Core Viewpoint - Five Below Inc. reported strong earnings and raised its full-year guidance, leading to a significant increase in stock price, but investors may be cautious about chasing the stock at current levels [1][7]. Financial Performance - Net sales for Five Below reached $970.5 million, marking a 19.5% year-over-year increase from $811.9 million in the same quarter last year [2]. - Comparable sales increased by 7.1% [2]. - Earnings per share (EPS) were reported at 86 cents, exceeding expectations of 83 cents and representing a 43% year-over-year increase [3]. Guidance and Outlook - The company raised its full-year revenue outlook to between $4.33 billion and $4.42 billion, increasing the low end of its previous guidance [4]. - The low end of the full-year EPS outlook was raised to $4.25 from $4.10 [4]. - Five Below plans to open an additional 30 new stores, building on the 50 opened in the last quarter, which is expected to drive a 7% to 9% increase in comparable store sales [5]. Tariff Impact and Strategy - Concerns about tariffs affecting inventory sourced from China were acknowledged, with the company reducing goods sourced from China by approximately 10% for the second half of 2025 [6]. Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Five Below stock has increased over 57% in the last 30 days, significantly above its consensus price target of $103.45 [7]. - The stock is currently trading near its 52-week high, with a forward P/E ratio of around 26x, indicating it may be expensive compared to its historical valuation [8]. - Analysts have raised their price targets, with the most bullish forecast from UBS Group increasing from $110 to $160 [11]. Investment Considerations - The stock's relative strength indicator (RSI) is around 74, suggesting overbought conditions, and investors may want to wait for a pullback before buying [9]. - Current price forecasts indicate a potential downside of 11.74% from the current price of $127.35, with an average target of $112.40 [10].

Core Insights - Five Below has partnered with Uber Eats to offer home delivery of its products, enhancing convenience for customers [3][4][5] - The chain operates over 1,800 locations across 45 states, focusing on "extreme-value" items priced between $1 and $5 [3][4] - The partnership aims to cater to a younger demographic, providing access to trendy and affordable products [4][6] Company Overview - Five Below is a national retail chain that primarily sells items under $5, including snacks, games, and room décor [4][6] - The brand was founded with a focus on creativity and accessibility, targeting kids and teens [6] Market Position - Five Below has experienced significant growth, contrasting with struggles faced by competitors like Dollar General and Popshelf, which is closing 45 locations in 2025 [7]

Core Viewpoint - Five Below reported strong first-quarter results for fiscal 2025, with significant revenue and earnings growth despite macroeconomic challenges [3][4]. Financial Performance - Revenue increased from $811.9 million in Q1 FY24 to $970.5 million in Q1 FY25, representing a growth of 19.5% and beating expectations [2]. - Adjusted earnings per share rose from $0.60 to $0.86, marking a 43% increase and also surpassing analyst estimates [2]. - Comparable sales growth improved from a decline of 2.3% to an increase of 7.1%, a positive change of 9.4 percentage points [2]. Store Operations - Five Below opened 55 new stores in the first quarter, which is a 10% decrease compared to the previous year [2]. - The new stores are reportedly performing well, contributing to the overall positive sales growth [3]. Future Outlook - For Q2 FY25, Five Below anticipates opening around 30 net new stores and expects comparable sales growth between 7% and 9% [5]. - Total revenue for Q2 is projected to be between $975 million and $995 million, with adjusted EPS expected to range from $0.50 to $0.62 [5]. - For the full fiscal year, the company forecasts comparable sales growth of 3% to 5%, 150 net new stores, total revenue between $4.33 billion and $4.42 billion, and adjusted EPS between $4.25 and $4.72 [5]. Market Reaction - Following the release of the first-quarter report, Five Below's share prices rose approximately 2% in after-hours trading, reflecting positive investor sentiment due to the earnings beat and solid Q2 outlook [8]. Economic Context - The company is currently managing tariffs and global economic uncertainty, which have not significantly impacted its business thus far [4]. - Five Below sources about 60% of its purchases from domestic vendors, although the exposure of these vendors to tariffs remains uncertain [9].

