We came across a bullish thesis on Deckers Outdoor Corporation on "From $100K to $1M" & More.’s Substack by Yegor. In this article, we will summarize the bulls’ thesis on DECK. Deckers Outdoor Corporation's share was trading at $97.62 as of January 28th. DECK’s trailing and forward P/E were 14.51 and 14.14 respectively according to Yahoo Finance.
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Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) is a leading player in the premium footwear market, built around a portfolio of strong, globally recognized brands including HOKA, UGG, and Teva. Founded in 1973 and headquartered in Goleta, California, the company has transformed from a niche seasonal player into a resilient multinational enterprise through strategic brand development, operational discipline, and global diversification. Its dual-engine model, powered by HOKA’s performance-oriented appeal and UGG’s lifestyle positioning, provides stability and scalability, allowing DECK to navigate economic cycles effectively.
Under CEO Stefano Caroti, appointed in 2025, Deckers has emphasized a consumer-first mindset, brand-led culture, innovation, and global expansion. These principles guide both near-term operations and long-term strategy. Financially, the company is robust, with a $12 billion market cap, $1.5 billion in cash, no long-term debt, and a 57% gross margin reflecting strong pricing power and operational efficiency. In fiscal Q2 2026, HOKA and UGG achieved double-digit sales growth, driven by international markets, while domestic U.S. DTC sales showed softness. Wholesale growth of nearly 20% offset weaker domestic performance.
Despite rising operating costs, tariff pressures, and a cautious U.S. consumer environment, Deckers maintains a premium brand position and disciplined capital allocation, including active share repurchases. Its international expansion and strategic push to grow DTC to 50% of revenue underpin long-term growth, supported by digital investments and loyalty programs.
While competition from Nike, Crocs, Brooks, and On Holding remains strong, DECK’s durable fundamentals, operational excellence, and global footprint provide resilience against macroeconomic headwinds. Even with near-term pressures, the company offers a compelling investment for long-term investors seeking exposure to high-quality, growth-oriented consumer discretionary businesses.
Previously, we covered a bullish thesis on Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK) by Quality Stocks in April 2025, which highlighted valuation normalization after a sharp pullback, tariff risks, brand concentration in HOKA and UGG, and the role of aggressive share buybacks. DECK’s stock price has appreciated by approximately 5.24% since our coverage due to easing valuation concerns. Yegor shares a similar thesis but emphasizes long-term brand strength, balance sheet quality, and global expansion under new leadership.
Deckers Outdoor Corporation is not on our list of the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 62 hedge fund portfolios held DECK at the end of the third quarter which was 59 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the potential of DECK as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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Disclosure: None.