Key Takeaways CHWY's Q2 net sales rose 8.6% y/y to $3.1B, surpassing guidance and highlighting solid market-share gains.Autoship sales hit a record $2.58B, up 14.9% y/y, driving predictable revenues and loyalty.Chewy lifted its FY25 outlook to $12.5-$12.6B in sales, expecting margin gains and sustained expansion.Chewy Inc. (CHWY) is a leading online pet retailer, utilizing its robust e-commerce platform to serve a growing population of pet owners. CHWY is currently trading at a trailing 12-month price-to-sa ...

Core Insights - Chewy, Inc. reported strong second-quarter fiscal 2025 results, with both revenue and earnings exceeding expectations and showing year-over-year growth. The company raised its fiscal 2025 net sales outlook to $12.5 billion to $12.6 billion, up from the previous range of $12.3 billion to $12.5 billion [1][10][12] Financial Performance - Adjusted earnings per share were 33 cents, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 14 cents, marking a 37.5% increase from the prior year [2] - Net sales reached $3,104.2 million, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,082 million, and reflecting an 8.6% increase from $2,858.6 million in the same quarter last year [3] - Autoship program sales grew nearly 14.9% year over year to a record $2.58 billion, accounting for 83% of total quarterly net sales [3] - Hardgoods sales increased 15.2% year over year to $346.1 million, while consumable sales grew 6.6% to $2.15 billion [4] Customer Metrics - The company ended the quarter with 20.9 million active customers, a 4.5% increase year over year, with net sales per active customer reaching $591, reflecting a 4.6% year-over-year increase [5] Margin and Cost Analysis - Gross profit increased 11.7% year over year to $942.2 million, with gross margin expanding 90 basis points to 30.4% [6] - SG&A expenses rose 8.2% year over year to $671.9 million, but as a percentage of net sales, they decreased to 21.6% [7] - Adjusted EBITDA was $183.3 million, a 26.5% increase from $144.9 million in the prior year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 5.9% [7] Financial Health - The company ended the quarter with $591.8 million in cash and cash equivalents, remaining debt-free, and reported total liquidity of approximately $1.4 billion [8] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $105.9 million, with $133.9 million in net cash provided by operating activities [8] - Chewy repurchased approximately 3 million shares for a total of $125 million, with $359.8 million remaining under the current repurchase authorization [9] Future Outlook - For the third quarter of fiscal 2025, Chewy expects net sales between $3.07 billion and $3.10 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 7% to 8% [11] - The company maintains its adjusted EBITDA margin guidance between 5.4% and 5.7%, with expected improvements in gross margin contributing to this expansion [13]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net sales grew by nearly 9% year over year to $3.1 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance range [5][17] - Gross margin reached 30.4%, expanding by nearly 90 basis points year over year [7][17] - Adjusted net income was $141.1 million, representing a 34.8% increase year-over-year [18] - Adjusted EBITDA was $183.3 million, with a margin of 5.9%, reflecting an 80 basis points year-over-year margin expansion [8][19] - Free cash flow for Q2 was nearly $106 million [8][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2.58 billion, representing 83% of Q2 net sales and growing nearly 15% year over year [5][6] - Hardgoods business grew over 15% in Q2, driven by structural volume growth [6] - Active customers increased to 20.9 million, reflecting 4.5% year-over-year growth [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall industry is experiencing low to mid-single-digit growth, while Chewy is gaining market share [5][21] - NESPAC (Net Effective Sales Per Active Customer) reached $591, representing 4.6% year-over-year growth [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chewy is focused on expanding its Chewy+ membership program and private brands, including the launch of a new fresh dog food line called Get Real [9][12] - The company plans to open 8 to 10 new Chewy Vet Care practices in fiscal year 2025 [9] - Chewy aims to mitigate tariff-related costs and invest in growth initiatives while maintaining a strong customer experience [15][22] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expects the second half of 2025 to be dynamic, with a focus on growth despite potential inflationary pressures [15] - The company anticipates continued share gains in the U.S. market and a strong long-term outlook [15][22] - Management remains optimistic about the performance of the Chewy+ program and its contribution to net sales [10][74] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 3 million shares for about $125 million in Q2 [19] - Chewy ended the quarter with approximately $592 million in cash and cash equivalents, remaining debt-free [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk more about the investments required in the back half and into 2026? - Management indicated that investments will focus on enhancing customer discoverability and increasing participation in Chewy+ without significant external marketing spend [26] Question: How should we think about the leverage path into the back half? - Management expects SG&A leverage to improve in the back half of the year, driven by the ramp-up of fulfillment centers and structural growth [34][39] Question: Can you unpack the Q2 gross margin improvement? - Management attributed gross margin expansion to product mix, increasing Autoship penetration, and a rational promotional environment [43] Question: What are your expectations regarding net household formations? - Management expects pet households to remain stable or slightly increase, with Chewy continuing to gain market share [61] Question: How is Chewy positioned against retail giants? - Management emphasized Chewy's unique value proposition, combining e-commerce efficiency with personalized service, allowing for continued market share growth [72][74] Question: Can you elaborate on the quality of cohorts improving year-over-year? - Management noted that improved customer engagement through programs like Autoship and Chewy+ is leading to higher NESPAC and retention rates [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net sales grew by nearly 9% year over year to $3.1 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance [6][19] - Gross margin reached 30.4%, expanding by nearly 80 and 90 basis points sequentially and year-over-year, respectively [8][19] - Adjusted EBITDA was $183.3 million, representing a 5.9% margin and a year-over-year increase of over 80 basis points [9][21] - Free cash flow generated was nearly $106 million in the quarter [9][21] - Adjusted net income increased by 34.8% year over year to $141.1 million, with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.33 [21][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2.58 billion, representing 83% of Q2 net sales and growing nearly 15% year over year [6][7] - Hardgoods business grew over 15% in Q2, driven by structural volume growth [7] - Chewy Plus program showed strong growth, with approximately 3% of total monthly sales attributed to members [11][12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active customers increased to 20.9 million, reflecting 4.5% year-over-year growth [8] - NESPAC (Net Effective Sales Per Active Customer) reached $591, representing 4.6% year-over-year growth [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chewy is focused on expanding its Chewy Plus membership and private brands, with a new product line "Get Real" launched for fresh dog food [12][15] - The company aims to mitigate tariff-related costs and invest in growth initiatives while maintaining a strong customer experience [17] - Chewy plans to open 8 to 10 new veterinary practices in fiscal year 2025, enhancing its Chewy Vet Care network [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Chewy's ability to gain market share despite a challenging retail environment [17] - The company anticipates continued growth in the second half of 2025, with net sales expected to be between $3.07 and $3.1 billion [23] - Management expects to maintain a full-year adjusted EBITDA margin outlook of 5.4% to 5.7% [24] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 3 million shares for a total of approximately $125 million in Q2 [21][22] - Chewy ended the quarter with approximately $592 million in cash and cash equivalents, remaining debt-free [22][23] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investments required in the back half and increasing awareness of new offerings - Management indicated that they are focusing on existing members for Chewy Plus and have not spent additional marketing dollars externally [27][28] Question: SG&A deleverage and its components - Management expects SG&A leverage in 2025, with temporary costs attributed to the ramp-up of the Houston fulfillment center and higher inventory processing costs [36][42] Question: Q2 gross margin improvement and pricing investments - Management noted that gross margin drivers include product mix, increasing Autoship penetration, and a rational promotional environment [45][46] Question: Potential of the fresh and frozen segment - Management estimates the total addressable market for fresh and frozen pet food to be between $8 billion and $12 billion, with strong initial customer reception for the "Get Real" product line [55][56] Question: Advertising environment and macro expectations - Management reported stable pet household formation trends and competitive intensity in advertising, with expectations for continued customer growth [60][66] Question: Competitive advantages and share gains - Management emphasized Chewy's unique value proposition, combining