Investment Rating - The report does not provide a specific investment rating for the industry Core Insights - The report highlights the influence of nostalgic tennis shoes and 80s sports styles, emphasizing retro designs with modern elements [2][3] - Outdoor lifestyle trends are shaping the sneaker market, with a focus on practicality and lightweight designs [7][10] - The demand for easy-to-wear athletic shoes is increasing, prioritizing structures that allow for quick wear and removal [11] - The popularity of lightweight retro sneakers is on the rise, reflecting consumer interest in less bulky designs [16] - Vintage sports shoes are dominating the market, with styles like Samba and Gazelle maintaining strong popularity [20] - Jelly sneakers are characterized by bright colors and playful designs, appealing to a sense of nostalgia [25] - All-weather running shoes are gaining traction, with durable materials enhancing performance for outdoor training [30] - Retro running shoes are significantly impacting social media and retail, with brands like New Balance leading the trend [33] - Hybrid style shoes that combine traditional lacing with sporty elements are meeting consumer demands for comfort and versatility [37] Summary by Sections - **Nostalgic Tennis Shoes**: Focus on retro designs inspired by 80s styles, integrating modern elements like oversized tongues and low-top designs [2][3] - **Outdoor Lifestyle Influence**: Emphasis on practical, lightweight sneakers with features like slip-on designs and durable materials [7][10] - **Easy-to-Wear Athletic Shoes**: Growing importance of structures that facilitate easy wear, including alternative closure methods [11] - **Lightweight Retro Sneakers**: Increasing consumer interest in lightweight designs, moving away from bulky styles [16] - **Vintage Sports Shoes**: Continued dominance of retro styles, particularly Samba and Gazelle, in the market [20] - **Jelly Sneakers**: Bright colors and playful textures define this category, appealing to nostalgic sentiments [25] - **All-Weather Running Shoes**: Rising popularity due to durable materials and enhanced outdoor performance [30] - **Retro Running Shoes**: Significant influence on social media and retail, with New Balance as a key player [33] - **Hybrid Style Shoes**: Merging traditional and sporty elements to meet comfort and style demands [37]

With the market pulling back, it's time to go bargain-hunting and find some cheap stocks. It's a good reminder that markets will go up and down, but stocks tend to outperform over the long run.Let's look at three cheap stocks investors can start to dip their toes in and buy now with a small investment. I own all three.AlibabaWhile Alibaba (BABA -1.35%) hasn't been suffering in this market sell-off, the Chinese e-commerce and cloud computing giant is still one of the cheapest stocks around. The stock trades ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net revenue for Q4 2024 totaled $56 million, aligning with guidance [32] - Gross margin was reported at 31.3%, influenced by inventory adjustments and a higher mix of international distributor sales [33][34] - SG&A expenses for Q4 were $24 million, down 24% year-over-year, reflecting lower occupancy and personnel costs [35] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 was a loss of $19 million, approximately flat compared to the previous year [38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reduced its US store footprint, closing 15 locations in 2024, with an additional five closures post-quarter [10][36] - Marketing expenses in Q4 totaled $12 million, down 17% year-over-year, as the company held back on top-of-funnel spending [37] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The full-year impact of international distributor transitions and retail store closures was over $22 million [32] - For 2025, net revenue is expected to be between $175 million and $195 million, with a projected growth of approximately 10% at the midpoint, excluding structural impacts [42][74] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on rebuilding for future growth and profitability, with a strategic transformation plan in place [8][30] - A new product lineup is set to launch in fall 2025, including an updated Runner and a fully waterproof collection [17][18] - The marketing strategy includes a new brand campaign featuring Stanley Tucci, aimed at engaging consumers through storytelling [19][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging macro backdrop affecting consumer behavior, but expressed confidence in the company's strategic initiatives [28][56] - The company anticipates a return to top-line growth in Q4 2025 as product and marketing initiatives take effect [29][48] Other Important Information - The company ended 2024 with cash and cash equivalents of $67 million and no outstanding borrowings [39] - Inventory levels were reported at $44 million, down 24% year-over-year, positioning the company well for 2025 [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Factors contributing to confidence in return to growth in Q4 - Management highlighted the accumulation of efforts in rebuilding the business framework and enhancing the product engine [52][54] Question: Insights on the macroeconomic environment - Management noted changes in consumer behavior and traffic, indicating a choppy environment but expressed confidence in future stabilization [56][58] Question: Key metrics to monitor for growth confirmation - Management is focused on driving traffic and ensuring high-value customer acquisition [66][67] Question: Differences in growth potential between Q3 and Q4 - Management indicated that Q3 would see improvements but not full growth, with Q4 expected to benefit from new product assortments [69][74]

