Press Release dsm-firmenich completes sale of its stake in Feed Enzymes Alliance to Novonesis for €1.5 billion Kaiseraugst (Switzerland), Maastricht (Netherlands), June 2, 2025 dsm-firmenich, innovators in nutrition, health, and beauty, today announces the successful completion of the sale of its stake in the Feed Enzymes Alliance to its partner Novonesis, a global leader in biosolutions, for €1.5 billion. The sale agreement was announced on February 11, 2025. dsm-firmenich received approximately €1.4 billi ...

Market Overview - U.S. stocks showed mixed performance, with the Dow Jones index slightly increasing by 0.05% to 42,238.88, while the NASDAQ fell by 0.74% to 19,033.46 and the S&P 500 decreased by 0.24% to 5,898.22 [1] - Consumer staples shares rose by 1%, while information technology stocks declined by 1.5% [1] Company Performance - Dell Technologies Inc. saw its shares drop over 3% after reporting mixed financial results for Q1, with revenue of $23.38 billion exceeding estimates of $23.14 billion, but adjusted earnings of $1.55 per share fell short of the expected $1.69 per share [2] - Universal Corporation's shares increased by 11% to $65.96 following positive quarterly results [8] - Ulta Beauty, Inc. shares surged 11% to $470.18 after reporting better-than-expected Q1 financial results and raising guidance [8] - BioLineRx Ltd. shares rose by 34% to $5.20 due to promising results from a pancreatic cancer trial [8] - Summit Therapeutics Inc. shares dropped by 30% to $18.33 after announcing topline results from its Phase 3 trial [8] - Newsmax, Inc. shares fell by 19% to $18.08 following the announcement of a resale of up to 121 million shares [8] - CollPlant Biotechnologies Ltd. shares decreased by 33% to $3.0450 after announcing a $3.6 million registered direct offering [8] Economic Indicators - The University of Michigan consumer sentiment was revised higher to 52.2 in May from a preliminary reading of 50.8 [10] - The Chicago PMI declined to 40.5 in May, down from 44.6 in the previous month [10]

Core Insights - Bath & Body Works reported a strong start to 2025 with net sales increasing by 2.9% to $1.4 billion in Q1, and earnings per diluted share rising by 29% to $0.49, exceeding the company's projections [1] - The new CEO, Daniel Heaf, is planning a major strategy overhaul focused on customer insights and international growth [2][3] Financial Performance - The company experienced a 2.9% increase in net sales to $1.4 billion in the first quarter of 2025 [1] - Earnings per diluted share increased by 29% to $0.49, surpassing internal expectations [1] - The company has maintained its guidance for 2025, projecting a net sales growth of 1% to 3% [6] Leadership and Strategy - Daniel Heaf, the new CEO, aims to listen to customers for insights to drive product development and storytelling in an integrated global marketplace [2] - Heaf emphasized the importance of international growth, which currently represents about 5% of the business, and plans to explore scaling opportunities with partners and customers internationally [3] Store Operations - Bath & Body Works operates 1,900 stores in the US and Canada, along with 524 international franchised locations [5] - In the last quarter, 14 new international stores were opened, while 19 stores were closed, mainly in the US [5] - The company plans to open at least 30 net new stores internationally in 2025 [5] Market Position - The company has faced challenges, with stock down over 40% since May 2024 and a market capitalization that fell to about $6.6 billion, leading to its removal from the S&P 500 [3][4]

