Group 1 - Carter's (NYSE: CRI) shares have significantly underperformed over the past year, losing 50% of their value due to a weak consumer spending environment [1] - The company has faced challenges in the current economic climate, impacting its stock performance [1] Group 2 - The article does not provide additional insights or data related to the industry or company beyond the performance of Carter's [1]

Core Insights - Levi Strauss & Co. reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with earnings per share (EPS) and revenues exceeding expectations, showing year-over-year improvement [1][2] Financial Performance - Adjusted EPS for the quarter was 34 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 31 cents, and increased nearly 3% from 33 cents in the prior year [2] - Net revenues reached $1.54 billion, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.50 billion, and grew nearly 7% year over year [2] - DTC net revenues increased by 11.3% to $711.2 million, with organic growth driven by a 7% rise in the U.S., 4% in Europe, and 14% in Asia [4] - E-commerce revenues rose 18% on a reported basis and 16% organically [4] - Wholesale net revenues grew 3.5% to $832.2 million, with a 5.3% organic increase [5] Regional Performance - In the Americas, revenues increased 6% on a reported basis and 7% organically, with the U.S. showing a 3% organic growth [6] - European revenues grew 5% reported and 3% organically, driven by strong performance in the UK [7] - Asian revenues rose 12% both reported and organically, with double-digit growth in DTC and wholesale [7] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit increased 8.9% year over year to $951.6 million, with gross margin expanding by 110 basis points to 61.7% [8] - Adjusted SG&A expenses rose 10.5% to $769.3 million, with a percentage of revenues decreasing by 160 basis points to 49.8% [8] Shareholder Returns - The company returned nearly $151 million to shareholders, a 118% increase year over year, including $55 million in dividends [11] - An accelerated share repurchase program of $120 million was launched, retiring about 5 million shares [11] Future Outlook - For fiscal 2025, the company expects reported net revenue growth of about 3%, up from a previous forecast of 1-2% [15] - Organic net revenue growth is projected at around 6%, an increase from the earlier estimate of 4.5-5.5% [15] - The gross margin is anticipated to rise by 100 basis points, with adjusted EPS expected to be in the range of $1.27-$1.32 [15]

Welcome back. In a paid advertisement in the journal this week, Lululemon founder Chip Wilson likened the decline of the athleisure brand to a plane crash due to a quote series of mistakes. Lululemon responded in a statement to CNBC denouncing the ad and the company's founder, saying in part, "Chip Wilson has not been involved with the company for a decade, and he continues to make inaccurate and misleading statements about Lululemon, our history, and our board and leadership team. Lululemon shares are down ...

Levi Strauss & Co (NYSE:LEVI) stock is sharply lower today, down 10% at $22.07 at last glance. The shares are brushing off strong third-quarter results as the retailer's disappointing annual profit forecast weighs. Still, no fewer than three analysts lifted their price targets, including J.P. Morgan to $33 from $23, with the firm also maintaining its "overweight" rating. Today's drop has Levi Strauss stock moving away from its recent Oct. 3 three-year high of $24.82. Earlier as low as $21.11, the shares are ...

The margin-hit forecast highlights the impact of the Trump administration's changing trade policies on consumer-facing companies, especially those with suppliers in countries that do not have trade deals with Washington in place yet. Levi's has capitalized on the resurgence of baggy, loose-fit apparel among Gen Z customers and raised its 2025 sales and profit forecasts on Thursday, but the company still warned of a 130-basis-point hit to its fourth-quarter gross margins. "While management calls this (growi ...

Costco has become one of the world's biggest clothing retailers.Despite volatile stock price swings over the last year as it trades at a high multiple relative to its retail peers, the company has been a long-term winner. Costco said men's apparel sales were up "double digits" in its fiscal fourth-quarter 2025 earnings, according to a call last month.From 2019 to 2024, Costco grew its annual apparel segment sales from $7 billion to $9.7 billion, a nearly 40% increase, according to estimates by GlobalData. C ...