e-commerce efficiency with personalized service, and highlighted growth opportunities in health and wellness segments [70][76] Question: Quality of customer cohorts and Autoship growth - Management noted improvements in customer retention and engagement through programs like Autoship and Chewy Plus, leading to higher NESPAC [79][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net sales grew by nearly 9% year over year to $3.1 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance range [5][17] - Gross margin reached 30.4%, expanding by nearly 80 and 90 basis points sequentially and year-over-year, respectively [7][17] - Adjusted net income was $141.1 million, representing a 34.8% increase year over year, with adjusted diluted earnings per share of $0.33 [18][23] - Free cash flow for Q2 was nearly $106 million, with a robust liquidity position of approximately $1.4 billion [8][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2.58 billion, representing 83% of Q2 net sales and growing nearly 15% year over year [5][6] - Hardgoods business grew over 15% in Q2, driven by structural volume growth [6] - Chewy Plus program showed strong growth, with approximately 3% of total monthly sales attributed to members [10][74] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active customers increased to 20.9 million, reflecting 4.5% year-over-year growth [7] - NESPAC (Net Effective Sales Per Active Customer) reached $591, representing 4.6% year-over-year growth [7] - The overall pet industry is expected to grow in low single-digit to mid-single-digit range, while Chewy is growing at a rate of 7% to 8% [61][63] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chewy is focusing on expanding its Chewy Vet Care network and plans to open 8 to 10 new practices in fiscal year 2025 [9] - The company is investing in its Chewy Plus membership program and private brands, including the launch of a new fresh dog food line called Get Real [11][12] - Chewy aims to mitigate tariff-related costs and enhance customer experience through strategic pricing and inventory management [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Chewy's ability to gain market share and deliver strong growth despite macroeconomic pressures [15][22] - The company expects to maintain adjusted EBITDA margin expansion driven by improvements in gross margin [22] - Management anticipates continued growth in active customers and NESPAC, with a focus on enhancing customer engagement through programs like Autoship and Chewy Plus [63][78] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 3 million shares for a total of approximately $125 million in Q2 [19] - Chewy remains debt-free with a strong cash position, allowing for continued investment in growth initiatives [20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Investments required in the back half and increasing awareness of new offerings - Management indicated that they are focusing on existing members for Chewy Plus and have not spent additional marketing dollars externally, relying on organic growth from existing customers [26] Question: SG&A deleverage and expectations for the back half - Management expects SG&A leverage to improve in the back half of the year, driven by the ramp-up of fulfillment centers and structural growth [34][39] Question: Drivers of gross margin expansion and advertising environment - Management highlighted that gross margin expansion is driven by product mix, increasing Autoship penetration, and a rational promotional environment [44][64] Question: Quality of customer cohorts and growth in Autoship - Management noted that the quality of cohorts is improving due to better retention in programs like Autoship and Chewy Plus, leading to higher NESPAC [78]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q2 net sales grew by nearly 9% year over year to $3.1 billion, exceeding the high end of guidance range [5][17] - Gross margin reached 30.4%, expanding by nearly 80 and 90 basis points sequentially and year-over-year, respectively [6][17] - Adjusted net income for Q2 was $141.1 million, representing a 34.8% increase year over year [18] - Free cash flow for Q2 was nearly $106 million, with a robust liquidity position of approximately $1.4 billion [7][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Autoship customer sales reached $2.58 billion, representing 83% of Q2 net sales and a nearly 15% increase [5][6] - Hardgoods business grew over 15% in Q2, driven by structural volume growth [5] - Chewy Plus program showed strong growth, with approximately 3% of total monthly sales attributed to members [9][10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active customers increased to 20.9 million, reflecting a 4.5% year-over-year growth [6] - NESPAC (Net Effective Sales Per Active Customer) reached $591, representing a 4.6% year-over-year growth [6] - The overall industry growth is in the low to mid-single digits, while Chewy is growing at a 7% to 8% rate [61] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Chewy is focusing on expanding its Chewy Plus membership and private brands, with a new product line "Get Real" launched in August [10][12] - The company plans to open 8 to 10 new Chewy Vet Care practices in fiscal year 2025 [8] - Chewy aims to mitigate tariff-related costs and invest in growth initiatives to enhance market share [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in Chewy's ability to navigate macroeconomic pressures and continue gaining market share [15][21] - The second half of 2025 is expected to be dynamic, with plans to invest in growth while maintaining profitability [15][21] - Management anticipates continued gross margin expansion and a strong performance from the Chewy Plus program [21][22] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 3 million shares for about $125 million in Q2 [19] - Chewy remains debt-free with a strong cash position, allowing for strategic investments [20] Q&A Session All Questions and Answers Question: Can you talk more about the investments required in the back half and into 2026? - Management indicated that investments will focus on enhancing customer discoverability and increasing awareness of new offerings like Chewy Plus and Get Real, primarily through existing customer engagement rather than external marketing [25][26] Question: How should we think about the leverage path into the back half? - Management expects SG&A leverage to improve in the back half of the year, driven by the ramp-up of fulfillment centers and structural growth [34][39] Question: Can you unpack the Q2 gross margin improvement and the drivers for Q3 and Q4? - Management noted that gross margin expansion is driven by product mix, increasing Autoship penetration, and a rational promotional environment, with expectations for continued growth [42][44] Question: How big do you think the fresh and frozen business can go over time? - Management estimates the total addressable market for the fresh and frozen category to grow from $3 billion to $4 billion currently to between $8 billion and $12 billion in the coming years [51][52] Question: What are your expectations regarding the advertising environment? - Management reported high competitive intensity in the advertising market but noted strong metrics in net traffic and mobile app engagement [57][62] Question: What are the competitive advantages Chewy has over retail giants? - Management emphasized Chewy's unique value proposition that combines e-commerce efficiency with personalized service, allowing for a strong position in the pet care market [67][70]

Core Insights - Chewy Inc. (CHWY) reported a strong performance in Q1 fiscal 2025, with net sales increasing by 8.3% year over year to $3.12 billion, surpassing guidance due to strong engagement in core categories [1][10] - The Autoship program was a significant growth driver, contributing $2.56 billion in sales, which is 82.2% of total net sales, and showing a year-over-year growth of 14.8% [2][10] - Chewy's active customer base grew to 20.8 million, reflecting a 3.8% increase, driven by effective customer acquisition strategies [2] Segment Performance - The hardgoods segment saw a year-over-year growth of 12.3%, supported by improved customer experience and faster SKU onboarding [1] - Chewy Vet Care expanded to 11 clinics across four states, with strong customer utilization, as about half of first-time customers ordered from Chewy.com within 30 days [3] - The Chewy+ membership program showed promising adoption, leading to a 3.7% increase in net sales per active customer to $583 [4] Financial Guidance and Valuation - Chewy maintained its fiscal 2025 revenue guidance of $12.3 billion to $12.45 billion, indicating a growth of 6-7% when adjusted for the previous year's extra week [5] - The company trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.17X, which is below the industry average of 2.17X, indicating potential undervaluation [11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chewy's fiscal 2025 and 2026 earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 23.1% and 19.5%, respectively, with recent upward revisions in estimates [12]

Core Insights - Chewy, Inc. (CHWY) and Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) are key players in the pet care industry, each with unique operational models and growth strategies [1] - Chewy focuses on e-commerce and customer engagement, while Central Garden & Pet emphasizes a diversified portfolio and operational efficiency [1] Chewy, Inc. (CHWY) - Chewy reported net sales of $3.12 billion in fiscal Q1 2025, an 8.3% year-over-year increase, exceeding guidance [2] - The Autoship program generated $2.56 billion in sales, accounting for 82% of total net sales, with a 14.8% year-over-year growth [3] - Active customer base grew by 3.8% year-over-year to 20.8 million, with net sales per active customer rising 3.7% to $583 [4] - Chewy Vet Care operates 11 clinics and plans to open 8-10 more