RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- iPower Inc. (Nasdaq: IPW) (“iPower” or the “Company”), a data and technology driven e-commerce retailer and infrastructure company, today announced its financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year ended June 30, 2025. Fiscal Q4 2025 Results vs. Year-Ago Quarter Total revenue was $11.5 million compared to $19.5 million.Gross profit was $4.9 million compared to $8.7 million, with gross margin of 43.0% compared to 44.6%.Net los ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 was reported at $120.2 million, exceeding the outlook range, with a gross margin of 39.5%, which is 300 basis points higher than the prior year [26][28] - SG&A expenses were $44.5 million, a 7% improvement from $47.7 million a year ago, driven by lower management compensation and reductions in other G&A expenses [29] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $3.1 million, representing a 2.5% adjusted EBITDA margin [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - On-demand segment revenue declined by 16% year-over-year to $44.4 million, but segment-adjusted EBITDA improved to $4.4 million, or a 10% margin [30] - Consulting segment revenue was $43.6 million, a decline of 22% from the prior year, with segment-adjusted EBITDA at $5 million, or an 11.6% margin [30] - Europe and Asia-Pacific segment revenue grew by 5% year-over-year to $19.9 million, with segment-adjusted EBITDA of $0.8 million, or a 4.2% margin [31] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Europe and Asia-Pacific achieved solid growth, with a strong pipeline for Q2, driven by deepening multinational client relationships and expanding local client bases [24] - Demand for CFO advisory and digital transformation offerings remains strong, with a focus on cost efficiency and process automation [24][26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transforming from a professional staffing organization to a diversified platform combining on-demand talent with consulting and outsourced services, focusing on CFO advisory and digital transformation [5][8] - The strategy includes enhancing the addressable market and becoming known for a focused set of solutions, with a unique value proposition based on agility, expertise, and experience [6][10] - The company is actively redesigning its cost structure to fit the current size and scale of the business, aiming for a more stable and profitable operation [15][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the global macro environment remains uncertain and slow-moving for professional services, but they are positioning the business for an upturn [3][12] - The company expects to maintain revenue stability through Q2, with an outlook for revenue between $115 million and $120 million [32][33] - Management emphasized the importance of improving sales execution and driving an efficient cost structure to deliver more value [33] Other Important Information - The company has a strong balance sheet with $77.5 million in cash and cash equivalents and zero outstanding debt [31] - The company is targeting venture-backed AI startups for outsourced services, capitalizing on the broader venture funding environment [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Pricing Trends - Management indicated that while staffing rates have remained steady, there are pricing pressures in consulting, but the value provided allows for rate increases on new projects [37][38] Question: Pipeline and Cross-Selling - The pipeline is seeing an increase in $1 million+ deals, with expectations for continued growth through cross-selling efforts [39] Question: Revenue Guidance Breakdown - Revenue guidance for Q2 indicates continued strength in Europe and Asia-Pacific, while on-demand and consulting segments are expected to perform similarly to Q1 [42] Question: Regional Demand Differences - Demand is strong in the West Coast and Southeast regions, attributed to team tenure and alignment with client priorities [45] Question: Client Spending Appetite - Management noted that client appetite for spending remains choppy, with ongoing uncertainty affecting the operating environment [61] Question: Board Refresh Impact - New board members bring fresh perspectives, focusing on optimizing bottom-line performance and fostering collaborative teams [63][64]

Patricia Gabriel is trading in her Michael Kors and Jimmy Choos for some Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger. PVH Corp., which owns both Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein, has hired Gabriel out of Capri Holdings to become its chief supply chain officer and global head of operations. More from WWD She takes over the role from David Savman, who’s been pulling double duty since becoming global brand president of Calvin Klein in May. Gabriel, who has worked for more than 25 years in consumer supply chains at the l ...

