Company Overview - G-III Apparel (NASDAQ: GIII) operates a diverse portfolio of over 30 owned and licensed brands, including DKNY, Donna Karan, Karl Lagerfeld, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Vilebrequin, Nautica, Halston, G.H. Bass, Levi's, and Champion [2]. Investment Strategy - The company focuses on identifying small, high-growth potential stocks with defensible competitive advantages and business models capable of generating significant operational leverage [1]. - The investment approach includes a buy and hold strategy with tranche purchases of stocks of interest, supported by a portfolio that incorporates buy alerts and market updates [3].

Core Insights - G-III Apparel Group, Ltd. is a New York-based fashion company known for brands like Donna Karan, DKNY, and Karl Lagerfeld, managing the entire process from design to distribution across both owned and licensed brands [1] Company Overview - The company operates a diverse portfolio of fashion brands, focusing on both design and distribution, which allows it to maintain a strong market presence [1] Investment Focus - The analysis emphasizes a focus on small- to mid-cap companies, which are often overlooked by investors, while also occasionally reviewing large-cap companies to provide a broader market perspective [1]

Core Viewpoint - G-III Apparel Group reported better-than-expected earnings for the first quarter, with adjusted earnings per share of 19 cents, surpassing analyst expectations of 12 cents, despite a 4% year-over-year decline in quarterly sales to $583.61 million, which still exceeded the Street's estimate of $580.37 million [1][2]. Financial Performance - The company experienced double-digit growth in key owned brands such as DKNY, Karl Lagerfeld, and Donna Karan, which helped offset losses from exiting the Calvin Klein jeans and sportswear businesses [2]. - G-III Apparel has withdrawn its profit guidance for FY26 due to tariff impacts and macroeconomic uncertainties, anticipating a $135 million unmitigated tariff hit, primarily in the second half of the fiscal year [2]. - The company maintains its FY2026 sales guidance at $3.14 billion, slightly above the $3.12 billion estimate [2]. Future Expectations - G-III Apparel expects lower sales in the first half of fiscal 2026 compared to the previous year, with an anticipated acceleration in the second half [3]. - For the second quarter, the company projects earnings per share between $0.02 and $0.12, with revenue expected to be around $570 million, below the $621 million estimate [3]. Stock Performance and Analyst Ratings - Following the earnings announcement, G-III Apparel shares fell by 2.7%, trading at $21.90 [3]. - Analysts have adjusted their price targets for G-III Apparel: Telsey Advisory Group lowered its target from $30 to $27, Keybanc reduced its target from $40 to $30, and Barclays cut its target from $21 to $18 [6][8].

