MILAN — Less than a month after BasicNet acquired Woolrich from Luxembourg-based fund L-Gam in a deal that valued the storied outerwear player at 90 million euros, the new owner is facing a dispute with trade unions. The latter are claiming that the company has decided to shut corporate operations in Bologna and Milan, where Woolrich employs 109 and 30 workers, respectively, leaving them with no other option than accept a relocation to the BasicNet headquarters in Turin to avoid being laid off. More from W ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company reported net sales of $1.6 billion, a decrease of 1% compared to the prior year, and adjusted earnings per diluted share of 35 cents, both below expectations [21][22] - The gross profit rate was 41.3%, down 220 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to a 260 basis point decrease in merchandise margin impacted by tariffs [23] - Operating income for Q3 was $161 million, down 26% from the previous year [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - All core categories experienced low single-digit declines, indicating a need for focused investment in these areas [22] - U.S. and Canadian store net sales totaled $1.2 billion, flat compared to the prior year, while direct net sales decreased by 7% to $299 million [22] - International net sales increased by 6% to $73 million, with system-wide retail sales growing 16% [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates Q4 sales to decline by high single digits compared to last year, influenced by macro consumer sentiment and competitive retail dynamics [25][26] - Consumer confidence has been declining, affecting purchase intent, particularly at the start of the holiday season [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a consumer-first strategy with four pillars: creating innovative products, reigniting the brand, winning in the marketplace, and operating with speed and efficiency [20][10] - Plans include reducing SKU complexity, exiting non-core categories, and enhancing digital and retail experiences to attract younger consumers [12][18] - The company aims to invest in its core categories and improve product offerings to meet evolving consumer demands [11][68] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged that the current consumer environment is challenging, and the brand has not fulfilled its potential [5][34] - The company does not expect growth for the full year of 2026 but anticipates improvements as new initiatives take effect in the second half of the year [37][47] - Management expressed confidence in the brand's future and the strategic actions being taken to drive sustainable growth [18][20] Other Important Information - The company plans to deliver $250 million in cost savings over the next two years, with over half identified for 2026 [17] - Capital expenditures for the year are projected at approximately $240 million, down from previous guidance [27] - Free cash flow expectations for the full year are approximately $650 million, reflecting current performance trends [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: What changed between when the CEO first joined and current expectations? - The CEO noted that the brand is not fulfilling its potential and that the focus on adjacencies has led to underinvestment in core categories [34][35] Question: What are the key KPIs for the new strategy? - The CEO highlighted metrics such as total active consumers and growth in core categories, along with improvements in digital traffic and dwell time [45][46] Question: How will the company balance investments and cost cuts? - The CFO explained that the $250 million in savings will help fund necessary investments, with a focus on high-value consumer areas [56] Question: What is the plan for the Amazon partnership? - The CEO stated that the Amazon launch will start with a small assortment of evergreen products, aiming to enhance brand perception and sales [62] Question: How will the company exit non-core categories? - The CEO indicated that SKU rationalization will begin in Q1, focusing on consumer feedback to simplify offerings [80][81]

Core Insights - Wendy's has launched Project Fresh, a strategic plan aimed at revitalizing the brand, driving growth, enhancing profitability, and increasing shareholder value [1][2]. Group 1: Project Fresh Overview - Project Fresh is designed to strengthen Wendy's brand and operational performance through a unified approach called "One Wendy's" [2][5]. - The plan focuses on four core pillars: brand revitalization, system optimization, operational excellence, and capital reallocation to foster profitable growth [2][4]. Group 2: Key Actions and Strategies - Brand revitalization will leverage Wendy's heritage of quality and innovation, utilizing data-driven customer segmentation to enhance marketing effectiveness [5]. - System optimization aims to prioritize Average Unit Volume (AUV) growth in the U.S. by optimizing labor and operating hours, and collaborating closely with franchisees [5]. - Operational excellence will involve increased investments in customer experience, technology, and training to improve restaurant efficiency [5]. - Capital allocation will be optimized, including a reduction of approximately $20 million in capital for the Build to Suit program in 2025, allowing for more investment in technology and marketing [5]. Group 3: Leadership and Future Plans - The Board of Directors is actively engaged in the CEO selection process, targeting completion by the end of the year to ensure strong leadership for the next growth phase [3]. - Further details on Project Fresh initiatives will be provided during the third quarter results announcement on November 7, 2025 [6].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the second quarter, the company reported revenues of $70.9 million, a decline of approximately 25% compared to the previous year, aligning with internal forecasts [9][22] - The net loss from continuing operations for the second quarter was -$0.5 million, or -$0.02 per diluted share, compared to net income of $2.6 million, or $0.09 per diluted share in the prior year [22] - Gross margin was $35.4 million, or 49.9% of net revenues, slightly up from 49.8% in the prior year [23][24] - SG&A expenses totaled $36.3 million, or 51.2% of net revenues, compared to $43.6 million, or 46.4% of net revenues a year ago [24] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct segment revenues for the second quarter were $60.5 million, a 16.2% decrease from $72.2 million in the prior year [23] - Indirect segment revenues totaled $10.3 million, a 52.5% decrease from $21.8 million in the prior year, primarily due to a decline in key account orders and liquidation sales [23] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced sequential improvement in comparable store sales across its store fleet and online channels during the second quarter [9] - Inventory decreased by 13.2% to $96.7 million compared to $111.4 million at the end of the second quarter last year [25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is implementing a comprehensive strategy to revitalize its market position, focusing on brand strength, product innovation, and targeted marketing [4][5] - Five key strategic initiatives have been identified: sharpening brand focus, developing a cohesive omnichannel strategy, updating the outlet strategy, improving the operating model, and reimagining organizational structure [10][16][20][21] - The company is focusing on enhancing customer experience in its outlet stores and aligning promotional strategies across channels to reduce confusion and improve margins [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenging operating environment but expresses confidence in the current trends and improvements being made [21][26] - The company is not providing guidance due to the dynamic consumer environment but is focused on enhancing operational discipline [26] Other Important Information - The company is in the process of searching for a new CEO and is meeting with promising candidates [8] - The estimated annualized impact of tariffs is $11 million, with efforts underway to mitigate these impacts [26] Q&A Session Summary - The Q&A session was not detailed in the provided content, and no specific questions or answers were recorded. The session concluded without further inquiries from participants [27]