Group 1 - Target is expanding its next-day delivery coverage to meet increasing consumer demand, with plans to reach the top 35 U.S. metro areas by the end of October [4][9] - The company is focusing on areas with high shipping demand and sufficient assets for cost-effective operations, with order cutoff times as late as 6 p.m. due to advancements in routing and forecasting technology [5][6] - Target's digital business is profitable, and the supply chain is being adjusted to support growth while enhancing the in-store experience [6][7] Group 2 - The fulfillment strategy is being tweaked to allow some stores to take on more shipping volume while others may reduce or eliminate shipping, improving the overall store experience [7][8] - A pilot program in Chicago has shown that concentrating shipping volume in fewer stores can lower fulfillment costs and improve delivery speeds [8] - Next-day delivery is free for orders over $35 or for Target Circle members, while a fee of $5.99 applies otherwise [9]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is confident in offsetting the full cost impact of tariffs in 2025 through supply chain adjustments, product mix management, and selective pricing strategies [9][10] - Operating margins have increased by 14 points from negative to almost 14, while gross margins are close to 50%, up 13 points [46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Hot Wheels is on track for its eighth consecutive record high year, showcasing strong performance in the vehicles category [4] - The Fisher-Price brand has remained stable over the last six years, with a promising start for the Fisher-Price Wood line and growth in the Little People brand [41][40] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The toy category has seen one of its highest growth rates in the first half of the year, outperforming other sectors tracked by Circana [20] - Positive consumer demand has been observed across all markets, both in the U.S. and internationally [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is evolving from a toy manufacturer to an IP company, focusing on brand management and franchise growth beyond the toy aisle [4][6] - There is a strong emphasis on integrating marketing activities to achieve efficiency and scale in reaching consumers [5] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the health of the toy industry and the company's ability to navigate macroeconomic challenges [12][18] - The return of toy-related movies is expected to positively impact the industry and Mattel's growth [44] Other Important Information - The company plans to maintain its share buyback program, having repurchased $813 million, which represents about 14% of its market cap [49][51] - Upcoming film projects include "Masters of the Universe" and an animated Barbie movie, which are part of the strategy to leverage content for brand growth [26][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is Mattel addressing tariffs and their impact on P&L? - Management is confident in offsetting tariff costs through supply chain adjustments, product mix management, and selective pricing [9][10] Question: What is the outlook for the back half of the year regarding revenue? - Management expects to catch up on revenue lost due to tariff-related disruptions and sees positive consumer demand continuing [12][21] Question: How is the company managing pricing in light of consumer reactions? - Pricing actions have been strategically implemented, and management does not intend to take further pricing increases in 2025 [22][23] Question: What is the strategy for the Barbie brand moving forward? - The company plans to continue innovating and expanding the Barbie brand, including potential sequels and new content [29][30] Question: What are the growth opportunities for Fisher-Price? - Management is optimistic about the Fisher-Price brand's roadmap, focusing on innovation and evolving play patterns for young children [41][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.5 billion, an increase of 1.5% compared to the prior year, achieving results at the high end of guidance [25][31] - Adjusted earnings per diluted share were $0.37, also at the high end of guidance [25] - Gross profit rate was 41.3%, exceeding expectations and increasing by 30 basis points year-over-year [34] - Adjusted SG&A as a percentage of net sales was 30.2%, representing a 110 basis point deleverage compared to the prior year [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The sanitizer business performed well, with positive consumer response to new products [28] - Men's business showed growth, particularly highlighted during Father's Day [28] - Body care category was disappointing, down low single digits, with a need for more newness [96] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. and Canadian stores net sales totaled $1.2 billion, an increase of 5% versus the prior year [32] - Direct net sales were $267 million, a decrease of 10% compared to last year [32] - International net sales were $86 million, a decline of 3%, in line with expectations [33] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to accelerate growth by focusing on digital platform enhancements, product efficacy messaging, and expanding distribution channels [10][14] - A multi-year partnership with Disney was announced to leverage brand storytelling and consumer engagement [13][100] - The company is exploring new distribution forms, including