Store Operations - As of May 3, 2025, the company operated 1,826 stores across 44 states[81]. - The company emphasizes the importance of opening new stores as a significant part of its growth strategy[92]. - The company plans to make cash capital expenditures of approximately $210 million to $230 million in fiscal 2025, primarily for new store openings[114]. Sales Performance - The company reported that net sales are typically highest in the fourth fiscal quarter due to the year-end holiday season[86]. - Net sales increased to $970.5 million for the thirteen weeks ended May 3, 2025, up 19.5% from $811.9 million in the prior year[105]. - Comparable sales rose by 7.1%, driven by a 6.2% increase in the number of transactions and a 0.9% increase in the average dollar value of transactions[106]. - E-commerce sales are included in net sales and comparable sales, reflecting the company's strategy to enhance online presence[82]. - The company acknowledges that its business is seasonal, impacting net sales fluctuations throughout the fiscal year[86]. Cost and Profitability - Gross profit is calculated as net sales minus cost of goods sold, with gross margin being gross profit as a percentage of net sales[95]. - Cost of goods sold increased to $646.6 million, a rise of 17.9% from $548.3 million, primarily due to higher merchandise costs associated with increased net sales[107]. - Gross profit increased to $323.9 million, up 22.9% from $263.5 million, with gross margin improving to 33.4% from 32.5%[108]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses rose to $273.1 million, an increase of 20.1% from $227.4 million, representing 28.1% of net sales[109]. - Operating income is defined as gross profit minus SG&A expenses, serving as an indicator of business productivity[100]. Financial Health - Net income increased to $41.1 million, a 30.8% rise from $31.5 million in the prior year[112]. - Cash provided by operating activities was $132.7 million, an increase of $106.3 million compared to the previous year[121]. - As of May 3, 2025, the company had approximately $225 million available on its Revolving Credit Facility[135]. - The Board of Directors approved a new share repurchase program for up to $100 million of common stock through November 27, 2026[117]. Risks and Challenges - The company faces risks including inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition from other retailers[78]. - SG&A expenses are expected to increase in future periods due to ongoing store growth and variability in performance-based compensation[99].

Key Takeaways FIVE reported Q1 adjusted EPS of 86 cents and net sales of $970.5M, both rising year over year. Comparable sales grew 7.1% and the adjusted gross margin expanded 130 basis points to 33.8%. FY25 outlook was raised, with sales up to $4.42B and adjusted EPS projected up to $4.72.Five Below, Inc. (FIVE) reported impressive first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, wherein the top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, net sales and earnings increased year over year. The company raise ...

Market Overview - Major market indexes showed mixed performance with the Dow closing down by 0.18%, S&P 500 up by 0.01%, Nasdaq up by 0.32%, and Russell 2000 down by 0.08% [2] - The market activity was influenced by a weaker-than-expected private-sector payrolls report and ongoing trade uncertainties [1][2] Economic Indicators - The Federal Reserve's Beige Book for May indicated a slight economic slowdown, with half of the 12 regions reporting negative growth [3] - Economic activity increased in Richmond, Atlanta, and Chicago, while other regions remained flat or showed declines [4] - All districts reported increased economic and policy uncertainty, with manufacturing activity slowing down [4] Services Sector Performance - S&P Services PMI for May improved to 53.7 from 50.8 in the previous month, while ISM Services dipped to 49.9, indicating a contraction [5][6] - The S&P PMI reflects a stable domestic business environment, whereas ISM Services showed shrinking orders and inventories with rising prices [6] Company Earnings - Five Below reported Q1 earnings of 86 cents per share, exceeding the Zacks consensus of 83 cents, with revenues of $970.5 million, surpassing expectations [7] - Comparable store sales increased by 7.1%, and Q2 guidance for comps is set between 5-7% [7] - The company raised its lower end of earnings guidance for the full year, despite a leadership change with the COO stepping down [8] Upcoming Economic Data - Jobless Claims data will be released tomorrow, following an unexpected rise in JOLTS job openings to 7.4 million [9] - An update on the April U.S. trade deficit is expected, with projections indicating an improvement to -$63.3 billion from -$140.5 billion [9]

Core Insights - Five Below reported revenue of $970.53 million for the quarter ended April 2025, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 19.5% [1] - The company's EPS for the quarter was $0.86, up from $0.60 in the same quarter last year [1] - Revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $967.56 million by 0.31%, while EPS surpassed the consensus estimate of $0.83 by 3.61% [1] Performance Metrics - Comparable sales growth was 7.1%, outperforming the estimated 5.9% by analysts [4] - Total stores at the end of the period reached 1,826, slightly above the estimated 1,825 [4] - New store openings totaled 55, exceeding the estimate of 53 [4] Stock Performance - Five Below's shares have returned +50.8% over the past month, significantly outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +5.2% [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating potential for outperformance in the near term [3]

