Core Insights - Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) reported a strong start to fiscal 2026, with gross profit rising 19.8% year over year to a record $489.1 million, resulting in a gross margin of 36.8%, an expansion of 278 basis points from the prior year [1][9] - The company achieved a core margin increase of 204 basis points, driven by lower markdowns in the Retail segment and reduced delivery costs [2] - Operating income surged 72% to $128.2 million, with the operating margin increasing 340 basis points to 9.6% of sales, supported by strong full-price selling and disciplined inventory management [3] Financial Performance - Management expects the second-quarter gross margin to improve by 50-100 basis points year over year, with confidence in achieving a 10% operating margin goal for fiscal 2026 [4] - URBN's shares have rallied 38.4% in the past three months, outperforming the broader Retail-Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index [6] - The stock is currently trading 10.3% below its 52-week high of $75.80, with technical indicators showing strong performance [9][10] Valuation and Estimates - URBN is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 0.99, below the industry average of 1.65, indicating potential for investors [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings has been revised upward, with current fiscal year estimates at $4.96 per share, reflecting year-over-year growth of 22.2% [15] - Sales estimates for the current and next fiscal years are pegged at $6.02 billion and $6.42 billion, implying year-over-year growth of 8.5% and 6.6%, respectively [17]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of a hybrid investing strategy, particularly the GARP (Growth at a Reasonable Price) approach, in navigating market uncertainties and achieving better investment outcomes [1][2]. GARP Strategy - GARP combines principles of both growth and value investing, focusing on stocks that are undervalued yet have sustainable growth potential [4]. - The PEG (Price/Earnings Growth) ratio is a key metric in GARP investing, helping to identify stocks with solid future potential by relating P/E ratios to future earnings growth rates [5][6]. Stock Analysis - Four stocks are highlighted as successful examples of the GARP strategy: Flex Ltd. (FLEX), CVS Health (CVS), Urban Outfitters (URBN), and Exelixis (EXEL) [3][11]. - FLEX has a historical growth rate of 35.1% and a Zacks Rank of 2, indicating strong potential [12]. - CVS Health has a long-term expected growth rate of 11.4% and also holds a Zacks Rank of 2 [14]. - Urban Outfitters has a 20% earnings growth rate over the last five years and a Zacks Rank of 1, making it a strong GARP candidate [15]. - Exelixis boasts a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 21.2% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [17]. Screening Criteria - The stocks selected for GARP investment must have a PEG ratio below the industry median, a solid earnings outlook, and a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2 [8][9]. - Additional criteria include a market capitalization greater than $1 billion and an average 20-day trading volume exceeding 50,000 [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - Momentum investing focuses on following a stock's recent price trends, aiming to buy high and sell higher, with the expectation that established trends will continue [1] Company Overview: Urban Outfitters (URBN) - Urban Outfitters currently holds a Momentum Style Score of A, indicating strong momentum characteristics [2] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), suggesting it is expected to outperform the market [3] Price Performance - URBN shares have increased by 0.17% over the past week, while the Zacks Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry has risen by 0.58% [5] - Over the past month, URBN's price change is 16.69%, significantly outperforming the industry's 2.88% [5] - In the last quarter, URBN shares have risen by 41.2%, and over the past year, they have gained 62.06%, compared to the S&P 500's increases of 7.87% and 14.01%, respectively [6] Trading Volume - URBN's average 20-day trading volume is 2,723,755 shares, which serves as a bullish indicator when combined with rising stock prices [7] Earnings Outlook - In the past two months, five earnings estimates for URBN have been revised upwards, with no downward revisions, leading to an increase in the consensus estimate from $4.65 to $4.92 [9] - For the next fiscal year, five estimates have also moved upwards without any downward revisions [9] Conclusion - Given the strong momentum indicators and positive earnings outlook, URBN is positioned as a 1 (Strong Buy) stock with a Momentum Score of A, making it a compelling investment option [11]

Group 1 - Urban Outfitters (URBN) has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a strong earnings estimate revision trend, while Boot Barn (BOOT) has a Zacks Rank of 4 (Sell) [3] - The Value category of the Style Scores system evaluates companies based on key metrics such as P/E ratio, P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share to determine fair value [4] - URBN has a forward P/E ratio of 14.07 and a PEG ratio of 1.17, while BOOT has a forward P/E of 25.89 and a PEG ratio of 1.90, suggesting URBN is more undervalued [5] Group 2 - URBN's P/B ratio is 2.64 compared to BOOT's P/B of 4.38, further indicating URBN's superior valuation metrics [6] - URBN's improving earnings outlook enhances its attractiveness in the Zacks Rank model, positioning it as a better value option compared to BOOT [7]

The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks.Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors use tried-and-true metrics and fundamental analysis to find companies that they believe are undervalued at ...

