NEW YORK, Sept. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- September 18, 2025 - Wolf Haldenstein Adler Freeman & Herz LLP announces that a federal securities class action lawsuit has been filed against V.F. Corporation (“V.F.” or the “Company”) (NYSE: VFC) in the United States District Court for the District of Colorado. The lawsuit is brought on behalf of all persons and entities that purchased or otherwise acquired V.F. securities between October 30, 2023 and May 20, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). Investors have ...

Core Viewpoint - The approaching 2026 FIFA World Cup and Nike's enhancements in its running portfolio position the company for significant revenue recovery, potentially leading to a cycle of exceeding expectations and raising forecasts [2] Company Summary - Nike is making strategic improvements in its running product offerings, which is expected to contribute positively to its financial performance [2] - The upcoming FIFA World Cup is anticipated to boost Nike's visibility and sales, particularly in the sportswear segment [2] Industry Summary - The sportswear industry is likely to experience a revenue uplift due to major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, benefiting companies like Nike [2] - Enhanced product portfolios in the sportswear sector are crucial for companies to capitalize on upcoming events and consumer trends [2]

Group 1 - The Law Offices of Frank R. Cruz is investigating V.F. Corporation (VFC) for potential violations of federal securities laws [1] - The investigation is initiated on behalf of investors who may have lost money on V.F. Corporation [1] - V.F. Corporation released its fourth quarter and full year fiscal 2025 financial results on May 21, 2025 [1]

Market Outlook - The Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cuts and predictions for additional cuts are central to market discussions, with implications for various sectors [2][3] - Small-cap stocks are expected to outperform larger companies due to the benefits of lower capital costs, which are more impactful for smaller firms [3][4] Industry Trends - The home building industry has been sluggish, and there are concerns about whether lower mortgage rates will stimulate growth in this sector [5] - The market has been in a bull phase for nearly three years, with expectations that lower rates could further fuel this trend [6] Company Insights - Novo Nordisk has shown potential for recovery with the announcement of a successful oral weight loss pill, leading to a 6% stock increase, although it remains significantly below its previous highs [10][11] - Alphabet (Google) has gained momentum, with a 60% increase over the past year and positive developments regarding antitrust investigations, positioning it for further growth [12][15] - Nike is undergoing a turnaround under new leadership, with analysts beginning to upgrade their ratings, drawing parallels to McDonald's past recovery [16][18] - Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO) is viewed as a strong opportunity despite a 20% decline year-to-date, with potential benefits from a recovery in home building and lending [19][20]

Core Insights - The company sponsors six top FIFA teams and is projected to see a revenue boost of $1.3 billion due to increased visibility from the World Cup [1] Company Impact - Sponsorship of six top FIFA teams positions the company to leverage significant marketing opportunities during the World Cup [1] - The anticipated revenue increase of $1.3 billion highlights the financial benefits associated with high-profile sports sponsorships [1] Industry Context - The World Cup serves as a major platform for brands to enhance visibility and drive revenue through strategic sponsorships [1] - Companies involved in sports sponsorships can expect substantial returns on investment during global sporting events like the World Cup [1]

Summary of Superior Group of Companies Conference Call Company Overview - **Company Name**: Superior Group of Companies (NasdaqGM: SGC) - **Date of Conference**: September 18, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Mike Koempel (CFO), Michael Benstock (Chairman and CEO) - **Company History**: Founded over 100 years ago, with a focus on three diversified segments [2][3] Industry Segments 1. **Healthcare Apparel** - Largest provider of healthcare apparel in the U.S., serving over 12 million healthcare professionals [5][6] - Total Addressable Market (TAM) estimated at over $4 billion, with significant growth opportunities [9] - Key brands include Wink and Fashion Seal Healthcare, with a strong omnichannel distribution strategy [8][10] 2. **Branded Products** - This segment is the largest, providing promotional products and logoed uniforms to major U.S. companies [11] - The branded products industry is approximately $26 billion, with SGC ranking among the top 10 largest branded distributors [14] - Notable clients include Taco Bell, Dunkin', Tesla, Walmart, and CVS, focusing on high-quality merchandise rather than low-value items [12][13] 3. **Contact Centers (The Office Gurus)** - Operates nearshore contact centers in El Salvador, Belize, the Dominican Republic, and Florida [19][20] - Fastest growing segment with a cumulative adjusted growth of 22% through 2024 and an EBITDA margin of 12.6% [22] - Market share is minimal, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses, with a total market exceeding $100 billion in the U.S. [22] Financial Highlights - **Revenue**: Consolidated revenues were $566 million, with a CAGR of 8% since 2019 [4] - **2025 Guidance**: Projected sales range of $550 to $575 million, indicating continued growth across all segments [24] - **Balance Sheet**: Net leverage ratio improved to about 1.7 times EBITDA, with a target range of 2 to 2.5 times [37][38] - **Dividends**: Uninterrupted dividend payments since 1977, with a yield of 4% to 5% [41][42] Strategic Initiatives - **Cost-Savings Plan**: Announced a $13 million reduction in annualized budgeted expenses, with expected benefits to be fully realized by 2026 [45][46] - **AI Integration**: Implementing AI across contact center services to enhance efficiency and customer loyalty, with 35 customers already utilizing the AI stack [34][35] - **Share Repurchase Program**: Initiated in August 2024, with $15 million of stock repurchased, balancing investments and share buybacks [38] Market Dynamics - **Customer Sentiment**: Improvement noted in the second quarter of 2025, with a 14% increase in branded products sales compared to the first quarter [42] - **Tariff Impact**: Initial concerns over tariffs have subsided, leading to increased willingness among customers to proceed with purchasing decisions [42][43] - **Sales Team Expansion**: Plans to expand and upskill sales teams across all business segments in 2026 [47][48] Conclusion - Superior Group of Companies is positioned for growth across its diversified segments, with a strong focus on customer retention, strategic investments, and leveraging technology to enhance operational efficiency. The company maintains a solid financial foundation and is committed to returning value to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.