college bookstores, to reach younger consumers [19][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are cautious and value-seeking, prioritizing purchases that support personal well-being [6][7] - The company is confident in its ability to absorb tariff impacts and is focused on mitigating costs through strategic sourcing and operational efficiencies [39][104] - Management expressed optimism about the potential for growth across various categories and markets, emphasizing the importance of innovation and consumer connection [12][21] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase share repurchases from $300 million to $400 million [40] - The loyalty program has approximately 39 million active members, up 5% compared to the prior year [30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of opportunities ahead and traffic trends - Management sees more opportunities for growth than initially expected, with a focus on digital platforms and product efficacy [46][64] - Traffic was up in Q2, with June being particularly strong, while July normalized after the Halloween launch [52] Question: Marketing changes and customer response - Marketing is shifting to focus on emotional connections rather than pricing, with positive consumer responses noted [55][57] - The company is utilizing store windows for impactful marketing [57] Question: Tariff impact and SG&A deleverage - Q3 is expected to be disproportionately impacted by tariffs, with a $40 million effect on margins [59][112] - SG&A pressures are driven by higher healthcare costs and strategic investments [91] Question: Digital platform improvements and expectations - The digital platform is not meeting standards, but improvements are expected with a new app and mobile web relaunch [76][80] - Management is focused on capturing new consumers through enhanced digital experiences [76] Question: Future wholesale opportunities and campus store contributions - Contributions from campus bookstores are included in full-year guidance, targeting younger consumers [89] - Future wholesale opportunities are being explored strategically [90] Question: Fragrance and body care performance - Body care was disappointing, but the category remains a priority for innovation [96] - The Disney partnership is expected to enhance storytelling and consumer engagement [100]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The group's revenue grew by 4.5% year over year to RMB 6.4 billion, near the high end of previous guidance [15] - Adjusted EBITDA rose by 11.3% year over year to RMB 2.3 billion, while adjusted net income increased by 7.6% year over year to RMB 1.3 billion [16] - The managed and franchised business revenue reported a robust 22.8% year over year growth to RMB 2.9 billion, with gross operating profit rising by 23.2% year over year to RMB 1.9 billion [17][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hotel group's GMV grew by 15% year over year, with a member base increase of 17.5% year over year to nearly 290 million [7] - The number of rooms in operation increased by 18.3% year over year, contributing to high-quality network expansion [6] - The lease and own business revenue and gross operating profit decreased by 7.6% and 13.4% year over year, respectively [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The domestic number of travelers continues to grow steadily, but the hotel industry faces challenges due to increased hotel supply and macroeconomic factors affecting business travel [6] - The company observed a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for the third quarter, influenced by macro uncertainties and increased supply [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company remains focused on high-quality growth, emphasizing prime locations in major cities and further penetration into lower-tier cities [6] - The launch of Hanqing 4.0 represents a significant supply chain reform aimed at achieving lower costs and higher quality [10] - The company aims to reach a strategic target of 20,000 hotels in 2,000 cities in the mid-term, with a focus on the economy and middle-scale segments [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the overall performance during the summer holiday was slightly below expectations, leading to a revised outlook for RevPAR for the full year [24] - The company is actively seeking rental reductions and optimizing revenue management to maintain healthy margins in the lease and own business [35] - Management expressed confidence in the long-term growth potential of the Orange and Intercity brands, with plans for continued expansion and product upgrades [50] Other Important Information - The company declared a USD 250 million interim cash dividend, representing 74% of the first half net profit, along with a share buyback of approximately USD 62 million [20] - The company is committed to enhancing membership benefits and improving direct sales capabilities through the Edge Rewards program [13] Q&A Session Summary Question: Expectations for RevPAR in Q3 and 2025 - Management expects a slight year-over-year decline in RevPAR for Q3, with full-year performance anticipated to be slightly below previous guidance due to macro uncertainties and increased supply [24][26] Question: Impact of New Hotel Openings on Existing Hotels - Management acknowledged potential cannibalization from new hotel openings but emphasized ongoing product upgrades and rational positioning for new openings to