Image: Fitbit.
Friday ended a volatile week for the stock market on a positive note, with investors cheering a strong report on U.S. employment, as well as favorable comments from European Central Bank leader Mario Draghi that helped reassure investors about the central bank's commitment to economic growth. The Dow and S&P 500 both jumped more than 2% on the day, but those gains paled in comparison to the advances for Fitbit (FIT), Newmont Mining (NEM 1.32%), and Genesco (GCO 1.34%).
Fitbit climbed 11% after the maker of fitness-tracking devices got favorable comments from a Wall Street analyst. A report from Morgan Stanley noted that the analyst's initial sales checks pointed toward better results from Fitbit than many had expected, as the company has successfully fended off competition from some other players in the fitness industry.
As weaker companies in the space have started to give up on their efforts, Fitbit has done a good job of capturing the resulting demand, and ensuring that its other competitors aren't able to consolidate toward becoming a bigger threat. Fairly or unfairly, Fitbit stock seems to trade in line with those of makers of unrelated consumer electronics, and that could produce good value if Fitbit's fundamentals remain stronger than those of its electronic-producing peers.
Newmont Mining gained 9% on a strong day for the mining industry generally. Gold prices jumped more than $25 per ounce on Friday, and Newmont, in particular, benefited from positive sentiment stemming from updated guidance on production, cost, and capital expenditures. The miner has done a good job cutting its expenses, and expects all-in sustaining costs to fall from a range of $900 to $960 per ounce in 2016 to a range of $850 to $950 in 2017.
Production looks solid, as well, with the company's CC&V, Merian, and Long Canyon Phase 1 mines generating gains that should offset declines at some of Newmont's other properties. Analysts believe that short-term earnings could take a hit, but the longer-term payoff from Newmont's efforts will boost the bottom line in future years. Gold prices are still near their lowest levels in years, but signs of life in the precious metals market are good news for Newmont and its peers.
Finally, Genesco rose more than 10%. The retailer reported healthy fiscal third-quarter results, with revenue climbing 7% overall on a 6% rise in same-store sales. The company's Lids Sports Group led the way with 12% comp growth, followed by 6% increases at Journeys, a 5% rise for Johnston & Murphy, and gains of 2% in comps at Schuh.
The company did cut its earnings guidance for the full fiscal year based on volatility in the holiday retail market, but it expects promotions at Lids to generate good results and avoid old inventory overhangs that could hold the company back during the key season. CEO Robert Dennis said that, despite the reduced outlook, "we believe the steps we are taking now will allow the company to realize greater earnings power next year and beyond."
