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1. Company Snapshot

1.a. Company Description

The Buckle, Inc.operates as a retailer of casual apparel, footwear, and accessories for young men and women in the United States.It markets a selection of brand name casual apparel, including denims, other casual bottoms, tops, sportswear, outerwear, accessories, and footwear, as well as private label merchandise primarily comprising BKE, Buckle Black, Salvage, Red by BKE, Daytrip, Gimmicks, Gilded Intent, FITZ + EDDI, Willow & Root, Outpost Makers, Departwest, Reclaim, BKE Vintage, Nova Industries, J.B. Holt, and Veece.


The company also provides services, such as hemming, gift-packaging, layaways, guest loyalty program, the Buckle private label credit card, and personalized stylist services, as well as special order system that allows stores to obtain requested merchandise from other company stores or its online order fulfillment center.As of March 11, 2022, it operated 440 retail stores in 42 states under the Buckle and The Buckle names.The Buckle, Inc.


also sells its products through its website, buckle.com.The company was formerly known as Mills Clothing, Inc.and changed its name to The Buckle, Inc.


in April 1991.The Buckle, Inc.was incorporated in 1948 and is headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska.

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1.b. Last Insights on BKE

The Buckle, Inc.'s recent stock performance was negatively driven by weak sales, with net sales declining in January and February 2025 compared to the same periods last year. The company's December 2024 net sales were also below expectations, indicating a slowdown in the retail apparel market. Furthermore, the recent announcement of a $2.50 per share special cash dividend may have been partially offset by the company's decision to reduce its quarterly dividend from $0.35 to an unspecified amount.

1.c. Company Highlights

2. Disappointing EPS, But Solid Revenue Growth

The company's third-quarter earnings report presented a mixed bag, with net sales increasing 9.3% to $320.8 million, driven by an 8.3% rise in comparable store sales and a 13.6% jump in online sales to $53 million. However, earnings per share (EPS) came in at $0.96, falling short of estimates of $1.58. Gross margin expanded 30 basis points to 48%, while operating margin improved to 19% from 18.6% in the prior year. Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased to 29% from 29.1%.

Publication Date: Nov -25

📋 Highlights
  • Net Income Growth:: Increased by $4.5 million to $48.7 million (up 10.2%) and EPS rose to $0.96 (+9.1% YoY).
  • Net Sales Expansion:: Jumped 9.3% to $320.8 million, driven by 8.3% comparable store sales growth and 13.6% online sales surge to $53 million.
  • Gross Margin Improvement:: Rose 30 basis points to 48% for the quarter and 50 basis points YoY to 47.4% for year-to-date.
  • Women’s Denim Momentum:: Sales accelerated 19% with denim up 17.5% and average price points rising to $86.95 (+8.4% from $81.15).
  • Men’s Segment Stabilization:: Sales grew 1% with denim up 1% and average price points increasing 2.5% to $88.15, while accessories rose 7.5%.

Segment Performance

The women's business continued to drive growth, with merchandise sales rising about 19% year-over-year, led by a 17.5% increase in women's denim sales. Average denim price points rose from $81.15 to $86.95. In contrast, men's merchandise sales grew a modest 1%, with denim sales up 1% and average price points relatively flat at $88.15. Accessory sales increased 7.5%, while footwear sales were essentially flat. As management noted, "our women's business continued its acceleration in year-over-year growth rate during the quarter," highlighting the strength of their denim offerings.

Valuation and Outlook

Given the company's current valuation metrics, including a P/E Ratio of 13.1 and an EV/EBITDA ratio of 10.18, the market appears to be pricing in moderate growth expectations. Analysts estimate revenue growth of 7.0% for next year, which is slightly below this quarter's 9.3% increase. With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 44.42% and a Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of 21.25%, the company has demonstrated its ability to generate strong returns. As the company navigates the competitive retail landscape, its ability to sustain growth in women's denim and revive men's sales will be crucial to meeting investor expectations.

Margin Sustainability

Management attributed the shift in merchandise margin to a slight decrease in private label business and an increase in costs due to tariffs and other flow-throughs. The gross margin expansion to 48% is a positive sign, but investors will be watching to see if this can be sustained. The 50 basis point increase in year-to-date gross margin to 47.4% is also encouraging. As Thomas Heacock noted, "the biggest drivers are really the decrease slightly in private label business with some of the brands performing really well, especially in women's denim."

3. NewsRoom

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The Buckle, Inc. Reports November 2025 Net Sales

Dec -04

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The Buckle, Inc. (BKE) Q3 2026 Earnings Call Transcript

Nov -21

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First Look: AI selloff, jobs jitters, and big corporate shifts

Nov -21

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The Buckle, Inc. Reports Third Quarter Net Income

Nov -21

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Bank of New York Mellon Corp Increases Stock Holdings in Buckle, Inc. (The) $BKE

Nov -16

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The Buckle Now Fits Value Investors (Rating Upgrade)

Nov -16

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Buckle, Inc. (The) $BKE Shares Sold by Aviva PLC

Nov -14

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The Buckle, Inc. (BKE) Period Ending/ Trading Statement Call Prepared Remarks Transcript

Nov -11

4. Business Breakdown

4.a. Revenues by Country

4.b. Revenues by Segment

5. Expected revenues mid-term growth (4.70%)

6. Segments

Denims

Expected Growth: 4.65%

The 4.65% growth in Denims from The Buckle, Inc. is driven by increasing demand for fashion-forward and comfortable clothing, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. Additionally, the company's focus on private label brands, effective inventory management, and strategic pricing strategies have contributed to the growth.

