This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios series.
Timberland's
Fourth-quarter net income surged 88.8% to $42.1 million, or $0.82 per share. Timberland's revenue jumped 26.7% to $491.1 million, while global same-store sales increased an impressive 17.6%.
There are many reasons to like Timberland at the moment -- particularly the $272.2 million on its balance sheet, with no debt.
Furthermore, Timberland's aiming to attract more female shoppers through its Earthkeepers line of eco-friendly footwear, which I considered a big idea that could make big bucks back in November. Earthkeepers are manufactured with organic, renewable, and recycled components, making them a forward-looking brand for green-minded consumers.
Timberland happens to be the debut stock purchase for my Rising Star Portfolio, which focuses on socially responsible investing. It's been the portfolio's best performer so far, returning more than 70% since November.
No company can rest on its current laurels, of course. Timberland still has plenty of competitors to contend with, even in growth-oriented areas like eco-friendly shoes. Deckers
But by comparison, Nike
In that light, Timberland doesn't sound too overvalued, although it certainly needs to keep delivering the kind of robust growth it unveiled today.Timberland's management has big plans for its "big idea," aiming to expand its Earthkeepers brand even more in 2011. (It's currently growing in the triple digits on an annual basis.) Investors should keep an eye on this shoe stock, especially given its additional halo of eco-friendly, socially responsible excitement.
To keep an extra close eye, consider adding Timberland to your Fool watchlist.
This article is part of our Rising Star Portfolios series, where we give some of our most promising stock analysts cold, hard cash to manage on the Fool's behalf. We'd like you to track our performance and benefit from these real-money, real-time free stock picks. See all of our Rising Star analysts (and their portfolios).