Core Viewpoint - G-III Apparel Group reported solid first-quarter results for fiscal 2026, with earnings exceeding guidance, driven by strong performance in key owned brands despite the exit from Calvin Klein jeans and sportswear [2][3]. Financial Performance - Net sales for the first quarter decreased by 4% to $583.6 million compared to $609.7 million in the prior year [3][9]. - Net income for the first quarter was $7.8 million, or $0.17 per diluted share, up from $5.8 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, in the prior year [3][9]. - Non-GAAP net income per diluted share was $0.19, compared to $0.12 in the same period last year, excluding one-time severance expenses [4][9]. Balance Sheet Highlights - Inventories decreased by 5% to $456.5 million compared to $479.7 million last year [5]. - Total debt significantly decreased by 96% to $18.7 million from $426.4 million, following the redemption of $400 million in senior secured notes [6]. Capital Allocation - The company repurchased 807,437 shares for $19.7 million during the first quarter [7][9]. Outlook - G-III reaffirmed its net sales guidance for fiscal 2026, expecting approximately $3.14 billion in net sales, down from $3.18 billion in fiscal 2025 [10]. - The company anticipates net sales for the second quarter to be around $570 million, impacted by supply chain challenges [11]. - Net income for the second quarter is projected to be between $1.0 million and $6.0 million, a decrease from $24.2 million in the prior year [12].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - First quarter net sales reached $4.6 billion, exceeding guidance of $4.4 billion to $4.5 billion, with a decline of 5.1% year-over-year [7][27] - Adjusted diluted EPS was $0.16, above the guidance range of $0.12 to $0.15, compared to $0.27 last year [9][32] - Comparable sales (comps) declined 1.2%, better than the guidance of a decline of 4.5% to 2.5% [7][27] - Gross margin was $1.8 billion or 39.2% of net sales, flat compared to the prior year [31] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Macy's net sales were down 6.5% with comps down 2.1% [28] - Bloomingdale's net sales increased by 2.6% with comps rising 3.8% [30] - Blue Mercury's net sales were up 0.8% with comps increasing 1.5% [30] - Backstage outperformed full-line stores by several hundred basis points, while Marketplace achieved approximately 40% GMV growth [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - International tourism negatively impacted comps by about 30 basis points [8] - Go forward business comps declined 0.9%, outperforming total comps [8] - The luxury segment showed resilience with Bloomingdale's and Blue Mercury continuing positive comp trends [12][14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on its "Bold New Chapter" strategy, emphasizing omni-channel performance and improving customer experience [6][10] - The strategy includes strengthening and reimagining Macy's, accelerating luxury offerings, and modernizing operations [10][14][15] - The company aims to diversify sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts, reducing reliance on China from over 50% pre-pandemic to 20% currently [16][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for the second quarter, noting improved performance in May compared to earlier months [43][44] - The company anticipates a more choiceful consumer and plans to navigate a competitive promotional landscape [21][34] - Management highlighted the importance of maintaining a healthy inventory to sales ratio while being disciplined with inventory commitments [21][22] Other Important Information - The company closed 64 underperforming locations last year as part of its strategy [24] - Capital expenditures are expected to be approximately $800 million, reflecting a commitment to long-term growth [37] - The company plans to return approximately $152 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [33] Q&A Session Summary Question: Sales guidance and consumer pressure - Management reaffirmed annual sales guidance, noting stronger performance in March and April compared to February, with cautious optimism for the rest of the year [43][44] Question: Strategic pricing decisions - Pricing adjustments are being made selectively, with a focus on maintaining value for consumers while navigating tariff impacts [45][46] Question: Impact of tariffs on pricing - Pricing is gradually being integrated into the system, with limited pricing seen in Q2, and negotiations with vendors are ongoing [50][51] Question: Actions to capture market share - The company is focusing on product diversity, improved marketing, and enhanced in-store experiences to capture market share [59][62] Question: Inventory planning amid tariffs - The company plans to remain disciplined with inventory flow and avoid over-purchasing to mitigate tariff impacts [86][87] Question: Consumer health across income cohorts - Consumer health remains under pressure, but discretionary spending is showing signs of improvement, particularly in categories like fine jewelry [108][110]

Core Insights - G-III Apparel Group is successfully transforming its business by prioritizing owned brands, which now contribute over 50% of total net sales, significantly reducing reliance on licensed brands [2][3] - The company is experiencing strong growth from key brands like DKNY and Karl Lagerfeld, with expectations for continued double-digit growth in fiscal 2026 [7] - Strategic investments in digital infrastructure and international expansion are key components of G-III's growth strategy, aiming for a $1 billion annual sales target [8][11] Business Transformation - G-III has shifted focus to owned brands, which now account for more than 50% of total net sales, up from less than 50% two years ago [2] - The reduction in dependence on licensed brands like Calvin Klein and Tommy Hilfiger has strengthened profitability and pricing power [2] - Key brands such as DKNY, Donna Karan, and Karl Lagerfeld posted over 20% growth in fiscal 2025, contributing to solid revenue gains [3][7] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter revenues increased by 9.8% year over year to $839.5 million, driven by the relaunch of Donna Karan and expansion to over 1,500 points of sale [6] - Licensing royalty income rose 10% year over year, exceeding $80 million, validating the focus on owned brands [3] - G-III's North America retail turnaround improved profitability, reducing losses by half and adding over $15 million in gains during fiscal 2025 [9] Digital and Omnichannel Strategy - G-III has made strategic investments in digital infrastructure, enhancing omnichannel capabilities and partnerships with platforms like Amazon and Zalando [8] - Sales from owned-brand digital platforms increased by over 20% in fiscal 2025, reflecting strong consumer adoption [8] - AI-driven technologies are being leveraged to streamline operations and optimize digital merchandising, contributing to margin expansion [9] International Expansion - Currently, only 20% of G-III's net sales are generated outside North America, indicating significant growth potential [11] - A 20% investment in All We Wear Group (AWWG) will accelerate global brand penetration, particularly for DKNY, Donna Karan, and Karl Lagerfeld [11] - Expansion efforts in Latin America and Western Europe are expected to drive robust international growth [12] Strategic Partnerships - G-III has entered a seven-year exclusive licensing agreement with ALDO for G.H.BASS footwear and accessories, set to launch in Spring/Summer 2026 [13] - This partnership aims to merge G.H.BASS's craftsmanship with ALDO's global sourcing and omnichannel expertise [13] Valuation and Market Position - G-III is currently trading at a low price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 6.13, below the industry average of 10.45 and the sector average of 17.64, indicating it may be undervalued [14] - Despite a 20.1% decline in shares over the past three months, G-III has outperformed the industry's decline of 30% [15]