Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net sales decrease of 3.1% with comparable sales down 2.2% due to the closure of 25 stores in 2024 and an additional 9 closures year to date [16][17] - Gross margin expanded approximately 75 basis points to 38.9%, driven by a disciplined approach to pricing and promotional strategies [17][18] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 21% or $17 million to $99 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin expansion of nearly 140 basis points to 6.7% of sales [18] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $61 million, significantly above the prior year, with year-to-date cash flow from operations nearly doubling to $161 million [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The services business continues to be the fastest-growing category, with improvements in staffing and appointment availability [10][11] - The company is focusing on enhancing the integration of services and store operations, which has historically been siloed [12] - The new MyHuman product line was successfully expanded into over 200 stores, indicating a shift towards a wants-based business model [8][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall pet industry has been stable with flattish growth, while the company's services segment is already experiencing growth [41] - Consumer behavior has become more cautious due to external economic factors such as tariffs and interest rates [41] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is in phase two of its transformation, focusing on improving profitability and preparing for a return to growth [5][14] - Four pillars supporting the return to growth include product differentiation, trusted store experience, integrated services, and seamless omni-channel integration [6][14] - The company plans to invest selectively in areas that can drive improvements while maintaining a focus on margin expansion [20][32] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to return to sales growth in 2026, emphasizing the importance of the four pillars [14][55] - The impact of tariffs is expected to be more significant in Q4, but the company has managed to revise guidance upward despite these challenges [20][37] - The management team is focused on building a strong foundation for future growth while continuing to improve cash flow and profitability [21][32] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a cash balance of $237 million and total liquidity of $733 million [19] - The Petco Love Foundation has committed to improving animal welfare, having found homes for over 7 million pets [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you frame the mix of the business as wants versus needs today? - The majority of the business is traditionally needs-based, but there are opportunities to create a more wants-based perception through new product offerings [23][24] Question: What is the realistic timeline for comp stabilization? - Management expects all four pillars to contribute towards comp stabilization in 2026, with more details to be provided in March [27][28] Question: How do you think about prioritizing the usage of cash? - The first priority is to invest in the business for sustained growth, followed by reducing leverage on an absolute basis [42][44] Question: Can you quantify the impact of moving away from less profitable sales? - The focus has been on expanding margins and building a strong foundation for future sales growth, with EBITDA market share growing despite sales declines [51][52] Question: What is the expected impact of tariffs on COGS? - The third quarter saw the first meaningful impact of tariffs on COGS, with expectations for a more significant impact in Q4 [36][37]

Market Overview - The trading day ended with the Dow Jones Industrial Average up more than 600 points, a 1.4% increase, and the S&P 500 rising over 60 points, or 0.9% [6] - The Nasdaq composite finished higher by about 0.7%, with small and mid-cap stocks, particularly the Russell 2000, outperforming, up 2% [7] - Overall, 426 names in the S&P 500 gained ground, while only 74 declined, indicating strong market breadth [8] Company Performance - Alphabet shares have seen a significant year-to-date gain of approximately 70%, outperforming many competitors [5] - Autodesk reported a third-quarter EPS of $2.67, beating expectations of $2.50, with net revenue of $1.85 billion, slightly above the forecast of $1.81 billion [11] - Workday's after-hours share price increased by about 7% after it raised its full-year subscription revenue forecast, projecting fourth-quarter subscription revenue of $2.36 billion, above the estimate of $2.35 billion [13] - NetApp shares surged by 4% in after-hours trading after the company boosted its fiscal year adjusted EPS forecast and reported third-quarter net revenue expectations of $1.77 billion, exceeding estimates [15] - Urban Outfitters saw a significant increase in share price, up 9% in regular trading and 16% in after-hours, with third-quarter comp retail segment sales up 8%, surpassing the 5% estimate [25] Sector Insights - The technology sector experienced mixed results, with Alphabet hitting an all-time high while Nvidia shares fell by 2.6% [9][20] - Retailers showed strong performance, with Abercrombie and Fitch gaining about 36-37% after raising its 2026 net sales and EPS guidance [17] - Dell raised its full-year adjusted EPS outlook to $9.92, up from $9.55, and increased revenue guidance to a range of $11.2 billion to $12.2 billion [22][24]

