Caleres, Inc. (CAL): An Undervalued Retail Stock to Buy According to Analysts

Caleres, Inc. (CAL), a leading footwear retailer and wholesaler, has recently caught the attention of analysts who believe the stock is currently undervalued. With a strong brand portfolio and a strategic focus on growth, CAL presents an attractive opportunity for investors looking for a bargain in the retail sector. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the analysts' bullish sentiment and provide data-driven insights to support their claims.

Firstly, let's examine Caleres' financial performance. The company reported a P/E ratio of 6.86x, which is significantly lower than the industry average of 15.79x. This indicates that CAL is currently trading at a discount compared to its peers in the Specialty Retail industry. Additionally, CAL's beta of 1.03 suggests that its stock is more volatile than the broader market, providing an opportunity for investors to buy at a lower price if the market turns bearish.

Caleres' strong brand portfolio is another factor that contributes to its undervalued status. The company owns a diverse range of brands, including Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, and Vionic, which cater to various consumer preferences and market segments. This diversification enables Caleres to maintain a strong competitive position and adapt to changing market trends.

Moreover, Caleres' focus on brand growth and expansion strategies further enhances its attractiveness as an investment opportunity. The appointment of Nancy Bitetto as the senior vice president of New York brands demonstrates the company's commitment to driving growth and profitability within its brand portfolio. Bitetto's extensive experience in luxury and contemporary fashion brands is expected to accelerate the growth of Caleres' New York brands, such as Franco Sarto, Vince, and Veronica Beard.

Analysts also point to Caleres' strong balance sheet and return on equity (ROE) as reasons to buy the stock. The company's debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio of 0.75 is lower than the industry average of 1.07 and its historical average of 0.88. This indicates that Caleres has a strong financial position and is less dependent on debt financing. Additionally, CAL's ROE of 15.2% in 2024 was higher than the industry average of 11.5% and its historical average of 12.5%, suggesting that the company is more efficient in generating profits from its shareholders' investments compared to its peers and its own past performance.

In conclusion, Caleres, Inc. (CAL) presents an appealing investment opportunity for value-oriented investors looking for a bargain in the retail sector. The company's undervalued status, strong brand portfolio, brand growth strategies, and solid financial performance make a compelling case for buying CAL stock. However, it is essential to consider other fundamental factors and the company's outlook when making investment decisions.