Group 1 - Five Below (NASDAQ:FIVE) is a discount retailer offering products priced at $5 or below, primarily targeting teens and pre-teens, with over 1,000 stores in the U.S. [1] - The company competes with other discount retailers such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General [1] - Telsey Advisory set a new price target of $240 for FIVE, indicating a potential increase of about 19.91% from its trading price of approximately $200.15 [2][5] Group 2 - FIVE reported a 23% increase in holiday sales, prompting raised guidance for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 [3][5] - The current stock price is $202.98, with a slight decrease of 0.31% or $0.64, and a daily trading range between $199.46 and $205.22 [3] - The company's market capitalization is approximately $11.18 billion, reflecting its significant presence in the retail sector [4][5]

Core Insights - Five Below, Inc. (FIVE) shares increased by 4.1% following strong holiday sales and an improved outlook for Q4 and fiscal 2025, driven by solid demand for trend-right products and broad-based growth across its store base [1][10] Holiday Performance - Five Below reported net sales of $1.47 billion during the holiday period, marking a 23.2% increase from $1.19 billion in the same nine-week period the previous year [2] - Comparable sales rose by 14.5%, indicating strong same-store performance and broad-based demand across various categories [2] Management Commentary - Management noted that holiday results exceeded expectations, attributing the strong performance to the delivery of trend-right products, exceptional value, and an enhanced customer experience [3] - CEO Winnie Park emphasized the focus on engaging both children and adults, which strengthened the customer journey [3] Q4 and FY25 Outlook - For Q4, Five Below now anticipates sales of approximately $1.71 billion, with comparable sales growth projected at about 14.5%, an increase from previous expectations of $1.58 billion to $1.61 billion [5] - Earnings per share (EPS) expectations for Q4 have improved to a range of $3.93 to $3.98, compared to earlier guidance of $3.34 to $3.52 [6] - For fiscal 2025, the company expects net sales of approximately $4.75 billion and comparable sales growth of 12.5%, up from previous expectations of $4.62 billion to $4.65 billion [7] Full-Year Earnings Expectations - Full-year EPS is now projected to be between $6.10 and $6.15, with adjusted EPS expected in the range of $6.30 to $6.35, significantly higher than the earlier outlook of $5.51 to $5.69 [8] Strategic Focus - Five Below continues to target its core teen and pre-teen demographic with high-quality, trend-right products at exceptional value, refining its merchandising strategy to enhance category performance and optimize product selection [9] - The company's strategic focus and operational strength are expected to support sustained growth as it enters 2026 [11]

Core Viewpoint - Five Below is showing signs of renewed strength with significant holiday sales growth and an optimistic outlook for 2025, despite a slowdown in new store openings [1][2][5]. Financial Performance - The company opened 136 net new stores in the first three quarters of 2025 and expects to open a total of 150 for the year, a decrease from 227 in 2024 [1]. - Adjusted earnings per share are projected to be $6.325, representing a 25.5% increase from 2024 [1]. - Revenues are anticipated to rise by 22.4% in 2025 to $4.75 billion, driven by a 12.5% growth in same-store sales, which is 15.2 percentage points higher than in 2024 [1]. - Holiday sales increased by 23.2% to $1.47 billion, marking the second consecutive quarter with sales exceeding $1 billion [1]. Stock Performance - Five Below's stock has appreciated nearly 104% over the past 12 months, although it is down 14% from its all-time high of $237.86 in August 2021 [2]. - The stock's volatility is indicated by a relatively high standard deviation, with a recent strong buy recommendation from Barchart [3][5]. Store Expansion Strategy - The company aims to reach 3,500 stores across the U.S., with 1,907 stores as of November 1, 2025. At the current rate of 150 new stores per year, it would take over 10 years to achieve this target [6]. - The quality of new store locations is emphasized as crucial for long-term sales growth, rather than just the quantity of openings [7]. Pricing Strategy - The CEO highlighted a shift in value perception, incorporating price points above $5 to enhance customer experience and maintain gross margins [9][10]. - The gross margin for Q3 2025 was reported at 33.8%, the highest in five years, indicating effective pricing strategies [9]. Analyst Sentiment - Analysts are generally lukewarm about Five Below, with 52% rating it a buy and a target price of $203, which is only slightly above its current share price [11]. - The stock trades at a forward P/E of 31.9 based on 2025 EPS guidance, which is not significantly better than its valuation in 2026 [11]. Market Position - Five Below is positioned as a unique discount retailer, with a business model that may deliver higher margins compared to peers like Dollar General and Dollar Tree [12]. - The enterprise value is currently 2.87 times its trailing 12-month sales, which is considered high compared to its historical multiple of 4.16 times in August 2021 [12][13].

