Group 1 - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. will host its quarterly earnings conference call on March 4, 2026, at 8:30 a.m. ET, with a press release detailing fourth quarter and full year results expected shortly after 7:30 a.m. ET [1] - A presentation of the fourth quarter and full year results will be available on the company's website at approximately 7:30 a.m. ET [1] - Participants can access the conference call by registering for a dial-in number and access code, or by listening to a live webcast available on the company's investor relations website [2] Group 2 - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, catering to kids through millennials [3] - The company operates a family of brands, including Abercrombie and Hollister, with a commitment to quality and comfort [4] - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. operates approximately 830 stores across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, along with e-commerce sites [4]

Core Insights - Investing in stocks based on valuation metrics, particularly the price-to-sales (P/S) ratio, can identify opportunities with strong upside potential, especially for unprofitable or early-stage growth companies [1][2] Valuation Metrics - The P/S ratio provides a clearer picture of value when earnings are minimal or volatile, making it particularly valuable for assessing companies in recovery or growth phases [2][5] - A P/S ratio below 1 indicates a good bargain, as investors pay less than a dollar for each dollar of revenue generated [6] - The P/S ratio is preferred over the price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio due to the difficulty of manipulating sales figures compared to earnings [7] Investment Opportunities - Low P/S stocks can offer compelling opportunities, often trading below intrinsic value, making them attractive for investors seeking upside potential [3] - Companies with low P/S ratios and strong fundamentals, such as Hamilton Insurance Group, Macy's Inc., G-III Apparel Group, California Water Service Group, and UFP Industries, are highlighted as having potential for higher returns [4][12] Company Profiles - **Hamilton Insurance Group, Ltd. (HG)**: A specialty insurance and reinsurance company benefiting from strong execution and disciplined capital management, with gross premiums written rising significantly [12][13] - **Macy's Inc. (M)**: Undergoing a transformation with its "Bold New Chapter" program, focusing on digital initiatives and omnichannel retailing, currently holds a Zacks Rank 1 and Value Score of A [14][15] - **G-III Apparel Group (GIII)**: Focuses on product differentiation and international expansion, with owned brands generating higher margins, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [16][17] - **California Water Service Group (CWT)**: One of the largest investor-owned water utilities in the U.S., focusing on expansion through acquisitions and high-quality service delivery, currently holds a Value Score of B and Zacks Rank 2 [18][20] - **UFP Industries (UFPI)**: A holding company benefiting from long-term business plans and product innovation, with a focus on acquisitions to solidify its product portfolio, currently holds a Value Score of A and Zacks Rank 2 [21][22]

