Core Insights - Macy's has been struggling with declining sales, leading to store closures and layoffs, as it rethinks its future in the retail landscape [1][3] - The company is reversing its decision to close its iconic Union Square location in San Francisco, indicating a shift in its transformation strategy [2][6] - Macy's has launched a "Bold New Chapter" strategy, planning to close around 150 underperforming stores by 2026 while focusing on its stronger locations [3][4] Company Strategy - The "Bold New Chapter" strategy aims to concentrate investments on 350 stronger locations and prioritize more profitable divisions like Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury [3] - Over the past decade, Macy's has closed more than a third of its stores, including significant locations like the Union Square flagship [4][5] - The company is exploring new development options for the Union Square site in partnership with TMG Partners, keeping the flagship open through at least Q1 2026 [7]

Core Insights - HighCo has completed the acquisition of Sogec and BudgetBox to enhance its position in the promotions market and drive growth in its Activation division [1][4]. Company Overview - Sogec is a French agency specializing in omnichannel promotion activation, offering services such as discount coupon processing, digital cashback platforms, loyalty programs, and more [2]. - BudgetBox focuses on retail media, creating targeted activation campaigns based on consumer behavior both online and in-store [2]. - HighCo is listed on Euronext Paris and has over 400 employees, achieving a Gold rating from EcoVadis for CSR performance [5]. Financial Impact - The gross profit for Sogec in 2024 was €10.1 million, while BudgetBox reported €6.7 million [3]. - The accounts of Sogec and BudgetBox will be consolidated starting from October 1, 2025, with financial impacts to be disclosed in March 2026 [3]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is a significant step in HighCo's strategy to refocus on its core business areas, particularly in Activation and Consulting & In-store media selling [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales increased by 2.1% year-over-year, marking the second consecutive quarter of comp store sales growth [4][12] - Net sales for Q2 were $393.9 million, a 1.8% increase compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32%, an 80 basis point increase from Q2 last year, driven by healthier inventory and higher sales penetration from the fishing department [13][14] - Net loss for Q2 was $7.1 million, compared to a net loss of $5.9 million in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.3 million, up from $7.4 million in the same quarter last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hunting and shooting sports department grew by 4%, while fishing sales increased by nearly 11% year-over-year [6][12] - Ammunition sales grew by 10%, with average unit retail up in low single digits [6] - Camping sales were down 10% compared to last year, prompting a strategic shift to eliminate slow-moving categories [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Alaska grew by high single digits, indicating successful localization of merchandise assortments [5] - The firearms business outperformed the industry despite a 4.9% decline in adjusted NICs checks [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key priorities: inventory precision, local relevance, personal protection, and brand awareness [9][10] - A strategic shift to an everyday low-price model for core ammunition has resonated well with customers [6] - The company aims to improve inventory efficiency and reduce working capital investment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the strategic plan despite ongoing consumer microeconomic challenges [10] - The company anticipates ending the year with lower total inventory than last year and generating positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been raised to reflect flat growth, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $33 million and $45 million [18] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q2 was $443.5 million, compared to $363.4 million in the same period last year, reflecting a strategic decision to prepare for key hunting seasons [16] - The company exercised a $20 million deferred draw feature on its term loan to strengthen the balance sheet [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the drivers of comp performance and its durability into 2026? - Management highlighted the alignment of strategy around hunting, shooting, fishing, and personal protection as key drivers of performance, with continued investment in inventory to maintain momentum [22][23] Question: Can you discuss margin drivers in the back half of the year? - Management noted that hunting has lower margins due to firearms and ammunition, which will impact overall margins, while fishing has been a beneficiary of margin improvements [26][27] Question: How did demand trend through August and the setup into the back half in terms of comps? - Management expressed satisfaction with August performance, noting acceleration in NICs and a positive outlook for Q3 [32] Question: Can you break down the AOV trend and its potential for improvement? - Management indicated that there is significant room for improvement in attachment rates, particularly in firearms and ammunition, with AOV and UPT both at all-time highs [34][36] Question: How is the company managing potential tariff-related margin pressure? - Management is working with vendors to anticipate cost increases and has flexibility to offset some tariffs through MAP pricing [51][53] Question: Can you provide insight into consumer behavior within the hunt category? - Management noted that average unit retail is down about 4%, but unit sales are up 4.2%, indicating a mixed impact on margins [61][63] Question: Is there an opportunity to increase sales or inventory in suppressors and short barrel rifles? - Management sees significant opportunity in these categories and plans to lean into them in the back half of the year [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 revenue reached $325 million, reflecting a 0.7% year-over-year increase and a 4.1% quarter-over-quarter increase [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $11 million, representing a margin of approximately 3.4%, up 130 basis points year-over-year but down 170 basis points quarter-over-quarter [22] - Gross margin for the quarter was 44.2%, down 130 basis points year-over-year and down 30 basis points quarter-over-quarter [21] - Revenue per active client was $542, up 3.2% year-over-year and up 1% quarter-over-quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The women's business and overall fixed channel returned to revenue growth, while the men's business and freestyle channel also saw revenue growth [7] - Average Order Value (AOV) grew by 10% year-over-year, with improvements in items per fix, keep rate, and Average Unit Retail (AUR) [8] - The athleisure category saw over 30% growth year-over-year, with notable demand for wide leg denim and spring transitional sweaters in women's and fleece and knit tops in men's [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active clients at the end of Q3 totaled 2.4 million, down 10.6% year-over-year and down 0.8% quarter-over-quarter, marking the lowest sequential decline in three years [20][13] - New client growth has been achieved for two consecutive quarters, with new clients spending more, as evidenced by high 90-day Lifetime Value (LTV) metrics [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a three-phased transformation strategy, having completed the rationalize and build phases and now entering the growth phase [9][13] - Focus on enhancing client engagement features, deepening stylist relationships, and offering a stronger assortment with more fresh styles [10] - The company aims to position itself as the retailer of choice for apparel and accessories by delivering a personalized shopping experience [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges significant external challenges, including a dynamic macroeconomic environment and pressure on consumer discretionary spending [15] - The company does not expect significant cost impacts from tariffs for the remainder of Q4 but anticipates potential impacts in FY 2026 [15][24] - Confidence in the foundation built and the ability to navigate uncertainties while focusing on long-term profitable growth [27] Other Important Information - The company generated $16 million in free cash flow in Q3 and ended the quarter with $242 million in cash and no debt [22] - The outlook for Q4 includes projected revenue between $298 million and $300 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $3 million and $7 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on core consumer behavior and keep rates - Management noted strong performance in Q3 driven by AOV growth and positive client engagement, with larger fixes resonating well with clients [30][32] Question: Potential share gain opportunities in the current macro environment - Management believes the current macro environment presents an opportunity for share gain, emphasizing the adaptability of their service to client needs [52][54] Question: Sustainability of AOV increases - AOV growth is attributed to larger fixes and is expected to continue, although tougher year-over-year comparisons are anticipated in FY 2026 [72] Question: Need for increased ad spend to drive new customer growth - Management does not anticipate needing to increase ad spend to achieve active client growth, citing improvements in client re-engagement and dormancy trends [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $30.9 million, down from $33.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to lower retail fuel and merchandise contributions [21] - The net loss for the quarter was $12.7 million compared to a net loss of $0.6 million in the year-ago period [24] - Total capital expenditures for the quarter were $27.4 million [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment operating income was approximately $40.2 million, down from $46.5 million in the year-ago period [21] - Same store merchandise sales excluding cigarettes were down 5.2%, while total same store merchandise sales were down 6.9% [22] - Wholesale segment operating income was $18.6 million, compared to $18.3 million in the year-ago period [23] - Fleet segment operating income increased to $11 million from $9.8 million in the year-ago period [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store fuel contribution decreased by approximately $3.2 million due to a 6.2% decline in gallons sold [22] - Fuel margin for the wholesale segment was $0.88 per gallon, down from $0.92 per gallon in the year-ago period [23] - Total gallons from channel optimization were approximately 14 million for the quarter, offsetting declines from comparable sites [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that includes dealerization, expansion of high-margin categories, and targeted promotional initiatives [9][10] - The Fueling America Future campaign aims to provide discounts on fuel and enhance customer engagement [10][12] - The company is committed to organic growth and store-level reinvestment, with plans for remodels and new store openings [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted headwinds from lower traffic, consumer spending, and severe weather impacting store visits [6][8] - There is optimism for Q2 2025, with slight improvements in sales observed in April [34] - The company remains focused on execution and is optimistic about the path forward despite a dynamic environment [28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 1.3 million shares at an average price of $4.1 per share during the quarter [19] - The company ended the quarter with $880 million in long-term debt and maintained liquidity of approximately $847 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the business performed recently after winter weather? - Management noted that sales were down 6.9% for the quarter, with February being particularly impacted by severe weather, but there has been slight improvement in April [32][34] Question: Are savings from the dealerization starting to flow through the P&L? - The $20 million savings is expected at scale, with $2.4 million delivered this quarter from channel optimization [36][38] Question: When will the remodel initiative be accelerated? - The first pilot stores are expected to be completed by Q3 2025, with potential acceleration in 2026 based on results [40][42] Question: What is driving the fuel margins? - Fuel margins are influenced by market volatility and the need for businesses to adjust prices to remain competitive [48][50] Question: How is the company balancing share buybacks versus bond buybacks? - Management is analyzing capital allocation strategies but did not provide specific details on the cadence of buybacks [82] Question: What characteristics define strategic retail stores for capital allocation? - Strategic stores are identified based on favorable demographics, competitive landscape, and physical plant conditions [72][73] Question: How has the dealerization program performed against expectations? - The stores pushed to the wholesale channel are performing in line with expectations, with significant incremental gallons being realized [74][76]