Core Insights - Gap Inc has formed a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to leverage AI technologies for retail transformation [1][2] - The collaboration aims to enhance product innovation, customer experience, and employee empowerment through AI tools [2][3] Group 1: Partnership and Technology - The alliance will provide Gap Inc with a unified AI platform utilizing Google Cloud technologies such as Gemini, Vertex AI, and BigQuery [1] - The platform is designed to expedite a "human-centred digitally enabled technology strategy" across Gap's brands, including Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta [1][4] Group 2: Product Innovation and Customer Experience - The partnership is expected to accelerate product innovation by streamlining design, planning, and pricing processes, thereby increasing efficiency from concept to shelf [2] - Improvements in customer experience are anticipated through hyper-personalized shopping, smarter recommendations, and seamless consumer engagement [2] Group 3: Employee Empowerment - AI will be utilized to transform decision-making and task execution for teams and service agents, enhancing agility and responsiveness within the company [3] - The collaboration builds on existing work with Google on advertising, optimizing ad placements and campaigns as part of an omnichannel strategy [3] Group 4: Financial Performance - In Q2 of fiscal 2025, Gap Inc reported net sales of $3.7 billion, remaining flat year-on-year, with online sales increasing by 3% and accounting for 34% of total net sales [5]

Economic Data and Government Impact - The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is recalling staff to ensure the release of the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report despite a government shutdown, highlighting the critical importance of inflation data for market and policy decisions [3][8] - The Labor Department's Office of the Inspector General has initiated an inquiry into the BLS's methods for collecting and publishing key economic data, including CPI and Producer Price Index (PPI) [3] Federal Reserve Leadership Update - Former Federal Reserve Governor Larry Lindsey has withdrawn his name from consideration for the position of US Federal Reserve Chair, narrowing the field for this crucial leadership role [4][8] Global Currency Fluctuations - The Japanese Yen has weakened to its lowest point against the US dollar since mid-February, while the Euro has also experienced a decline, influenced by political developments and monetary policy expectations [5][8] Corporate Earnings and Industry News - Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI) anticipates a 70 basis point impact to its annual gross margin from tariffs, an increase from a previous estimate of 50 basis points, although 70% of its US holiday inventory is secured [9][8] - In the automotive sector, Toyota (TM) has updated its bZ4X electric vehicle (EV) to boast the longest range among domestic EVs in Japan, indicating the company's ongoing efforts in the competitive EV market [9] Healthcare Policy Developments - Discussions are ongoing between US pharmacies and drug discounters, including GoodRx Holdings Inc. (GDRX), regarding their potential role in the TrumpRx initiative, which aims to provide consumers with access to discounted prescription medications [10] New Zealand Manufacturing Data - The New Zealand BusinessNZ Manufacturing PMI for September remained unchanged at 49.9, indicating a continued contraction in the manufacturing sector, as a reading below 50.0 signifies a decline in manufacturing activity [11]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company reported a net revenue growth of 7%, with international markets contributing approximately 75% of this growth and the U.S. contributing 25% [17][18] - Gross margin reached a record 61.7%, expanding 110 basis points year-over-year, despite an 80 basis point headwind from tariffs [19][20] - Adjusted EBIT margin was 11.8%, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.34, both exceeding expectations [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales grew 9%, driven by strong performance in both stores and online, with e-commerce up 16% [11][12] - Women's business grew 12% year-to-date, while men's business grew 5% [9][10] - The tops category saw notable growth, with overall tops up 9% and women's tops up 8% [81] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market grew 3%, while international business was up 9%, led by double-digit growth in Asia [6][14] - In Europe, net revenues increased by 3%, with strong performance in the UK [22] - Asia's net revenues accelerated to up 12%, with double-digit growth in both DTC and wholesale [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pivoting to a DTC-first strategy, focusing on becoming a head-to-toe denim lifestyle retailer [5][7] - Continued investment in marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships is aimed at enhancing brand relevance and expanding market share [6][7] - The company is also focusing on premiumization efforts, rolling out the Blue Tab premium collection [11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum despite a complex external environment, citing strong consumer demand and effective strategies [16][45] - The company anticipates continued growth in the denim category and plans to leverage its market leadership to capture more share [42][45] - For Q4, the company expects organic net revenue growth of approximately 1%, with reported net revenues down about 3% due to non-comparable items [26][27] Other Important Information - The company returned $151 million to shareholders in Q3, a 118% increase year-over-year, and declared a dividend of $0.14 per share, up 8% [23][24] - Inventory levels were up 12% in dollar terms, driven by investments ahead of the holiday season [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: European momentum and Q4 guidance - Management noted that Europe grew 3% in Q3, with strong performance in key markets like the UK and Germany, and expects mid-single-digit growth for the year [32][33] - Q4 guidance reflects the impact of the 53rd week and tariffs, with a conservative approach due to macro uncertainties [35] Question: Momentum entering the season - Management confirmed no material change in demand trends, emphasizing strong positioning for the holiday season [41][42] Question: Wholesale business growth drivers - Growth in the wholesale channel was driven by existing accounts responding positively to fashion fits, with women's business outperforming [65][66] Question: SKU rationalization and inventory management - The company has reduced SKUs by about 15% compared to last year while expanding its lifestyle assortment, leading to higher productivity per SKU [74][75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3, the company achieved a net revenue growth of 7%, with international markets contributing approximately 75% of this growth and the U.S. contributing 25% [17] - Gross margin reached a record 61.7%, expanding 110 basis points year-over-year, despite an 80 basis point headwind from tariffs [18][19] - Adjusted EBIT margin was 11.8%, with adjusted diluted EPS at $0.34, both exceeding expectations [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales increased by 9%, driven by strong performance in both stores and online, with e-commerce growing 16% [12][13] - Women's business grew 12% year-to-date, while men's business grew 5% [9] - The bottoms business saw a 6% increase, and tops grew 9% overall, with notable strength in women's tops [10][70] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.S. market grew 3%, while international business was up 9%, led by double-digit growth in Asia [5][14] - In Europe, net revenues increased by 3%, with strong performance in the UK [22] - Asia's net revenues accelerated to a 12% increase, driven by double-digit growth in key markets like India, Japan, and Korea [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is pivoting to a DTC-first strategy, focusing on becoming a head-to-toe denim lifestyle retailer [4][6] - Continued investment in impactful marketing campaigns and strategic partnerships is expected to drive brand momentum [5][6] - The company aims to expand its addressable market by defining and owning the denim lifestyle category [6] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's momentum, citing a strong product pipeline and robust consumer demand [5][16] - Despite a complex macro environment, the company anticipates a strong finish to 2025 and continued growth into 2026 [16][28] - The company is taking a prudent approach to its Q4 outlook, expecting organic net revenue growth of approximately 1% [26] Other Important Information - The company returned $151 million to shareholders in Q3, a 118% increase year-over-year, and declared a dividend of $0.14 per share, up 8% [23][24] - Inventory levels were up 12% in dollar terms, driven by investments ahead of the holiday season [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: European momentum and Q4 guidance - Management noted that Europe grew 3% in Q3, with strong performance in key markets and positive pre-booking for spring [31][32] - Q4 guidance reflects a conservative approach due to the complex macro environment, with expected gross margin impacts from tariffs and the absence of a 53rd week [34] Question: Momentum entering the season and demand trends - Management confirmed no material change in demand trends, emphasizing strong positioning in the denim category [39][40] Question: Wholesale business growth drivers - Growth in the wholesale channel was driven by existing accounts responding positively to fashion fits, with new distribution points contributing as well [55] Question: Inventory management and SKU rationalization - The company has reduced SKUs by about 15% compared to last year while expanding its lifestyle assortment [63][64]