The rebrand marks a major milestone following RIV Capital acquisition, signaling FLUENT’s enthusiastic push into the Empire State’s adult-use marketNEW YORK, July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FLUENT Corp. (CSE: FNT.U) (OTCQB: CNTMF) (“FLUENT” or the “Company”), a leading national cannabis brand, proudly announces the grand rebranding of its Kingston, New York dispensary, the Company’s first adult-use storefront in the state to officially transition under the FLUENT name. This strategic move follows FLUENT’s ...

Core Insights - Fast-casual restaurant chains are increasingly relying on loyalty programs to attract cost-conscious consumers amid economic uncertainty [1][2] - Loyalty programs have shifted from being optional to essential for building customer relationships and driving sales [2] - Consumers participating in loyalty programs visit restaurants 22% more frequently and are twice as likely to frequent the brands they belong to compared to non-members [3] Industry Trends - The restaurant industry experienced minimal traffic growth, with only one month of increased visits in the past year, leading to struggles in sales [2] - Only 43% of restaurant brands reported same-store sales growth in May, indicating a challenging environment for many [2] Company Performance - Starbucks reported 34.2 million active rewards members, with over 59% of U.S. company-owned transactions coming from these members [4] - Chipotle has over 20 million active rewards members, with the loyalty program contributing approximately 30% of daily sales, helping the company avoid significant price hikes [5] - Chipotle experienced its first same-store sales decline since 2020 and noted a slowdown in consumer spending [5] - Cava is experiencing strong sales growth but faces pressure from Wall Street to sustain its rapid expansion [6]

Chewy (CHWY) Q1 2026 Earnings Call June 11, 2025 08:00 AM ET Company Participants Natalie Nowak - Director - IRSumit Singh - CEODavid Reeder - CFOEric Sheridan - Managing DirectorMark Mahaney - Senior Managing DirectorNathan Feather - Equity Research AssociateShweta Khajuria - Managing DirectorSteven Zaccone - Director, Equity Research, Hardlines Retail Conference Call Participants Curtis Nagle - Director - Senior US SMID Cap Internet AnalystDouglas Anmuth - Managing Director & Internet AnalystRupesh Parikh ...

Chewy (CHWY) Q1 2026 Earnings Call June 11, 2025 08:00 AM ET Speaker0 Good morning, everyone, and a warm welcome to Chewy's First Quarter twenty twenty five Earnings Call. My name is Emily, and I'll be coordinating your call today. After the presentation, you'll have the opportunity to ask any questions. I will now hand over to our host, Natalie Nowak, Director of Investor Relations to begin. Natalie, please go ahead. Speaker1 Thank you for joining us on the call today to discuss our first quarter results f ...

First Watch Restaurant Group (FWRG) FY Conference June 03, 2025 10:15 AM ET Speaker0 Everyone. I'm Andrew Charles, TD Cowen's restaurant analyst. Today, I'm joined by Mel Hope, the CFO of First Watch Restaurant Group. Speaker1 Good morning. Speaker0 First Watch is the category leader in the breakfast and brunch daypart, differentiated by a limited menu with a focus on wellness and freshness and one operating shift from 7AM to 02:30PM. With nearly 600 US locations and aspirations to reach at least 2,200 loca ...

Core Insights - Shake Shack is launching its first loyalty program after a successful test earlier this year, aimed at increasing customer visits and app usage [1][2] - The company reported a 10.5% year-over-year increase in first-quarter revenue and a 0.2% rise in comparable sales [3] - The loyalty program includes offers such as $1 sodas and discounts for customers who place multiple orders online or through the app [1][2] Company Strategy - Shake Shack is focused on creating durable value for stakeholders through initiatives that drive same-Shack sales, including enhancing culinary strategies and increasing customer visit frequency [4] - The company has added new offer capabilities to its app and web channels to encourage repeat business and improve guest recognition [4] Market Trends - A report indicates that 67% of shoppers are motivated by rewards when making purchases, highlighting the importance of loyalty programs in driving customer engagement [5] - Preferred payment methods and rewards can enhance shopper confidence and conversion rates, suggesting that loyalty programs are critical for retail success [6]