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Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 14.5% comparable store sales increase during the holiday season, marking its best holiday performance since going public [17] - Despite tariff pressures, merchandise margins remained flat year-over-year, indicating effective cost management [33][34] - The company expects to achieve approximately 9% growth in new store openings in the near term [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced growth across 14 of its 18 departments, demonstrating a broad-based performance rather than reliance on a single trend or item [16][17] - The strategy focused on delivering diverse assortments rather than single items, which contributed to the successful holiday performance [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in about 170 districts in the U.S., with consistent growth observed across all demographics and income cohorts [16] - New store openings in the Pacific Northwest set records for grand openings, indicating strong market demand for the company's offerings [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the core teen and pre-teen consumer while enhancing communication through social media and storytelling [11][20] - A disciplined approach to product assortment and pricing has been implemented, simplifying the shopping experience and enhancing customer engagement [22][23] - The company is committed to leveraging customer data and enhancing its social media presence to drive future growth [24][40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum through strategic investments in inventory, marketing, and store experience [14][19] - The company is optimistic about its growth potential, emphasizing the importance of understanding customer needs and trends [20][54] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but highlighted the company's proactive strategies to mitigate these impacts [33][34] Other Important Information - The company has shifted its focus to a younger customer demographic, aiming to capture customer lifetime value from early childhood through adulthood [41] - The management team has been newly assembled, with a focus on collaboration and alignment across functions to drive growth [6][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the notable turnaround in business performance? - Management attributed the turnaround to a focus on the customer, effective communication through relevant channels, and organizational unity [11][12] Question: How will the company sustain momentum moving forward? - Management highlighted the importance of product trends, pricing strategies, and enhanced customer engagement through social media [19][20] Question: What are the expectations for unit growth? - Management expressed confidence in achieving over 3,500 units, supported by strong performance in new store openings [29][30] Question: How did tariffs impact product costs and what are the mitigation strategies? - Management reported that merchandise margins remained flat despite tariff pressures, thanks to proactive strategies and cost management [33][34] Question: What is the long-term profit profile for the business? - Management indicated that growth will drive operating margin improvements, with a focus on productivity and efficiency [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 14.5% comparable store sales increase during the holiday season, marking its best performance since going public [17] - Despite tariff pressures, merchandise margins remained flat year-over-year, indicating effective cost management [33][34] - The company expects to achieve approximately 9% growth in new store openings in the near term [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced growth across 14 of its 18 departments, demonstrating a broad-based performance rather than reliance on a single trend [16][17] - The strategy focused on delivering diverse assortments rather than single items, which contributed to the holiday success [13][14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates in about 170 districts in the U.S., with consistent growth across all demographics and income cohorts [16] - New store openings in the Pacific Northwest set records for grand openings, indicating strong market demand [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the core teen and pre-teen consumer while enhancing communication through social media [11][20] - A test, learn, and ramp approach is being implemented to adapt to market trends and customer preferences [20][21] - The company is strategically diversifying its product sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance product offerings [20][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum through strategic investments in inventory, marketing, and store experience [14][19] - The CEO highlighted the potential for growth in customer lifetime value by engaging with younger consumers and expanding product offerings [41] Other Important Information - The company has streamlined its pricing strategy, moving to whole dollar pricing to simplify the shopping experience [22] - Management emphasized the importance of product quality and value in driving customer acceptance of higher price points [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the notable turnaround in business performance? - The CEO attributed the turnaround to a focus on customer needs, effective communication through relevant channels, and organizational alignment [4][5][11] Question: How did the company manage to sustain growth during the holiday season? - Management noted that a diverse assortment of products and strategic investments in inventory and marketing were key to holiday success [13][14][18] Question: What are the expectations for future unit growth? - The company is confident in achieving over 3,500 units, focusing on disciplined site selection and execution [29][30] Question: How will the company navigate the ongoing tariff environment? - Management highlighted proactive strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, maintaining flat merchandise margins despite challenges [33][34] Question: What is the long-term outlook for profitability? - The company expects to leverage growth to improve operating margins, with a focus on productivity and efficiency [52][53]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 14.5% comparable store sales increase during the holiday season, marking its best holiday performance since going public [17][50] - Despite tariff pressures, merchandise margins remained flat year-over-year, showcasing effective cost management strategies [33][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced growth across 14 of its 18 departments, indicating a broad-based performance rather than reliance on a single trend or item [16][17] - The strategy focused on delivering diverse assortments and compelling product statements across various customer segments [12][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Five Below operates in approximately 170 districts in the U.S., achieving consistent growth across all demographics and income cohorts [15][16] - The company has seen robust responses in new markets, particularly in the Pacific Northwest, where new store openings set records [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to focus on the core teen and pre-teen consumer while enhancing communication through social media and storytelling [11][12] - A disciplined approach to product assortment and pricing has been implemented, simplifying the shopping experience and aligning products with customer preferences [22][23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining momentum through strategic investments in inventory, marketing, and store experience [13][19] - The company is optimistic about future growth opportunities, particularly in expanding customer engagement through social media and email marketing [24][39] Other Important Information - The company is in the early stages of its growth cycle, with a target of over 3,500 stores, emphasizing disciplined site selection and execution [28][29] - Management highlighted the importance of understanding customer lifetime value and the potential for growth in various community demographics [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: What drove the notable turnaround over the last year? - Management attributed the turnaround to a focus on the core customer, effective communication strategies, and organizational alignment [11][12] Question: How did the company manage tariff impacts? - The company successfully offset tariff pressures through proactive pricing strategies and cost management, maintaining flat merchandise margins [33][34] Question: What are the growth expectations moving forward? - Management is confident in achieving high single-digit box growth and is focused on premium locations and execution quality [29][30]

