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COLM vs CROX
Which Stock Would AI Choose? Columbia Sportswear (COLM) vs. Crocs (CROX) Stock Comparison
Key Takeaways
- CROX is coming off a decisive quarterly earnings beat that drove a sharp re-rating, while COLM delivered a more modest beat partly helped by favorable shipment timing.
- Both companies operate in consumer discretionary footwear and apparel, but CROX currently shows stronger momentum, margin expansion, and a return to growth at its HEYDUDE brand.
- COLM offers a steadier, dividend-supported profile with a cleaner balance sheet, but analyst ratings remain divided.
- Tickeron AI Verdict: Based on observable trend consistency, earnings momentum, and relative positioning, the AI would currently favor CROX over COLM.
- For deeper coverage, explore COLM Major News and COLM Today's Price Move, plus CROX Major News and CROX Today's Price Move.
- To see how AI-driven strategies are navigating this environment, explore the curated Trending AI Robots page.
Introduction
Columbia Sportswear (COLM) and Crocs (CROX) both compete for the discretionary spending of footwear and apparel consumers, yet they occupy different niches and currently sit at very different points in their market cycles. This stock comparison is most relevant for traders and investors evaluating relative performance, momentum, and valuation within consumer discretionary. Where Columbia represents a diversified outdoor brand portfolio with a dividend component, Crocs is a higher-growth, two-brand footwear platform with aggressive share repurchases. Understanding how these two names contrast on business model, catalysts, and sentiment can help frame a clearer view of current market positioning.
COLM Overview and Recent Performance
Columbia Sportswear designs, markets, and distributes outdoor and active lifestyle apparel, footwear, and accessories under brands including Columbia, SOREL, Mountain Hardwear, and prAna. In its most recent quarterly report, COLM posted net sales of roughly $962.6 million, up about 2% year over year, and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.66, well above consensus estimates. Operating margin widened materially, and management raised the lower end of its full-year sales and earnings guidance.
However, part of the beat reflected earlier-than-expected shipment of delayed wholesale orders and a favorable comparison against a prior-year impairment charge, rather than purely broad-based demand acceleration. U.S. sales were slightly down, while international markets and direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels grew. The company maintains a debt-free balance sheet, pays a quarterly dividend, and has actively repurchased shares. In recent weeks, the stock has climbed toward the upper end of its 52-week range, with analyst opinion split between Buy, Hold, and Sell ratings.
CROX Overview and Recent Performance
Crocs operates two footwear brands: the flagship Crocs brand and HEYDUDE, a casual footwear label acquired in 2022. In its latest quarter, CROX reported revenue of about $1.04 billion, up 4.6% year over year, with adjusted EPS of $3.69, a roughly 26% increase that exceeded consensus. Gross margin and operating margin both expanded significantly, and the company raised its full-year revenue and profit outlook.
Notably, HEYDUDE returned to revenue growth, and the Crocs brand posted double-digit international growth, offsetting softer North American results. The company also repurchased approximately $250 million of shares and repaid debt during the quarter. Following the results, the stock rose sharply, reaching a new 52-week high, and sell-side consensus remained a Buy. Several analysts cited international expansion, product diversification beyond the core clog, and margin recovery as factors supporting the re-rating.
Trending AI Robots
Tickeron maintains a broad library of hundreds of AI trading bots that collectively monitor thousands of different tickers, each with its own trading style, strategy, timeframe, performance record, and basket of symbols. Because market conditions shift constantly, only a subset of these bots is well suited to the current environment at any given time. Tickeron curates that subset in its Trending AI Robots section, highlighting the strategies whose recent statistics and signal consistency stand out. The page lets investors review each bot's approach and track record before acting. If you are evaluating relative positioning in names such as these, browsing the Trending AI Robots may offer a useful, data-driven perspective.
Head-to-Head Comparison
The clearest contrast between these two stocks is the shape of their recent momentum. CROX enters the comparison with stronger upward price momentum, wider margin expansion, and a clearer growth catalyst in the HEYDUDE turnaround and international expansion. Its valuation, however, has compressed relative to its own history and remains modest against the broader apparel group, which some analysts interpret as room for further re-rating.
COLM, by contrast, offers a more defensive, income-oriented profile. Its debt-free balance sheet and dividend provide stability, but growth is slower and the recent beat carried a timing component that could normalize in the following quarter. Risk factors differ too: Crocs faces concentration risk around its core clog franchise and North American consumer softness, while Columbia faces a competitive outdoor-apparel market and pressure on certain legacy brands. On market sentiment, Crocs holds a stronger consensus Buy and favorable earnings revisions, whereas Columbia's ratings are more mixed, reflecting uncertainty about the durability of its margin gains.
