull of the Day and Famous Dave (DAVE) as the Bear of the Day. In addition, Zacks Equity Research provides analysis on Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF), Nordstrom Inc. (JWN) and Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS).     
     
Here is a synopsis of all five stocks:
 
Bull of the Day:
 
It’s hard to argue with the Zacks Rank and Style Scores. Sure I’ve heard people say it lags the market and can take too long to turn around but overall, you can’t argue the numbers. Annualized 26% return since 1988. Where else can you find that? So when I’m looking for a “Bull of the Day” I don’t try to come out here and reinvent the wheel. Why not stick to what works? And what works is looking for a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) that has a Momentum Style Score of “A.”
 
Cooper-Standard (CPS) is a global manufacturer and supplier of systems and components for the automotive industry. Its products include fluid transfer, fuel and brake delivery systems, anti-vibration systems, body sealing and body trim and other automotive components. Its products are used primarily in passenger vehicles and light trucks by global automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and in replacement markets.
 
Cooper-Standard operates four main segments: North America, Europe, South America, and Asia Pacific. Cooper-Standard operates in over 20 countries globally and has more than 25,000 employees. Cooper-Standard was founded in 2004 when it was sold by Cooper Tire & Rubber Company.
 
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Cooper-Standard’s earnings surprise history is a big reason why it’s a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). The company has beat earnings estimates each of the last four quarters by an average of 64 cents. Last quarter’s beat saw EPS come in at $2.21 versus our Zacks Consensus Estimate calling for $1.41.
 
The bullish history is a big reason why shares have gone on such a big run since September. After bottoming out just shy of the August low near $54, shares crossed over the 20-day moving average and began an uptrend that stalled at the 52-week high in late October. Following the great earnings report, shares leapfrogged that level and have since pushed all the way to $73. Volumes have seen a bit of an uptick as well over the last few weeks. Support to the downside remains below $72. Further down than that, the next significant level is the previous congestion near $65.
 
Bear of the Day:

Now don’t get this twisted, I love BBQ as much as the next guy. And with a ticker like this, it’s tough to root against this company. But I’m really not in the business of cheerleading, I’m in the money making business. And if you’re business isn’t bringing home the bacon I don’t care what you do or what your ticker is, I’m not going to be impressed.
 
Today’s “Bear of the Day” is Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) Famous Dave’s (DAVE). Famous Dave’s owns, operates and franchises barbeque restaurants and blues clubs. It’s not the food that’s got me bearish on DAVE. I’ve been to several locations and thoroughly enjoyed my meal each and every time I’ve ever gone.
 
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But it’s the analysts that aren’t licking their fingers while they’re at the table. Two analysts have dropped their earnings estimates for the current quarter and current year. The bearish attitude has sent our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from a 4 cent gain to an 8 cent loss. The current year numbers look even worse, with consensus plummeting from 40 cents down to 19 cents.
 
It should come as no surprise then that shares of DAVE have come under some serious pressure over the last year. After trading as high as $34.72 in February 2015, shares took a tumble. A last ditch effort to hang onto the $30s in late April was met with a violent downturn that has yet to relent. Currently shares are dragging down close to yet another 52-week low, trading near $8.50.
 
Additional content:

Why Abercrombie Surged as Other Retailers Struggled

Amid a tough retail scenario, Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF) emerged as a winner, with spectacular results for the third quarter of fiscal 2015, where both top and bottom lines exceeded expectations. Shares of the company have surged about 25% since the earnings announcement.

The company’s quarterly adjusted earnings of 48 cents per share were significantly ahead of the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 19 cents. Moreover, earnings increased 14.3% year over year, backed by enhanced gross margin and efficient cost management.

Net sales descended 3.6% year over year to $878.6 million owing to currency headwinds, but remained flat on a currency neutral basis. Sales also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $869 million.

Though comparable store sales (comps) dipped 1%, they exceeded analysts’ expectations and also continued to portray a sequential improvement, mainly backed by strength in the Hollister brand along with a strong international performance. In fact, Hollister saw its comps trending up for the first time since 2012, recording 3% growth in the third quarter.

What Sets ANF Apart?

While store traffic was slow for Abercrombie, the company’s conversions remained impressive, with consumers responding favorably to its full-priced assortments. Per sources, the company kept its discounts low and also reduced its promotional activities. These factors, along with lower unit costs, fueled Abercrombie’s adjusted gross margin, which expanded 120 basis points to 63.4%.

Also, Abercrombie benefitted from various other strategic actions, including its focus on enriching customers’ shopping experience with its revamped stores, making them more attractive to drive traffic. Further, Abercrombie is leaving no stone unturned in enhancing its assortments to suit changing trends, together with product advertising to raise demand.

Alongside, the company is gaining from its enhanced global recognition. As evidence, in the third quarter – for the first time since 2011 – the company witnessed a rise in European comps. Also, Abercrombie’s Chinese operations are gaining traction, backed by the development of eCommerce networks and comps growth.

We believe that the company remains focused on implementing these strategies to enhance its business, develop brands and assortments and enrich consumer experience.

What Happened to the Other Retailers?

Overall, the retail environment was challenging. Companies bore the brunt of foreign currency headwinds, as the U.S. dollar continued to gain strength. Further, the sector witnessed sluggish traffic trends and an intense promotional environment.

Consequently, many retailers fell prey to these hurdles, and struggled with waning top and bottom-line results.

Among these, we have leading fashion specialty retailer – Nordstrom Inc. (JWN), which reported third-quarter fiscal 2015 adjusted earnings of 57 cents per share, below the Zacks Consensus Estimate and down 21.9% year over year. Also, net revenue of $3,328 million missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate despite rising 6% year over year.

The lower-than-expected results were mainly attributable to soft sales trends across all networks and merchandise categories. The dismal earnings were also due to higher SG&A expenses and contracting margins. These factors, along with the adverse impact of credit card portfolio sale, led management to lower its outlook for fiscal 2015, following which shares of this Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) company have tanked 11.9% to date.

Further, DICK’S Sporting Goods Inc. (DKS) – a sporting goods retailer – posted soft third-quarter fiscal 2015 results, wherein both top and bottom lines fell short of estimates, despite improving year over year. Further, comps came in way below expectations owing to warm weather which led to sluggish trends.

These trends also continued into the fourth quarter, leading management to lower its outlook for the fiscal year. Following the announcement, shares of this Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) company have slipped 2% to date.

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About the Bull and Bear of the Day
                                                                                   
Every day, the analysts at Zacks Equity Research select two stocks that are likely to outperform (Bull) or underperform (Bear) the markets over the next 3-6 months.
                                                       
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Updated throughout every trading day, the Analyst Blog provides analysis from Zacks Equity Research about the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets.
 
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COOPER-STANDARD (CPS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
FAMOUS DAVES (DAVE): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
ABERCROMBIE (ANF): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
NORDSTROM INC (JWN): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
DICKS SPRTG GDS (DKS): Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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