Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) is one of the most undervalued retail stocks to invest in. In a report released on September 18, Ike Boruchow from Wells Fargo maintained a Hold rating on Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) and set a price target of $75.00. Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN): It’s An “Outlier,” Says Jim Cramer However, while UBS maintained a Neutral rating on the stock on September 2, it raised its price target on Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN) to $79 from $78, telling investors in ...

TCW funds, an investment management company, released its “TCW Relative Value Mid Cap Fund” second-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The second quarter started with a sharp decline driven by the Liberation Day tariffs announcement by President Trump, but a 90-day pause on certain tariffs led to a strong recovery, propelling the S&P 500 and Nasdaq to new highs. U.S. equities continued to rise in May and June, supported by better-than-expected corporate results and po ...

Key Takeaways Wolverine reported broad-based Q2 growth, led by Saucony's 41.5% y/y revenue jump and record sales.Merrell marked its fourth straight quarter of growth with lighter, faster trail footwear driving demand.Sweaty Betty and Wolverine delivered margin expansion through campaigns, innovation and premium launches.Wolverine World Wide, Inc. (WWW) delivered strong brand results in the second quarter of 2025, with Saucony leading the portfolio. The brand posted a 41.5% year-over-year revenue increase, a ...

Core Insights - Urban Outfitters (URBN) is positioned as a more attractive investment compared to American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), trading at 14 times earnings versus AEO's 18 times, with better growth and improved margins [2] - URBN has shown significant stock appreciation of approximately 30% year-to-date, rising from around $55 in January to about $71 [4] - The company has strong growth drivers, particularly from its brands Free People and Anthropologie, with Free People revenues increasing by 12% year-on-year and Anthropologie generating $1.18 billion, a 7% increase [5] Growth - URBN's revenue has increased by over 8% in the last twelve months, achieving nearly $3 billion in sales in the first half of fiscal 2025, more than double AEO's results [6] - The subscription service Nuuly has seen a remarkable growth of 56% to $263 million, indicating a successful expansion into new commerce channels [5] Margins - URBN's trailing twelve-month margin exceeds 9%, while AEO's is approximately 6%, demonstrating greater profitability [6] - For the first half of FY2025, URBN recorded a 10.7% operating margin compared to AEO's 7.8%, highlighting URBN's operational efficiency [6] Tariffs and Cost Management - URBN anticipates around 75 basis points of margin compression in the second half of 2025 due to tariffs, but this is manageable given its solid margins and cost control [6] - AEO expects higher dollar costs due to tariffs, with an estimated impact of about $20 million in Q3 and $40–50 million in Q4, although mitigation efforts will reduce total exposure [6] Long-Term Perspective - For long-term investors, URBN presents an intriguing entry point with its premium brands, growth in subscriptions, and digital presence, supported by solid cash reserves and low debt [8]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record Q2 revenue of $1.5 billion, achieving over 11% top-line growth [3] - Gross profit margin expanded by over 100 basis points, primarily due to a lower markdown rate and occupancy leverage from strong sales [3][4] - Earnings per share (EPS) grew by over 20%, marking another record for Q2 [3] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nuuly experienced robust growth with over 50% top-line growth [3] - The Urban Outfitters brand achieved positive comparable sales for the first time in a while, indicating a turnaround [4][20] - The Home category has seen three consecutive quarters of comparable sales increases, driven by customer interest in home decor [14][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - All brands and geographies reported positive comparable sales, showcasing broad-based strength [3][39] - The company has successfully grown its customer base by 50% over the last five years, indicating effective marketing and product strategies [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its product offerings and enhancing customer experiences, particularly through new sub-brands [7][11] - There is a strong emphasis on maintaining a full-price business model and reducing reliance on promotions [50] - The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate tariff headwinds through vendor negotiations and sourcing diversification [44][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the macroeconomic environment and consumer spending, despite potential tariff impacts [40][42] - The company anticipates continued strong performance in the second half of 2025, with expectations for similar results to recent quarters [39][41] - There is a focus on leveraging logistics and distribution improvements to enhance profitability, particularly for the Nuuly brand [35][36] Other Important Information - The company is expanding its distribution center to improve logistics efficiency, which is expected to enhance margins in the future [36][38] - Management highlighted the importance of protecting customer experience while adjusting pricing strategies in response to tariffs [50][51] Q&A Session Summary Question: What gives you confidence that the momentum at Anthropologie is sustainable? - The company has been focused on modernizing product assortments and creating exceptional customer experiences, leading to a 50% increase in the customer base over five years [9][12] Question: What are the largest incremental profit drivers for the Anthropologie brand? - Management indicated that margin improvements will come from efficiencies in logistics and continued growth in the Urban turnaround [18][19] Question: How do you view the future of the Free People brand? - The brand is expected to continue expanding its market share and customer base, particularly in international markets [28][29] Question: What are your expectations for the second half of 2025? - The company expects to maintain strong performance similar to recent results, with all brands and geographies comp positive [39][41] Question: How are you addressing tariff impacts? - The company is employing a variety of strategies, including vendor negotiations and sourcing diversification, to mitigate tariff impacts while protecting customer experience [44][45]

