Group 1 - Anta and Li Ning responded to rumors regarding the acquisition of Puma, with Anta declining to comment and Li Ning stating that they have not engaged in any substantial negotiations related to the transaction [1] - The Pino family is exploring strategic options for Puma, including a potential sale, and is in discussions with various potential buyers, including Anta and Li Ning, as well as other U.S. sports apparel companies and Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds [1] Group 2 - Puma's stock price has dropped over 50% this year due to weakened demand for sports and fitness equipment and concerns regarding the U.S. market [2] - To improve performance, Puma is enhancing its focus on football and motorsport sectors, appointing former Adidas sales chief Arthur Hoeld as the new CEO [2] - Puma initiated a "Nextlevel" cost efficiency plan earlier this year, which includes laying off 500 employees globally and closing unprofitable stores [2]

Core Viewpoint - Puma's stock price has dropped over 50% this year due to weak demand for sports and fitness equipment and concerns over U.S. tariffs, prompting the Pino family to explore strategic options, including a potential sale of the brand [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Performance - Puma's Q2 2025 financial report showed a 2.0% decline in sales to €1.942 billion, below market expectations, with an adjusted EBIT loss of €13.2 million and a net loss of €247 million for the quarter [2]. - The company issued a profit warning, predicting a loss for 2025 and a sales decline of at least 10% for the year [2]. Group 2: Market Position and Competition - Puma has faced challenges as competitors like Adidas and Nike have shown improved performance, while emerging brands such as On and HOKA are aggressively gaining market share [3]. - To boost performance, Puma is enhancing its focus on football and motorsport, appointing former Adidas sales head Arthur Hoeld as the new CEO [3]. Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Puma launched the "Nextlevel" cost efficiency program in February, which includes laying off 500 employees globally and closing unprofitable stores [3].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales increased by 8.5% to $1,130,000,000 compared to the previous year, driven by new store openings and a 30 basis point increase in comparable store sales [29][30] - Gross profit rose by 12.7% to $342,400,000, with gross margin improving by 110 basis points to 30.4%, exceeding expectations due to better inventory management [30] - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 31.7% to $51,900,000, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 4.6%, up 80 basis points from the prior year [32][33] - Net loss was $23,300,000 or negative $0.24 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $1,000,000 or negative $0.01 per diluted share last year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company opened 11 new stores and closed one, ending the quarter with 543 stores across 16 states, on track to meet the annual target of 33 to 35 new stores [29][30] - Comparable store sales growth was driven by a 2.3% increase in the number of transactions, partially offset by a 2% decrease in average transaction size [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company is moderating its outlook for annual comparable store sales growth due to current business trends and macroeconomic uncertainties [21][28] - The first quarter was impacted by the shift of the Easter holiday into the second quarter, affecting sales performance [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on four strategic imperatives: improving new store performance, securing top talent, addressing execution gaps, and enhancing the ability to execute at scale [9][10] - Plans include piloting a new commercial execution playbook and clustering stores in new markets to optimize returns on invested capital [10][11] - The company aims to strengthen relationships with independent operators and suppliers to enhance the overall business model [6][7] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term addressable market and the potential for improved costs and margins with focused execution [8][22] - The company is committed to enhancing the in-store experience and driving customer loyalty through better execution and value delivery [22][24] - Management acknowledged the need to balance margin maintenance with market share defense in the current environment [94] Other Important Information - The company incurred $33,900,000 in restructuring charges during the first quarter, which includes lease termination costs and other related expenses [31] - The effective tax rate for the quarter was 19.7%, a significant decrease from 60% in the same quarter last year [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Strategy and Growth Level - Management emphasized the importance of execution and building a loved brand, focusing on capabilities to enhance customer experience and drive loyalty [41][42] Question: Second Quarter Guidance and Comp Trajectory - Management discussed ongoing commercial and execution activities aimed at improving sales, despite a softer basket size and macroeconomic uncertainties [44][47] Question: Real-Time Order Guide Impact - Initial feedback on the real-time order guide has been positive, with improved fill rates expected to enhance sales over time [51][52] Question: Gross Margin Performance - Improved shrinkage and better inventory management contributed to better-than-expected gross margin performance, with expectations for sustainability throughout the year [54][56] Question: Opportunistic Sourcing Trends - Strong supplier relationships continue to provide opportunities for opportunistic sourcing, with a focus on enhancing visibility and execution [60][61] Question: KVI and Field Organization - Management is focused on tightening key value indicators and considering potential investments in field organization support to enhance store performance [63][66] Question: Basket Size Insights - The decrease in basket size is attributed to fewer items per basket, with ongoing efforts to improve inventory fulfillment and customer experience [69][72] Question: April Trends and Consumer Behavior - April showed some softness in sales, with management noting uncertainty in consumer behavior but no evidence of significant trading down [76][90] Question: Restructuring Plan and Guidance Impact - Restructuring costs are expected to remain within the original range, with no significant impact on profitability guidance for the year [91][92] Question: United Grocery Outlet Integration - Sales growth at United Grocery Outlet is in line with expectations, with integration plans set for late 2026 [99]