Tickeron AI Verdict
Weighing observable factors such as trend consistency, earnings momentum, margin trajectory, and the presence of identifiable catalysts, Tickeron's AI would likely favor CROX over COLM in the current environment. Crocs demonstrates stronger relative price momentum, a confirmed return to growth at HEYDUDE, and improving profitability, alongside constructive sell-side estimate revisions. Columbia's steadier, dividend-backed profile is attractive on a risk-adjusted basis, but its growth trajectory is comparatively subdued and its recent earnings surprise was partly timing-driven. As always, this assessment reflects a probabilistic, data-based ranking rather than a guarantee of future outcomes, and conditions can shift as new fundamentals emerge.
Disclaimer
The information on this webpage is provided for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice, a recommendation to purchase or sell any security, or an offer or solicitation related to investments. It does not consider your personal financial situation, goals, or risk profile, and all investing carries inherent risks, including the possibility of losing your entire investment. For more details, please review our full disclaimer.
To compare these two companies we present long-term analysis, their fundamental ratings and make comparative short-term technical analysis which are presented below. The conclusion is COLM is a StrongBuy and CROX is a StrongBuy.
COLM sees its 50-day moving average cross bullishly above its 200-day moving average
The 50-day moving average for COLM moved above the 200-day moving average on November 10, 2026. This could be a long-term bullish signal for the stock as the stock shifts to an upward trend.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Momentum Indicator moved above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. You may want to consider a long position or call options on COLM as a result. In 57 of 97 past instances where the momentum indicator moved above 0, the stock continued to climb. The odds of a continued upward trend are 59%.
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for COLM just turned positive on October 14, 2026. Looking at past instances where COLM's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 33 of 54 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 61%.
COLM moved above its 50-day moving average on October 14, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for COLM crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 16, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 11 of 22 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 50%.
Following a +4.82% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where COLM advanced for three days, in 137 of 283 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 48%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 59 of 107 cases where COLM Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 55%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Indicator demonstrates that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 5 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 21 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where COLM declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 65%.
COLM broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 30, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 29 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to outstanding earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 37 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. COLM’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 62 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 64 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: P/B Ratio (2.251) is normal, around the industry mean (2.911). P/E Ratio (18.389) is within average values for comparable stocks, (14.016). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.600) is also within normal values, averaging (0.686). Dividend Yield (0.017) settles around the average of (0.328) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (0.889) is also within normal values, averaging (0.827).
The Tickeron Seasonality Score of 85 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is significantly overvalued in the industry. The Tickeron Seasonality score describes the variance of predictable price changes around the same period every calendar year. These changes can be tied to a specific month, quarter, holiday or vacation period, as well as a meteorological or growing season.
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 100 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. COLM’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 90, placing this stock worse than average.
Momentum Indicator for CROX turns positive, indicating new upward trend
CROX saw its Momentum Indicator move above the 0 level on October 14, 2026. This is an indication that the stock could be shifting in to a new upward move. Traders may want to consider buying the stock or buying call options. Tickeron's A.I.dvisor looked at 79 similar instances where the indicator turned positive. In 63 of the 79 cases, the stock moved higher in the following days. The odds of a move higher are at 80%.
Technical Analysis (Indicators)
Bullish Trend Analysis
The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) for CROX just turned positive on October 15, 2026. Looking at past instances where CROX's MACD turned positive, the stock continued to rise in 32 of 44 cases over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 73%.
CROX moved above its 50-day moving average on October 28, 2026 date and that indicates a change from a downward trend to an upward trend.
The 10-day moving average for CROX crossed bullishly above the 50-day moving average on October 23, 2026. This indicates that the trend has shifted higher and could be considered a buy signal. In 16 of 21 past instances when the 10-day crossed above the 50-day, the stock continued to move higher over the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 76%.
Following a +4.38% 3-day Advance, the price is estimated to grow further. Considering data from situations where CROX advanced for three days, in 201 of 272 cases, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued upward trend are 74%.
The Aroon Indicator entered an Uptrend today. In 143 of 212 cases where CROX Aroon's Indicator entered an Uptrend, the price rose further within the following month. The odds of a continued Uptrend are 67%.
Bearish Trend Analysis
The RSI Oscillator demonstrated that the stock has entered the overbought zone. This may point to a price pull-back soon.
The Stochastic Oscillator demonstrated that the ticker has stayed in the overbought zone for 10 days. The longer the ticker stays in the overbought zone, the sooner a price pull-back is expected.
Following a 3-day decline, the stock is projected to fall further. Considering past instances where CROX declined for three days, the price rose further in 50 of 62 cases within the following month. The odds of a continued downward trend are 77%.