Market Overview - U.S. stock markets ended positively with the Nasdaq Composite, Dow Jones Industrial Average, and S&P 500 gaining 1.18%, 1.08%, and 0.93% respectively despite mid-week volatility [1] - Market direction was influenced by U.S. policy developments regarding Venezuela, enthusiasm for AI-linked technology stocks, and mixed economic data [1] Economic Indicators - The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 47.9 in December 2025, the lowest since October 2024, indicating contraction [2] - Conversely, the Services PMI unexpectedly rose to 54.4 in December from 52.6 in the previous month, indicating expansion [2] - Nonfarm Payrolls increased by 50,000 jobs in December, below expectations, while the unemployment rate slightly declined to 4.4% from 4.5% in November [2] - Average Hourly Earnings increased by 3.8% year-over-year, up from 3.6% in November [2] Stock Performance - Indivior PLC shares rose 21.7% since being upgraded to Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) on October 31, outperforming the S&P 500's 2% increase [4] - FormFactor, Inc. shares increased by 15.9% since its upgrade to Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) on October 31, also outperforming the S&P 500 [5] - An equal-weight portfolio of Zacks Rank 1 stocks outperformed the equal-weight S&P 500 index by 7 percentage points, returning +17.81% compared to +10.85% for the index [5] Focus List and Model Portfolios - The Zacks Focus List portfolio returned +22.1% in 2025, outperforming the S&P 500 index's +17.9% gain [12] - The Focus List has consistently outperformed the S&P 500 over various time frames, including a +22.1% return in the last year compared to +17.9% for the index [14] - The Earnings Certain Admiral Portfolio (ECAP) returned -1.67% in 2025, underperforming the S&P 500's +17.9% gain [15] - The Earnings Certain Dividend Portfolio (ECDP) returned -0.6% in 2025, also underperforming compared to the S&P 500 [19] Notable Stock Recommendations - FIGS, Inc. shares surged 56.8% since being upgraded to Outperform on November 7, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 3.5% increase [8] - Five Below, Inc. shares increased by 21.7% since its upgrade on October 29, again outperforming the S&P 500 [8] - Mettler-Toledo International Inc. and Accenture plc saw returns of 16.6% and 16.5% respectively over the past 12 weeks [14]

Core Insights - The ICR conference will take place from January 12 to 14 in Orlando, Florida, and is considered one of the most important annual events for the retail industry due to the release of significant holiday sales data and performance guidance from over 250 public and private growth companies [1] - Historically, the U.S. retail sector tends to outperform the market during the ICR conference [1] - Key topics at the conference will include shareholder activism, mergers and acquisitions, the impact of artificial intelligence on consumers and the retail industry, sports-related investment themes, and IPO preparations [1] Company Highlights - Five Below is a value retailer targeting teenagers and young adults [2] - On Running is a premium sports brand focused on technology, design, and influence [2] - Planet Fitness operates as a franchisor and operator of fitness centers in the U.S. [2] - Abercrombie & Fitch is involved in the retail of clothing, personal care products, and accessories [2] - SharkNinja is a product design and technology company with categories including cleaning, cooking, food preparation, home environment, and beauty products [2] - Notable companies such as Walmart, Nike, and Lululemon will also participate in the ICR conference for important presentations and discussions [2] Market Expectations - Analysts are particularly focused on five companies: Five Below, On Running, Planet Fitness, Abercrombie & Fitch, and SharkNinja, which are expected to see stock price increases if they release positive signals regarding their fourth-quarter performance at the conference [1]

Net Sales Increase of 23.2% to $1.5 Billion; Comparable Sales Increase of 14.5% Increases Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Outlook PHILADELPHIA, PA, Jan. 12, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Five Below, Inc. (NASDAQ: FIVE) ("Five Below" or the "Company") today announced net sales results for the quarter-to-date period from November 2, 2025 through January 3, 2026 ("Holiday Period"). Net sales for the Holiday Period increased by 23.2% to $1.47 billion from $1.19 billion in the comparable nine-week period fro ...