Financial Performance - Petco's Q3 2025 operating income increased by approximately $25 million [10] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 increased by roughly $17 million [10] - Free cash flow generated in Q3 2025 was approximately $61 million [10] - Net debt decreased by 8% year-over-year, from $1.47 billion to $1.36 billion [28] - Liquidity increased by 14% year-over-year, from $644 million to $733 million [28] Sales and Revenue - Net sales for Q3 2025 were $1.464 billion, a decrease of 3% compared to $1.511 billion in Q3 2024 [22, 43] - Consumables net sales were $731.456 million, a decrease of 3% compared to $753.230 million in Q3 2024 [43] - Supplies and companion animals net sales were $478.145 million, a decrease of 6% compared to $509.964 million in Q3 2024 [43] - Services and other net sales were $254.810 million, an increase of 3% compared to $248.243 million in Q3 2024 [43] Outlook and Guidance - The company expects net sales to be down low single digits year-over-year for Q4 2025 [31] - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $93 million and $95 million for Q4 2025 [31] - Full year 2025 net sales are expected to be down 2.5% - 2.8% [31] - Full year 2025 Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $395 million and $397 million [31]

Financial Performance - Petco reported Q3 2025 net sales of $1.5 billion, a decrease of 3.1% year over year[4] - Comparable sales declined by 2.2% year over year, indicating a continued challenge in sales performance[4] - Operating income increased by $25.2 million to $29.2 million, reflecting improved profitability[4] - GAAP net income rose by $26.0 million to $9.3 million, marking a significant turnaround[4] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 2025 was $98.6 million, an increase of $17.3 million year over year[4] - The company tightened its full year 2025 net sales outlook to a decrease of 2.5% - 2.8%[4] - Full year 2025 adjusted EBITDA guidance was revised upward by $6 million, now projected between $395 million and $397 million[4] - For Q4 2025, net sales are expected to decline in low single digits year over year, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $93 million and $95 million[5] Operational Adjustments - Petco plans to close approximately 20 stores as part of its operational adjustments[4] Year-to-Date Performance - Net income for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $11,641, a significant improvement compared to a net loss of $87,979 for the same period in 2024[17] - Adjusted EBITDA for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $301,873, representing an increase of 25.6% from $240,403 in the prior year[21] - Net sales for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, were $4,446,339, down from $4,564,332, a decline of 2.6%[21] Asset and Liability Management - Total current assets increased to $1,007,400, up from $973,619, reflecting a growth of 3.9%[14] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period rose to $249,423, compared to $121,021 at the end of the same period last year, marking a 106.2% increase[17] - Total liabilities decreased to $4,047,528 from $4,080,800, indicating a reduction of 0.8%[14] - Total assets increased slightly to $5,205,124 from $5,194,430, reflecting a growth of 0.2%[14] Cash Flow Analysis - Cash flows from operating activities provided $160,528, a substantial increase from $81,680 in the previous year[17] - The company reported a net decrease in cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash of $67,758, compared to a decrease of $15,628 in the same period last year[17] - For the 13 weeks ended November 1, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $90,090,000, compared to $20,724,000 for the same period in 2024, representing a significant increase[25] - Free Cash Flow for the 13 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $60,646,000, a recovery from a negative Free Cash Flow of $(10,288,000) in the same period of 2024[25] - For the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, net cash provided by operating activities was $160,528,000, up from $81,680,000 in 2024, indicating strong operational performance[25] - Free Cash Flow for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $70,568,000, compared to $(9,361,000) in the prior year, showing a positive trend[25] - Cash paid for fixed assets decreased slightly from $(31,012,000) in 2024 to $(29,444,000) in 2025 for the 13-week period[25] - Cash paid for fixed assets for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, was $(89,960,000), a slight decrease from $(91,041,000) in 2024[25] Profitability Metrics - Gross profit margin improved by approximately 75 basis points to 38.9% as a percentage of net sales[4] - The Adjusted EBITDA margin improved to 6.8% for the 39 weeks ended November 1, 2025, compared to 5.3% in the prior year[21]

