Core Insights - Allbirds has launched its first fully waterproof shoes, emphasizing comfort, style, and performance without the use of harmful PFAS chemicals [1][2][5] Product Features - The waterproof shoes are made from Merino wool and treated with a PFAS-free C-Zero DWR, allowing water to bead and roll off [3] - A breathable waterproof membrane is integrated to prevent water from reaching the feet, complemented by recycled polyester for durability in high-impact areas [3] - The midsole features Allbirds' SweetFoam made from sugarcane, providing cushioning, while the dual-density Featherbed™ insole enhances comfort [4] Product Range and Pricing - The new collection includes three styles: Wool Runner NZ Waterproof ($150), Wool Runner NZ Mid Waterproof ($160), and Wool Cruiser Waterproof ($140) [5] - The waterproof collection expands Allbirds' offerings, which already include water-resistant options [5] Company Background - Allbirds, founded in 2015, focuses on creating sustainable footwear using natural materials like Merino wool and sugarcane [6]

(Reuters) -Swiss sneaker brand On Holding said on Tuesday its chief operating officer, Sam Wenger, is stepping down at the end of the year after eight years in the role. Scott Maguire, currently chief innovation officer, will assume the expanded role of chief innovation and operations officer starting January 1, 2026, the Roger Federer-backed company said in a statement. Wenger will remain with the company until the end of the first quarter of 2026, it added. Maguire, who joined On in 2025, had previous ...

Core Insights - Genesco Inc. has established the Journeys Global Retail Group to enhance consumer focus and drive growth by uniting its brands Journeys, schuh, and Little Burgundy [1][2][4] Group Structure and Leadership - Andy Gray has been promoted to Chief Executive Officer of the Journeys Global Retail Group, while Chris Santaella has been appointed as Global Chief Merchandising Officer [3][5] - Leadership from schuh and Little Burgundy will continue in their roles under the new organization [3] Market Positioning and Strategy - The new organization aims to position Genesco as a leading style-led, youth footwear retail group with a strong emphasis on the female consumer [2][4] - The unified leadership is expected to maximize opportunities, strengthen market positioning, and enhance collaboration with brand partners [4] Brand Focus - Journeys, schuh, and Little Burgundy are identified as key retailers targeting young, style-conscious females in their respective markets [4]

Labor Market Insights - The upcoming employment report is expected to provide clarity on the labor market, particularly regarding unemployment concerns that influenced the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate cut [3][4]. - The economy added 22,000 jobs in August, indicating a weaker performance compared to previous months, with a slight increase in unemployment [3][4]. Key Economic Data and Earnings Reports - A variety of labor market data will be released this week, including consumer confidence, home prices, factory orders, and construction spending [2]. - Earnings reports from major companies such as Nike, Carnival, and ConAgra Brands are anticipated, with Nike's report particularly focused on its turnaround efforts [5][6]. Company-Specific Developments - Nike is expected to reveal the effectiveness of its turnaround strategy in its quarterly earnings report, following smaller-than-expected declines in profits and sales [5]. - Tesla's upcoming delivery figures may surprise analysts positively, as there is an expectation of increased consumer activity due to expiring EV tax credits [5]. - Carnival's earnings report will be scrutinized to assess its ability to maintain recent success, while ConAgra Brands is expected to report on its sales performance after a previous decline [6].

Core Insights - Crocs has appointed actress Sydney Sweeney as the new face of its Austin Lift shoes from the HEYDUDE collection, leveraging her popularity to enhance brand visibility [2] - A new advertising campaign featuring Sweeney has positively impacted Crocs' share prices [2] Company Strategy - The collaboration with a high-profile celebrity like Sydney Sweeney is part of Crocs' strategy to attract a younger demographic and boost sales [2] - The focus on the HEYDUDE collection indicates Crocs' intent to diversify its product offerings and appeal to a broader audience [2] Market Impact - The introduction of the ad campaign has resulted in a noticeable increase in investor interest, reflected in the rise of Crocs' stock value [2]

