Core Insights - The holiday sales season for 2025-26 in the U.S. is crucial, with Thanksgiving and Black Friday being key days for consumer spending [2] - Despite a challenging economic environment, holiday sales are expected to grow, albeit at a muted rate, leading to recommendations for five apparel and shoe stocks with strong short-term upside potential [3][10] Industry Overview - Consumer spending is the largest component of U.S. GDP, and the holiday season represents the peak period for this spending [3] - The apparel and footwear industry is facing challenges as consumers shift towards value-driven purchases, impacting demand [6] - The Zacks Retail – Apparel and Shoes industry ranks in the top 26% of Zacks Industry Rank, indicating potential for outperformance in the next three to six months [7] Company Highlights Crocs Inc. (CROX) - Crocs has a Zacks Rank of 1 and is experiencing significant growth in brand awareness through collaborations and product innovations [11] - The company is refreshing its product lines and has an expected revenue growth rate of 0.4% and earnings growth rate of 3.9% for the next year [14] - The short-term average price target for CROX indicates an 11.2% increase from its last closing price of $83.07 [14] On Holding AG (ONON) - On Holding also holds a Zacks Rank of 1, focusing on ultralight footwear and sports apparel [15] - The expected revenue growth rate is 21.2% and earnings growth rate is 79.8% for the next year [16] - The short-term average price target suggests a 45.3% increase from the last closing price of $41.78 [16] Ralph Lauren Corp. (RL) - Ralph Lauren has a Zacks Rank of 2 and has outperformed the industry due to its strategic "Next Great Chapter: Accelerate Plan" [17] - The company is investing in digital transformation, with expected revenue growth of 9.5% and earnings growth of 25% for the current year [20] - The short-term average price target indicates a 3.3% increase from the last closing price of $364.50 [20] Kontoor Brands Inc. (KTB) - Kontoor Brands, with a Zacks Rank of 2, operates lifestyle apparel brands like Wrangler and Lee [22] - The expected revenue growth rate is 11.3% and earnings growth rate is 5.3% for the next year [23] - The short-term average price target suggests a 31% increase from the last closing price of $73.69 [23] Boot Barn Holdings Inc. (BOOT) - Boot Barn Holdings has a Zacks Rank of 2 and focuses on western and work-related footwear and apparel [24] - The expected revenue growth rate is 16.2% and earnings growth rate is 20.5% for the current year [25] - The short-term average price target indicates a 15% increase from the last closing price of $195.76 [25]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q1 net sales were $60.4 million, exceeding expectations despite a challenging consumer backdrop, reflecting a decline from $69.3 million in the prior year [4][31] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was a loss of $800,000, compared to breakeven guidance, indicating a significant decline in profitability [36][40] - Gross margin for Q1 was 34.4%, down from 35.9% in the prior year, impacted by lower volumes and unfavorable product mix [34][35] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adventure segment revenue was $16.1 million, down 28% year-over-year, primarily due to significant declines from three specific accounts [32][29] - Outdoor segment revenue was $44.3 million, down 6% year-over-year, driven by product simplification and a planned decline in ski business [15][32] - The company sold $2.7 million of discontinued merchandise in the Outdoor segment, which contributed to the revenue but negatively impacted gross margin by 80-90 basis points [70][73] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America wholesale sales in the Outdoor segment were down 7.3%, with a 38% decline in the ski category [16] - Europe digital D2C sales were up 10.7%, indicating some regional strength despite overall declines [17] - International distributor markets saw a 21.4% decline due to optimal timing shifts in deliveries [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing its strategic roadmap for profitable growth, emphasizing product simplification and SKU rationalization [4][5] - A new leadership appointment in the Adventure segment aims to drive critical progress and revamp the organizational structure [8][9] - The company is actively working to reduce its exposure to China sourced products, with plans to complete the transition by the end of 2026 [22][41] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management has withdrawn full-year guidance due to economic uncertainty and the impact of U.S. trade policies on consumer demand [11][40] - The company is taking decisive actions to maintain competitive positioning and financial strength, supported by a balance sheet with zero third-party bank debt [11][39] - Management remains confident in the strategic direction and is proactively working to mitigate the impact of trade policies on financial performance [40][41] Other Important Information - The company announced the divestiture of its PEEP Snow Safety brand for EUR 7.8 million, aligning with its strategy to simplify the business [39] - Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 were $41.3 million, down from $45.4 million at the end of the previous year [38] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any cancellations in products brought into the U.S. due to tariff impacts? - Management confirmed there have been no cancellations and emphasized efforts to maintain supply while managing margin impacts [47][49] Question: Can you size the headwinds to gross margin in each segment? - Management indicated that the unfavorable margin mix was primarily due to higher levels of discontinued merchandise, impacting gross margins significantly [55][58] Question: What is the annualized contribution of the PEEP business to revenue and EBITDA? - The PEEP business historically contributes about $5 million in revenue annually, with EBITDA around breakeven [62] Question: What is the strategy around Black Diamond stores? - The company aims to maintain a limited number of stores as brand expression and learning labs, with a focus on community partnerships [77][78]

Group 1 - The company reported first quarter 2025 revenue of EUR 778.3 million, reflecting a 3.3% organic revenue decline compared to the same period last year [1] - EBITA for the first quarter was EUR 105.7 million, resulting in a 13.6% EBITA margin [1] - The company is focusing on cost reduction and inventory optimization initiatives in a challenging market environment [2] Group 2 - The company has not experienced a material direct impact from tariffs due to its local footprint, supply chain, and pricing excellence, but is monitoring potential indirect impacts [2] - The current tariff and trade policies have introduced new challenges and uncertainties in the market, making it premature to assess their effects on end markets [2] - The company continues to implement its 'thrive 2030' strategic actions aimed at driving organic growth, optimizing its portfolio, enhancing operational practices, and delivering sustainable commitments [3] Group 3 - The CEO expressed satisfaction with early signs of improved performance in the building segment, while acknowledging low activity levels in the industry segment [4] - Actions are being taken to sustain margins in the industry segment, and the company is focusing on protecting its EBITA margin and optimizing free cash flow in the semiconductor segment [4]