June 2, 2025 09:34 PM GMT M Morgan Stanley Research: Key Forecasts Next 12 Months Outlook: Our High-Conviction Calls Skewed to the Downside: The broad imposition of tariffs by the US is a structural shock to the global trading order. The tariffs themselves and the associated uncertainty will weigh notably on growth, but given the strong starting point coming into the year, we do not expect a global recession. Despite recent tariff announcements, we still expect baseline tariff rates to remain the same as ou ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 5.3% to $10.4 billion in Q1 compared to $9.9 billion in the previous year's first quarter [7] - Gross profit as a percentage of sales was 31%, an increase of 78 basis points, primarily due to lower shrink and higher inventory markups [16] - EPS for the quarter increased by 7.9% to $1.78, exceeding internal expectations [19] - Merchandise inventories decreased by $344 million or 5% year-over-year, with a 7% decrease on a per store basis [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store sales increased by 2.4%, driven by a 2.7% growth in average basket size [8] - Positive comp sales were observed across all categories, including consumables, seasonal, home, and apparel [8] - Non-consumable product categories performed well during the Easter and early spring seasons, with both seasonal and home categories comping at or above 3% [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Customer traffic slightly decreased by 0.3% during the quarter but remained strong on a two-year stack basis [8] - 25% of Dollar General customers reported having less income than a year ago, indicating a financially constrained core consumer [11] - Increased trade-in activity was noted from both middle and higher-income customers, with new customers making more trips and spending more compared to last year [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to enhance its value and convenience proposition while focusing on long-term financial goals and shareholder value [15] - Plans include opening 575 new stores in the U.S. and executing approximately 4,885 real estate projects in 2025 [24] - The company is diversifying sourcing strategies to mitigate tariff impacts, reducing exposure to China for direct imports to less than 70% [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in sustaining comp momentum due to improved store standards and customer service [42] - The evolving tariff environment poses risks, but the company has plans to mitigate potential impacts on consumer spending and cost of goods [22] - The updated financial guidance for 2025 reflects Q1 outperformance while considering uncertainties in the macroeconomic environment [22] Other Important Information - The company generated cash flows from operations of $847 million during the quarter, an increase of 27.6% compared to the prior year [20] - The company returned cash to shareholders through a quarterly dividend of $0.59 per share, totaling $130 million [20] - The company is focused on reducing its adjusted debt to adjusted EBITDAR leverage ratio to below three times [26] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in sustaining comp momentum and any surprises on the top line - Management highlighted improvements in store standards and customer service as key factors for confidence in sustaining comp momentum [42] - The company noted that trade-in activity has accelerated, contributing positively to customer retention [49] Question: Traffic progression and changes in consumer behavior - Management reported positive traffic in May and expressed optimism for continued momentum through the year [62] - The company is focused on retaining trade-in customers and leveraging delivery partnerships to enhance sales [66] Question: Willingness to invest in price and wage rates - Management indicated satisfaction with current investments in wages and pricing, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a competitive price point [72] - The company continues to monitor promotional activity and is prepared to adjust pricing strategies as needed [78] Question: Importance of comp growth for margin expansion - Management stated that sustained comp growth is essential for achieving long-term margin targets, with a focus on improving non-consumable sales [86] - The company expects shrink improvements to continue benefiting margins throughout the year [90]

Core Insights - The Campbell's Company (CPB) reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings and net sales exceeding Zacks Consensus Estimates, although quarterly earnings declined year over year while net sales increased [1][3] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings were 73 cents, down 3% year over year, but beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 65 cents [3] - Net sales reached $2,475 million, a 4% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2,437.3 million, driven by the Sovos Brands acquisition [3] - Organic net sales rose 1%, primarily due to a 2% positive volume/mix impact, offset by planned lower net pricing [3] Profitability Metrics - Adjusted gross profit increased to $745 million from $740 million, while the adjusted gross profit margin declined by 110 basis points to 30.1% due to cost inflation and supply-chain expenses [4] - Adjusted marketing and selling expenses rose 5% to $207 million, while adjusted administrative expenses declined 4% to $150 million [5] - Adjusted EBIT increased 2% to $362 million [5] Segment Performance - Meals & Beverages segment net sales reached $1,463 million, up 15% year over year, with organic net sales growing 6% [6] - Snacks segment net sales totaled $1,012 million, down 8% year over year, with organic net sales down 5% primarily due to decreased sales of various snack products [7] Guidance and Outlook - Campbell's reaffirmed its full-year fiscal 2025 guidance, projecting net sales growth of 6-8% and adjusted EBIT growth of 3-5% [2][13] - Adjusted EPS is expected to decline 4-1%, ranging from $2.95 to $3.05 compared to $3.08 reported in fiscal 2024 [13] - The company estimates an additional headwind of three to five cents per share to its fiscal 2025 adjusted EPS due to current tariff actions [14]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The third quarter earnings performance exceeded expectations, with reported net sales increasing by 4% driven by the Sovos acquisition and organic net sales growth of 1% [5][29] - Adjusted EBIT increased by 2% year-over-year, resulting in a slight margin decrease due to lower net pricing realization [9][30] - Adjusted EPS was down 3%, with a net positive contribution from the Sovos acquisition [10][30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Meals and Beverages division reported organic net sales growth of 6%, driven by volume and mix growth of 7% [13][35] - Snacks business experienced a 5% decline in organic net sales, primarily due to lower volume and mix [20][36] - The overall consumption of Meals and Beverages leadership brands increased by 2%, while Snacks leadership brand consumption declined by 3% [11][13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In-market consumption for Meals and Beverages outpaced category consumption, while Snacks lagged behind due to competitive pressures [7][10] - The consumer environment showed a preference for home-cooked meals, leading to increased demand for Meals and Beverages products [11][62] - The Snacks category faced a 3% decline in in-market consumption, attributed to deteriorating consumer confidence and increased competition [20][72] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on near-term in-market execution and mitigating tariff impacts while investing in brand growth and capabilities [8][27] - A growth office has been established to enhance consumer insights, brand activation, and innovation [27] - The company aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness across the organization to facilitate long-term growth [27][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers are making more deliberate spending decisions, impacting the Snacks business negatively [6][26] - The company expects adjusted earnings to be at the low end of the guidance range due to slower recovery in the Snacks business [7][39] - There is optimism regarding the sustainability of the at-home cooking trend, which has positively impacted the Meals and Beverages division [60][64] Other Important Information - The company has estimated the net incremental headwind of tariff-related costs to be up to $0.03 to $0.05 per share for fiscal 2025 [39][40] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2025 are expected to be approximately 4.5% of net sales, reflecting a decrease from prior guidance [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is the pressure on the Snacks business? - Management indicated that about two-thirds of the pressure is due to overall category performance and one-third from in-market execution, with a focus on innovation and value [45][47] Question: What are the key factors for fiscal 2026? - Management noted that recovery in the Snacks business is expected to take place in fiscal 2026, with a need for increased marketing support [52][54] Question: How sustainable is the at-home cooking trend? - Management expressed optimism about the sustainability of the at-home cooking trend, supported by the company's diverse portfolio [60][64] Question: What is the impact of tariffs on future guidance? - Management clarified that the estimated tariff impact is being phased in and should not be annualized at this time due to the evolving trade landscape [75][80] Question: What is the growth expectation for Rao's? - Management expects high single-digit growth for Rao's in fiscal 2025, with confidence in the brand's trajectory [83][84]

Core Insights - Best Buy's stock has experienced significant volatility, with a year-to-date decline of 23%, underperforming the S&P 500 [1] - The company reported a 2% decrease in net sales and a 5% decline in earnings per diluted share in Q1 2026, attributed to weaknesses in specific product categories [1][8] - Historical data indicates that during downturns, Best Buy's stock has lost substantial value, including a 45% drop in 2020 and a 55% decline during the inflation crisis of 2022 [2][6] Financial Performance - Best Buy's current stock price is approximately $66, with a forward P/E ratio of 11x, slightly below its four-year average of 12x [7] - Analysts have set a 12-month price target of $81, suggesting a potential upside of over 20% from the current price [7] - The company has revised its fiscal 2026 revenue guidance downward to a range of $41.1 billion to $41.9 billion, reflecting cautious consumer behavior amid persistent inflation [8] Market Conditions - Best Buy's reliance on imported electronics makes it vulnerable to tariff fluctuations, with 30-35% of merchandise sourced from China and 40% from other countries subject to tariffs [3][4] - The company has implemented selective price increases to mitigate the impact of increased tariff-related costs [3] - Consensus forecasts indicate flat revenue growth for fiscal 2026, with a modest 2% increase projected for fiscal 2027, highlighting ongoing macroeconomic challenges [8]