Core Viewpoint - Petco has reported its third quarter 2025 financial results, demonstrating a focus on profitability and a multi-phased transformation strategy, while also tightening its full-year net sales outlook and revising its earnings guidance upward for fiscal 2025 [1][3]. Q3 2025 Overview - Petco's net sales for Q3 2025 were $1.5 billion, reflecting a decrease of 3.1% year over year, aligning with the company's expectations [7]. - Comparable sales also decreased by 2.2% year over year [7]. - The gross profit margin improved by approximately 75 basis points to 38.9% of net sales [7]. - Operating income increased by $25.2 million to $29.2 million [7]. - GAAP net income rose by $26.0 million to $9.3 million [7]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by $17.3 million to $98.6 million [7]. Full Year 2025 Outlook - The company has tightened its full-year net sales outlook, projecting a decline of 2.5% to 2.8% [4]. - Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in the range of $395 million to $397 million [4]. - Net interest expense is estimated at approximately $125 million [4]. - Capital expenditures are projected to be between $125 million and $130 million [4]. - Depreciation and amortization is expected to be around $200 million [4]. - The company anticipates approximately 20 net store closures [4]. Fourth Quarter 2025 Outlook - For Q4 2025, net sales are expected to decline in the low single digits year over year [5]. - Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be between $93 million and $95 million [5].

Core Insights - Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. is a significant player in the pet care industry, providing a range of services including veterinary care, grooming, and pet health insurance with approximately 1,500 locations across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico [1] Price Target Trends - The consensus price target for Petco has been on a downward trend over the past year, with the average price target last month at $3.50, indicating cautious sentiment among analysts [2] - The average price target was $3.87 last quarter, slightly lower than the previous year, suggesting volatility in perceptions about Petco's prospects [3] - A year ago, the average price target was $3.91, reflecting a gradual decline over the year, which may indicate concerns about Petco's performance and market conditions [4] Stock Performance - Despite trading at a significant discount compared to sector multiples and its book value, Petco's stock experienced a 23.53% increase following a positive second-quarter earnings report [4] - The surge in stock price was supported by a $21 price target set by Morgan Stanley analyst Simeon Gutman [4] Competitive Advantages - Petco's omnichannel advantages differentiate it from online competitors and remain a key strength for the company [3] - The company is focusing on optimizing store locations to improve profitability rather than withdrawing from markets [3]

Core Points - Petco is set to release its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 on November 25, 2025, after market close [1] - A conference call will be held at 4:30 p.m. Eastern time to discuss the results [1] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the company's Investor Relations page, with a replay accessible approximately two hours after the call [2] Company Overview - Petco has been a leading provider of pet care products and services for over 60 years, operating more than 1,500 stores across the U.S., Mexico, and Puerto Rico [2] - The company emphasizes the importance of the pet-human bond and offers a wide range of products, services, and expertise both in-store and online [2] - Petco Love, founded in 1999, has supported thousands of local animal welfare groups and helped find homes for approximately 7 million animals through in-store adoption events [2]