Core Insights - Home Depot and Costco are both leading retailers in their respective sectors, generating significant annual revenues, but their stock performances differ, with Costco showing stronger growth [1][13]. Home Depot - Home Depot reported Q1 2025 revenue of $39.9 billion, a 9.4% year-over-year increase, surpassing Wall Street expectations [3]. - Same-store sales (SSS) declined by 0.3% in Q1 2025, following previous declines of 1.8% in fiscal 2024 and 3.2% in fiscal 2023, indicating consumer hesitance in spending on home improvements amid economic uncertainty [4]. - The home improvement industry is valued at approximately $1 trillion, with Home Depot holding a 16% market share, suggesting potential for growth by attracting customers from smaller competitors [5]. - The company highlights significant untapped home equity built up since the pandemic, which could lead to increased demand if macroeconomic conditions improve [6]. - Aging housing stock, with 55% of homes being 40 years or older, is expected to drive future revenue growth as older homes require more maintenance [7]. Costco - Costco continues to report positive SSS growth, demonstrating strong consumer demand even during economic downturns [9]. - The company benefits from a scale advantage, with $62.5 billion in net sales for Q2 2025, allowing it to negotiate favorable pricing with suppliers due to its limited product range [10]. - Costco's membership model fosters customer loyalty, with renewal rates exceeding 92% in the U.S. and Canada, contributing to a high-margin, recurring revenue stream [11]. - The company maintains a consistent earnings stream, supporting a quarterly dividend of $1.30 and occasional special dividends, the last being $15 in January 2024 [12]. - Over the past five years, Costco's stock price has increased by 236%, compared to Home Depot's 56%, indicating a market preference for Costco's financial performance [13]. Investment Considerations - Costco is viewed as the higher-quality business, but its shares trade at a price-to-earnings ratio of 59.9, significantly higher than Home Depot's 24.9 [13]. - For investors prioritizing company quality, Costco is recommended, while those focused on valuation may find Home Depot to be the better investment at present [14].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenues of $927 million for Q1 2025, finishing towards the high end of guidance, with a 27% year-over-year increase in adjusted earnings per share [5][15] - Adjusted net income margin was 4.9%, exceeding the high end of the guidance range [15] - The Cheesecake Factory restaurants' total sales were $673 million, up 1% from the prior year, with comparable sales also increasing by 1% [16][17] - The four-wall restaurant margins increased to 17.4%, up 140 basis points from Q1 2024 [6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North Italia's total sales were $83.4 million, up 18% from the prior year, with comparable sales declining by 1% [17][12] - Flower Child's sales totaled $43.5 million, up 26% from the prior year, with comparable sales increasing by 5% [17][13] - The company opened eight restaurants in Q1 2025, including three North Italia and three Flower Child locations [6][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The off-premise sales mix for The Cheesecake Factory was 22%, consistent with Q1 2024 [16][100] - North Italia's annualized average unit volumes (AUVs) increased to $7.75 million, while Flower Child's AUV was over $4.6 million, reflecting strong consumer demand [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to open as many as 25 new restaurants in 2025, with a focus on accelerating new unit growth [7][24] - The company has been recognized as one of Fortune Magazine's 100 Best Companies to Work For for the twelfth consecutive year, highlighting its commitment to employee satisfaction [7] - The company is focused on menu innovation, operational execution, and maintaining contemporary restaurant designs as key components of its strategy [8][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the operating environment feels less robust than three months ago, citing various external factors impacting performance [29] - The company anticipates total revenues for Q2 2025 to be between $935 million and $950 million, reflecting a cautious outlook due to economic conditions [21] - Management remains confident in the company's ability to absorb potential tariff impacts without changing adjusted net income margin expectations [21][39] Other Important Information - The company returned $153.8 million to shareholders during the quarter through dividends and share repurchases [15] - The company ended the quarter with total available liquidity of approximately $501.9 million [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Is the uncertain macro environment already impacting the business? - Management indicated that while the business remains stable, the environment feels less robust than previously expected, suggesting a prudent outlook for the remainder of the year [28][29] Question: Can you quantify the expected impact of tariffs on the P&L? - Management noted that the biggest impact would likely be in other operating expenses, with potential pricing adjustments of 50 to 75 basis points if necessary [34][39] Question: What are the same-store sales components for The Cheesecake Factory? - The Cheesecake Factory experienced 4% effective pricing, with traffic down 1.2%, indicating a mix shift due to menu changes [47] Question: How is the loyalty program performing? - The loyalty program is seeing strong member acquisition and positive guest feedback, with plans to implement more personalized offers moving forward [42][44] Question: What is the outlook for commodity inflation? - Management reported that commodity inflation was close to breakeven in Q1, with expectations of low single-digit inflation in Q2 [64] Question: Are there any planned closures affecting guidance? - Management confirmed a closure in Seattle but indicated no other planned closures at this time [66] Question: What differentiates Flower Child's performance in a slowing environment? - Flower Child's strong performance is attributed to food quality, operational stability, and effective staffing, which resonate well with consumers [70]

