Sterne Agee Optimistic on Deckers Outdoor

Analysts at Sterne Agee issued a positive commentary note on

on December 19. Sam Poser, analyst at Sterne Agee spoke with independent and larger retailers and came to the conclusion that the company's UGGs business is showing a resurgence this holiday season. “Based on our checks there is no 'at once' product available,” he wrote. “Slippers are selling out. Classic boot sales are healthy. There is no abnormal promotional activity,” he added. The analyst is confident that UGG wholesale revenue will increase mid single digits in the fourth quarter as inventory levels are well below what they were last year. The company is well positioned to end the fourth quarter with inventory count below $240 million. At that level, the company can greatly benefit from lower product costs, which should result in gross margin improvement in 2014 beyond the 100bps that management previously guided. Shares are Buy rated with a $110.00 price target.