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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. Buckle's Q3 2025 Earnings: A Strong Performance

Buckle's third-quarter earnings for 2025 demonstrated a robust financial performance, with net income reaching $48.7 million or $0.96 per share on a diluted basis, surpassing the estimated $0.952 EPS. Net sales increased 9.3% to $320.8 million, driven by an 8.3% rise in comparable store sales and a 13.6% increase in online sales to $53 million. The company's gross margin for the quarter was 48%, a 30 basis point increase from 47.7% in the third quarter of 2024, while the operating margin was 19%, compared to 18.6% for the third quarter of fiscal 2024.

Publication Date: Jan -09

📋 Highlights
  • Net Income Growth:: Increased to $48.7M ($0.96 EPS) vs. $44.2M ($0.88 EPS) in Q3 2024.
  • Net Sales Expansion:: Rose 9.3% to $320.8M, with comp stores up 8.3% and online sales up 13.6% ($53M).
  • Margin Improvements:: Gross margin increased to 48% (up 30 bps), while operating margin rose to 19% (up 40 bps).
  • Store Growth:: Opened 2 new stores and completed 6 remodels, ending with 442 stores across 42 states.
  • Women's Denim Momentum:: Sales surged 17.5%, driving 19% overall growth in women's merchandise ($53M online).

Segment Performance

The women's business continued to accelerate, with merchandise sales increasing about 19%, led by denim, which rose approximately 17.5%. In contrast, men's merchandise sales were up about 1%, with denim sales also increasing by about 1%. According to Dennis Nelson, "guests seem excited about the product response," indicating a positive consumer reaction to Buckle's offerings.

Operational Highlights

Buckle ended the quarter with 442 retail stores in 42 states and $371.3 million of total cash and investments. The company opened 2 new stores and completed 6 full store remodels during the quarter. Inventory levels were at $165.8 million, up 11% from the same time a year ago, reflecting the company's efforts to support growing demand.

Valuation and Outlook

With a P/E Ratio of 13.54 and an EV/EBITDA of 10.29, Buckle's valuation appears reasonable. Analysts estimate next year's revenue growth at 2.6%, indicating a moderate pace. Buckle's strong denim business, particularly in women's denim, is expected to continue, with the company feeling "good about the consumer's health." The merchandise margin was down 10 basis points for Q3 due to a decrease in private label business and slight increases in costs related to tariffs and other flow-throughs.

Return Metrics and Dividend Yield

Buckle's return metrics remain impressive, with an ROE of 44.42% and an ROIC of 21.25%. The company's dividend yield stands at 7.01%, making it an attractive option for income investors. With a Free Cash Flow Yield of 7.4%, Buckle appears to be generating sufficient cash to support its dividend payments and potentially invest in growth initiatives.

3. NewsRoom

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The Buckle, Inc. (BKE) Pre Recorded Sales/ Trading Statement Call Prepared Remarks Transcript

Feb -05

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The Buckle, Inc. Reports January 2026 Net Sales

Feb -05

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The Buckle, Inc. Announces Retirement of Executive Vice President of Stores and Senior Vice President of Sales

Jan -23

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Market Today: TSMC beat, Goldman soars, Spotify hikes

Jan -15

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First Look: TSMC (TSM) Lifts Chips; Banks, Oil and Housing

Jan -15

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The Buckle, Inc. (BKE) Q3 2025 Earnings Call Transcript

Jan -08

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The Buckle, Inc. Reports December 2025 Net Sales

Jan -08

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The Buckle: One Of The Few Firms I Find Attractive In The Consumer Discretionary Sector

Jan -02

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: 5.0

Growth: 4.0

Quality: 7.6

Yield: 10.0

Momentum: 7.0

Volatility: 7.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Shoe Carnival

A-Score: 4.4/10

Value: 7.6

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: 4.4/10

Value: 8.8

Growth: 4.0

Quality: 6.0

Yield: 2.0

Momentum: 1.0

Volatility: 4.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Cato

A-Score: 4.3/10

Value: 7.7

Growth: 1.1

Quality: 2.3

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 7.5

Volatility: 2.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Hibbett

A-Score: 3.6/10

Value: 3.1

Growth: 4.6

Quality: 4.8

Yield: 1.0

Momentum: 6.0

Volatility: 2.3

1-Year Total Return ->

Stock-Card
Designer Brands

A-Score: 3.1/10

Value: 5.5

Growth: 2.8

Quality: 2.8

Yield: 5.0

Momentum: 1.5

Volatility: 1.0

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

52.1$

Current Price

52.1$

Potential

-0.00%

Expected Cash-Flows