Allbirds, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIRD) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 11, 2025 5:00 PM ET Company Participants Christine Greany - Investor Relations, The Blueshirt Group Joe Vernachio - Chief Executive Officer Annie Mitchell - Chief Financial Officer Conference Call Participants Janine Stichter - BTIG Alex Straton - Morgan Stanley Operator Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen, and welcome to the Allbirds' Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Conference Call. All participants have been placed in a listen-only mod ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall net sales for Q4 2024 were $80.5 million, slightly down from $80.6 million in Q4 2023 [5] - Consolidated gross earnings were 47.9% of net sales for the quarter, compared to 50.3% in the same quarter last year [5] - Net earnings for Q4 2024 were $10 million or $1.04 per diluted share, up from $8.5 million or $0.90 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [6] - Full-year consolidated net sales were $290 million, down 9% from $318 million in 2023 [14] - Full-year net earnings were a record $30.3 million or $3.16 per diluted share, compared to $30.2 million or $3.17 per diluted share in 2023 [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the North American wholesale segment, net sales for Q4 were $60.4 million, up 1% from $59.6 million last year [6] - Retail segment net sales were $14.1 million for Q4, also up 1% from $13.9 million in 2023 [8] - Florsheim brand sales increased by 22% in Q4, while BOGS sales declined by 17% due to mild winter weather [27][30] - Nunn Bush grew by 4% in Q4, supported by a strong value proposition and innovative products [33] - Florsheim Australia's net sales were $6 million in Q4, down 15% from $7.2 million in Q4 2023 [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American wholesale net sales for the full year were $228 million, down 9% from $250 million in 2023, primarily due to a 27% decline in BOGS sales [14][15] - Florsheim Australia's sales were down 20% for the year, largely due to the closure of the Asia Pacific operations [19][20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on evolving its portfolio of brands to position for future growth, particularly through product innovation and expanding retail presence [26][30] - The introduction of new products, such as the BOGS BOGA, aims to reenergize the BOGS brand [29] - The company is negotiating price reductions with Chinese suppliers to mitigate the impact of new tariffs [22][37] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumers remain cautious amid economic uncertainty, affecting discretionary spending [26] - The company is optimistic about renewed interest in the BOGS category for fall 2025 as winter weather improves [28] - Management expressed confidence in maintaining gross margins despite tariff-related cost increases [37] Other Important Information - The company generated $16.2 million in cash from operations in 2024 and paid $9.7 million in dividends [23] - A special dividend of $2 per share was paid in early 2025, totaling $21.6 million [24] - The company has no debt outstanding on its $40 million revolving line of credit [23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can someone walk me through the mechanics of a tariff for Weyco Group? - Management explained that they must post a bond equal to the amount of tariffs paid and clear goods through customs, paying the applicable tariffs [46][47] Question: What percentage of your cost of goods sold came from China last year? - Approximately 75% of purchases are from China, with India being the second largest source at about 15% [66] Question: What are the tariffs today on those other countries? - The tariff on leather shoes from China is currently 36%, while other countries have lower tariffs, typically around 8.5% [71][72] Question: Are your offshore vendors receptive to sharing part of the cost of the tariffs? - Management confirmed that long-term relationships with suppliers have led to cooperation in mitigating some costs, although price increases will still be necessary [83][89]

Core Insights - Weyco Group, Inc. reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, highlighting mixed performance across its segments and brands [1][11]. Fourth Quarter 2024 Overview - North American wholesale segment net sales reached $60.4 million, a 1% increase from $59.6 million in Q4 2023, driven by a 22% increase in Florsheim sales, while BOGS and Stacy Adams saw declines of 17% and 8% respectively [3][4]. - Retail segment net sales were $14.1 million, up 1% from $13.9 million in Q4 2023, primarily due to increased direct-to-consumer sales of BOGS and Florsheim [5][6]. - Florsheim Australia reported net sales of $6.0 million, down 15% from $7.2 million in Q4 2023, attributed to the closure of Asia Pacific operations [8][9]. Full Year 2024 Overview - Total net sales for 2024 were $290.3 million, a 9% decrease from $318.0 million in 2023, with wholesale net sales down 9% to $227.9 million [12][22]. - Retail segment achieved record net sales of $38.7 million, a 2% increase from $38.0 million in 2023, driven by higher direct-to-consumer sales [15][16]. - Florsheim Australia net sales totaled $23.6 million, down 20% from $29.6 million in 2023, with a 10% decline in sales in Australia due to fewer operating retail stores [17][18]. Earnings and Expenses - Gross earnings as a percentage of net sales were 45.3% for 2024, up from 44.9% in 2023, while earnings from operations decreased by 11% to $36.6 million [22]. - Retail operating earnings fell 21% to $5.3 million in 2024, primarily due to increased selling and administrative expenses [16]. - Interest income increased to $3.7 million in 2024 from $1.1 million in 2023, reflecting higher cash balances [19]. Future Outlook - The company faces increased costs due to new tariffs imposed on goods sourced from China and is negotiating price reductions with suppliers to mitigate these impacts [20]. - The CEO emphasized the benefits of a diversified brand portfolio and expressed confidence in the company's position for future growth despite macroeconomic uncertainties [21][23].