Wednesday was a generally favorable day for the stock market, with modest gains for most major benchmarks even as the Russell 2000 once again hit intraday record highs. Most investors' attention was focused on the retail sector, where an especially strong performance from department store giant Macy's suggested that the long period of difficult conditions for brick-and-mortar retailers might finally have come to an end. Ongoing concerns about other factors -- including the move in the 10-year Treasury yield above the 3% mark and the outcome of a possible summit between U.S. and North Korean leaders -- helped keep the gains somewhat in check. But some companies had good news that sent their shares sharply higher. Under Armour (UA 0.16%) (UAA 0.31%), Boot Barn Holdings (BOOT 0.78%), and Abaxis (ABAX +0.00%) were among the best performers on the day. Here's why they did so well.
Under Armour gets an assist
Class A and C shares of Under Armour gained 9% and 7%, respectively, on news that the athletic apparel and footwear specialist will expand one of its most popular product lines. The company said that it will release another special edition Curry 5 model of sneakers later this week, timing well with basketball star Steph Curry's appearance in the NBA Western Conference finals. The move adds some momentum after an Under Armour executive late last week made insider purchases of stock amounting to almost half a million dollars. Under Armour still faces plenty of competitive pressure, but news like this serves to remind investors of the power of the company's brand and its potential to turn itself around in time.
Image source: Under Armour.
Boot Barn has a good report
Boot Barn Holdings stock jumped nearly 12% after the Western wear retail specialist reported its fiscal first-quarter financial results. Even a modest $800,000 profit on a 1.3% increase in comparable-store sales was enough to make shareholders in Boot Barn happy, with expansion having helped to boost overall revenue by nearly 5% from the year-ago quarter. As stereotypical as it might sound, Boot Barn said that the rise in crude oil prices has made a meaningful difference in stores that are located within key energy-producing areas of the country. At the same time, Boot Barn has made a push to grow its digital presence, and it thinks those efforts will keep bearing fruit throughout the remainder of the fiscal year.
Abaxis gets an offer
Finally, shares of Abaxis picked up 16%. The veterinary diagnostics company received a buyout bid from animal health giant Zoetis (ZTS 1.03%) for a deal worth about $2 billion. Under the terms of the bid, Zoetis will pay Abaxis investors $83 per share in cash, representing a modest premium to where Abaxis stock closed prior to the announcement. For Zoetis, the deal will help to flesh out its animal health offerings while accelerating growth in key regions. Abaxis has been doing quite well independently, but executives see the purchase giving the business a chance at faster growth under the Zoetis corporate umbrella going forward.