CROX broke above its upper Bollinger Band on October 29, 2026. This could be a sign that the stock is set to drop as the stock moves back below the upper band and toward the middle band. You may want to consider selling the stock or exploring put options.
Fundamental Analysis (Ratings)
The Tickeron SMR rating for this company is 25 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating very strong sales and a profitable business model. SMR (Sales, Margin, Return on Equity) rating is based on comparative analysis of weighted Sales, Income Margin and Return on Equity values compared against S&P 500 index constituents. The weighted SMR value is a proprietary formula developed by Tickeron and represents an overall profitability measure for a stock.
The Tickeron Price Growth Rating for this company is 35 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating steady price growth. CROX’s price grows at a higher rate over the last 12 months as compared to S&P 500 index constituents.
The Tickeron Valuation Rating of 41 (best 1 - 100 worst) indicates that the company is fair valued in the industry. This rating compares market capitalization estimated by our proprietary formula with the current market capitalization. This rating is based on the following metrics, as compared to industry averages: CROX's P/B Ratio (5.258) is slightly higher than the industry average of (2.998). P/E Ratio (13.403) is within average values for comparable stocks, (12.296). Projected Growth (PEG Ratio) (0.030) is also within normal values, averaging (0.949). Dividend Yield (0.067) settles around the average of (0.057) among similar stocks. P/S Ratio (1.460) is also within normal values, averaging (1.162).
The Tickeron Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for this company is 88 (best 1 - 100 worst), indicating that the returns do not compensate for the risks. CROX’s unstable profits reported over time resulted in significant Drawdowns within these last five years. A stable profit reduces stock drawdown and volatility. The average Profit vs. Risk Rating rating for the industry is 89, placing this stock better than average.
The Tickeron PE Growth Rating for this company is 89 (best 1 - 100 worst), pointing to worse than average earnings growth. The PE Growth rating is based on a comparative analysis of stock PE ratio increase over the last 12 months compared against S&P 500 index constituents.
COLM | CROX | ||
|---|---|---|---|
OUTLOOK RATING 1..100 | 22 | 43 | |
VALUATION overvalued / fair valued / undervalued 1..100 | 64 Fair valued | 41 Fair valued | |
PROFIT vs RISK RATING 1..100 | 100 | 88 | |
SMR RATING 1..100 | 62 | 25 | |
PRICE GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 37 | 35 | |
P/E GROWTH RATING 1..100 | 29 | 89 | |
SEASONALITY SCORE 1..100 | 85 | n/a |
Tickeron ratings are formulated such that a rating of 1 designates the most successful stocks in a given industry, while a rating of 100 points to the least successful stocks for that industry.
CROX's Valuation (41) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as COLM (64). This means that CROX’s stock grew similarly to COLM’s over the last 12 months.
CROX's Profit vs Risk Rating (88) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as COLM (100). This means that CROX’s stock grew similarly to COLM’s over the last 12 months.
CROX's SMR Rating (25) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is somewhat better than the same rating for COLM (62). This means that CROX’s stock grew somewhat faster than COLM’s over the last 12 months.
CROX's Price Growth Rating (35) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is in the same range as COLM (37). This means that CROX’s stock grew similarly to COLM’s over the last 12 months.
COLM's P/E Growth Rating (29) in the Apparel Or Footwear industry is somewhat better than the same rating for CROX (89). This means that COLM’s stock grew somewhat faster than CROX’s over the last 12 months.
| COLM | CROX | |
|---|---|---|
| RSI ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 90% | 1 day ago 76% |
| Stochastic ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 74% | 1 day ago 78% |
| Momentum ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 59% | 1 day ago 80% |
| MACD ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 61% | 1 day ago 73% |
| TrendWeek ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 52% | 1 day ago 74% |
| TrendMonth ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 49% | 1 day ago 73% |
| Advances ODDS (%) | 6 days ago 48% | 11 days ago 74% |
| Declines ODDS (%) | 3 days ago 65% | 9 days ago 77% |
| BollingerBands ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 63% | 1 day ago 69% |
| Aroon ODDS (%) | 1 day ago 55% | 1 day ago 67% |
Long-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a long-term outlook for a ticker by using Fundamental Analysis (FA) ratings. The rating of 1 to 100, where 1 is best and 100 is worst, is divided into thirds. The first third (a green rating of 1-33) indicates that the ticker is undervalued; the second third (a grey number between 34 and 66) means that the ticker is valued fairly; and the last third (red number of 67 to 100) reflects that the ticker is overvalued. We use an FA Score to show how many ratings show the ticker to be undervalued (green) or overvalued (red).
COLM’s FA Score shows that 1 FA rating(s) are green while CROX’s FA Score has 1 green FA rating(s).
- COLM’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
- CROX’s FA Score: 1 green, 4 red.
