David Swartz, Morningstar Journalist Profile

Articles

Gap Earnings: Key Brands Showing Strength Despite Tariff Threat; Shares Attractive

1 week ago | morningstar.com | David Swartz

Gap GAP had 2% same-store sales growth in first quarter 2025, as Old Navy achieved a 3% increase. The firm’s gross and operating margins rose 60 and 140 basis points, respectively, to 41.8% and 7.5%. However, tariff concerns caused shares to fall 15% on May 29 post-market trading. Why it matters: Gap’s shares had surged more than 50% since the tariff announcement of April 2, as investors focused on the firm’s ongoing turnaround rather than the risk.
Titan pitchers struggles against Harris-Lake Park

1 week ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

Posted 5/29/25RUTHVEN — Graettinger-Terril/Ruthven-Ayrshire pitchers struggled to find the strike zone in a 19-2, five-inning loss to Harris-Lake Park last Friday. Titan pitchers gave up just four hits, but …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Midgets battle back to defeat Wolfpack

1 week ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

Posted 5/29/25With Estherville Lincoln Central’s state track participants back in the baseball lineup on Monday, the Midgets came away with a hard-fought 9-7 non-conference win over Western Christian. ELC …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Wallingford Ambulance announces annual fundraiser

1 week ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

Posted 5/29/25Wallingford Ambulance will have its annual fundraiser June 14, 2025 at the Wallingford Fire Station from 4:45-7:30 p.m. In addition to raffle items at the door, supporters can enjoy a ribeye steak …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Warriors drop opener to Vikings

1 week ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

Posted 5/29/25NORTHWOOD — North Union pitchers struggled in the Warriors’ baseball season opener last Thursday, falling 14-2 in five innings to Northwood-Kensett. Although the Vikings out-hit North Union …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Genuine Parts' Long-Term Growth Trajectory Looks Healthy Despite Subdued Near-Term Demand

1 week ago | morningstar.com | David Swartz |Noah Rohr

With a solid presence in the global automotive distribution industry and a footprint of more than 9,800 affiliated stores, narrow-moat Genuine Parts is well-suited to continue serving its professional customer base, in our view. About two thirds of Genuine’s automotive sales are derived from North America (primarily the United States) where we estimate the firm’s Napa Auto Parts brand boasts a mid-single-digit domestic share of the highly fragmented commercial automotive aftermarket.
Popularity of Ugg and Hoka Provides Deckers With a Competitive Edge

1 week ago | morningstar.com | David Swartz

We rate Deckers as a narrow moat company based on a brand intangible asset. Our moat rating is based on the brand strength of Ugg (51% of fiscal 2025 sales) and Hoka (45%). They have powered the firm to five consecutive years of double-digit sales growth. Specifically, Deckers’ total sales were nearly $5 billion in fiscal 2025, up from less than $2 billion before fiscal 2019.
Kohl’s Struggles Are Evident, but Upgrades in Stores, Operations, and Merchandise Provide Some Hope

1 month ago | morningstar.com | David Swartz

We assign a no-moat rating to Kohl's, which has had consistently declining sales over the past 10 years. We think its competitors, such as wide-moat Amazon and other online sellers, discount, and specialty retailers, will continue to siphon apparel sales from it and other department stores.
ELC Boys Tennis falls to SL-O

1 month ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

Posted 4/24/25SPIRIT LAKE — The Estherville Lincoln Central boys tennis team traveled to Spirit Lake on Monday and faced a tough test against Spirit Lake-Okoboji, falling 9-0 in varsity play. The Midgets had …This item is available in full to subscribers.
Duitsman leads ELC at home meet

1 month ago | esthervillenews.net | David Swartz

103rd Dick Barret Boys RelaysDuitsman leads ELC at home meetBy David Swartz - Managing EditorPosted 4/24/25Warren Duitsman led the way for Estherville Lincoln Central last Thursday night, helping the Midgets to a sixth-place varsity team finish at the 103rd Dick Barrett Boys Relays. Duitsman placed …