Core Insights - Crocs, Inc. (CROX) has evolved from a niche footwear brand to a global lifestyle company with strong brand equity and a growing portfolio, including HEYDUDE, yet trades at attractive valuation multiples relative to its intrinsic value [1][10] Valuation Metrics - The intrinsic value to price ratio (IV/P) for CROX is 1.50, indicating that its intrinsic value is estimated to be 1.5 times its current market price, providing a margin of safety and potential upside for investors [2][9] - The market capitalization of Crocs is approximately $4.4 billion, with an enterprise value of about $5.9 billion [9] Financial Performance - Crocs generates substantial free cash flow, approximately $769 million, with a free cash flow yield of around 17.4%, reflecting strong operating efficiency and capital allocation discipline [3][9] - The company reported revenue of approximately $4.14 billion and gross profit of about $2.46 billion, with an operating income of roughly $979 million [9] Profitability - Operating profitability remains robust, supported by high gross margins and strong brand pricing power, with an operating margin of approximately 24% and a net margin of about 5.7% [5][9] Balance Sheet Strength - Crocs carries moderate leverage due to its HEYDUDE acquisition but is actively de-leveraging through strong cash generation, with total liabilities around $2.98 billion and total debt of approximately $1.70 billion [6][9] Capital Returns - The management is prioritizing aggressive share repurchases, amounting to about $578 million, signaling confidence in long-term growth and the undervaluation of shares [7][9] Investment Thesis - Crocs presents a compelling deep value opportunity in the consumer discretionary sector, characterized by strong cash generation, brand durability, and shareholder-friendly capital allocation at a discount [10][13]

Core Insights - Birkenstock anticipates fourth quarter revenues of at least 520 million euros, reflecting a growth of at least 14% on a reported basis and 18% in constant currency [1] - The company expects full year revenue to reach at least 2.09 billion euros, with a reported growth of 15.9% and 17.5% in constant currency, exceeding previous guidance by 15% to 17% [2] - Birkenstock reaffirmed its adjusted EBITDA target for fiscal year 2025 to be between 31.3% and 31.8%, despite challenges from foreign exchange rates [2] Acquisition and Expansion - Birkenstock has acquired a new production facility near Dresden, Germany for a net purchase price of 18 million euros, with the acquisition expected to close in the fiscal first quarter [3] - The facility encompasses approximately 840,000 square feet of production and logistics space, along with 860,000 square feet of undeveloped land [4] - The acquisition opportunity arose due to the bankruptcy of the current owner, allowing Birkenstock to secure the property at an attractive price of 240 euros per square meter [5] Capacity and Growth Strategy - The new facility will enhance Birkenstock's manufacturing capacity, particularly for sandals, clogs, and footbeds, and is expected to be operational by the end of fiscal 2027 [5][6] - The incremental capacity will support the company's revenue growth ambitions and provide flexibility across product groups [6] - Analysts express optimism regarding Birkenstock's growth potential, with plans to expand into 5,000 additional retail doors across EMEA and the Americas [6][7]

Core Viewpoint - Birkenstock Holding plc has reaffirmed its outlook and projected stronger-than-expected revenue for fiscal 2025, despite missing revenue forecasts in the third quarter [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company expects to generate at least 2.09 billion euros (~$2.25 billion) in fiscal 2025 revenue, exceeding its previous guidance [3]. - For the fourth quarter, Birkenstock projects sales of at least 520 million euros, reflecting a 14% increase on a reported basis and an 18% increase in constant currency [4]. - The adjusted EBITDA margin forecast remains stable at 31.3% to 31.8% [4]. Strategic Developments - Birkenstock has signed an agreement to acquire a production and logistics facility near Dresden for 18 million euros, which spans 78,000 square meters of developed space and an additional 80,000 square meters of land [5]. - The acquisition is part of the company's strategy to expand production capacity across Europe and is expected to be operational by fiscal 2027 [5][6]. Market Reaction - Following the positive guidance, Birkenstock shares traded higher, increasing by 4.76% to $47.50 in premarket trading [6].

Core Insights - Wolverine, America's leading work boot brand, is launching a limited-edition boot in collaboration with the University of Michigan, celebrating skill and grit in both trades and sports [1][2] - The new Wolverine x Valiant University of Michigan Maker Wedge Boot is priced at $169.95 and is designed for both work and leisure, appealing to Wolverine fans [3] Company Overview - Wolverine is dedicated to honoring the spirit of the American worker and aims to build the next generation of skilled tradespeople, contributing over $2 million to support skilled trades through Project Bootstrap [3] - The company emphasizes craftsmanship and quality in its products, catering to the needs of the blue-collar workforce [6]

German sandal maker Birkenstock on Thursday raised its expectations for fiscal year 2025 revenue, driven by demand for its clogs and shoes from affluent shoppers despite price hikes. ...