Short-Term Analysis
It is best to consider a short-term outlook for a ticker by using Technical Analysis (TA) indicators. We use Odds of Success as the percentage of outcomes which confirm successful trade signals in the past.
If the Odds of Success (the likelihood of the continuation of a trend) for each indicator are greater than 50%, then the generated signal is confirmed. A green percentage from 90% to 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bullish trend. A red percentage from 90% - 51% indicates that the ticker is in a bearish trend. All grey percentages are below 50% and are considered not to confirm the trend signal.
COLM’s TA Score shows that 7 TA indicator(s) are bullish while CROX’s TA Score has 6 bullish TA indicator(s).
- COLM’s TA Score: 7 bullish, 4 bearish.
- CROX’s TA Score: 6 bullish, 4 bearish.
Price Growth
COLM (@Apparel/Footwear) experienced а +4.32% price change this week, while CROX (@Wholesale Distributors) price change was +7.81% for the same time period.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Apparel/Footwear industry was +3.41%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +8.75%, and the average quarterly price growth was +13.23%.
The average weekly price growth across all stocks in the @Wholesale Distributors industry was -1.09%. For the same industry, the average monthly price growth was +5.90%, and the average quarterly price growth was +22.93%.
Reported Earning Dates
COLM is expected to report earnings on Feb 04, 2027.
CROX is expected to report earnings on Feb 18, 2027.
Industries' Descriptions
@Apparel/Footwear (+3.41% weekly)Apparel/footwear might be slightly more ‘cyclical’ in the largely non-cyclical category of non-durables. While digital giants like Amazon have been rapidly expanding their presence, traditional clothing/footwear retailers have also been bulking up their online presence in recent years, to milk the burgeoning trend of online shopping among consumers across the globe. The apparel and footwear retail market was valued at around $ 360 billion in 2018, and this figure was expected to reach about $386 billion by 2020 (according to a Statista report). NIKE, Inc, V.F. Corporation and Under Armour, Inc. are some of the companies with the largest U.S. stock market caps in this segment.
@Wholesale Distributors (-1.09% weekly)Companies in this industry handle the wholesale shipments for the manufacturer of a product. They have warehouses and distribution centers, and they ship products directly to the retailer. Digitization, increasing competition, emerging customer demand, and product innovation are some of shifts that the industry has been facing in recent times – something that is potentially creating needs/opportunities for business model revisions or transformations. Data, analytics, and technology are becoming increasingly important for whole distributors in anticipating and analyzing consumer needs, and therefore planning their business strategies accordingly. Fastenal Company, W.W. Grainger, Inc., Genuine Parts Company and Pool Corporation are some of the largest names in the business.
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COLM and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, COLM has been loosely correlated with SHOO. These tickers have moved in lockstep 63% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if COLM jumps, then SHOO could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To COLM | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| COLM | 100% | +2.55% | ||
| SHOO - COLM | 63% Loosely correlated | +1.99% | ||
| NKE - COLM | 56% Loosely correlated | +0.61% | ||
| GIII - COLM | 56% Loosely correlated | +0.95% | ||
| DBI - COLM | 52% Loosely correlated | -0.78% | ||
| CROX - COLM | 52% Loosely correlated | +4.36% | ||
More | ||||
CROX and
Correlation & Price change
A.I.dvisor indicates that over the last year, CROX has been loosely correlated with LEVI. These tickers have moved in lockstep 53% of the time. This A.I.-generated data suggests there is some statistical probability that if CROX jumps, then LEVI could also see price increases.
| Ticker / NAME | Correlation To CROX | 1D Price Change % | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CROX | 100% | +4.36% | ||
| LEVI - CROX | 53% Loosely correlated | +1.04% | ||
| KTB - CROX | 53% Loosely correlated | +4.89% | ||
| COLM - CROX | 51% Loosely correlated | +2.55% | ||
| OXM - CROX | 47% Loosely correlated | -0.92% | ||
| PVH - CROX | 46% Loosely correlated | +0.69% | ||
More | ||||
| 1 Day | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs / NAME | Price $ | Chg $ | Chg % |
| HSBH | 101.18 | 0.58 | +0.58% |
| HSBC HOLDINGS PLC ADRHEDGED | |||
| DMX | 48.96 | -0.04 | -0.07% |
| DoubleLine Multi-Sector Income ETF | |||
| BCPL | 23.78 | -0.05 | -0.23% |
| BNY Mellon Core Plus ETF (BCPL) | |||
| MVPL | 41.28 | -0.34 | -0.81% |
| Miller Value Partners Leverage ETF (MVPL) | |||
| CLM | 5.86 | -0.22 | -3.62% |
| Cornerstone Strategic Value Fund | |||