Core Insights - Urban Outfitters, Inc. reported record net income of $143.9 million and earnings per diluted share of $1.58 for the three months ended July 31, 2025, and a record net income of $252.2 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.73 for the six months ended July 31, 2025 [1][13]. Financial Performance - Total Company net sales for the three months ended July 31, 2025, increased by 11.3% to a record $1.50 billion, while for the six months, net sales increased by 11.0% to $2.83 billion [2][3]. - Retail segment net sales increased by 7.8% for the three months and 7.1% for the six months, with comparable Retail segment net sales rising by 5.6% and 5.2%, respectively [2][3]. - Subscription segment net sales surged by 53.2% for the three months and 56.1% for the six months, driven by a significant increase in average active subscribers [2][3]. - Wholesale segment net sales increased by 18.1% for the three months and 21.0% for the six months, primarily due to increased sales to specialty customers [2][3]. Brand Performance - Comparable Retail segment net sales growth was observed across all brands: Free People (6.7% for three months, 5.0% for six months), Anthropologie (5.7% for three months, 6.3% for six months), and Urban Outfitters (4.2% for three months, 3.2% for six months) [2][3]. - The company opened 27 new retail locations during the six months, including 19 Free People stores, 4 Anthropologie stores, and 4 Urban Outfitters stores [15]. Profitability Metrics - The gross profit rate increased by 113 basis points for the three months and 191 basis points for the six months compared to the previous year, with gross profit dollars rising by 14.8% to $566.2 million for the three months and by 17.0% to $1.06 billion for the six months [6][8]. - Selling, general and administrative expenses increased by 12.5% for the three months and 10.4% for the six months, with a notable increase in marketing expenses to support customer growth [10][11]. Tax and Shareholder Returns - The effective tax rate decreased to 21.5% for both the three and six months ended July 31, 2025, compared to 23.0% and 23.2% in the prior year periods [12]. - The company repurchased and retired 3.3 million shares for approximately $152 million during the six months ended July 31, 2025, with 14.7 million shares remaining under the repurchase program [14].

Core Insights - Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) reported strong fiscal 2026 results with retail comparable sales increasing by 4.8% year over year, driven by positive gains in both digital and retail store sales [1][10] - The company experienced significant growth in wholesale revenues, which rose by 24.2%, led by Free People's 25.6% growth and FP Movement's 78% surge [4][10] Retail Performance - Anthropologie achieved a 6.9% retail comparable sales growth, marking its 10th consecutive quarter of growth, supported by strong performance in both stores and digital channels [2] - Free People recorded a 3.1% retail comp, with FP Movement delivering a 6% retail comp and 16% total retail growth [2] - Urban Outfitters saw its first positive global retail comp in several quarters at 2.1%, with Europe up 14%, despite a 4% decline in North America [3] Wholesale Performance - Wholesale revenues increased significantly, with Free People's growth at 25.6% and FP Movement's at 78%, attributed to strong full-price sales and new label introductions [4][10] - The focus on aligned partnerships and brand integrity contributed to improved profitability [4] Future Outlook - For the fiscal second quarter, URBN anticipates mid-single digit retail comps for Anthropologie and Free People, low single digit growth for Urban Outfitters, and low double digit wholesale gains [5] - The company plans to open 64 new stores in fiscal 2026, emphasizing innovation and strategic wholesale growth to maintain momentum [5] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors include Steven Madden, Ltd. (SHOO) and Deckers Outdoor Corporation (DECK), with SHOO experiencing a decline in wholesale revenues while Deckers reported a 26.7% increase in wholesale net sales [6][7][8] Valuation and Estimates - URBN shares have gained 42.5% year to date, contrasting with the industry's decline of 12.9% [9] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.02X, below the industry average of 17.56X, with a Zacks Consensus Estimate indicating a year-over-year earnings growth of 21.9% for fiscal 2026 [11][12]

