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Levi Strauss Taps Microsoft to Build ‘AI Superagent’ for Operations
PYMNTS.com· 2025-11-18 01:21
Levi Strauss & Co. is partnering with Microsoft to build an enterprise superagent designed to unify employee support, streamline retail operations and modernize the company’s data backbone. By completing this form, you agree to receive marketing communications from PYMNTS and to the sharing of your information with our sponsor, if applicable, in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions .Complete the form to unlock this article and enjoy unlimited free access to all PYMNTS content — no add ...
Disney(DIS) - 2025 Q4 - Earnings Call Transcript
2025-11-13 14:30
Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EPS for fiscal 2025 increased by 19% compared to fiscal 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of 19% over the past three fiscal years [5] - The company expects double-digit adjusted EPS growth for fiscal 2026 compared to the prior year [5] - Free cash flow is anticipated to continue growing, allowing for increased capital returns to shareholders, including a target of $7 billion in share repurchases for 2026, double the $3.5 billion repurchased in fiscal 2025 [5][6] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The film studio segment achieved significant success, with Disney's live-action "Lilo & Stitch" being the highest-grossing Hollywood film globally for the year, and retail sales for the franchise exceeding $4 billion in fiscal 2025 [6][7] - The streaming business reported a 39% increase in operating income in Q4, totaling $1.3 billion for the full year, up $1.2 billion from the previous year [10] - The experiences segment delivered record operating income for both Q4 and the full year, with a 13% increase in Q4 compared to the prior year [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Viewership for television content was strong in Q4, with several series achieving significant milestones, including "Alien Earth" and "Dancing with the Stars" [9][10] - ESPN's direct-to-consumer service saw a positive response, with a 25% increase in viewership across ESPN networks [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on integrating its streaming services into a unified app experience, enhancing user engagement and simplifying access to content [11][42] - Strategic investments are being made in international markets and original content to expand the direct-to-consumer business [11] - The company plans to continue expanding its cruise line and theme park offerings, with new ships and attractions set to launch [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the long-term strategy, highlighting the successful launch of ESPN's direct-to-consumer service and its positive impact on subscriber engagement [20][22] - The company is optimistic about its film slate for the upcoming year, including highly anticipated titles like "Zootopia 2" and "Avatar: Fire and Ash" [35][36] - Management acknowledged the competitive landscape but emphasized the strength of Disney's existing IP portfolio and its strategic positioning [53] Other Important Information - The board declared a cash dividend of $1.50 per share, a 50% increase from the previous year [6] - The company is exploring opportunities to leverage generative AI for enhancing consumer engagement and operational efficiencies [82][84] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on ESPN's direct-to-consumer launch - Management reported strong adoption and engagement, with a significant number of new users signing up for the service and positive feedback on app features [20][22] Question: Content growth outlook for the studio - Management is optimistic about the upcoming film slate and expects strong performance, particularly with major releases scheduled for the holiday season [35][36] Question: Advertising outlook for fiscal 2026 - Management anticipates advertising growth despite challenges, with improvements in CPMs noted over the last two quarters [54] Question: Demand trends for parks and cruises - Bookings for parks are up 3% in the first quarter, and demand for cruises remains strong, with high guest satisfaction scores [60][72] Question: Role of generative AI in content licensing and production - Management is engaged in discussions with AI companies to protect IP while exploring opportunities for efficiency and consumer engagement [82][84]
Skims valued at $5 billion after new funding round as it accelerates store expansion
CNBC· 2025-11-12 20:06
Skims underwear is displayed on a shelf at a Nordstrom store on March 25, 2025 in Corte Madera, California.Kim Kardashian's Skims brand has raised $225 million in new funding led by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, valuing the shapewear and apparel company at $5 billion — up from roughly $4 billion after its 2023 round.The deal comes as Skims nears $1 billion in annual net sales, six years after its 2019 launch, and marks one of the largest private raises for a U.S. consumer brand this year. BDT & MSD Partners' ...
Zendaya, Federer, And LightSpray: What's Fueling On's 20% Surge After Blowout Q3
Benzinga· 2025-11-12 18:26
On Holding AG (NYSE:ONON) sprinted nearly 20% higher today after a blowout third quarter that showed the Swiss sneaker maker isn't just keeping pace with Nike Inc (NYSE:NKE) and Adidas AG (OTCPK:ADDYY) — it's outrunning them. Track ONON stock here.The company's Asia-Pacific business grew 85% year-to-date, now contributing more than 10% of global sales, led by record results in China and Japan. Even more striking, On hit an all-time China single-day sales record during the Double 11 event — without discounti ...
Eli Lilly, Walmart to offer first retail pickup option for discounted vials of weight loss drug Zepbound
CNBC· 2025-10-29 18:19
Core Insights - Eli Lilly and Walmart have partnered to enhance access to Zepbound, a weight loss drug, allowing U.S. patients to purchase it directly through retail locations for the first time [1][2] Group 1: Partnership Details - The collaboration aims to maintain Eli Lilly's competitive edge over Novo Nordisk in the growing GLP-1 obesity and diabetes drug market [2][5] - Starting mid-November, cash-paying patients can buy single-dose vials of Zepbound at discounts of 50% or more through Walmart's pharmacies or home delivery [3][6] - Walmart will be the first in-store pickup pharmacy for Zepbound vials via Eli Lilly's LillyDirect platform, which launched in January 2024 [4] Group 2: Pricing and Accessibility - The cost for single-dose vials of Zepbound is set at $349 per month for the starting dose and $499 per month for other doses, consistent across both delivery and pickup options [6] - The partnership is expected to enhance Eli Lilly's market reach, although no specific estimates were provided on the expansion of Zepbound's accessibility [4] Group 3: Market Position - Walmart ranks as the fifth-largest pharmacy in the U.S. based on prescription dispensing revenue, which could significantly benefit Eli Lilly in maintaining its market position [5] - The partnership comes amid pressures from the Trump administration for drugmakers to simplify access to medications through direct-to-consumer models [2]
Ermenegildo Zegna Group Sees DTC Growth Accelerate in Q3
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-23 10:40
MILAN — The Ermenegildo Zegna Group’s strategic decision to invest in its direct-to-consumer network of stores continues to pay off and delivered an acceleration in sales in the third quarter of the year. In the third quarter ended Sept. 30, group organic revenues rose 3.6 percent to to 398.2 million euros, compared with 397.3 million euros in the same period last year, excluding the impact of fluctuations in currency exchange rates. At reported rates, sales rose 0.2 percent. More from WWD In the third qu ...
