Baird Expands Softline Retail Coverage

Baird, an international capital markets, private equity, and wealth and asset management firm, has initiated additional coverage of softline retail companies. Senior Analyst Erika Maschmeyer, CFA, leads this research coverage from Baird’s Chicago office.

Maschmeyer has initiated coverage on the following: Coach, Inc. (COH, Outperform); The Gap Inc. (GPS, Neutral);
J.C. Penney Company, Inc. (JCP, Neutral); Nordstrom, Inc. (JWN, Outperform); and Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN, Outperform).

These companies are in addition to Maschmeyer’s coverage of Kohl’s Corporation (KSS); Regis Corporation (RGS); Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH); and Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance, Inc. (ULTA).

In addition to Maschmeyer, Baird’s Consumer and Retail analysts include: Peter Benedict, Hardlines/Broadlines; Craig Kennison, Consumer/Automotive Services; Mitch Kummetz, Active/Outdoor; and David Tarantino, Restaurants.

The Consumer research team covers more than 60 companies. Baird’s Research department of more than 110 research professionals covers more than 565 companies.

About Baird
Baird is an employee-owned, international wealth management, capital markets, private equity and asset management firm with offices in the United States, Europe and Asia. Established in 1919, Baird has more than 2,400 associates serving the needs of individual, corporate, institutional and municipal clients. Baird oversees and manages client assets of more than $62 billion. Committed to being a great place to work, Baird ranked number 14 on FORTUNE’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” in 2009 – its sixth consecutive year on the list. Baird’s principal operating subsidiaries are Robert W. Baird & Co. in the United States and Robert W. Baird Group Ltd. in Europe. Baird also has an operating subsidiary in Asia supporting Baird’s private equity operations. For more information, please visit Baird’s Web site at www.rwbaird.com.