Why One Fund Still Has a $14 Million Bet on This Resale Stock Up 130% This Past Year

Company Overview - The RealReal operates an online marketplace for consigned luxury goods, connecting sellers and buyers of premium products through a digital platform [6][9] - The company generates revenue by facilitating the resale of authenticated luxury items, serving fashion-conscious consumers and collectors in the United States [9] Financial Performance - For the third quarter, The RealReal reported a 20% year-over-year increase in Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) and a 17% increase in revenue [10] - The adjusted EBITDA margin improved by 380 basis points to 5.4%, indicating a meaningful shift in profitability compared to recent years [10] - The company's total revenue for the trailing twelve months (TTM) is $662.8 million, with a net income of -$71.5 million [4] Market Position - The RealReal's market capitalization is approximately $1.6 billion, with shares priced at $13.98, reflecting a 128% increase over the past year, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which is up 13% in the same period [3][4] - As of September 30, Manatuck Hill Partners held nearly 1.3 million shares of The RealReal, representing about 4.5% of its 13F reportable assets under management (AUM) [2][3] Growth Indicators - The company is showing signs of durable operating momentum, with accelerating growth and expanding margins, leading to raised full-year guidance [7] - Rising average order values and a growing active-buyer base indicate improving engagement within the platform [10] Investment Insights - Despite shares trading roughly 50% below pandemic-era highs, the recent performance suggests that The RealReal is executing better and demonstrating improved profitability and cash generation [7][12] - Sustained margin expansion and disciplined cost control will be crucial for the stock to achieve a more durable re-rating in the market [12]