Below are the most widely held stocks by the investing gurus trading near their 52-week lows. It is interesting to note that every single one of them is a retail stock. With retail, the stocks could be down due to many reasons including online competition, decreases in discretionary spending, changes in fashion trends, as well as others.
Coach Inc (COH)
Market Cap: 9.4 billion, P/E: 10.40, Dividend Yield: 3.94%
Business Predictability: 3.5/5, Financial Strength: 7/10, Profitability & Growth: 8/10
Coach closed at $34.28 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $33.60. The stock is down 42.18 percent since its 52-week high of $59.58 on 7/24/2013. The company is one of the most recognizable fine accessories brands in the United States and in targeted international markets. It is known for its fashionable handbags and accessories that use high quality leathers, fabrics, and materials. Lately, fashion trends seem to be favoring Michael Kors (KORS) over Coach. Michael Kors is up 10.5 percent year-to-date compared to Coach being down 38.93 percent. Coach’s stock is held by 19 gurus we follow with Dodge & Cox being the largest holder.
Staples Inc (SPLS)
Market Cap: 7.12 billion, P/E: 13.00, Dividend Yield: 4.36%
Business Predictability: 1/5, Financial Strength: 8/10, Profitability & Growth: 6/10
Staples closed at $11.01 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $10.70. The stock is down 36.28 percent since its 52-week high of $17.295 on 8/13/2013. The company pioneered the office products superstore in 1986 and currently serves businesses of all sizes and consumers in North America, Europe, Australia, South America, and Asia. While Staples is near its 52-week low, Office Depot (ODP) is near its 52-week high. Staple’s stock is held by18 gurus we follow with Richard Pzena (Trades, Portfolio) being the largest holder.
Ross Stores Inc (ROST)
Market Cap: 14.08 billion, P/E: 16.90, Dividend Yield: 1.11%
Business Predictability: 5/5, Financial Strength: 9/10, Profitability & Growth: 8/10
Ross Stores closed at $66.52 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $64.64. The stock is down 18.43 percent since its 52-week high of $81.99 on 11/18/2013. Ross is the largest off-price apparel and home fashion chain in the United States with 1,146 locations in 33 states, D.C, and Guam. The company also operates 130 dd’s DISCOUNTS stores in 10 states. It is not alone in its decline. Its main competitor, TJX Companies (TJX), is down 16 percent year-to-date. Ross’ stock is held by 14 gurus we follow with PRIMECAP Management (Trades, Portfolio) being the largest holder.
PVH Corp (PVH)
Market Cap: 9.69 billion, P/E: 49.30, Dividend Yield: 0.13%
Business Predictability: 2/5, Financial Strength: 5/10, Profitability & Growth: 7/10
PVH Corp closed at $117.71 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $113.99. The stock is down 15.32 percent since its 52-week high of $138.94 on 1/3/2014. PVH operates as an apparel company in the United States and internationally. The company’s own brands include Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Van Heusen and others. PVH is licensed to manufacture apparel for companies such as Michael Kors, DKNY, Ted Baker Kenneth Cole, John Varvatos, and others. While PVH is near its 52-week low, its competitor, VF Corp (VFC), is near its 52-week high. PVH’s stock is held by 12 gurus we follow with Larry Robbins (Trades, Portfolio) being the largest holder.
Panera Bread Co Inc (PNRA)
Market Cap: 4.11 billion, P/E: 22.10, Dividend Yield: N/A
Business Predictability: 4.5/5, Financial Strength: 9/10, Profitability & Growth: 8/10
Panera Bread closed at $149.80 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $147.28. The stock is down 23.43 percent since its 52-week high of $193.18 on 3/21/2014. The company is a fast-casual restaurant chain with 1,777 locations in 45 states, D.C., and Ontario, Canada. It is known for it fresh bread, sandwiches, and soups. The company is also dedicated to providing fresh ingredients without artificial additives. In response to its slowdown, Panera 2.0 is being initiated to improve the customer experience. In contrast to Panera, Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) is now trading near its 52-week high. Panera’s stock is held by 9 gurus we follow with Jim Simmons being the largest holder.
GNC Holdings (GNC)
Market Cap: 3.14 billion, P/E: 13.00, Dividend Yield: 1.80%
Business Predictability: Not Rated, Financial Strength: 8/10, Profitability & Growth: 8/10
GNC closed at $34.50 on 7/2/2014, near its 52-week low of $33.70. The stock is down 43.92 percent since its 52-week high of $60.98 on 11/27/2013. GNC is well known for its mall-based stores selling vitamin and supplements. There are more than 8500 locations worldwide. Competition has picked up in the industry. A close competitor, Vitamin Shoppe (VSI), is also near its 52-week low. GNC’s stock is held by 9 gurus we follow with Columbia Wagner being the largest holder.