Group 1 - Five Below reported quarterly earnings of $0.86 per share, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.83 per share, and up from $0.60 per share a year ago, representing an earnings surprise of 3.61% [1] - The company posted revenues of $970.53 million for the quarter ended April 2025, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.31%, and an increase from $811.86 million year-over-year [2] - Five Below has outperformed the S&P 500 with a 16.4% gain since the beginning of the year compared to the S&P 500's 1.5% gain [3] Group 2 - The current consensus EPS estimate for the upcoming quarter is $0.54 on revenues of $954.74 million, and for the current fiscal year, it is $4.76 on revenues of $4.38 billion [7] - The Zacks Industry Rank for Retail - Miscellaneous is in the top 19% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating a favorable outlook for the industry [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales in Q1 2025 increased by 19.5% to $970.5 million from $811.9 million in Q1 2024 [22] - Comparable sales rose by 7.1%, driven by a 6.2% increase in transactions and a 0.9% increase in average ticket size [22] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was $0.86 compared to $0.60 in Q1 2024 [25] - Adjusted operating income increased to $59.6 million from $38.1 million in the previous year [24] - Adjusted gross margin improved by approximately 140 basis points to 33.8% [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 55 new stores in Q1 2025, compared to 61 in Q1 2024, ending the quarter with 1,826 stores, a 13.8% increase year-over-year [23] - New stores showed productivity at 87%, slightly above the targeted mid-80s range [23] - Inventory at the end of Q1 2025 was approximately $702 million, up from $630 million in Q1 2024, with average inventory per store decreasing by about 2% [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced broad-based outperformance across most product categories, particularly in beauty, novelty food, and collectibles [10][13] - The focus on customer-centric strategies has validated the company's market position as a resource for fun and great value [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance customer experience through product value and store experience, positioning itself as a destination for both kids and parents [8] - Plans include vendor negotiations, diversification of sourcing, and adjustments in pricing strategies to mitigate tariff impacts [16][17] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong in-stock position in key areas like tech products [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic uncertainties while focusing on executional excellence [18] - The tariff environment presents challenges, but the company is actively working on mitigation strategies [16] - Management anticipates continued sales growth and improved customer engagement through enhanced store experiences and marketing efforts [15][19] Other Important Information - The CFO announced her departure for personal reasons, with an interim CFO appointed while a national search for a new CFO is underway [20] - The company has reduced its reliance on Chinese sourcing by approximately 10 percentage points for the back half of the year [17][99] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the comp cadence improvement is attributed to Five Below's actions versus other factors? - Management attributed the sales momentum to the team's hard work, effective product selection, and improved in-store execution [35][36] Question: Are you seeing new customer acquisition or basket build from existing customers? - The company reported a 6.2% increase in transactions, with growth in both new and returning customers contributing to the business [43] Question: Can you unpack the annual compression in operating margins? - Management indicated that tariff-related costs and higher incentive compensation are driving the expected operating margin compression [50][56] Question: How is the company addressing pricing complexity due to tariffs? - The company is simplifying pricing while maintaining a focus on delivering value, with adjustments made to about 15% of SKUs [62] Question: What is the company's strategy for sourcing and reducing reliance on China? - The company is diversifying its vendor base and sourcing from multiple countries to mitigate tariff impacts and improve agility [99][100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales in Q1 2025 increased by 19.5% to $970.5 million from $811.9 million in Q1 2024 [19] - Comparable sales increased by 7.1%, driven by a 6.2% increase in transactions and a 0.9% increase in ticket size [19] - Adjusted EPS for Q1 2025 was $0.86 compared to $0.60 in Q1 2024 [22] - Adjusted operating income rose to $59.6 million from $38.1 million in the previous year [21] - Adjusted gross profit increased by 246% to $328.4 million, with adjusted gross margin rising by approximately 140 basis points to 33.8% [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 55 new stores in Q1 2025, compared to 61 in Q1 2024, ending the quarter with 1,826 stores, a 13.8% increase year-over-year [20] - New stores showed productivity at 87%, slightly above the targeted mid-80s range [20] - The focus on product assortment included licensed products for Easter and spring break essentials, contributing to sales growth [10][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported broad-based outperformance across most product categories, indicating strong customer validation of its market position [8] - Inventory levels at the end of Q1 2025 were approximately $702 million, up from $630 million in Q1 2024, with a 2% decrease in average inventory per store [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance customer experience through a focus on product, value, and store experience, positioning itself as a destination for both kids and parents [5][9] - Plans to mitigate tariff impacts include vendor negotiations, diversification of sourcing, and pricing adjustments, with a goal to reduce reliance on Chinese sourcing by 10 percentage points [13][95] - The company is committed to maintaining a strong in-stock position and improving store experience through increased labor hours and operational efficiencies [11][72] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's strategies and the positive momentum observed in sales, while acknowledging macroeconomic uncertainties [33] - The company anticipates total sales for Q2 2025 to be between $975 million and $995 million, reflecting an 18.7% growth at the midpoint compared to Q2 2024 [25] - For the full year, sales guidance has been increased to a range of $4.33 billion to $4.42 billion, with comparable sales expected to rise by 3% to 5% [27] Other Important Information - The CFO announced her departure for personal reasons, with an interim CFO appointed while a national search for a new CFO is underway [15][16] - The company is focused on maintaining a strong cash position, ending Q1 2025 with approximately $624 million in cash and no debt [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How much of the comp strength is attributed to actions taken by Five Below versus other factors? - Management attributed the sales momentum to the hard work of the teams and effective product selection, storytelling, and improved inventory flow [30][31] Question: Are you seeing new customer acquisition or basket build from existing customers? - The company reported a lift in transactions, with growth in both new and returning customers contributing to the business [37][38] Question: Can you unpack the annual compression in operating margins? - Management indicated that the operating margin compression is primarily due to tariff-related costs and higher incentive compensation, with a focus on maintaining sales guidance [44][50] Question: What is the end goal for reducing reliance on China for sourcing? - The company aims to further reduce sourcing from China while diversifying its vendor base and leveraging global sourcing offices [94][95] Question: How has the de minimis exemption impacted competition? - Management noted that the impact of the de minimis exemption on their business is unclear, but they believe Five Below's unique focus on kids mitigates any significant effects [105]