Kontoor Brands (KTB), RE/MAX (RMAX) fall as oil surge and weak sentiment pressure consumer stocks

Kontoor Brands (KTB) and RE/MAX (RMAX) fell on May 14, 2026, as a rebound in Brent crude and record-low consumer sentiment raised concern that households will cut discretionary spending. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment index dropped to 48.2 in early May 2026, with about one-third of respondents citing high gasoline prices and 30% pointing to tariffs. Goldman Sachs cut its 2026 discretionary cash-flow growth forecast to 3.7% from 5.1%, citing higher energy costs crowding out consumer budgets. Kontoor, owner of Wrangler and Lee, recently reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $808 million, up 29.7% from a year earlier and above estimates, while adjusted EPS of $1.06 missed consensus. The company raised its full-year revenue and adjusted EPS guidance. Shares were up 12.8% year to date at $69.35, but remained 19.6% below their 52-week high of $86.27 from October 2025.