Dollar Shave Club CEO Larry Bodner is under no delusions about the brand’s recent performance. More than a decade after cofounder and former CEO Michael Dubin’s viral ad launched its successful direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, Dollar Shave Club is far from its mid-2010s peak. Unilever, after paying a record $1 billion for the company, offloaded a majority stake to private-equity firm Nexus Capital Management in 2023 for an undisclosed sum. And although Unilever never broke out Dollar Shave Club’s result ...

Austin, Texas, Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Digital Brands Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:DBGI) (the “Company” or “Digital Brands”), today announces the launch of its strategic initiative to aggressively expand the Company’s presence in the Name, Image, and Likeness (“NIL”) college apparel sector, a segment currently part of the global licensed sports merchandise market, which was estimated at $36.4 billion in 2024, and projected to increase to $49.0 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research Expansion St ...

Group 1 - Playtika Holding Corp. (NASDAQ:PLTK) has had its price target lowered by UBS from $5.5 to $4 while maintaining a Neutral rating on the stock [1][3] - The company's legacy portfolio, particularly Slotomania, saw a significant decline of 39.4% year-over-year during Q2 FY2025, while Bingo Blitz revenue increased by 2.9% [2] - Playtika's strategic shift towards Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) revenue showed minimal growth of 1.3% year-over-year, with a long-term DTC target raised from 30% to 40% [3] Group 2 - Analysts from BofA, Wedbush, and TD Cowen maintain a bullish outlook on PLTK, assigning Buy ratings with price targets of $5.5, $11.5, and $14 respectively [4] - The average price target for Playtika Holding Corp. is $5.25, suggesting an upside potential of nearly 40% from current levels [4] - Playtika develops mobile games and distributes them through various web and mobile platforms, including DTC platforms [5]

Group 1: Disney's Direct-to-Consumer Momentum - Disney's Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) segment has shown significant growth, reporting an operating income of $346 million in Q3 of fiscal 2025, a turnaround from a $19 million loss a year ago, driven by price increases, subscriber growth, and rising ad revenues [1][9] - The company projects a remarkable $1.3 billion in DTC operating income for fiscal 2025, indicating an over 800% year-over-year increase [2][9] - Disney+ and Hulu have reached a combined total of 183 million subscribers, with an expectation of adding 10 million more in Q4 2025 [3][9] Group 2: Competitive Landscape - Netflix remains the leader in streaming with over 300 million subscribers and plans to invest $18 billion in content for 2025, enhancing revenues through ads and price increases [5] - Warner Bros. Discovery's streaming segment, Max, added 3.4 million subscribers, reaching 125.7 million, and achieved $293 million in EBITDA, showcasing strong competitive strength against Disney [6] Group 3: Financial Performance and Valuation - Disney shares have increased by 5.2% year-to-date, underperforming the Zacks Consumer Discretionary sector's growth of 10.9% and the Zacks Media Conglomerates industry's growth of 10.1% [7] - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month price/earnings ratio of 18.12X, compared to the industry's 20.29X, indicating a relatively favorable valuation [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Disney's fiscal 2025 earnings is $5.86 per share, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 17.91% [13]