Core Insights - Whirlpool Corporation (WHR) reported disappointing fourth-quarter 2025 results, with both revenue and earnings per share (EPS) falling short of expectations and declining year-over-year [1][8] - The company’s adjusted EPS was $1.10, down 75.9% from $4.57 in the previous year, and missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.54 [1][8] Financial Performance - Net sales for the fourth quarter were $4.098 billion, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.267 billion and reflecting a 0.9% year-over-year decline [4] - Gross profit decreased to $575 million, down 14.3% from $671 million in the prior year, with gross margin falling 220 basis points to 14% [4][8] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 1.7% year-over-year to $425 million, representing 10.4% of net sales, an increase of 30 basis points [5] - Ongoing EBIT was $135 million, a 45.6% decline from $248 million in the previous year, with EBIT margin contracting 270 basis points to 2.7% [5] Regional Performance - In the MDA North America segment, net sales fell 0.9% year-over-year to $2.57 billion, with EBIT decreasing 59% to $71 million [6] - MDA Latin America saw a 0.8% increase in net sales to $927 million, but EBIT declined 15.3% to $59 million due to a challenging macro environment [10] - SDA Global reported a 10.3% increase in net sales to $423 million, with EBIT rising 22.4% to $59 million, benefiting from new product launches [11] - MDA Asia experienced a significant decline, with net sales down 27.7% year-over-year to $172 million [12] Financial Health - As of the end of the fourth quarter, Whirlpool had cash and cash equivalents of $669 million, long-term debt of $5.6 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $2.7 billion [13] - The company declared a dividend of 90 cents per share for the fourth quarter of 2025 [13] 2026 Outlook - Whirlpool anticipates 2026 net sales between $15.3 billion and $15.6 billion, indicating approximately 5% growth compared to 2025 [14] - The company expects an ongoing EBIT margin of 5.5% to 5.8%, up from 4.7% in 2024, driven by pricing and cost reductions [14] - GAAP EPS for 2026 is projected at $6.25, with ongoing EPS expected to be $7 [15] - Cash from operating activities is expected to be around $850 million, with free cash flow projected between $400 million and $500 million [16]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 2026 was $342.1 million, representing a 7.3% year-over-year increase, exceeding expectations [5][15] - Adjusted EBITDA was $13.4 million, or 3.9% of revenue, outperforming expectations [5][16] - Average order value (AOV) rose 9.6% year-over-year, marking the ninth consecutive quarter of AOV growth [15][16] - Revenue per active client reached $559, up 5.3% year-over-year, indicating the seventh consecutive quarter of growth [15][16] - Gross margin was 43.6%, consistent with the FY26 range of 43%-44% [16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Women's business saw a 19% year-over-year growth in key seasonal categories such as sweaters and coats [7] - Men's business delivered double-digit revenue growth, with fleece and outerwear growing 57% combined [8] - Sneakers grew 63% year-over-year, driven by brands like New Balance and Adidas [8] - The company is expanding into non-apparel categories, which is further accelerating growth [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's 7.3% revenue growth significantly outpaced Circana's estimated 1% growth for the broader U.S. apparel market [7] - Active clients reached 2.3 million, at the high end of expectations, marking the sixth consecutive quarter of improvement in active client growth rates [9][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing client engagement, cultivating client-stylist relationships, and offering a best-in-class assortment [6] - Strategic expansion into non-apparel categories aims to capture a greater share of clients' spending [7] - The company is leveraging generative AI technology to enhance the client experience and drive engagement [11][12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the resilience of client demand and the positive trends observed in Q1 and early Q2 [17][19] - The company anticipates some headwinds in the latter half of the year due to inflation and tougher AOV comparisons [18] - Full-year revenue guidance has been raised to between $1.32 and $1.35 billion, reflecting strong performance [17] Other Important Information - The company ended Q1 with $244.2 million in cash and short-term investments, with no debt [16] - Inventory was $141.5 million, up 18.8% year-over-year, reflecting investments in larger Fix offerings [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on new customer behavior and stickiness - Management noted nine consecutive quarters of improving lifetime value (LTV) for new client acquisition and a decrease in dormant clients [21][22] Question: Market share gains and gifting performance - Market share gains are attributed to delivering a personalized shopping experience, with gifting becoming a stronger use case due to family accounts [25][30] Question: Consumer-facing AI and visualization tools - Early adoption of Stitch Fix Vision has exceeded expectations, with clients engaging in various ways, including sharing images on social media [35][36] Question: Gross margin performance - The decline in gross margin is attributed to transportation expenses, investments in lower-margin categories, and minor tariff impacts [38][39] Question: Opportunities with different brands - The company provides a unique value proposition for third-party brands, leading to improved partnerships and brand engagement [43][46]

Core Insights - Skechers co-founder and president Michael Greenberg has been inducted into the Footwear News 2025 Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant impact on the footwear industry and the company's growth to become the world's third-largest footwear company with nearly $10 billion in annual revenues [1][2]. Company Achievements - Skechers operates approximately 5,300 retail stores globally, contributing to its position as a leading footwear brand [1][8]. - The company achieved $1 billion in annual sales in 2005, which has grown to an expected $9 billion by the end of 2024 [2]. - Skechers has been recognized as Company of the Year by Footwear News three times, in 1998, 2014, and 2022 [7]. Philanthropic Efforts - Greenberg has established the Skechers Foundation, which has provided aid to families affected by disasters and donated new shoes to 16 million children in need globally [4]. - The Skechers Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, founded by Greenberg, has raised over $31 million since 2009 to support children with special needs and education [5]. Retail Innovations - Greenberg has spearheaded the launch of Skechers' World of Sports stores, which feature advanced performance collections and immersive shopping experiences [3]. - The company has expanded its retail presence across six continents, showcasing its products in global galleries [3]. Recognition and Awards - Greenberg has previously received Footwear News' Person of the Year award in 2000 and 2023, while his father received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 [7]. - Skechers has also won the Icon for Social Impact Award in 2024 [7].

Core Insights - American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO) reported strong third-quarter fiscal 2025 results, exceeding expectations for both revenue and earnings, with a year-over-year increase in both metrics [1][3][9] Financial Performance - AEO's total net revenues reached $1.36 billion, a 6% increase year over year, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.32 billion [3] - Earnings per share were 53 cents, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 43 cents, and reflecting a 10.4% increase from the previous year [1][3] - The Aerie brand saw revenues increase by 12.6% year over year to $462 million, with comparable sales rising 11% [4] - The American Eagle brand's revenues increased by 2.6% year over year to $853.7 million, with comparable sales up 1% [3][4] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit increased by 4.8% year over year to $551.9 million, with a gross margin of 40.5%, down 40 basis points from the previous year [5] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose by 10% year over year to $386.3 million, representing an increase of 110 basis points as a percentage of sales [6] - Adjusted operating income was $112.6 million, down 8.9% year over year, with an operating margin of 8.3% [7] Financial Health - As of November 1, 2025, AEO had cash and cash equivalents of $112.8 million and net long-term debt of $210 million, with total shareholders' equity at $1.63 billion [8] - Inventory increased by 11% year over year to $891.2 million, reflecting higher demand and store openings [8] Future Outlook - AEO raised its fourth-quarter operating income guidance to $155-$160 million, anticipating 8-9% comparable sales growth [9][12] - The company plans to incur approximately $50 million in incremental tariff expenses in the fourth quarter [11] - AEO is set to open 22 Aerie and 26 Offline stores, along with completing nearly 50 AE store remodels [11][12] - For the fiscal year, adjusted operating income guidance has been raised to $303-$308 million, with expectations of low single-digit comparable sales growth [14]

