Core Insights - The largest Valet Parking Driver (VPD) commercial scenario in China has been launched in Wuhan, developed by Huawei QianKun in collaboration with Wushang Group [1] Company Summary - The VPD scenario features advanced functionalities such as ultra-narrow parking space management and diagonal parking space recognition [1] - It currently supports models equipped with Huawei QianKun intelligent driving systems, including Lantu Dreamer, Lantu FREE+, and Dongfeng Mengshi [1] Industry Summary - The VPD commercial scenario covers over 8,000 parking spaces, marking it as the largest of its kind in the country [1]

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Macy's (M) . Shares have lost about 6.9% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent negative trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Macy's due for a breakout? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at the most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?It turns out, fresh esti ...

Core Insights - Target Corporation is maintaining its 2024 prices on key back-to-school items, including a popular list of 20 essential supplies totaling less than $20 and a $5 backpack, emphasizing value, style, and convenience [1][3] - The retailer is reintroducing its student and teacher discounts, along with the Target Circle Week event from July 6-12, providing additional savings on school supplies and electronics [1][5] Pricing Strategy - Target is offering over 1,000 back-to-school items priced at $5 and under, with school supplies starting as low as $0.25, and backpacks available for $5 [4] - The retailer's dealworthy brand is expanding its lineup, featuring notebooks starting at $0.35 and composition books at $0.50 [4] Promotions and Discounts - Verified college students can access a one-time 20% off storewide discount starting June 29, while verified teachers can enjoy a similar discount from July 20 to August 30 [8] - Target Circle members can save an extra 5% daily and benefit from exclusive deals and early access during the back-to-school season [6][8] Product Assortment - Target is introducing new brands and expanded assortments, including a Champion collection for activewear and a Herschel x LEGO collection for backpacks, with most items priced under $40 [8] - The retailer is also offering trendy lighting, bedding starting at $10, and storage solutions from $5, catering to various back-to-school needs [4][8] Shopping Experience - Target provides convenient shopping options, including Drive Up and Order Pickup, enhancing the overall customer experience during the back-to-school season [6] - The School List Assist feature in the Target app simplifies supply shopping, allowing consumers to find class lists and check out items easily [8]

Group 1: Kohl's Corporation - Kohl's continues to experience revenue declines in apparel, footwear, and legacy homes despite sales gains from in-store initiatives like Sephora and Home Décor [2] - Structural risks to Kohl's store footprint are significant, with adjusted debt/EBITDAR ending 2023 at 3.6x, above the company's target of ~2.5x, and projected leverage may exceed 4x through 2024–26 [3] - Analyst forecasts fiscal year 2025 EPS at 56 cents and fiscal year 2026 EPS at 53 cents, both above Street estimates, while maintaining an Underweight rating with a price forecast of $8 [4] Group 2: Vail Resorts, Inc. - Vail Resorts may be nearing a turning point in revenue and earnings, aided by the return of former CEO Katz and unique growth drivers [5] - Key advantages include a premium resort portfolio, upfront revenue from the Epic Pass strategy, and a resilient customer base of high-income, frequent skiers [5] - Projected fiscal year 2025 adjusted EBITDA is $866 million and fiscal year 2026 at $908 million, both slightly above Street estimates, with a Neutral rating and price forecast of $167 [6] Group 3: Foot Locker, Inc. - Foot Locker faces challenges from inconsistent same-store sales, increased promotions, and brand allocation changes, particularly with Nike [7] - Dick's Sporting Goods aims to revamp Foot Locker through a $2.4 billion acquisition to create a larger global retail sports platform and enhance omni-channel capabilities [7] - Analyst models fiscal year 2025 EPS for Foot Locker at $1.10, ahead of the Street's $1.00, with a projected rise to $1.65 for fiscal year 2026, maintaining a Neutral rating and price forecast of $24 [8]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses two heavily shorted stocks, Wolfspeed and Kohl's, highlighting the intense pessimism surrounding their financial health and the potential for short squeezes if either company shows signs of recovery [1][2]. Group 1: Wolfspeed - Wolfspeed is a chip company with over 45% of its floated shares sold short, marking the highest level in its history as of May 15 [2][3]. - The company is reportedly preparing to file for bankruptcy and has rejected proposals from creditors to restructure its $6.5 billion in debt, leading to a 59% drop in its stock price on May 21 [3][4]. - The company's future hinges on receiving $750 million in CHIPS Act funding, which is currently uncertain due to potential changes under the Trump administration [4][5]. - Analysts believe Wolfspeed could still receive tax credits despite the uncertainty around the CHIPS Act, and the company plans to apply for $600 million in tax credit refunds after June 30 [7]. - The high short interest makes Wolfspeed a candidate for a short squeeze, but analysts have suspended coverage due to the likelihood of financial restructuring [8]. Group 2: Kohl's - Kohl's has a short interest of just under 54% of its floated shares as of May 15, the highest level ever, reflecting concerns over its financial performance [9][10]. - The company has not posted positive year-over-year sales growth since Q4 2021, and its recent CEO was ousted due to misconduct, indicating significant internal issues [11]. - Despite the challenges, some analysts have raised their price targets for Kohl's, with Baird and Telsey Advisory Group setting targets of $9, suggesting a potential 10% increase from recent prices [12]. - However, bearish analysts at Barclays and Goldman Sachs have set lower price targets, indicating a divided outlook on the stock's future [13].

