Fossil Group (FOSL, Financial) is the fourth largest producer of watches and the largest licenser of watches and jewelry globally. Fossil’s stock has been weighed down due to their largest licensed brand, Michael Kors, reporting a material deceleration in their North American business, along with concerns surrounding watch category growth globally. Growth concerns in the U.S. are being driven by sluggish foot traffic in malls and department stores and broad based de-stocking by Fossil’s license partners as they remain cautious ahead of new smartwatch entrants and an uncertain consumer environment. Fossil has added additional licensed brands to their portfolio, including Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Ralph Lauren’s Chaps, which will provide diversification and less exposure to individual brands going forward. We view the headwinds facing the traditional watch industry as cyclical and have taken advantage of investors’ fear of secular decline by adding to our position.
From Wallace Weitz (Trades, Portfolio)'s Research Fund commentary for third quarter 2015.