Core Insights - The Retail–Miscellaneous industry demonstrates resilience due to diversified product portfolios and adaptive business models, benefiting from value-driven and lifestyle-oriented demand [1][2] - Companies are focusing on enhancing omnichannel platforms, expanding private-label offerings, and improving digital engagement to meet consumer preferences for quality and convenience [1][2] - The industry is leveraging data analytics and loyalty programs to boost personalization and customer retention, with a positive outlook for retailers with balanced assortments and operational agility [2][4] Industry Overview - The Zacks Retail–Miscellaneous industry includes a variety of retailers, such as those in sporting goods, beauty products, and specialty items, with profitability reliant on balanced pricing strategies and efficient supply chain management [3] - The industry is currently ranked 29 in the Zacks Industry Rank, placing it in the top 12% of over 250 Zacks industries, indicating encouraging near-term prospects [8][9] Key Trends - U.S. retail sales increased by 0.6% in August, supported by recent Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, which have lowered borrowing costs and enhanced consumer spending flexibility [4] - Holiday retail sales are projected to rise between 2.9% and 3.4% during the November-to-January period, creating opportunities for stronger sales and revenue growth [4] - Companies are focusing on product diversification, digital engagement, and pricing efficiency to drive growth, with targeted marketing strategies enhancing brand visibility [5] Digital Transformation - Industry players are investing in digital platforms and optimizing supply chains to adapt to evolving consumer shopping patterns, enhancing convenience through expanded delivery options [6] - Retailers are modernizing store formats and checkout systems to maintain relevance in brick-and-mortar settings while deepening investments in technology for long-term growth [6] Margin Pressures - Competitive pressures related to pricing and product breadth are leading to elevated expenses, prompting companies to implement cost-mitigation strategies to protect profitability [7] - Retailers are streamlining operations and optimizing supply networks to address margin pressures stemming from higher labor and marketing costs [7] Stock Performance and Valuation - The Zacks Retail–Miscellaneous industry has underperformed the broader Retail–Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 over the past year, with a 6.7% increase compared to 18.3% for the S&P 500 [11] - The industry is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 18.13X, lower than the S&P 500's 23.65X and the sector's 24.58X [14] Notable Companies - **Arhaus, Inc. (ARHS)**: Demonstrates brand strength and operational excellence, with a projected revenue growth of 6.9% for the current financial year [16][17] - **Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (WOOF)**: Undergoing a transformation strategy with a projected EPS growth of 250% for the current financial year [20][21] - **Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH)**: Gaining traction as a modern specialty beauty retailer, with an EPS growth estimate of 8.9% for the current financial year [24][25] - **Ulta Beauty, Inc. (ULTA)**: Reflects strong momentum with a projected revenue growth of 6.8% for the current financial year [28][29]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures showed mixed results, with Dow futures declining approximately 0.1% [1] Company-Specific Movements - Fidus Investment Corp (NASDAQ:FDUS) experienced a significant drop of 2.6%, trading at $19.80 in pre-market after announcing a $100 million public offering of 6.750% notes due 2030 [1] - Bolt Biotherapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BOLT) shares fell sharply by 13.4% to $4.90 following an update on BDC-4182 and an extension of its cash runway into 2027 [3] - Equifax Inc (NYSE:EFX) saw a decline of 10.9%, trading at $226.00, after Seaport Global initiated coverage with a Neutral rating [3] - TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) shares dropped 8.8% to $75.00, also receiving a Neutral rating from Seaport Global [3] - Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE:LAC) fell 5% to $6.69 after a previous increase of 23% on Wednesday [3] - Erasca Inc (NASDAQ:ERAS) shares decreased by 3.2% to $2.14 in pre-market trading [3] - Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc (NASDAQ:WOOF) declined 3.1% to $3.79 [3] - Rocket Companies Inc (NYSE:RKT) slipped 3.1% to $18.99, with Western Union set to replace Mr. Cooper Group Inc. in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to trading on October 6 [3]

Market Overview - U.S. stock futures showed mixed results, with Dow futures declining approximately 0.1% on Thursday [1] Company-Specific Movements - Fidus Investment Corp (NASDAQ:FDUS) experienced a significant drop of 2.6%, trading at $19.80 in pre-market after announcing a $100 million public offering of 6.750% notes due 2030 [1] - Bolt Biotherapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:BOLT) shares plummeted 13.4% to $4.90 following an update on BDC-4182 and an extension of its cash runway into 2027 [3] - Equifax Inc (NYSE:EFX) fell 10.9% to $226.00 after Seaport Global analyst John Mazzoni initiated coverage with a Neutral rating [3] - TransUnion (NYSE:TRU) saw a decline of 8.8%, trading at $75.00, also receiving a Neutral rating from Seaport Global [3] - Lithium Americas Corp (NYSE:LAC) dropped 5% to $6.69 after a notable increase of 23% on the previous day [3] - Erasca Inc (NASDAQ:ERAS) fell 3.2% to $2.14 in pre-market trading [3] - Petco Health and Wellness Company Inc (NASDAQ:WOOF) decreased by 3.1%, trading at $3.79 [3] - Rocket Companies Inc (NYSE:RKT) slipped 3.1% to $18.99, with the announcement that Western Union will replace Mr. Cooper Group Inc. in the S&P SmallCap 600 effective prior to the opening of trading on October 6 [3]