Core Insights - Deckers Outdoor Corporation's first-quarter fiscal 2026 performance was driven by strong demand for its flagship brands, HOKA and UGG, with HOKA's revenues increasing by 19.8% year over year to $653.1 million and UGG's revenues growing by 18.9% to $265.1 million [1][9] Brand Performance - HOKA maintained strong momentum with successful product launches, including the Arahi 8, and is expected to continue its growth trajectory with upcoming models such as Mafate 5 and Mach 3 [2] - UGG expanded its product offerings beyond cold-weather items, introducing versatile styles like the PeakMod clog and Lowmel sneaker, aligning with casual fashion trends [3] International Growth - Deckers reported a 49.7% year-over-year increase in international revenues in the first quarter, with both HOKA and UGG contributing significantly [4] Future Projections - For the second quarter of fiscal 2026, Deckers anticipates net sales between $1.38 billion and $1.42 billion, with HOKA expected to grow by 10% and UGG projected to increase in the mid-single digits [4][9] Competitive Landscape - Wolverine World Wide and Urban Outfitters are key competitors in the footwear market, with Wolverine's brands showing strong growth and Urban Outfitters' portfolio delivering positive performance [5][6][7] Valuation Metrics - Deckers shares have declined by 49.9% year to date, compared to a 12.6% decline in the industry [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 15.77X, below the industry average of 17.64X, indicating a favorable valuation [11] Earnings Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Deckers' fiscal 2026 earnings suggests a year-over-year decline of 1.1%, while fiscal 2027 estimates indicate an 8.3% increase [12]

Core Insights - Investors should conduct a thorough analysis of a company's financial background rather than relying solely on real-time stock numbers to make informed investment decisions [1] - The interest coverage ratio is a critical metric that indicates a company's ability to meet its interest obligations, with a higher ratio suggesting better financial health [4][5] Company Performance - Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) has an impressive interest coverage ratio and has gained 56.2% over the past year, with a projected EPS growth of 22.2% [10][12] - Ingredion Incorporated (INGR) also shows strong performance with a Zacks Rank of 2, a VGM Score of A, and a projected EPS growth of 6.8%, having risen 11% in the past year [10][12] - The Walt Disney Company (DIS) carries a Zacks Rank of 2 and has a projected EPS growth of 16.3%, with a stock increase of 29% in the past year [10][13] - Hudbay Minerals Inc. (HBM) has a robust interest coverage ratio and is projected to have an EPS growth of 43.8%, with shares rising 20.4% in the past year [10][15] Investment Strategy - A favorable investment strategy includes selecting stocks with an interest coverage ratio above the industry average, a Zacks Rank of 1 or 2, and a VGM Score of A or B for optimal results [8][11] - Additional criteria for stock selection include a minimum price of $5, strong historical and projected EPS growth compared to the industry median, and substantial trading volume [9][10]

Retail Industry Overview - U.S. retail sales declined for the second consecutive month in May, falling 0.9% month over month to $715.4 billion, marking the steepest decline since January [1][8] - The decline in retail activity was primarily driven by a 3.5% drop in motor vehicle purchases, alongside notable decreases in building materials (down 2.7%) and gasoline (down 2%) [2][8] - More than half of the 13 major retail categories tracked reported lower sales in May, indicating broader weakness in consumer spending [2] Consumer Sentiment and Economic Factors - Tariff threats and geopolitical tensions are negatively impacting consumer sentiment, suggesting that the earlier spike in sales was a reaction to anticipated economic challenges rather than a sustained spending trend [3] - The current economic uncertainties are prompting a cautious approach among consumers, reflected in the recent retail sales data [3] Investment Opportunities in Retail Stocks - Companies such as Sprouts Farmers Market, Urban Outfitters, BJ's Wholesale Club, and Costco are identified as better positioned to navigate shifts in consumer behavior due to their strategic initiatives [3][8] Company-Specific Insights Sprouts Farmers Market (SFM) - SFM is focusing on product innovation, competitive pricing, and targeted marketing to expand its customer base and meet evolving consumer preferences [7] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for SFM indicates a projected growth of 13.7% in sales and 35.5% in earnings per share (EPS) for the current financial year [8] Urban Outfitters (URBN) - URBN is leveraging its multi-brand strength and digital reach, with major brands showing momentum across both digital and physical channels [10] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for URBN suggests growth of 8.5% in sales and 22.2% in EPS for the current financial year [11] BJ's Wholesale Club (BJ) - BJ's Wholesale is focusing on membership growth and digital innovations, enhancing its omnichannel capabilities and customer value [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for BJ indicates growth of 5.5% in sales and 6.2% in EPS for the current financial year [12] Costco (COST) - Costco is effectively navigating market fluctuations through strategic investments and a strong emphasis on its membership model [13] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Costco forecasts growth of 8% in sales and 12% in EPS for the current financial year [14]