Core Viewpoint - Gap Inc. reported strong first-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings per share of 51 cents and sales of $3.5 billion, both exceeding expectations. However, the stock fell 14.85% in after-hours trading due to concerns over tariff-related costs and a muted outlook for the second quarter and fiscal 2025 [1][2][3]. Financial Performance - Earnings per share of 51 cents beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 44 cents, representing a 24.4% year-over-year improvement [2]. - Sales reached $3.5 billion, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.42 billion, and increased by 2% year over year [2]. Tariff-Related Concerns - Management disclosed potential gross incremental costs of $250-$300 million due to tariffs, with net impacts of $100-$150 million on fiscal 2025 operating income, raising investor concerns about profitability [3]. - The anticipated impacts are expected to weigh more heavily in the latter half of the fiscal year, leading to worries about margin compression [3]. Sales Outlook - Gap guided for flat year-over-year sales in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, which is weaker than investor expectations [4]. - The company reaffirmed a sales growth forecast of just 1-2% for fiscal 2025, indicating limited upside potential [4]. Brand Performance - Athleta's comparable sales declined by 8% in the first quarter, while Banana Republic's net sales fell by 3%, suggesting ongoing struggles in these brands [5]. - Management acknowledged challenges in product and customer alignment for Athleta and a slow recovery for Banana Republic despite brand rebuilding efforts [5]. Stock Performance - Over the past three months, Gap's stock has outperformed the Retail - Apparel and Shoes industry, rising 30.9% compared to the industry's 4.9% growth [6][8]. - The stock is currently priced at $27.95, 8.6% below its 52-week high of $30.59 and 64.5% above its 52-week low of $16.99 [9]. Valuation Metrics - Gap's forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio is 11.79X, significantly lower than the industry average of 18.27X and the S&P 500's 21.66X [14]. - The forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.68X is also substantially lower than the industry average of 1.8X and the S&P 500's 5.06X [14]. Strategic Initiatives - Gap is focusing on operational improvements, including supply-chain efficiency, cost controls, and digital transformation to enhance customer experience [18]. - The company is investing in product innovation and sustainability to reconnect with younger consumers and maintain brand relevance [19]. Long-Term Outlook - Despite short-term concerns, the company continues to show progress in its strategic turnaround, with strong financial results indicating potential for long-term growth [20]. - Gap remains attractively priced relative to peers, suggesting value for long-term investors, although near-term uncertainties persist [21][22].

Summary of Key Points from the Conference Call Industry Overview - The focus is on the Japan Quantitative Strategy, particularly in the context of the ongoing US-China tariff situation and its impact on the Japanese market [1][3]. Core Insights - **Tariff Suspension Impact**: The 90-day suspension of reciprocal tariffs between the US and China has led to a temporary calm in the market, although macro uncertainties remain high [1][3]. - **Micro-Level Focus**: Given the current market conditions, it is deemed more appropriate to concentrate on micro-level factors rather than macroeconomic trends [1][3]. - **Company Guidance Analysis**: Among 303 companies analyzed, 60 reflected tariff impacts in their guidance, 57 did not, and 175 made no mention of tariffs. This indicates a significant number of companies are either unaware or unaffected by tariff implications [6][8]. - **Market Reaction to Guidance**: Stocks reacted strongly to guidance headlines, suggesting that the detailed impacts of tariffs may not be fully priced into the market [6][14]. - **Share Buybacks**: Record levels of share buybacks were noted, with ¥18.7 trillion authorized in FY24 and over ¥3.8 trillion in April 2025 alone. However, the market response to these buybacks has been muted, primarily due to the influence of large-cap stocks on the TOPIX index [27][28]. Additional Important Points - **Sector Rotation**: There has been a noted shift away from defensive sectors from April to May, although the market remains fluid [6][27]. - **Analyst Dispersion**: The report highlights that stocks with low analyst dispersion have been favored, indicating a preference for stability in uncertain times [37][39]. - **Performance Metrics**: Companies that did not account for tariff effects in their guidance have shown higher returns immediately after earnings announcements compared to those that did [13][14]. - **Vulnerability of Non-Reflective Companies**: Companies that did not reflect tariff impacts may face vulnerabilities as the effects become more apparent in the future [14][19]. Conclusion - The analysis emphasizes the importance of understanding both micro-level factors and the broader market context, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical tensions and their potential impacts on corporate performance and stock valuations. The focus on share buybacks and analyst dispersion provides additional layers of insight into market dynamics and investor behavior.