Sales Performance - Retail segment net sales accounted for approximately 85.0% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, down from 88.5% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [81]. - Subscription segment net sales accounted for approximately 9.4% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to approximately 6.5% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [94]. - Wholesale segment net sales accounted for approximately 5.6% of consolidated net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to 5.0% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [95]. - Net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 were $1.33 billion, an increase of $128.8 million from $1.20 billion in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [101]. - Retail segment comparable net sales increased by 4.8%, driven by higher store traffic and transactions, with notable increases of 6.9% at Anthropologie, 3.1% at Free People, and 2.1% at Urban Outfitters [102]. - Subscription segment net sales increased by 59.5%, primarily due to a 52.9% increase in the average number of active subscribers [103]. Store Expansion - Total company-owned stores increased from 733 to 744 from January 31, 2025, to April 30, 2025, with 13 new stores opened [89]. - Projected total company-owned stores for fiscal 2026 is expected to reach 780, with 64 new openings planned [93]. - Capital expenditures during fiscal 2026 are anticipated to be approximately $240 million, primarily for retail store expansion and technology investments [116]. Inventory and Expenses - Total inventory increased by $84.8 million, or 14.6%, to $663.8 million as of April 30, 2025 [105]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by $27.1 million, or 8.1%, but decreased as a percentage of net sales to 27.2% [106]. Profitability - Gross profit increased to $489.1 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2026 from $408.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2025, with a gross profit percentage of 36.8% [104]. - Income from operations was $128.2 million, or 9.6% of net sales, compared to $74.6 million, or 6.2% of net sales, for the same period last year [107]. - The effective tax rate for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 was 21.4%, down from 23.6% in the first quarter of fiscal 2025 [108]. Segment Performance - North American Retail segment net sales for Anthropologie accounted for approximately 48.6% of total Retail segment net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to approximately 47.8% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [84]. - North American Retail segment net sales for Free People accounted for approximately 23.8% of total Retail segment net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, compared to approximately 23.6% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [85]. - North American Retail segment net sales for Urban Outfitters accounted for approximately 14.8% of total Retail segment net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, down from approximately 16.8% for the comparable period in fiscal 2025 [86]. - Selling square footage for Urban Outfitters decreased by 3.9% from April 30, 2024, to April 30, 2025 [91]. - The Free People brand's selling square footage increased by 4.7% from April 30, 2024, to April 30, 2025 [91]. Future Growth Strategies - The company plans to expand its digital channels both domestically and internationally to drive future growth [92].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For FY 2025, the company achieved an impressive 8% revenue growth, adding nearly $400 million to reach a record of $5.6 billion [14] - Gross profit margin increased by 122 basis points, leading to a 22% rise in operating profit [14] - Earnings per share (EPS) rose by 26% to $4.06, marking FY 2025 as the most profitable year in the company's history [14] - The first quarter of FY 2026 started strong with an 11% revenue growth and a 78% increase in EPS [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Anthropologie and Free People, the two larger brands, continued to grow their revenues and maintain healthy mid-teen operating margins [17] - FB Movement is outpacing its sister brand due to new store openings and strong wholesale demand [17] - Nuuly, the women's apparel rental business, is recognized as a high-growth concept with profitability and scaling potential [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban Outfitters North America showed steady progress with positive comparable sales for the quarter and a significant increase in new full-price customers [17] - In Europe, Urban Outfitters experienced strong comparable sales gains, resulting in increased profitability [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on attracting new customers, retaining loyal ones, and growing market share across all brands [16] - There is a commitment to monitoring supply chain risks and global uncertainties while aiming for continued revenue growth and margin expansion [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue growing revenue and expanding margins for the full year and beyond [19] - Despite broader economic uncertainties, customer demand remains strong, with no signs of a slowdown observed [15] Other Important Information - The company has prepared and issued an annual report on Form 10-K, detailing recent operating results and financial condition [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any questions from shareholders? - There were no questions from shareholders during the meeting [20]

Core Investment Strategy - Value investing is highlighted as a reliable strategy during market volatility, allowing investors to purchase stocks at discounted prices when others sell [1][2] Value Investment Drawbacks - The concept of "value traps" is introduced, where stocks may underperform due to persistent issues rather than temporary problems [3] - Common metrics for value investing include dividend yield, P/E, and P/B ratios, which help identify discounted stocks [3] Importance of PEG Ratio - The PEG ratio, defined as (Price/Earnings)/Earnings Growth Rate, is emphasized as a crucial metric for assessing a stock's intrinsic value [4][5] - A low PEG ratio is preferred, but it has limitations, such as not accounting for changing growth rates over time [5] Screening Criteria for Value Stocks - Effective screening criteria for value stocks include: - PEG Ratio less than industry median - P/E Ratio less than industry median - Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) - Market Capitalization greater than $1 billion - Average 20-Day Volume greater than 50,000 - Percentage Change in F1 Earnings Estimate Revisions greater than 5% - Value Score of less than or equal to B [6] Selected Stocks - Urban Outfitters (URBN) is a lifestyle retailer with a Zacks Rank 1 and a five-year historical growth rate of 20% [9][8] - Dentsply Sirona (XRAY) is a leader in dental products with a Zacks Rank 2 and a long-term expected growth rate of 7.4% [10][11] - LATAM Airlines (LTM) offers extensive air transportation services with a Zacks Rank 1 and a five-year expected growth rate of 14.8% [11][12] - Exelixis (EXEL) focuses on cancer therapies with a long-term expected earnings growth rate of 21% and a Zacks Rank of 2 [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and trading activities [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, publications, and personal analysis intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It explicitly states that the information does not constitute any recommendation or advice for investment actions [1]. - Users are advised to perform their own research and consider their financial situation before making decisions [1]. Group 2 - The website includes information about complex financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies and contracts for difference (CFDs), which carry a high risk of losing money [1]. - It encourages users to understand how these instruments work and the associated risks before investing [1].

Core Viewpoint - Urban Outfitters (URBN) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive outlook based on rising earnings estimates, which significantly influence stock prices [1][4][6]. Earnings Estimates and Revisions - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Urban Outfitters for the fiscal year ending January 2026 is projected at $4.91 per share, reflecting a 20.9% increase from the previous year [9]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Urban Outfitters has risen by 13.5%, indicating a trend of increasing earnings estimates [9]. Zacks Rating System - The Zacks rating system is based solely on changes in a company's earnings picture, providing a more objective measure compared to traditional Wall Street ratings [2][3]. - The Zacks Rank system categorizes stocks into five groups, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [8]. - Urban Outfitters' upgrade to Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting potential for market-beating returns in the near term [11].