Question-and-Answer SessionI guess I'd like to kick things off just with a high-level overview of your company, the beauty industry at large. It's really seen an increase in online penetration over the last few years. So could you talk us through your time as CFO and what you've done really to be able to operate in the beauty DTC industry in a way that really others haven't.Lindsay MannGlobal Chief Financial Officer Yes. Thanks for having me. ODDITY today is, we believe, the largest direct-to-consumer beaut ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1,662 million for the first half, a decrease of 5.2% compared to the previous year, but still up 24.4% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2019 [16][18][54] - Gross margin remained robust at 59.2%, slightly down from 60% in the same period last year, primarily due to a mix effect and strategic promotional initiatives [11][54] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.2%, reflecting a decrease from 19% last year, attributed to lower gross margin and higher SG&A expenses [47][54] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale channel experienced a decline of 7.4% in the first half, while the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel only declined by 1.6%, indicating stronger resilience in consumer demand through direct channels [6][19] - Non-travel categories showed constant currency growth, now representing 36.2% of net sales, up 180 basis points from the previous year [10][24] - The American Tourister brand faced a significant decline of 12.7%, while the Samsonite brand was down 4.7%, with Tumi showing a modest decline of 2.5% [25][27] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales were down 7.3%, with Asia down 7.6%, while Europe showed a slight decline of about 1% [49][50] - Latin America remained flat in Q1 and down 2.2% in Q2, driven by consumer sentiment issues in Mexico and Brazil [53][54] - The company noted a softening in travel demand in key markets, particularly in North America, influenced by macroeconomic uncertainties [6][70] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on profitable growth and brand positioning, consciously avoiding competition with low-priced unbranded products to protect profitability [7][10] - Strategic investments in the DTC channel are yielding positive results, with DTC now accounting for 40% of net sales, up from 38% last year [8][23] - The company is committed to product innovation and expanding its market reach, particularly in underpenetrated categories and regions [32][33] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in long-term growth despite current macroeconomic challenges, indicating that travel demand remains a priority for consumers [70][71] - The company anticipates sequential improvement in net sales for the second half of the year, although consumer sentiment remains uncertain [68][70] - Ongoing investments in new products and brand elevation are seen as critical for maintaining a robust margin profile [70][71] Other Important Information - The company added 57 net new stores since June 2024, while managing distribution and G&A expenses to remain up less than 1% compared to the prior year [10][60] - The company is preparing for a dual listing of its securities in the United States, closely monitoring market conditions for the right timing [71][72] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide updates on full year guidance and strategy for American Tourister? - Management indicated that while there are signs of improvement in the third quarter, full year guidance remains uncertain due to macroeconomic factors. The strategy for American Tourister involves disciplined management and targeted promotions to draw consumers up from lower-end competition [76][80][82] Question: What details can you share regarding tariffs and inventory management? - Management confirmed that efforts are being made to neutralize the impact of tariffs through a combination of price increases and inventory management. The increase in inventory is intentional to prepare for future sales, and free cash flow is expected to improve as inventory levels normalize [87][90][92]

Core Viewpoint - Paramount Global is effectively transitioning from traditional TV to digital platforms, leveraging its content library to enhance direct-to-consumer offerings and drive revenue growth [1]. Financial Performance - Paramount Global reported quarterly earnings of $0.46 per share, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $0.35 by 29% [1]. - Quarterly sales reached $6.849 billion, a 1% year-over-year increase, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of $6.841 billion [1]. Direct-to-Consumer Segment - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue rose to $2.2 billion, reflecting a 14.9% year-over-year increase, driven by growth in Paramount+ subscribers and recent price increases [2]. - Adjusted OIBDA for the DTC segment reached $157 million, above both analyst and market estimates [2]. - Paramount+ experienced record-low churn and a third consecutive quarter of rising watch time per user, which increased by 11% year-over-year [3]. Advertising Revenue - DTC advertising revenue fell by 4% due to increased digital ad supply impacting pricing [3]. - Traditional TV advertising also declined, with rising rates being offset by a decrease in viewership [3]. - Strength in upfront ad sales was noted, with volumes consistent with the previous year and sports bookings increasing by double digits [4]. Future Projections - The price target for Paramount shares is set at $14, based on a 6.8 times OIBDA multiple, reflecting the company's strong content portfolio and shift towards streaming [5]. - Projected third-quarter revenue is $6.77 billion, with an expected EPS of $0.43 [5].

Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) of 22 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents, and a year-over-year increase of 37.5% from 16 cents [3][10] - Net revenues reached $1.45 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.37 billion, and reflecting a 6% year-over-year increase on a reported basis and 9% on an organic basis [3][10] - The company is transitioning into a denim lifestyle brand and a leading direct-to-consumer (DTC) retailer, supported by positive comparable sales growth and robust e-commerce performance [1][2] Financial Performance - DTC net revenues increased by 11% on a reported basis and 10% on an organic basis, totaling $716.1 million, with growth driven by a 9% rise in the U.S., 9% in Europe, and 10% in Asia [5][6] - Wholesale net revenues rose 3% on a reported basis to $729.9 million, with a 7% increase on an organic basis [6] - Gross profit increased by 8.8% year over year to $905.8 million, with gross margin expanding by 140 basis points to 62.6% [11] Market Performance - LEVI's shares rose over 5% in after-hours trading following the earnings report, with a 31.9% increase in share price over the past three months compared to the industry growth of 25.9% [4] - The company reported its 13th consecutive quarter of positive global comparable sales [10] Regional Insights - In the Americas, revenues increased by 5% on a reported basis and 9% on an organic basis, with double-digit growth in both DTC and wholesale channels [7] - European revenues jumped 14% on a reported basis and 15% on an organic basis [7] - In Asia, revenues remained flat due to strategic adjustments, but DTC showed double-digit growth in markets like Japan and Turkey [8] Future Outlook - For Q3, LEVI projects net revenue growth of 1-2%, an increase from the previous forecast of (1%) to (2%), with organic net revenue growth expected to be 4.5-5.5% [15] - The company anticipates gross margin to increase by 80 basis points and adjusted EBIT margin to be in the range of 11.4-11.6% [16] - Adjusted EPS is projected to be between $1.25 and $1.30, up from the previous estimate of $1.20 to $1.25 [16]