Core Viewpoint - HighCo experienced a decline in business activity in Q1 2025, with gross profit down 6.4% year-on-year on a like-for-like basis, as anticipated. The company confirmed its guidance for 2025 despite the downturn, highlighting growth in the Activation division in France [1][4][14]. Financial Performance - Gross profit for Q1 2025 was €15.77 million, reflecting a 6.4% decrease like-for-like compared to €16.85 million in Q1 2024 [2][5]. - The reported decline in gross profit was 16.3%, indicating a significant drop in overall business performance [5]. - The operating margin remained above 11%, although the gross profit for 2024 was restated to €61.03 million, with an operating margin of 12.4% [17]. Division Performance - The Activation division in France showed growth of 1.4%, contributing significantly to the overall gross profit, which accounted for 71% of the Group's total [6][7]. - The Mobile division also experienced a 2% increase, excluding the impact of High Connexion [7]. - The Consulting & In-store media selling division faced a sharp decline of 32.2%, primarily due to restructuring within the Casino Group [6][8]. Regional Insights - In France, gross profit fell to €13.58 million, down 6.4% year-on-year, representing 86.1% of the Group's total gross profit [8]. - International business gross profit decreased by 6.3% to €2.19 million, accounting for 13.9% of total gross profit, with Belgium and Spain also reporting declines [9][10]. Strategic Developments - HighCo is in the process of selling its subsidiary High Connexion, with conditions precedent expected to be fulfilled by June 30, 2025 [11][12]. - The company plans to propose an exceptional dividend of €1 per share following the completion of the sale [13]. Future Outlook - HighCo confirmed its guidance for 2025, anticipating a continued decline in Q2 before a potential return to growth in the latter half of the year [4][14].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total sales of €318.8 million for the year, a decrease of 3% compared to the previous year [6] - Gross margin improved to 36.3% in 2024, up from 34.3% in 2023 and 29.7% in 2019, indicating a significant enhancement in profitability [15][16] - The operational loss for the year was €6.3 million, a notable improvement from a loss of €22.5 million in 2019 with higher sales [16][17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Branded sales accounted for €289 million, representing approximately 93% of total sales, an increase from 80% in 2019 [7][9] - Direct-to-operator store sales reached €70.1 million, up 4% from 2023 and 18% from 2019, driven primarily by growth in the U.S. market [11] - The company closed two underperforming Natuzzi Italia stores and one Divani Divani store, reflecting a strategic move to optimize retail locations [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a challenging and volatile market environment, impacting overall sales performance [6][7] - The U.S. market showed resilience with the opening of a new store in Denver, contributing to the growth in direct-to-operator sales [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on transforming from a manufacturer to a brand retailer, emphasizing the importance of retail presence and customer experience [10][24] - A significant restructuring effort was undertaken, including the relocation of production from Shanghai to Qinzhou, aimed at improving cost efficiency [14][21] - The company is committed to organic growth and enhancing profitability through improved sales per store and effective marketing strategies [98] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to navigate current market challenges, highlighting the flexibility of its production capabilities across various regions [61][66] - The management acknowledged the uncertainty in the market due to potential tariff increases but emphasized the company's preparedness to protect margins [62][64] - The focus remains on improving consumer confidence and sales across all geographies, supported by new product launches and marketing initiatives [81][82] Other Important Information - The company has made significant investments in developing new marketing and retail competencies, aiming to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency [24][32] - A strategic divestment of non-core assets is ongoing, with the completion of a transaction involving High Point expected in March 2025 [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: How will increased tariffs impact pricing and margins? - Management indicated that they are proactively protecting margins through discussions with partners and implementing surcharges where necessary to mitigate tariff impacts [62][63] Question: What is the company's strategy for increasing revenue? - The focus is on organic growth, improving sales per store, and leveraging new collections and marketing strategies to drive traffic [98] Question: What tools and systems are in place to support the retail transition? - The company has developed analytical tools to diagnose store performance and improve merchandising strategies, enabling faster decision-making [90] Question: What is the outlook for profitability and potential retail expansion in the U.S.? - Management believes that breakeven can be achieved at lower sales levels than in the past, with a focus on nurturing new stores opened in the U.S. [99][100]