in fiscal 2025, while the Chewy+ membership program shows early success [5] - Adjusted EBITDA margin for Q1 was 6.2%, but management expects a decline due to seasonality and increased marketing investments [6] - Marketing expenses reached $193.8 million, or 6.2% of sales, projected to rise to 6.7-6.8% for the year [7] Central Garden & Pet Company (CENT) - CENT's adjusted gross margin improved by 200 basis points to 33.3% in Q2, reflecting strong cost management [9][13] - E-commerce accounted for 27% of Pet segment sales, driven by new products and digital strategies [14] - The company opened a 300,000-square-foot distribution center in New Jersey, enhancing fulfillment capabilities [12] - Financially, CENT ended Q2 with $517 million in cash and no borrowings, maintaining a net leverage ratio of 1.7X [15] - The consensus estimate for CENT's fiscal 2025 sales suggests a year-over-year decline of 1.7%, while EPS is expected to grow by 17.8% [20] Comparative Analysis - Chewy's shares gained 1% over the past three months, while CENT's stock rose 19.6%, driven by strong margin expansion and cost execution [21] - Chewy's forward price-to-sales (P/S) multiple is 1.20, while CENT's is 0.85, indicating a more attractive valuation for CENT [22][23] - Central Garden & Pet is viewed as a better investment due to disciplined cost management and consistent margin expansion, while Chewy faces near-term challenges [26][27]

Core Insights - Chewy (CHWY) reported a 6.2% adjusted EBITDA margin in Q1 of fiscal 2025, an increase of 50 basis points year over year, with adjusted EBITDA rising 18.3% to $192.7 million from $162.9 million a year ago, indicating disciplined execution and progress toward long-term profitability targets [1][9] Financial Performance - The improvement in margins was driven by a focus on high-margin, recurring revenue streams, particularly the Autoship program, and the expansion of the sponsored ads business, which is the largest contributor to margin gains [2] - Operational discipline was evident as SG&A was maintained at 18.5% of net sales, reflecting tight cost control, while adjusted earnings per share increased 12.9% year over year to 35 cents, highlighting consistent bottom-line growth alongside margin expansion [3] Future Outlook - Management reaffirmed its 2025 adjusted EBITDA margin outlook of 5.4-5.7%, with the mid-point implying a 75-basis-point improvement from 2024, expecting approximately 60% of this expansion to come from gross margin gains [4] - Chewy aims to convert about 80% of adjusted EBITDA into free cash flow for 2025, with confidence in achieving a long-term adjusted EBITDA margin goal of 10% [5] Industry Comparison - Central Garden & Pet (CENT) reported a resilient margin performance in Q2 of fiscal 2025 despite a 7% revenue drop, with gross margin expanding by 180 basis points to 32.8% and adjusted earnings per share rising to $1.04 [6] - Petco Health and Wellness Company, Inc. (WOOF) focused on restoring profitability in Q1 of fiscal 2025, achieving a gross margin expansion of 30 basis points to 38.2% and an adjusted EBITDA margin improvement of 105 basis points to 6% [7] Stock Performance and Valuation - Chewy's shares have gained 23.3% year to date, outperforming the industry's growth of 7.4% [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Chewy's fiscal 2025 earnings implies year-over-year growth of 23.1%, with upward revisions in estimates for fiscal 2025 and 2026 [10] - Chewy trades at a forward price-to-sales ratio of 1.33X, below the industry's average of 2.02X, with a Value Score of B [13]

Core Viewpoint - Chewy's stock has experienced a significant decline of nearly 15% following a quarterly earnings report that, despite beating analyst estimates, was poorly received by investors [1][2]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter, Chewy achieved net sales growth of over 8% year-over-year, reaching $3.1 billion, while its non-GAAP net income improved to just under $149 million, or $0.35 per share [4]. - Analysts had anticipated slightly lower figures, with revenue expectations below $3.1 billion and adjusted profitability at $0.32 per share [4]. Market Valuation - Despite the positive earnings results, Chewy's stock is considered expensive, trading at a forward P/E ratio of almost 36, which raises concerns among investors given the company's single-digit percentage improvements and thin profit margins [5]. Analyst Reactions - Following the earnings report, several analysts adjusted their price targets for Chewy, with most raising their targets, although some provided less optimistic updates. Mizuho's David Bellinger reduced his target from $47 to $44 while maintaining a neutral recommendation [6]. Future Outlook - Chewy's Autoship program has shown promising results, indicating potential for increased recurring revenue. However, the stock's current valuation may limit its attractiveness unless the company can deliver more convincing quarterly earnings in the future [7].