The Buckle, Inc. (NYSE:BKE)

NetscribeRetail (95.38) Submitted: 1/4/2007 8:13:32 AM : Start Price: $16.38 BKE Score: +164.27

Chuckle with Buckle!!!!

Buckle is a retailer of casual apparel, footwear and accessories for fashion conscious young men and women. The company operates 354 retail stores across 38 states throughout central, northwest, southeast and southwestern U.S under the names “Buckle” and “The Buckle”.

In the past five years, premium denim segment from the jeans market has become one of the hottest segments of the apparel industry. Consumers aged 13 to 24 have bought the largest share of premium denim jeans. This augurs well for the company, which targets the same age group and derives about 48% of its revenues from denim. The share of denim to the total revenues has grown substantially since the past five years. Long known as a denim destination, Buckle plans to open a store in Florida and Tennessee. The recent performance of the company has been fine driven by new stores and about 6% increase in denim price points. Gross margin improved marginally due to an increase in private label that constitute about 33% of sales mix.

On the management front, the company’s buying team is quite strong with top four members having a combined experience of 90 years in the industry. Moreover, the company has been consistent in store openings since the past ten years. Also, November sales have also been impressive with over 8% rise in sales. Furthermore, this zero debt company has achieved consistent revenue and earnings growth, allowing investors to take a bullish view on the stock.

ratskins (80.45) Submitted: 12/28/2006 9:43:12 PM : Start Price: $15.69 BKE Score: +176.56

Look at this! Two out of five stars as of 12/28/06. I suggest you all go take a look at the dividends BKE pays out. They are definitely shareholder friendly. This stock is up 47% for me over the last 14 months when you take the dividends into account. A teen retailer like this usually does not offer such a generous dividend. Did I forget to mention that they have no debt? I think this is a quality retailer and is being overlooked.

bebedodds (< 20) Submitted: 12/19/2006 7:18:53 PM : Start Price: $15.51 BKE Score: +179.87

They're taking the time to take care of their stockholders. Also, they know how to market -- my teenager and twenty something like the store.