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Shares of specialty retailer Zumiez Inc. (NASDAQ:ZUMZ) peaked at $32.70 in early September, and investors should take advantage of the recent dip in the stock toward the $20 level, according to Jefferies.
The Analyst
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Jefferies' Janine Stichter initiated coverage of Zumiez with a Buy rating and $28 price target.
The Thesis
Zumiez boasts a unique niche positioning in the retail space and is backed by four catalysts that support an upward move in the stock, Stichter said in the Thursday upgrade note:
First, the company deserves credit for developing young brands with minimal outside distribution that have become popular with young consumers. This makes Zumiez an important destination for consumers looking for specific brands that serve as the company's "bread and butter."
Second, as a forward-thinking company, Zumiez continues to make the necessary investments to create a best-in-class omnichannel platform, the analyst said. At the same time, the company remains committed to its brick-and-mortar business, including a disciplined approach to expansion, she said.
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Third, investors can expect operating margin expansion over the near-term from fixed-cost leverage off a low-single digit comp, recovering international profits and a re-expansion of private label merchandise, according to Jefferies.
Finally, after falling nearly 20 percent over the past month alone, shares of Zumiez are trading at 11.6 times P/E on 2020 estimated EPS and 4.6 times EV/EBITDA. Jefferies' $28 price target is based on 15.5 times P/E and 6 times EV/EBITDA, which is consistent with the stock's historical average and a slight premium to retail apparel peers, Stichter said.
Price Action
Zumiez shares were rallying higher by 6.43 percent at $23.33 at the time of publication Thursday.
Related Links:
Zumiez Strong Performance More Than A Passing Fad?
Benzinga's Top Upgrades, Downgrades For October 25, 2018
Photo by John Phelan/Wikimedia.
Crypto Whales Are Loading Up — Are You?
New research shows the biggest crypto buyers are back. And this time? They could hold for the possibility that Bitcoin will surpass $100,000 in 2024. You don’t want to miss the next massive crypto bull run like we saw in 2020 and 2021. To know exactly what’s going on and what to buy… Get Access To Benzinga’s Best Crypto Research and Investments For Only $1.