Products provide choice for Customers to have a broader range of travel experiences DALLAS, April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) announces its new fare products, as well as new benefits for its Rapid Rewards® Credit Cardmembers and Tier Members, aiming to deepen and reward loyalty for the airline's most engaged Customers."With new choices like seat selection and Extra Legroom, our enhanced fare bundles let Customers customize their trip while still enjoying our industry-leading ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company improved its cash position significantly, with a decline of $6.6 million in fiscal year 2024 compared to a decline of $70.5 million in fiscal year 2023, resulting in record low cash consumption [5] - Total revenue for Q4 2024 was $76.4 million, an increase of $600,000 or 0.8% year over year [31] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2024 was $17.4 million or 22.8% of revenue, compared to $11.2 million or 14.8% of revenue in the prior year [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Subscription and reserve rental revenue decreased by 1.2% year over year in Q4 2024, primarily due to lower average subscribers [31] - Other revenue increased by 13.5% or $1.4 million year over year [31] - Fulfillment expenses were $20.2 million in Q4 2024, slightly lower than $20.1 million in Q4 2023, with fulfillment expenses as a percentage of revenue at 26.4% [32] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Ending active subscribers decreased to 119,778, down approximately 4.9% year over year [29] - Average active subscribers during the quarter were 126,148, a decrease of 2.1% from the prior year [29] - The company plans to double inventory purchases in fiscal year 2025, with 62% of total units expected to come from the share by RTR program [23][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on a disciplined growth strategy rather than growth at all costs, emphasizing the importance of inventory investment to unlock customer growth and retention [6][22] - A significant inventory investment is planned for 2025, with a goal to add two times new inventory units year over year and 75% more new styles [16][17] - The company aims to evolve into a discovery engine for consumers to find the latest in designer fashion, leveraging its partnerships with brands [26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to operate at nearly breakeven levels while maintaining steady revenue, highlighting improvements in cost structure and working capital [28] - The company anticipates increased cash consumption in fiscal year 2025 due to inventory investments, but expects this to lead to subscriber growth and improved customer satisfaction [37] - Management is cautious about external factors such as tariffs and economic conditions but believes renting offers substantial value compared to buying [40] Other Important Information - The company has restructured its customer service team to focus more on proactive engagement, which has led to improved customer satisfaction scores [10] - The company has implemented a 60-day customer promise for new members, providing risk-free renting for the first two months [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you help us understand the cash flow guidance and the drivers of it? - The cash flow guidance reflects a significant increase in inventory, with a CapEx guidance of $70 million to $75 million for the year, which is a considerable increase from fiscal year 2024 [43][44] Question: What have you seen more recently regarding consumer reactions to tariffs? - The company believes renting provides considerable value versus buying, and the new inventory addresses the primary pain point for customers, which is expected to improve retention [46][47] Question: How do we think about the customer experience changing in 2025? - The company is doubling the number of new units on the platform, which will significantly enhance the customer experience with more new arrivals and greater brand variety [50][51]