Ulta Beauty (ULTA) Q1 2026 Earnings Call May 29, 2025 04:30 PM ET Company Participants Kiley Rawlins - SVP - Investor RelationsKecia Steelman - President & CEOPaula Oyibo - Chief Financial OfficerOlivia Tong - Managing DirectorSimeon Siegel - Managing DirectorKate McShane - Managing DirectorSydney Wagner - Equity Research Senior Associate - Beauty & Personal Care Conference Call Participants Rupesh Parikh - Managing Director and Senior AnalystSusan Anderson - Managing Director & Senior AnalystKorinne Wolfme ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For the first quarter, net sales increased by 4.5% to $2.8 billion, with operating profit at 14.1% of sales and diluted earnings per share at $6.70 [6][25][29] - Comparable sales rose by 2.9%, driven by a 2.3% increase in average ticket and a 0.6% increase in transactions [25] - Gross margin decreased by 10 basis points to 39.1%, primarily due to deleverage of store and supply chain fixed costs [27] - SG&A expenses increased by 6.7% to $711 million, with SG&A as a percentage of sales rising to 24.9% [28] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fragrance was the strongest performing category, delivering double-digit growth, while skincare and wellness saw high single-digit growth [10] - Hair care was roughly flat, with growth in hair color and accessories offset by declines in hair care tools [11] - Makeup category experienced a slight decrease in comp sales, driven by mass makeup, while prestige makeup remained flat [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consumer engagement with beauty remains strong, with beauty and wellness prioritized by consumers despite economic pressures [7] - The beauty category is expected to normalize growth rates, projected at 2% to 5% over the next few years [56] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on executing the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan to accelerate performance and maintain leadership [7][19] - Strategic priorities include scaling new businesses, enhancing digital capabilities, and optimizing cost structures [17][19] - The company plans to open stores in Mexico City, Kuwait City, and Dubai later this year, alongside launching an online marketplace [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the operating environment, acknowledging ongoing consumer pressures and macroeconomic uncertainties [31][32] - The company updated its sales expectations for the year, projecting net sales between $11.5 billion and $11.7 billion, with comp sales growth expected to be flat to up 1.5% [31][32] Other Important Information - The company launched 19 new brands during the quarter, many of which are exclusive to Ulta Beauty [15] - The active loyalty member base reached a record 45 million, up 3% year over year [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan - Management highlighted improved in-store execution and marketing efforts as key contributors to the success of the Ulta Beauty Unleashed plan [36][40] Question: Full year outlook and promotional strategies - Management discussed expectations for comp sales growth and the rationality of promotions, emphasizing a cautious approach due to market dynamics [42][45] Question: Newness and innovation pipeline - Management expressed confidence in a balanced pipeline of new products across categories, with a focus on exclusivity [48][50] Question: Demand improvements and competitive intensity - Management noted that competitive intensity remains high, but the company is well-positioned to drive market share through its initiatives [51][54] Question: E-commerce growth drivers - Management attributed the 10% growth in e-commerce to enhancements in digital capabilities and a focus on app engagement [92][93]

Core Insights - MiniLuxe Holding Corp. reported a 9% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, reaching $6.1 million, with gross profit rising 12% to $2.5 million [3][5] - The company aims for long-term profitability through gross profit margin expansion and EBITDA growth, despite an operating loss of $2 million in Q1 2025, slightly higher than the previous year's loss [3][5] Financial Performance - The adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was approximately -$1.6 million, while Fleet adjusted EBITDA nearly tripled to $700,000 [3][6] - Cash flow used in operating activities improved by $700,000, totaling -$1.2 million in Q1 2025 compared to -$1.9 million in Q1 2024 [6] - Cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash reached $7.2 million at the end of Q1 2025, an increase of $3.2 million from the end of FY24 [6] Strategic Focus - The company is focusing on three strategic pillars: driving growth through operating and franchise partners, accelerating studio-level profitability, and increasing fixed cost leverage and SG&A efficiency [4][6] - MiniLuxe's talent revenue base grew by 10% year-over-year to $6.08 million, reflecting the success of its operating model [6][7] Business Development - The Core Studio segment maintained a consistent growth trend, with service revenue increasing by $0.6 million, or 10%, over Q1 2024 [5][6] - The first franchise location in Brookline, Massachusetts, achieved profitability within its first six months of operation, demonstrating strong brand appeal [7][8] Management Commentary - The CEO highlighted the brand's resilience and the positive expansion of unit economics, emphasizing the commitment to high-quality services and talent empowerment [8]

Core Viewpoint - European Wax Center, Inc. (EWCZ) shows a significant improvement in earnings outlook, making it an attractive investment option as analysts continue to raise earnings estimates for the company [1][3]. Earnings Estimate Revisions - The rising trend in earnings estimate revisions reflects growing analyst optimism regarding the company's earnings prospects, which is expected to positively impact its stock price [2]. - For the current quarter, the earnings estimate is projected at $0.17 per share, marking a 13.33% increase from the previous year, with a 48.94% rise in consensus estimates over the last 30 days [6]. - For the full year, the expected earnings are $0.61 per share, representing a year-over-year increase of 35.56%, with a notable 127.06% increase in consensus estimates due to positive revisions [7][8]. Zacks Rank and Performance - European Wax Center currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating strong agreement among analysts in revising earnings estimates upward, which historically correlates with stock outperformance [9]. - Stocks with Zacks Rank 1 and 2 have shown significant outperformance compared to the S&P 500, with Zacks 1 stocks averaging a 25% annual return since 2008 [3][9]. Stock Performance - The stock has gained 68.6% over the past four weeks, driven by solid estimate revisions and positive earnings growth prospects, suggesting it may be a good addition to investment portfolios [10].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1.4 billion, an increase of 2.9% compared to the prior year, marking the strongest underlying sales performance since 2021 [28] - Earnings per diluted share were $0.49, exceeding the high end of the guidance range [17] - Gross profit rate was 45.4%, an increase of 160 basis points year-over-year, driven by a 100 basis point improvement in merchandise margin [30][31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Body care grew low single digits, driven by the success of the Disney Princess line and the expansion of the everyday luxuries line [21] - Home fragrance also grew low single digits, supported by single wick candles and wallflowers [21] - Soaps and sanitizers grew mid single digits, driven by on-the-go assortments [21] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International retail sales grew approximately 10% this quarter, representing about 5% of total net sales [27][30] - U.S. and Canadian store net sales totaled $1.1 billion, an increase of 4.3% versus the prior year [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to transform Bath and Body Works to accelerate growth and deepen customer connections, focusing on consumer-centric strategies [9][10] - Plans include enhancing digital capabilities, improving packaging, exploring new distribution forms, and expanding internationally [12][14] - The strategy will prioritize fewer, bolder initiatives to drive consistent and repeatable growth [53] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to absorb current tariff levels and maintain guidance for the year [33][34] - The company is optimistic about the innovation pipeline for the second half of the year, including new product launches and collaborations [50][75] - Management emphasized the importance of emotional connections with consumers and the need for compelling storytelling in marketing [61][92] Other Important Information - The loyalty program has approximately 39 million active members, up 4% from the prior year, driving increased customer engagement [23][24] - The company plans to maintain capital expenditures of $250 million to $270 million, focusing on real estate and technology [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: What attracted you to Bath and Body Works? - The CEO highlighted the emotional connection of the brand and its strong foundation, including a large number of stores and loyal customers [44] Question: Can you elaborate on the go-forward top line commentary? - Management noted that Disney was a key driver of growth and expressed confidence in upcoming product launches [48] Question: What are the building blocks of opportunity for growth? - The CEO mentioned focusing on fewer priorities and leveraging existing investments to drive growth [55] Question: How do you view pricing strategy in light of tariffs? - Management stated they will remain agile and responsive to customer needs while maintaining value [103] Question: What is the strategy for international expansion? - The CEO emphasized a selective approach to international markets, focusing on understanding local consumer needs [105] Question: How do you plan to enhance marketing efforts? - Management indicated a shift towards emotional storytelling and less reliance on price promotions [61]

Core Insights - Sally Beauty is enhancing its focus on nail innovation, accessibility, and self-expression to attract the next generation of beauty shoppers [2][3] - The company is expanding its nail product assortment to over 1,400 items, including various types of nail products, in response to growing consumer demand [1][3] Product Expansion - The expanded product lineup includes launches from popular brands such as Nailboo, KISS, Dashing Diva, and ASP, with a particular emphasis on gel and press-on nails [4][7] - Sally Beauty is implementing promotional offers during National Nail Week, including a "Buy 2 Get 1 Free" deal on select gel nails [6] Consumer Engagement - The retailer is leveraging expert-driven content to engage consumers, featuring tips and trends from its nail expert across digital channels [6] - Sally Beauty is enhancing the shopping experience with options like Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store, and two-hour delivery to meet consumer needs [5] Market Position - The nail category has become a significant entry point for new customers, indicating its growing importance in Sally Beauty's long-term strategy [3][4] - Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. is recognized as a leader in professional beauty supplies, offering a wide range of products through its various brands [8]

Core Viewpoint - Analysts forecast a quarterly earnings per share (EPS) of $5.75 for Ulta Beauty, indicating an 11.1% year-over-year decline, while revenues are expected to reach $2.79 billion, reflecting a 2.2% increase compared to the same quarter last year [1]. Group 1: Earnings Estimates - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised upward by 0.3% over the past 30 days, indicating a collective reassessment by analysts [2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are crucial for predicting investor reactions, as empirical research shows a strong correlation between earnings estimate revisions and short-term stock performance [3]. Group 2: Key Metrics Projections - Analysts estimate that the total number of stores open at the end of the quarter will be 1,458, up from 1,395 in the same quarter last year [5]. - The total gross square feet at the end of the quarter is projected to be 15,224.74 thousand square feet, compared to 14,614.76 thousand square feet a year ago [5]. - The number of stores opened during the quarter is expected to be 14, an increase from 12 in the same quarter last year [6]. - The total number of stores open at the beginning of the quarter is projected to be 1,445, compared to 1,385 a year ago [6]. Group 3: Sales by Category - Net sales by primary category for services are projected at 4.0%, consistent with the previous year's figure [7]. - Net sales by primary category for fragrance are expected to reach 11.5%, up from 10% a year ago [7]. - Net sales by primary category for haircare are projected at 19.0%, matching last year's performance [8]. - Net sales by primary category for cosmetics are expected to be 40.5%, down from 42% in the same quarter last year [8]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Over the past month, Ulta's shares have returned +6.3%, compared to a +10.7% change in the Zacks S&P 500 composite [9]. - Ulta currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting its performance may align with the overall market in the near future [9].