mitigate negative impacts [28] Question: Strategic Focus on Asset-Light vs. Asset-Heavy Segments - Management highlighted the ongoing asset-light transformation, with a stable gross margin in the asset-light business and a gradual reduction in exposure to the asset-heavy segment [34][36] Question: Store Expansion and Franchise Sentiment - Management indicated a strict approach to new signings, focusing on high-quality locations and ensuring franchisee profitability, while maintaining a healthy pace of new openings [40] Question: Supply Chain Strengthening and Cost Reduction - Management detailed efforts to enhance supply chain capabilities, achieving a 10-20% cost decline in materials and a 30-day reduction in construction periods for new products [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company has adjusted its full-year inflation assumption from 4% to 4.5% due to adverse weather conditions affecting crop yields, particularly in the UK [24][25] - The gross margin dropped in Q2, attributed to increased inflation and supply chain challenges [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant focus on cost competitiveness, leading to a reduction in SG&A expenses primarily driven by overheads rather than advertising and promotion [30][31] - Innovations and renovations are expected to contribute nearly double the sales compared to the previous year, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The market in Q2 experienced a volume decline of approximately 5.5%, particularly in key regions like the UK, due to extreme weather conditions [16][22] - The company has gained market share in volume despite overall market underperformance in categories like fish and vegetables [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is adjusting its ERP implementation strategy to mitigate risks and improve inventory management [7][8] - There is a strong emphasis on innovation, with plans to enhance product offerings in response to changing consumer preferences and weather patterns [34][35] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current challenges and emphasized the importance of preparing for future weather-related impacts on sales [50][53] - The company is committed to maintaining flexibility in capital allocation, focusing on share buybacks and dividends while being cautious about M&A opportunities [55] Other Important Information - The company is exploring partnerships with startups to enhance its innovation pipeline and speed up product development [43][45] - There is a focus on optimizing the supply chain and reducing complexity within the operational network to improve cost efficiency [40][41] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in full-year guidance - Management acknowledged past challenges with guidance and emphasized lessons learned from ERP implementation and inventory management [6][8] Question: Organic growth expectations for Q3 - Management indicated that while growth is expected in Q3, it is contingent on market conditions and weather patterns [17][19] Question: Inflationary pressures and pricing strategy - Management confirmed an increase in inflation assumptions and indicated plans to adjust pricing where feasible [24][26] Question: SG&A savings initiatives - Management detailed ongoing efforts to reduce overhead costs and improve cost competitiveness [30][31] Question: Innovation pipeline and future products - Management highlighted a significant increase in sales from innovation and renovation, with a focus on snacking and protein products [32][34] Question: Supply chain optimization and facility closures - Management discussed plans for supply chain optimization, including the closure of a smaller factory in the Nordics [40][41] Question: Long-term portfolio adjustments for climate change - Management addressed the need to adapt product offerings to changing weather patterns and consumer preferences [50][53] Question: Capital allocation priorities - Management confirmed ongoing share buybacks and dividends while maintaining flexibility for future opportunities [55]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is expecting a mid-teens impact from pricing actions in 2026, with 80% of the profit benefit anticipated to occur in that year [75][80] - The company noted that the pricing increase is primarily to recover cocoa inflation and does not fully compensate for the inflation experienced up to 2025 [24][80] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The instant consumables segment is gaining share and growing ahead of the category, with significant improvements in distribution and productivity [60] - The salty snacks segment, particularly Dots and Skinny Pop, is performing well due to strong consumer acceptance and innovative marketing strategies [48][50] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The chocolate category is experiencing growth driven by innovation, emotional well-being, and strategic partnerships with retailers [34] - The company is optimistic about the cocoa supply dynamics, expecting a modest surplus and improved agricultural practices in West Africa [99][100] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term investments in brands and capabilities to drive sustainable growth, with a commitment to margin recovery through pricing and cost savings [10][72] - The new CEO, Kirk, is expected to leverage his extensive experience in consumer packaged goods to enhance the company's strategic direction [15][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism regarding the potential for tariff exemptions on cocoa, indicating that discussions with the government are progressing positively [40] - The company is monitoring consumer trends related to health and wellness, with no significant impact expected from GLP-1 medications in 2025 [67] Other Important Information - The company is planning significant marketing investments and innovation initiatives for the upcoming year, including major events like the Olympics [28][66] - The company is actively working on optimizing its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts and enhance operational efficiency [92] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is there a need for a reset in earnings and margins with the new CEO? - Management believes there is no need for a reset, as the company has consistently invested in growth and has momentum on its side [12] Question: What is the expected elasticity for the new pricing? - The company anticipates a one-to-one elasticity for the new pricing, with favorable conditions compared to historical data [17][18] Question: How will pricing impact the P&L in 2026? - Pricing actions are expected to significantly improve margins, but will not fully recover cocoa inflation experienced up to 2025 [24][25] Question: What is the outlook for the Halloween season? - Management is optimistic about Halloween sales, citing strong retailer plans and consumer trends [43] Question: How is the company addressing competition in the instant consumables segment? - The company is gaining share through improved distribution and innovative marketing strategies [60] Question: What are the expectations for cocoa supply and pricing? - Management is optimistic about cocoa supply dynamics, expecting a modest surplus and improved agricultural practices [99][100] Question: How is the company planning to mitigate tariff impacts? - The company is focusing on supply chain optimization and is hopeful for tariff exemptions on cocoa [92][40]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q2 2025, net revenues were $938 million, an increase from $930 million in the same period last year [17] - Retail revenue was flat at $887 million compared to 2024, with modest retail volume growth excluding foam products [17] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q2 was $100 million, compared to $172 million in the prior year [18] - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) was $0.39, down from $0.41 in the previous year [18] - The company expects net revenues to decline low single digits compared to 2024, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $650 million and $670 million for the year [19][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained market share in categories such as Hefty waste bags and private label food bags [6][17] - Product innovation contributed significantly to volume and share gains, with new products like Hefty Fabuloso scented waste bags and Reynolds Kitchens air fryer cups driving growth [7][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. consumer confidence has decreased by 15 points in 2025, impacting consumer behavior [8] - Approximately 15% of U.S. households utilize SNAP benefits, which are being reduced, influencing purchasing decisions [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on long-term growth and structural margin expansion, emphasizing product innovation and affordability [7][16] - Strategic initiatives include enhancing revenue growth management and onshoring production for smaller product categories [14][15] - The company is investing in automation and high-return projects to support growth and margin expansion beyond 2025 [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in executing pricing strategies to offset higher input costs, despite a challenging operating environment [16][19] - The outlook for 2025 remains positive, with expectations for continued retail volume performance and disciplined cost management [20][22] Other Important Information - The company is adapting to shifts in shopping behavior, with strong performance in online sales [11] - New leadership appointments are expected to enhance commercial and operational performance [15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investment areas and capital deployment - The company is prioritizing automation capital investments and onshoring manufacturing for smaller product categories [25] Question: Innovation and branding - Continued investment in Hefty scented waste bags and sustainable product offerings like Hefty EcoSafe cutlery is a focus [27] Question: Gross margin and pricing strategy - The company anticipates 2 to 4 points of cost headwinds and corresponding pricing recovery throughout the year [34][42] Question: Consumer purchase patterns and pricing execution - The company has successfully executed price increases and observed stable promotional levels compared to the previous year [48][50] Question: Retail inventory destocking impact - There was no significant impact from destocking in Q2, with a neutral effect on the company overall [60][66] Question: Promotional environment in trash category - The promotional environment remained stable, with share gains attributed to distribution investments and innovation [70] Question: Tariff headwinds - The company continues to face a 2 to 4 point headwind from tariffs, with aluminum costs being a significant factor [73]