28 May 2025 | 5:53PM EDT US Economics Analyst The Impact of Tariffs on US Companies: A View from the Equity Market (Peng) Jan Hatzius +1(212)902-0394 | jan.hatzius@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Alec Phillips +1(202)637-3746 | alec.phillips@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC David Mericle +1(212)357-2619 | david.mericle@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Ronnie Walker +1(917)343-4543 | ronnie.walker@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Manuel Abecasis +1(212)902-8357 | manuel.abecasis@gs.com Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC Elsie ...

Japan Equity Research May 26, 2025 Auto/Auto Parts/Tire Sector Head of Japan Equity Research Japan: Auto / Auto Parts / Tires Akira Kishimoto AC 813-6736-8646 akira.x.kishimoto@jpmorgan.com JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd. See the end pages of this presentation for analyst certification and important disclosures, including non-US analyst disclosures. J.P. Morgan does and seeks to do business with companies covered in its research reports. As a result, investors should be aware that the firm may have a co ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In fiscal 2025, the company achieved a net sales growth of 28% and adjusted EBITDA growth of 26% [2][35] - Q4 net sales grew 4% year over year, following a 71% growth in Q4 of the previous year [32] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $45 million, or $0.78 per diluted share, compared to $31 million, or $0.53 per diluted share a year ago [34] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is the number one brand in the U.S. by unit share in cosmetics and has seen significant growth in skincare with e.l.f. Skin and Naturium [9][46] - International net sales grew 60% in fiscal 2025, with total international sales reaching $250 million, representing nearly 20% of total sales [15][36] - The company expanded its market share in the U.S. mass cosmetics and skincare sectors, achieving new highs [35] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company gained 190 basis points of market share in the U.S. and 270 basis points in the UK during fiscal 2025 [2][35] - In Q4, U.S. net sales grew 1% year over year, while international sales grew 19% [32][33] - The company’s household penetration in the U.S. grew almost 400 basis points compared to the previous year [6] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to mitigate tariff impacts through pricing adjustments, supply chain optimization, and business diversification [12][14] - The acquisition of Rhode is seen as a unique opportunity to enhance growth and innovation in the beauty industry [47][61] - The company aims to maintain a strong focus on share gains in the U.S. and expanding its international business [38][39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company’s ability to continue gaining market share despite tariff uncertainties [30][66] - The company is not providing a fiscal 2026 outlook due to the broad range of potential tariff outcomes [11][38] - Management noted that consumption trends in Q1 are better than in Q4, with positive growth in various channels [39][66] Other Important Information - The company ended fiscal 2025 with $149 million in cash, up from $108 million the previous year, and generated approximately $115 million in free cash flow [37] - The company plans to implement a $1 price increase across its entire product assortment globally, effective August 1 [12][100] - The company’s marketing and digital investment for Q4 was 23% of net sales, down from 34% the previous year [34] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide insights on Q1 performance and Dollar General? - Management indicated that Q1 performance is strong, with Dollar General exceeding expectations and gaining market share [68] Question: Can you elaborate on the Road acquisition and its integration? - The Road brand will continue to operate independently from Los Angeles, with plans for global expansion and a focus on the Sephora rollout [70][72] Question: What are the expected impacts of tariffs in Q1? - Management confirmed that tariff impacts will start in Q1, with no pricing adjustments in effect during that period [94] Question: How will the pricing increase affect sales? - The company anticipates a positive community response to the $1 price increase, with expectations of maintaining market share [102] Question: What are the growth opportunities for Road? - The Road brand has significant growth potential, with plans to expand its product assortment and leverage e.l.f.'s marketing capabilities [110]