Sterne Agee’s Sam Poser has released his top picks for 2014 in the footwear and apparel sector. His take is that Foot Locker Inc. (NYSE: FL), Under Armour Inc. (NYSE: UA), Nike Inc. (NYSE: NKE), Hibbett Sports Inc. (NASDAQ: HIBB) and Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc. (NYSE: DKS) should all be owned in 2014 and beyond.

This call is based on compelling new products, improving growth strategies and efficient operations at each company. Poser also said that an honorable mention goes to Skechers USA Inc. (NYSE: SKX) and Deckers Outdoor Corp. (NASDAQ: DECK). On Skechers, it is the GO product drafting the athletic trends in mid-tier and international markets. On Deckers, the company has cleaned up its inventory and is establishing a steady growth profile. Nike’s Flyknit is the continuation of new compelling offerings from Nike and Brand Jordan.

Top Picks for 2014

Foot Locker. Innovation also is taking the form of new store layouts and concepts among its many banners. Other boosts are from its improving international business, accretion from the Runners Point acquisition, roll-out of a new allocation system and the initial payoff from the store remodels in the United States.

Deckers. UGG sales in fall 2013 appears to be better than retailers expected; lack of “at once” product availability indicates that year-end inventory levels will come in very clean. Deckers was one of the few non-sport themes listed in the apparel and footwear sector.

Skechers. The company appears to be managing its spending and inventory far better than ever.

Under Armour. Even at a multiple of more than 45 times Sterne Agee’s 2014 earnings estimate, the firm believes that domestic and apparel growth will continue at a positive low 20% clip well beyond 2014.

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