Core Insights - Citi Trends, Inc. (CTRN) is a prominent off-price value retailer in the U.S., primarily catering to African American families, but faces intense competition from discount retailers like Ross Stores and TJX Companies [1] Financial Performance - On December 2, 2025, CTRN reported an EPS of -$0.88, significantly below the expected $0.47, with revenue at $197.1 million against an estimated $219 million, indicating challenges in meeting market expectations [2][6] - In Q3 2026, CTRN's total sales were $197.1 million with a gross margin of 38.9%, but the company incurred a net loss of $6.9 million, reflected in a negative P/E ratio of -20.81 [3][6] Financial Metrics - CTRN's price-to-sales ratio is 0.58, suggesting the stock is valued at 58 cents per dollar of sales, while the enterprise value to sales ratio is 0.85, indicating potential overvaluation concerns [4] - The company's debt-to-equity ratio stands at 1.92, indicating a high level of debt compared to equity, although a current ratio of 1.13 suggests a modest level of short-term financial health [5][6] Management Outlook - Despite current financial difficulties, CTRN's management remains optimistic about the future, focusing on strategic directions to enhance performance [5][6]

Core Insights - BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. reported third-quarter fiscal 2025 results with revenue growth year over year but missed consensus estimates, while earnings per share exceeded expectations but declined from the previous year [1][10] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were $1.16, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.10 but down from $1.18 in the prior year [2] - Total revenues reached $5,348.2 million, a 4.9% increase from the previous year, but fell short of the consensus estimate of $5,353 million [3] - Net sales increased by 4.8% to $5,221.9 million, and membership fee income rose 9.8% to $126.3 million, indicating strong member acquisition and retention [3] Sales and Traffic - Comparable club sales increased by 1.1% year over year, affected by lower fuel prices, while excluding gasoline, comparable sales rose by 1.8% [4] - Digitally enabled comparable sales surged by 30%, building on a two-year stacked growth of 61%, driven by initiatives like BOPIC and same-day delivery [4] Margins and Expenses - Gross profit increased to $1,014.3 million, with merchandise gross margin rate remaining flat year over year [5] - Operating income fell by 4.8% to $218.4 million, with the operating margin contracting by 40 basis points to 4.1% [6] - SG&A expenses rose to $788.2 million, reflecting higher labor and occupancy costs, with SG&A as a percentage of total revenues deleveraging by 30 basis points to 14.7% [7] Membership and Expansion - BJ's Wholesale Club reached 8 million members, with a 90% tenured renewal rate and 41% higher-tier penetration [8] - The company opened one new club in the third quarter and plans to open 25-30 clubs over the next two fiscal years [8] Guidance and Future Outlook - BJ's now expects fiscal 2025 comparable club sales, excluding gasoline, to increase between 2% and 3% year over year, narrowing from a previous range of 2% to 3.5% [13] - Adjusted earnings forecast was raised to $4.30 to $4.40 per share, compared to the prior view of $4.20-$4.35 [13] - Capital expenditures are projected to be around $800 million for fiscal 2025 [13] Financial Position - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $45.1 million and long-term debt of $399 million [11] - Net cash provided by operating activities was $181.1 million, but BJ posted negative free cash flow of $13.7 million due to elevated capital spending [11] - During the quarter, BJ repurchased 905,000 shares for $87.3 million, with $866.2 million remaining under its buyback authorization [12]

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Ross Stores (NASDAQ:ROST).And retail traders should know.We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with ROST, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 10 options trades for Ross Stores.This isn ...

Core Points - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. will host its quarterly earnings conference call on November 25, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. ET, with a press release detailing third quarter results expected shortly after 7:30 a.m. ET [1] - A presentation of the third quarter results will be available on the company's website at approximately 7:30 a.m. ET [1] Conference Call Details - Participants must register to obtain a dial-in phone number and access code for the conference call [2] - A live webcast of the call can be accessed via the company's investor relations website [6] Company Overview - Abercrombie & Fitch Co. is a global, digitally led omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories targeting kids through millennials [4] - The company operates approximately 810 stores across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, along with e-commerce sites [5]