Charter, ESPN And AMC Networks Heads Forecast The Future Of Cable TV
Youtube· 2025-10-16 15:01
Core Insights - The discussion centers around the evolving partnership between Charter Communications and major content providers like Disney and AMC Networks, focusing on how they are adapting to changes in consumer behavior and preferences in the media landscape [3][4][46]. Group 1: Partnership Dynamics - Charter and Disney's negotiation led to a unique partnership that prioritizes customer experience, moving away from traditional renewal processes to a more integrated approach [7][8]. - The collaboration has resulted in a win-win situation for all parties involved, particularly benefiting the customer by reducing friction in accessing content [6][8]. - AMC Networks has successfully integrated its services with Charter, leading to over 850,000 activations for the AMC Plus app through the Spectrum package [26]. Group 2: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The media landscape is shifting, with a notable decline in traditional cable subscriptions, prompting companies to rethink their strategies [21][49]. - There is a growing emphasis on direct-to-consumer (DTC) models, with companies like ESPN focusing on enhancing their app offerings to retain and attract subscribers [30][31]. - The importance of bundling services is highlighted, as many consumers prefer packages that offer both traditional and streaming content [41][42]. Group 3: Technological Integration - Companies are leveraging technology to enhance user experience, such as personalized content delivery and interactive features within apps [94][96]. - The integration of advanced technology is seen as crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a market increasingly dominated by streaming services [100][101]. - Charter's network capabilities are positioned as a significant advantage in delivering high-quality content and services to consumers [103][104]. Group 4: Industry Challenges and Future Outlook - The industry faces challenges related to customer trust and perceptions of value, particularly in the context of traditional cable providers [57][58]. - There is a recognition that the future may involve a blend of traditional cable and streaming services, with companies needing to adapt to changing consumer preferences [68][69]. - The discussion suggests that while there may not be a clear floor for traditional cable subscribers, companies must continue to innovate and provide value to retain their customer base [50][51].
THG registers revenue growth in Q3 2025
Yahoo Finance· 2025-10-15 09:25
UK-based retailer THG has reported a 6.3% rise in third-quarter (Q3) revenue in 2025 - its strongest organic sales growth since Q4 2021. The company attributed the improvement to double-digit expansion in its nutrition business and steady progress in beauty. The nutrition division reported 10% year-on-year revenue gain, while beauty grew 4.2%. The group’s overall growth was offset by the impact of business disposals and discontinued activities, which reduced year-to-October, and Q3 revenue by 340 basis ...
SharkNinja's Obsession With Winning Drives Growth, Says Analyst
Yahoo Finance· 2025-09-23 19:17
Core Insights - SharkNinja is focusing on growth through innovative product launches, expanded distribution, and direct-to-consumer initiatives, aiming to drive sales momentum into 2026 [1] - Bank of America maintains a Buy rating on SharkNinja with a price target of $140, based on a 2026 EPS estimate of $5.75 [1] Product Innovation and Strategy - The company aims to "win with every SKU, every week," emphasizing consumer-focused innovation and rigorous product testing [2] - Innovation will focus on outdoor appliances, with the Ninja Fireside360 Firepit set to launch through direct-to-consumer channels and select retailers [4] - The beauty segment is expected to contribute significantly, with Cyroglow projected to generate $100 million this year [4] Distribution and Market Challenges - SharkNinja is transitioning from a distributor model to a direct-to-consumer model in Mexico, facing challenges but aiming to build direct relationships with top retailers [5] - Domestically, grocery stores are identified as an underserved channel, with early success reported at Wegmans [6][7] - A consolidated direct-to-consumer site will launch on October 1, unifying various product lines and expected to see significant growth [6][7] Pricing and Tariff Strategy - The company has learned to absorb significant price increases, with plans to initially price higher to meet retailer expectations for predictability in 2026 [8]
Oddity Tech Ltd. (ODD) Presents At Barclays 18th Annual Global Consumer Staples Conference 2025 Transcript
Seeking Alpha· 2025-09-11 13:00
Company Overview - ODDITY is positioned as the largest direct-to-consumer business in the global beauty industry, with over 95% of its revenue generated from its fully online technology platform, avoiding sales through third-party marketplaces, retailers, or wholesalers [2][3] - The company emphasizes a culture of innovation, characterized by rapid decision-making, a willingness to fail, and a commitment to challenging conventional norms [1][2] Brand Development - ODDITY currently operates two brands, with plans to expand to three. The first brand, IL MAKIAGE, was launched in the U.S. in 2018 and achieved over $500 million in revenue last year, establishing itself as one of the largest beauty brands in the United States [3]