Core Viewpoint - Bank of America Securities analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich maintains a Buy rating on Walt Disney with a price forecast of $140, indicating confidence in the company's recovery, particularly in the Experiences segment [1] Group 1: Experiences Segment Performance - The Experiences segment, a key driver of Disney's overall operating income, is expected to show sequential improvement in operating income for the fiscal third quarter, with further acceleration anticipated in the fiscal fourth quarter due to easier year-over-year comparisons [1][4] - Recent challenges for the Experiences segment included tough comparables, wage inflation, and significant pre-opening costs related to new cruise ships [2] - Despite broader macroeconomic concerns and competition from Universal's Epic Universe, the Experiences segment is now performing in line with fiscal 2025 expectations, supported by a strong pipeline of new cruise ships [3][4] Group 2: Advertising and Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) Insights - The Sports category remains a strong performer for Disney in the advertising landscape, showing sustained strength compared to other categories [5] - DTC net subscriber additions are expected to be modestly positive in the fiscal third quarter, aligning with the company's guidance [5] Group 3: Financial Guidance and Adjustments - Following a strong earnings beat, Disney raised its fiscal 2025 EPS guidance to $5.75, which is considered highly achievable due to improved visibility post-earnings report [6] - Adjustments for the fiscal third quarter include a slight decrease in revenue to $24.0 billion, operating income to $4.33 billion, and EPS to $1.39, primarily due to the disappointing box office performance of Pixar's Elio [7][8] - Despite these near-term adjustments, the full fiscal 2025 operating income estimate remains at $17.6 billion and EPS at $5.75, consistent with company guidance [8]

Investment Rating - The report maintains a "Buy" rating for Miniso (MNSO) with a 12-month price target of $23.40, indicating an upside potential of 5.5% from the current price of $22.19 [1]. Core Insights - Miniso reported a 19% year-over-year revenue growth in 1Q25, slightly above guidance, but adjusted operating profit declined by 5% year-over-year, missing expectations due to higher contributions from lower-margin direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales and new store openings [1][2]. - Management remains optimistic about top-line growth for 2025, but has tempered expectations regarding margins due to the ongoing transition to a DTC model [1][2]. - The company aims for a positive same-store sales growth (SSSG) recovery, with management targeting double-digit growth in China and a 40% year-over-year increase in overseas markets [19][20]. Summary by Sections Earnings Review - In 1Q25, total sales reached Rmb 4.4 billion, reflecting a 19% year-over-year increase, with overseas sales growing by 30% year-over-year [29]. - The adjusted net profit was Rmb 587 million, which was 6% lower than expectations, primarily due to lower-than-expected operating profit [32][34]. Financial Forecasts - Revenue forecasts for 2025-2027 have been adjusted slightly downward, with total sales projected at Rmb 20.55 billion for 2025, reflecting a 20.9% growth [37]. - The adjusted net profit for 2025 is now estimated at Rmb 2.22 billion, a 14.7% decrease from previous estimates [37]. Operational Insights - The company closed 111 stores in Mainland China during 1Q25, which was below expectations, while opening 95 stores overseas [31]. - Management highlighted that the DTC model will continue to exert pressure on margins in the near term, but expects improvements in operational efficiency to mitigate this impact [19][20]. Market Strategy - Miniso's strategy includes a focus on increasing the number of larger format stores and enhancing same-store sales productivity, with plans to open fewer stores than previously targeted [25]. - The company is also investing in its IP strategy, which has shown positive market feedback, particularly in the toy category, which accounted for 30% of sales in 1Q25 [27][28].