Core Insights - Kohl's Corporation reported a first-quarter fiscal 2025 loss per share of 13 cents, which was better than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of 22 cents and improved from a loss of 24 cents in the prior year [1] - Total revenues for the quarter were $3,233 million, down from $3,382 million in the same quarter last year, but exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,176 million [1] - Comparable sales declined by 3.9% year over year, which was better than the expected decrease of 6% [1] Financial Performance - Gross margin increased by 37 basis points to 39.9%, surpassing the expected increase of 10 basis points [2] - SG&A expenses decreased by 5.2% to $1,164 million, and as a percentage of total revenues, they fell by 32 basis points to 36% [2] - Operating income rose to $60 million from $43 million in the previous year, with an operating income margin expansion of 58 basis points to 1.9% [2] Financial Health - At the end of the quarter, Kohl's had cash and cash equivalents of $153 million and shareholders' equity of $3,779 million [3] - The company reported net cash used in operating activities of $92 million for the three months ending May 3, 2025 [3] - Kohl's expects capital expenditures to be between $400 million and $425 million for fiscal 2025 [3] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2025, Kohl's anticipates a net sales decline of 5-7% and comparable sales to decrease by 4-6% [4] - The expected operating margin for the year is projected to range from 2.2% to 2.6% [4] - Full-year earnings per share are forecasted to be between 10 cents and 60 cents [4]

Core Insights - The redevelopment plans for the Annapolis Mall, including the conversion of JCPenney and the opening of a charter school, have faced significant delays and challenges [1][7][13]. Group 1: JCPenney Developments - JCPenney has delayed its closure and is now negotiating a long-term lease at the Annapolis Mall, extending its operation through at least August 31 [3][10]. - The original plan to close JCPenney by May 16 has been halted, and the retailer is optimistic about reaching an agreement with the landlord [11][12]. - The mall's redevelopment proposal included converting JCPenney into multiple storefronts and a gym, but this plan is now on hold [8][9]. Group 2: Charter School Cancellation - The New Village Academy charter school has canceled its planned opening due to increased construction costs and federal funding cuts, which had already been delayed from an initial launch in August 2024 [7][13]. - A $5.8 million construction loan was required for the school, but construction costs rose by $900,000 due to tariffs and economic instability [14][15]. Group 3: Mall Ownership and Future Plans - The Annapolis Mall is under new ownership by Dallas-based Centennial, which is focusing on experiential businesses and luxury retailers [6]. - There are considerations for building housing outside the mall as part of its redevelopment strategy [6].

Core Insights - Kohl's reported revenue of $3.23 billion for the quarter ended April 2025, a year-over-year decline of 4.4% [1] - The EPS for the same period was -$0.13, an improvement from -$0.24 a year ago, with a surprise of +40.91% compared to the consensus estimate of -$0.22 [1] Financial Performance - The reported revenue exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.2 billion, resulting in a surprise of +0.88% [1] - Comparable store sales showed a year-over-year decline of -3.9%, contrasting with the average estimate of 0% based on five analysts [4] - Net sales were reported at $3.05 billion, surpassing the average estimate of $2.99 billion, but still reflecting a year-over-year change of -4.1% [4] - Other revenue was reported at $184 million, slightly above the average estimate of $179.90 million, representing a year-over-year decline of -9.8% [4] Market Performance - Kohl's shares have returned +20.9% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +6.7% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), indicating potential performance in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 4.1% and comparable sales decreased by 3.9% in the quarter, attributed to the closure of 24 stores [26][27] - Gross margin increased to 39.9%, up 37 basis points year-over-year, driven by category mix benefits and inventory management [30] - SG&A expenses decreased by 5.2% to $1.2 billion, leveraging approximately 32 basis points compared to last year [30] - The company reported a net loss of $15 million, with earnings per diluted share of negative $0.13, a 46% improvement from the previous year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jewelry sales increased by 10% in Q1, primarily driven by Kohl's card customers, following the reintroduction of jewelry into stores [15][16] - Women's apparel is being rebalanced to improve performance, focusing on essentials and proprietary brands [17][19] - Sephora's net sales were up 6% and comparable sales increased by 1% in Q1, contributing to a nearly $2 billion beauty business [18] - The impulse queue line rollout is expected to enhance sales, with plans to expand to nearly all stores by Q3 [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The digital business saw a sales decline of 7.7% in the quarter, underperforming compared to store sales, which declined by 2.6% [27][28] - The middle and low-income customers are under pressure, prioritizing value and trading down to lower-priced products [28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key areas: offering a curated assortment, reestablishing value and quality, and enhancing the omnichannel shopping experience [12][19][23] - Plans for 2025 include improving product assortment clarity and investing in proprietary brands to better serve customer needs [13][19] - The company aims to enhance promotions by including more brands in coupon eligibility, responding positively to customer feedback [21][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the ongoing transformation and the need to align the business with customer needs, particularly focusing on value [40][41] - The company is navigating a fluid environment with uncertainties, particularly affecting middle-income customers [43][44] - Despite challenges, management remains optimistic about achieving financial guidance for the year, with expectations of comparable sales down 4% to 6% [36] Other Important Information - The company completed a private offering of $360 million in senior secured notes, expected to close on May 30, to refinance upcoming debt maturities [34][35] - Inventory strategies are being implemented to manage tariff pressures, with expectations of inventory down high single digits by year-end [32][36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any adjustments to strategic priorities and what will it take to return to comp growth? - Management does not foresee major changes to the strategy and emphasizes understanding customer needs to restore growth [39][40] Question: Insights on quarter-to-date trends and tariff impacts? - Management holds the full-year guidance due to uncertainties and notes consistent performance with some weather-related impacts [42][44][46] Question: Breakdown of gross margin increase and private label performance? - The increase in gross margin is attributed to a favorable category mix and improved inventory management, with proprietary brands expected to enhance margins [50][52] Question: Assessment of store footprint and potential closures? - The company has a healthy store base and will continue to evaluate store performance, with closures being part of regular hygiene [60][62] Question: Update on Sephora collaboration and operating environment? - Sephora is now present in all stores, and while comp growth has moderated, the company is pleased with market share gains in beauty [73][75] Question: E-commerce performance and profitability outlook? - Digital sales declined but are expected to improve as core customers return, with profitability being lower than stores due to shipping costs [80][84]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 4.1% and comparable sales decreased by 3.9% in Q1 2026, attributed to the closure of 24 stores [24][25] - Gross margin increased to 39.9%, up 37 basis points year-over-year, driven by category mix benefits and inventory management [27] - SG&A expenses decreased by 5.2% to $1.2 billion, leveraging approximately 32 basis points compared to last year [27] - The company reported a net loss of $15 million, with earnings per diluted share of negative $0.13, a 46% improvement from the previous year [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Jewelry sales increased by 10% in Q1, primarily driven by Kohl's card customers, following the reintroduction of jewelry and the rollout of 200 fine jewelry shops [14][15] - Women's apparel underperformed, prompting a focus on delivering more depth in essentials and improving assortment clarity [15] - The Sephora business saw net sales up 6% and comparable sales up 1% in Q1, contributing to a nearly $2 billion beauty business [16] - The petites business performed well, up in the high teens, driven by new brand introductions [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales declined by 7.7% in Q1, with the digital business over-penetrating in the home category, which underperformed [25][26] - The store channel outperformed with a comparable sales decline of 2.6% [25] - The company continues to see strong sales from new and non-Kohl's card customers, while Kohl's card customer performance lags [26] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key areas: offering a curated assortment, reestablishing itself as a leader in value and quality, and enhancing the omnichannel shopping experience [12][17][21] - Plans include the rollout of 105 Sephora small format shops and the expansion of impulse queue lines to nearly all stores by Q3 [16][21] - The company aims to improve proprietary brand penetration, which is currently at an all-time low of around 30% [50] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges faced by middle-income customers and emphasizes the need to focus on value to restore customer confidence [36][61] - The company is navigating a fluid environment with uncertainties, particularly regarding tariffs, but remains committed to achieving its financial guidance for the year [40][32] - Management expressed optimism about the initial results from recent strategic changes and expects to continue momentum throughout the year [23] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $153 million in cash and cash equivalents and expects inventory to be down by high single digits by year-end [28] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $110 million, with expectations to spend $400 million to $425 million for the year [28] - The company completed a private offering of $360 million in senior secured notes to refinance upcoming debt maturities [29][30] Q&A Session Summary Question: Any adjustments to strategic priorities and what will it take to return to comp growth? - Management indicated no major changes to the strategy and emphasized the need to align the business with customer needs, particularly focusing on value [35][36] Question: Insights on quarter-to-date trends and tariff impacts? - Management noted consistent performance with improvements in regular price selling, while holding guidance due to uncertainties in the environment [38][40] Question: Breakdown of gross margin increase and private label performance? - The increase in gross margin was attributed to a mix benefit and improved inventory management, with proprietary brands expected to enhance margins [47][48] Question: Assessment of store footprint and potential closures? - Management stated that the store base is healthy, with ongoing evaluations for potential closures and relocations based on lease expirations [56][58] Question: Update on Sephora collaboration and operating environment? - The rollout of Sephora is complete in all stores, with positive performance noted in fragrance and hair care categories [68][70] Question: E-commerce performance and profitability outlook? - Digital sales are expected to improve progressively, with profitability impacted by shipping costs, but overall management is pleased with expense management [76][78] Question: Margin pressure from tariffs and guidance assumptions? - Management believes they can mitigate most tariff pressures and has factored this into their guidance for the year [80][82]