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, sales increased by 1.7% year-over-year to $128.1 million, or 8.8% when excluding non-recurring sales from Q4 2023 [30] - Gross profit for Q4 was $53.2 million, representing 41.5% of net sales, up from 40.3% in the same period last year [31] - Net income for Q4 was $4.8 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [36] - For the full year, net sales were down 1.7% on a reported basis but up 5.3% on a recurring basis to $453.8 million [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale sales were $81.3 million, a decrease of 5.2%, but up 4.5% on a recurring basis [30] - Retail sales increased by 15.3% to $43.6 million, marking the segment's highest ever quarterly sales figure [30] - Contract manufacturing sales increased by 39.1% to $3.2 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer channel saw strong demand, particularly for the Durango and XTRATUF brands, leading to the highest sales volume quarter for the retail segment [6][7] - The Georgia Boot brand experienced a slight increase in Q4, driven by better boot weather and strong demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase investments in marketing to drive brand awareness and traffic to retail and wholesale partners [7] - There is a focus on launching new products and expanding into new categories, particularly for the Durango brand [10] - The company aims to reduce third-party exposure in manufacturing from China to below 35% by the end of 2025 while maintaining a competitive cost structure [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, anticipating low single-digit revenue growth, driven by strong retail segment gains and steady wholesale growth [44] - There is recognition of consumer uncertainty affecting retail partners' inventory commitments, but sell-through rates have been strong [27][41] - The company expects to face pressure from increased tariffs on products sourced from China, impacting gross margins modestly [46] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $4 million non-cash trademark impairment charge related to the Muck brand during Q4 [33] - A new share repurchase program of up to $7.5 million has been approved by the Board [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify recent mixed indicators and sell-through performance? - Management noted good sell-through from retailers but acknowledged their cautious approach moving forward [50][51] Question: What factors give confidence in low single-digit revenue growth for the year? - The order book is up year-over-year, but retailers are cautious with inventory orders [52][53] Question: Can you clarify the tariff impact on gross margins? - The 110 basis points impact is based on existing tariffs, and the company is evaluating pricing strategies to mitigate this [56][59] Question: What are the key growth drivers for 2025? - Key drivers include strong performance from XTRATUF, Muck, and women's and kids' offerings from Durango [64][66] Question: What is the sourcing exposure to Mexico and potential tariff impacts? - The company sources a very small proportion from Mexico, and while it would negatively impact them, it may disrupt competitors more significantly [81][82] Question: How is the momentum carried into the beginning of 2025? - The Muck and XTRATUF brands have continued strong performance, but guidance remains cautious due to non-recurring sales and inventory shifts [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Amer Sports achieved 23% sales growth in Q4 2024 and 18% revenue growth for the full year, reaching $5.2 billion, with adjusted operating margin expanding by 130 basis points to 11.1% [8][39][40] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $90 million, compared to an adjusted net loss of $31 million in the prior year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share at $0.17 compared to a loss of $0.08 per share last year [49][50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Technical Apparel revenues increased 33% to $745 million, driven by Arc'teryx, with a 44% growth in direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales [50][52] - Outdoor Performance segment revenues grew 13% to $594 million, primarily due to strong performance in Salomon footwear and apparel [58] - Ball & Racquet segment revenue increased 22% to $296 million, driven by strong trends in racquet sports and softgoods [58][60] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Greater China and APAC regions showed strong growth, with Greater China increasing by 54% and APAC by 52% in Q4 [42][43] - North America accelerated to 15% growth, while EMEA grew by 8% [42][43] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding its portfolio of premium outdoor and sports brands, with a particular emphasis on the growth potential of Arc'teryx and Salomon sneakers [10][11] - Plans to open 25 to 30 new Arc'teryx stores in 2025, with a bullish outlook for store counts in China [15][75] - The strategy includes enhancing the footwear segment and increasing women's product offerings to achieve a balanced gender mix in sales [96][99] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's positioning within the global sports and outdoor market, citing strong brand momentum and growth potential [9][10] - The company anticipates reported group revenue growth between 13% and 15% for 2025, despite expected foreign exchange headwinds [65][66] Other Important Information - Adjusted gross margin increased by 370 basis points to 56.4% in Q4, driven by favorable product and channel mix [46] - The company paid down its entire $1.2 billion term loans before year-end, ending Q4 with $600 million of net debt [61][62] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on long-term store targets for Arc'teryx - Management plans to continue opening 25 to 30 stores annually, with potential for around 200 stores in North America and 150 to 200 in Mainland China [75] Question: Drivers of comp acceleration at Arc'teryx - Comp drivers included broad-based strength in traffic and conversion, with strong momentum continuing into Q1 [80][82] Question: Investments in SG&A for sustaining revenue growth - Investments will focus on new store build-out, consumer connection, and infrastructure improvements, with SG&A expected to remain relatively flat in 2025 [90] Question: Growth expectations for footwear and women's segments - Footwear penetration is expected to exceed 20% in the coming years, while women's sales approached 40% in Q4 [96][99] Question: Regional performance expectations for 2025 - Management expects continued positive growth across all regions, with a solid plan to enhance softgoods and footwear penetration in EMEA [106][107] Question: Future finance cost and tax rate reduction opportunities - The company aims to further reduce finance costs and drive the effective tax rate towards the statutory rate of close to 27% [111] Question: Gross margin expansion drivers - The primary driver of gross margin expansion is the growth of Arc'teryx, with additional contributions from footwear and softgoods segments [125][127]