Core Viewpoint - Puma shares experienced volatility, dipping nearly 3% after a significant 17% surge due to acquisition speculation involving Authentic Brands Group and CVC [1][5]. Group 1: Acquisition Interest - Authentic Brands Group and private equity firm CVC are reportedly interested in acquiring a 29% stake in Puma held by the Pinault family, potentially leading to a bidding war [2]. - Deutsche Bank analysts consider Authentic Brands a credible acquirer for Puma, noting its portfolio of over 50 brands, including Reebok and Champion [4]. - Previous dealings between Authentic Brands and Puma include the acquisition of Swedish footwear brand Tretorn in 2015 [3]. Group 2: Financial Performance and Outlook - Puma is facing challenges, with expected losses for 2025 and 2026, and a new strategic direction to be announced with Q3 results at the end of October [5]. - The company reported a 2% decline in Q2 2025 sales, amounting to 1.94 billion euros, and has significantly lowered its sales guidance for the year, now anticipating a low-double-digit percentage drop [6][7]. - Following a management change, with Arthur Hoeld replacing Arne Freundt as CEO, the company aims to implement a turnaround strategy [8].

Upgrades Summary - RBC Capital upgraded Nike (NKE) to Outperform from Sector Perform with a price target of $90, increased from $76, citing a "steeper revenue recovery" than market estimates due to new product contributions and World Cup sales [2] - Needham upgraded Amicus (FOLD) to Buy from Hold with a price target of $14, indicating reduced regulatory risk for Amicus' DMX-200 following FDA's decision regarding Travere's Filspari [2] - Goldman Sachs upgraded Stepstone Group (STEP) to Buy from Neutral with a price target of $83, up from $64, expecting a 25% CAGR in management fees from 2024-28 driven by growth in Private Wealth and record levels of shadow AUM [2] - RBC Capital upgraded CSX (CSX) to Outperform from Sector Perform with a price target of $39, increased from $37, viewing CSX shares as well positioned for consolidation scenarios in the railroad sector [2] - Scotiabank upgraded Vale (VALE) to Outperform from Sector Perform with a price target of $14, up from $12.50, anticipating benefits from the upcoming "decarbonization wave" [2]

Core Insights - The Textile Exchange's annual report indicates record-breaking material production in 2024, reaching approximately 132 million tonnes across all markets, which translates to four tonnes of fibre produced every second, contributing to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions [1] - Greenhouse gas emissions associated with raw material production in the fashion, home textiles, and footwear sectors have risen by 20% over the past five years, highlighting a concerning trend despite some companies reporting sustainability progress [2] - A record number of 423 brands and retailers are actively replacing conventional materials with certified sources, indicating a shift towards more sustainable practices within the industry [3] Industry Trends - The report emphasizes the critical moment for the industry, nearly 10 years post-Paris Agreement, as greenhouse gas emissions from raw material and fibre production continue to rise significantly, necessitating urgent action [4] - Companies are increasingly reporting their sustainability progress and investing in sourcing fibres from recognized standards and certification programs, which is essential for tracking industry progress and providing credible verification [4][5] - Approximately 34% of global cotton production now comes from certified sources, two-thirds of manmade cellulosic fibres are produced using certified or controlled feedstock, and half of all mohair is certified to Textile Exchange's Responsible Mohair Standard, showcasing advancements in sustainable sourcing [5]

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