Tops (including Sweaters)

Expected Growth: 4.65%

The 4.65% growth in Tops (including Sweaters) from The Buckle, Inc. is driven by increasing demand for casual wear, rising popularity of athleisure, and effective marketing strategies. Additionally, the company's focus on providing high-quality, fashion-forward products at affordable prices has contributed to its growth. Furthermore, the expansion of online shopping channels and strategic partnerships have also boosted sales.

Accessories

Expected Growth: 4.83%

The Buckle, Inc.'s accessories segment growth of 4.83% is driven by increasing demand for fashion-forward and trendy accessories, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. Strong brand recognition, effective marketing strategies, and a wide range of products at affordable prices also contribute to this growth.

Footwear

Expected Growth: 4.83%

The Buckle, Inc.'s footwear segment growth of 4.83% is driven by increasing demand for fashion-forward and comfortable footwear, particularly among younger generations. Strong brand recognition, effective marketing strategies, and a wide range of styles at affordable prices also contribute to this growth.

Sportswear/Fashions

Expected Growth: 4.83%

The Buckle, Inc.'s 4.83% growth in Sportswear/Fashion is driven by increasing demand for casual, comfortable clothing, particularly among Gen Z and millennials. Strong brand recognition, effective marketing strategies, and a focus on omnichannel retailing also contribute to growth. Additionally, the company's ability to stay on-trend with fashion cycles and offer affordable prices has helped to attract and retain customers.

Youth

Expected Growth: 4.83%

Youth from The Buckle, Inc. achieved 4.83% growth driven by increasing demand for trendy and affordable fashion, effective social media marketing, and strategic partnerships with popular influencers. Additionally, the company's focus on experiential retail and loyalty programs contributed to the growth, as well as its ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Outerwear

Expected Growth: 4.83%

The Buckle's Outerwear segment growth of 4.83% is driven by increasing demand for fashion-forward and functional outerwear, particularly among younger demographics. Strong brand recognition, effective marketing strategies, and a wide range of styles at affordable prices also contribute to this growth.

Casual Bottoms

Expected Growth: 4.83%

The Buckle's Casual Bottoms segment growth of 4.83% is driven by increasing demand for fashion-forward denim, successful marketing campaigns targeting younger demographics, and strategic store expansions in high-traffic locations. Additionally, the company's focus on private label brands and competitive pricing strategies have contributed to the segment's growth.

7. Detailed Products

Denim

The Buckle, Inc. offers a wide range of denim products including jeans, shorts, and jackets from popular brands like BKE, Buckle Black, and ReRock.

Tops

The Buckle, Inc. sells a variety of tops including graphic tees, blouses, and sweaters from brands like Fossil, Hurley, and Oakley.

Dresses

The Buckle, Inc. offers a range of dresses including maxi dresses, mini dresses, and bodycon dresses from brands like Free People and Billabong.

Shoes

The Buckle, Inc. sells a wide range of shoes including boots, sneakers, and sandals from brands like Dr. Martens, Vans, and Steve Madden.

Accessories

The Buckle, Inc. offers a range of accessories including hats, belts, and jewelry from brands like Fossil and The Sak.

8. The Buckle, Inc.'s Porter Forces

Forces Ranking

Threat Of Substitutes

The threat of substitutes for The Buckle, Inc. is medium due to the presence of alternative fashion retailers and online shopping platforms.

Bargaining Power Of Customers

The bargaining power of customers is high due to the availability of numerous fashion retailers and online shopping platforms, giving customers a wide range of options.

Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

The bargaining power of suppliers is low due to the company's large scale of operations and ability to negotiate better prices with suppliers.

Threat Of New Entrants

The threat of new entrants is medium due to the moderate barriers to entry in the fashion retail industry, including the need for significant capital investment and establishment of a strong brand reputation.

Intensity Of Rivalry

The intensity of rivalry is high due to the presence of numerous fashion retailers and online shopping platforms, leading to intense competition for market share.

9. SWOT Analysis

10. Capital Structure

10.a. Balance Sheet

10.b. Weighted Average Cost of capital

Value
Debt Weight 43.29%
Debt Cost 3.95%
Equity Weight 56.71%
Equity Cost 9.87%
WACC 7.31%
Leverage 76.33%

11. Quality Control: The Buckle, Inc. passed 7 out of 9 key points

12.a Historical Valuation

12.b Price/Earnings Ratio

12.c Margin Valuation

12.d Peers Valuation

Peers Group Analysis

Stock-Card
Buckle

A-Score: 6.8/10

Value: 4.5

Growth: 3.9

Quality: 7.5

Yield: 10.0

Momentum: 8.0

Volatility: 7.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Shoe Carnival

A-Score: 4.3/10

Value: 7.2

Growth: 5.0

Quality: 4.9

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 0.5

Volatility: 3.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
J.Jill

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 8.7

Growth: 4.0

Quality: 6.3

Yield: 2.0

Momentum: 0.5

Volatility: 4.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Designer Brands

A-Score: 4.2/10

Value: 9.8

Growth: 2.8

Quality: 3.8

Yield: 6.0

Momentum: 1.5

Volatility: 1.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Cato

A-Score: 3.9/10

Value: 9.8

Growth: 1.1

Quality: 4.5

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 1.5

Volatility: 1.7

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Hibbett

A-Score: 2.8/10

Value: 1.9

Growth: 2.1

Quality: 5.1

Yield: 1.0

Momentum: 5.0

Volatility: 2.0

1-Year Total Return ->

Peers Metrics

12.e Scoring Insights

12.f DCF BETA

Parameters

Short Term Growth

Short term Time

Long-Term Growth

WACC

Target Price

56.44$

Current Price

56.44$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows