Core Insights - Duluth Trading Company reported a net loss of $15.3 million for the fiscal first quarter ended May 4, 2025, compared to a net loss of $7.9 million in the same period last year, indicating a significant decline in profitability [7][28] - The company is focusing on business simplification and enhancing brand awareness to drive shareholder value and return to profitable growth [8][5] Financial Performance - Net sales decreased by 12.0% to $102.7 million from $116.7 million in the prior year [9] - Direct-to-consumer net sales fell by 17.1% to $62.6 million, while retail store net sales decreased by 2.6% to $40.2 million [9] - Adjusted EBITDA decreased by $5.6 million to $(3.8) million, representing (3.7%) of net sales [7] - Gross profit margin decreased by 80 basis points to 52.0%, with gross profit declining to $53.4 million from $61.6 million [10] Cost Management - Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased by 6.9% to $65.7 million, but as a percentage of net sales, these expenses increased to 64.0% from 60.5% [11] - The company has initiated expense savings measures to right-size its business [7] Balance Sheet and Liquidity - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $8.6 million and net liquidity of $44.6 million [12] - Total current liabilities increased to $156.9 million from $128.6 million in the prior year [26] Management Strategy - The new CEO, Stephanie Pugliese, emphasized the need for decisive actions to simplify the business and focus on core strengths, including product innovation and customer service [8] - The company is committed to optimizing its product sourcing and fulfillment center network [8] Fiscal Outlook - Duluth Trading is maintaining its previously issued fiscal 2025 financial guidance, with updates to be provided as the macroeconomic environment changes [13]

Company Overview - American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is a specialty casual apparel retailer based in Pittsburgh, targeting individuals aged 15 to 25 with a range of clothing and accessories [1][9] - The company operates three main brands: AE Brand, Aerie by American Eagle, and AEO Direct, which includes both physical stores and e-commerce platforms [2][3] Industry Challenges - The number of malls in the US has significantly decreased from over 2,000 in the 1980s to approximately 700 today, with a notable decline in foot traffic exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and a shift towards online shopping [4] - AEO's reliance on brick-and-mortar stores, which account for about two-thirds of its revenue, poses a vulnerability in the current retail landscape [4][9] Financial Performance - AEO shares have underperformed, down nearly 40% year-to-date compared to a flat S&P 500 [6] - Analysts predict negative earnings per share (EPS) growth for AEO, with a projected 52% decline in EPS next year [11] - The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for AEO's EPS shows a year-over-year decline of 46.15% for the current quarter and 52.30% for the current year [11] Competitive Landscape - AEO faces stiff competition, with rivals like Abercrombie & Fitch expecting a 70% increase in EPS for 2025, contrasting AEO's anticipated 14% growth [10] External Factors - Tariffs on goods sourced from countries such as China and Vietnam negatively impact AEO's business operations [5][9]

Group 1 - Lulu's Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc. announced the resignation of CFO Tiffany R. Smith effective June 30, 2025, due to personal family-related matters [1] - The transition is not related to any disagreements regarding the company's financial reporting, accounting practices, or internal controls [1] - Crystal Landsem, the CEO, will take on the role of Interim CFO while the Board of Directors searches for a permanent successor [1] Group 2 - Tiffany R. Smith has been with Lulus for four years, and the CEO expressed gratitude for her contributions [2] - Lulus is positioned as an attainable luxury fashion brand for women, offering modern designs at accessible prices [2] - The company aims to enhance customer experience through direct consumer feedback and insights, along with a commitment to exceptional customer service [2]

Core Viewpoint - The market anticipates a year-over-year decline in J.Jill's earnings due to lower revenues, with actual results being crucial for stock price movement [1][2]. Earnings Expectations - J.Jill is expected to report quarterly earnings of $0.88 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 27.9%, and revenues are projected at $156.67 million, down 3% from the previous year [3]. Estimate Revisions - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 0.51% higher in the last 30 days, indicating a slight bullish sentiment among analysts [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Most Accurate Estimate for J.Jill is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in an Earnings ESP of +1.71%, although the stock has a Zacks Rank of 4, complicating predictions of an earnings beat [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, J.Jill exceeded the expected earnings of $0.22 per share by delivering $0.32, resulting in a surprise of +45.45%. The company has beaten consensus EPS estimates in the last four quarters [13][14]. Conclusion - While J.Jill does not appear to be a strong candidate for an earnings beat, investors should consider other factors influencing stock performance ahead of the earnings release [17].

Core Viewpoint - Oxford Industries (OXM) is anticipated to report a year-over-year decline in earnings due to lower revenues in its upcoming quarterly results, which could significantly influence its near-term stock price [1][3]. Earnings Expectations - The consensus estimate for Oxford Industries' quarterly earnings is $1.82 per share, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 31.6%. Revenues are projected to be $385.23 million, down 3.3% from the same quarter last year [3]. - The consensus EPS estimate has been revised 1.97% lower over the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by analysts regarding the company's earnings outlook [4]. Earnings Surprise Prediction - The Most Accurate Estimate for Oxford Industries is higher than the Zacks Consensus Estimate, resulting in a positive Earnings ESP of +0.92%. This suggests a bullish sentiment among analysts regarding the company's earnings prospects [12]. - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank of 3, indicating a neutral outlook, but the combination of a positive Earnings ESP and this rank suggests a likelihood of beating the consensus EPS estimate [12]. Historical Performance - In the last reported quarter, Oxford Industries was expected to post earnings of $1.28 per share but exceeded expectations with actual earnings of $1.37, resulting in a surprise of +7.03% [13]. - Over the past four quarters, the company has only beaten consensus EPS estimates once [14]. Conclusion - While Oxford Industries is viewed as a compelling candidate for an earnings beat, it is essential to consider other factors that may influence stock performance beyond just earnings results [15][17].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For FY 2025, the company achieved an impressive 8% revenue growth, adding nearly $400 million to reach a record of $5.6 billion [14] - Gross profit margin increased by 122 basis points, leading to a 22% rise in operating profit [14] - Earnings per share (EPS) rose by 26% to $4.06, marking FY 2025 as the most profitable year in the company's history [14] - The first quarter of FY 2026 started strong with an 11% revenue growth and a 78% increase in EPS [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Anthropologie and Free People, the two larger brands, continued to grow their revenues and maintain healthy mid-teen operating margins [17] - FB Movement is outpacing its sister brand due to new store openings and strong wholesale demand [17] - Nuuly, the women's apparel rental business, is recognized as a high-growth concept with profitability and scaling potential [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban Outfitters North America showed steady progress with positive comparable sales for the quarter and a significant increase in new full-price customers [17] - In Europe, Urban Outfitters experienced strong comparable sales gains, resulting in increased profitability [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on attracting new customers, retaining loyal ones, and growing market share across all brands [16] - There is a commitment to monitoring supply chain risks and global uncertainties while aiming for continued revenue growth and margin expansion [18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's ability to continue growing revenue and expanding margins for the full year and beyond [19] - Despite broader economic uncertainties, customer demand remains strong, with no signs of a slowdown observed [15] Other Important Information - The company has prepared and issued an annual report on Form 10-K, detailing recent operating results and financial condition [12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Are there any questions from shareholders? - There were no questions from shareholders during the meeting [20]

Group 1: Market Overview - Wall Street may face volatility due to renewed trade tensions between the United States and China, with both countries blaming each other for breaching a temporary trade deal [1] Group 2: Investment Strategy - Richard Driehaus's investment strategy, known as "buy high and sell higher," can help identify stocks with positive momentum despite broader market fluctuations [2][3] - The strategy emphasizes investing in stocks that are increasing in price rather than those in decline, aiming for better long-term returns [3][6] Group 3: Screening Parameters - The Association of Individual Investors (AAII) uses the percentage 50-day moving average and positive relative strength as key criteria for stock selection [4][5] - Stocks with a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) and a Momentum Score of A or B are considered to have the best upside potential [7][8] Group 4: Stock Performance - Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC), and Strattec Security Corporation (STRT) are highlighted as stocks demonstrating positive momentum and strong earnings growth [9][11][12][13] - URBN has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 29%, PAHC has 30.6%, and STRT has an impressive 195.8% average surprise over four quarters [11][12][13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q1 2025 increased by $15.4 million or 8.3% compared to Q1 2024, reaching $201.7 million [23] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was $5.4 million, an increase of $6.2 million compared to Q1 2024, with a sales to EBITDA flow through of 40% [26] - Gross margin expanded by 90 basis points to 39.6%, driven by higher initial markup and lower freight costs [25] - Adjusted SG&A expenses totaled $74.4 million, or 36.9% of revenue, down from 39.1% in the prior period [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable store sales grew by 9.9%, marking the third consecutive quarter of sequential improvement, with a two-year stack of 13% [24] - The plus-size business showed meaningful improvement, and the footwear category also experienced consistent top-line growth [9][10] - The accessory business was slightly below plan, prompting adjustments to better meet customer needs [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted across all apparel and home categories, with many experiencing double-digit growth [8] - Increased traffic and mid-single-digit transaction count growth were observed, alongside improved conversion rates [24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is in a three-phase strategic transformation: repair, execute, and optimize, aimed at building a high-performance company for sustainable profit growth [5][7] - Focus on enhancing product offerings, particularly in plus sizes and big men's apparel, while also improving trend relevancy in juniors and young men's categories [10][54] - Plans to open up to five new stores and remodel approximately 50 locations in the year, with a disciplined approach to fleet optimization [31] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the turnaround plan, expecting full-year comparable store sales growth in the mid-single digits and gross margin expansion of approximately 200 basis points [28][29] - The current tariff environment presents both challenges and opportunities, with the company well-positioned to capitalize on market disruptions [20] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with no debt, $42 million in cash, and liquidity of approximately $117 million [27] - A new AI-based allocation system is being tested, with plans for a full rollout following the back-to-school season [14][15] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide context on the change in closeout strategy? - The company is focusing on in-season closeouts and extreme value products, aiming for a long-term goal of making this segment incremental to top-line growth by about 10% [41][43] Question: Why is the full-year guidance below current comp trends? - The company is facing tougher comparisons in the back half of the year and is being cautious due to uncertainties in the macro environment [46][48] Question: Can you share insights on specific category performance? - All categories performed well in Q1, with particular strength in plus sizes and footwear, while the accessory business was slightly off plan [52][54] Question: What performance uplift has been seen from remodeled units? - Early performance from remodeled stores is promising and consistent with prior remodel classes, although it is still early to quantify [61]

Summary of AKA Brands Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: AKA Brands - **Brands**: Princess Polly, Petal and Pup, Culture Kings, Minimal - **Target Audience**: Next generation consumers, primarily Gen Z and Millennials, who seek fashion inspiration on social media and shop online [1][2] Core Competencies and Differentiation - **Exclusive Products**: All products are exclusive to AKA's brands, allowing for a test and repeat merchandising model that introduces new styles weekly [3][4] - **Marketing Strategy**: Focus on influencer-led marketing, particularly with smaller, authentic influencers rather than mega influencers [4] - **Brand Positioning**: - **Princess Polly**: Targets teens and college consumers with on-trend fashion at accessible prices [4] - **Petal and Pup**: Caters to a slightly older demographic (25-40 years) with elevated styles [4] - **Culture Kings**: Combines sports, music, and fashion, with a mix of first-party and exclusive third-party products [5] Market Expansion and Performance - **US Market Growth**: The US market is 17 times larger than Australia, with 70% of AKA's business now in the US. US sales grew 14% last quarter, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of growth [8][11] - **Store Openings**: Eight stores for Princess Polly are currently open, with plans to reach 13 by year-end. Stores are seen as effective for introducing new customers, with 30% of in-store customers being new to the brand [21][22] Consumer Trends and Insights - **Consumer Engagement**: Active customer count grew 8% year-over-year, with over 4 million active customers. Customers engage daily with new styles introduced weekly [26][31] - **Wholesale Partnerships**: Successful partnership with Nordstrom, with 95% of customers being new to the brands. Petal and Pup is seeing category expansion opportunities through this channel [15][16][18] Marketing and Customer Acquisition - **Marketing Spend**: Approximately 12% of sales are spent on marketing, focusing on influencer marketing and evolving content across various platforms [35][37] - **Customer Acquisition Strategy**: Focus on expanding the customer base through diverse marketing channels, including TikTok and Pinterest [27][28] Financial Performance and Projections - **Profitability**: All brands are profitable and generate cash. The company aims for low teens EBITDA margins as it scales [54][56] - **Dynamic Environment**: The company is prepared for a dynamic market environment, leveraging short lead times for product flexibility [39][42] Challenges and Opportunities - **Tariff Impact**: The company is actively working to mitigate tariff impacts by diversifying its supply chain away from China and negotiating discounts with vendors [42][43] - **Growth in Australia**: Australia has returned to growth with a 6% increase in Q1, driven by improved performance of women's brands and the Culture Kings model [44][45] Long-term Outlook - **Growth Potential**: Significant growth opportunities in the US market across online, wholesale, and store channels. The test and repeat model is expected to reduce merchandising risk and enhance gross margins [57][59] - **Future Strategy**: Continued investment in marketing and store openings, with a focus on being where customers are, whether online or in physical locations [22][60]

Core Insights - Guess?, Inc. (GES) is expected to report revenue growth of 6.6% year-over-year, with estimated revenues of $631 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2026 [1] - However, the company is projected to experience a decline in bottom-line performance, with a consensus estimate of a loss of 70 cents per share, worsening from a loss of 27 cents in the same quarter last year [2] Industry and Company Challenges - The consumer environment is increasingly complex, influenced by economic pressures and changing purchasing behaviors, leading to heightened price sensitivity among customers [3] - Macroeconomic factors such as persistent inflation are causing consumers to prioritize value-driven purchases, impacting GES's premium pricing strategy and performance in key markets like North America and Asia [3] - Elevated freight costs, particularly in European operations, are increasing operating expenses, alongside rising selling, general & administrative (SG&A) expenses due to higher marketing investments and infrastructure spending [4] Financial Projections - On an adjusted basis, GES expects to report a loss of 74-65 cents per share, while on a GAAP basis, the anticipated loss is between 75-66 cents per share for the fiscal first quarter [5] - The company is also facing a projected net currency headwind for fiscal 2026, with the most significant impact expected in the first quarter [5] Strategic Positioning - Despite challenges, GES is strategically positioned with an expanding product portfolio, growing direct-to-consumer channels, and effective cost management [6] - The company anticipates revenue growth of 5.8-7.5% for the first quarter, driven by positive results from wholesale operations, particularly in Europe and the Americas [6] Earnings Outlook - The current model does not predict an earnings beat for GES, as it holds a Zacks Rank of 5 (Strong Sell) and an Earnings ESP of 0.00% [7]