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National Vision Gains 166.5% in a Year: What's Driving the Rally?
ZACKS· 2025-09-25 14:36
Core Insights - National Vision (EYE) has experienced significant share price growth of 166.5% over the past year, contrasting with a 13.3% decline in the industry and an 18.2% increase in the S&P 500 [1][9] - The company is positioned as a solid wealth creator for investors, supported by healthy fundamentals and strong growth opportunities [1] Company Overview - National Vision is a leading optical retailer in the U.S., operating 1,240 retail stores across four brands and associated omnichannel consumer websites as of June 28, 2025 [2] - The company operates through one reportable segment, Owned & Host, which includes two owned brands: America's Best Contacts and Eyeglasses and Eyeglass World [2] Growth Drivers - The upward trend in share price is attributed to ongoing strategic transformation initiatives that are gaining traction, particularly in key customer segments [3] - Recent branding refresh and identity overhaul for America's Best, along with modifications to the doctor model at Eyeglass World in Florida, aim to enhance patient experience [4] - The Owned & Host segment is benefiting from positive comparable store sales and new store openings, including exclusive partnerships with Florence by Mills and Pair Eyewear [5] Operational Performance - The company is expanding exam capacity through remote capabilities, with approximately two-thirds of stores now equipped with remote technology, achieving over 1 million remote exams conducted in the second quarter [6][9] - Fiscal 2025 revenue outlook has been raised to a range of $1.93-$1.97 billion, with adjusted EPS estimates increased to 62-70 cents [7] Financial Metrics - In the second quarter, gross margin expanded by 2166 basis points despite a 3.5% rise in the cost of revenues, while operating margin expanded by 206 basis points [9] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 EPS remains unchanged at 68 cents, with a long-term EPS growth rate estimated at 22.7%, compared to the industry's 12.9% [13]
Is This the Right Time to Hold EYE Stock in Your Portfolio?
ZACKS· 2025-06-24 13:36
Core Insights - National Vision Holdings, Inc.'s America's Best brand is driving revenue growth, supported by the strength of managed care and favorable optical retail industry trends [1][3][7] - The company has experienced a significant stock price increase of 75.6% year-to-date, outperforming the industry and the S&P 500 [2] - National Vision's strategic transformation focuses on addressing optometrist shortages and enhancing customer experience through segmentation and digitization [5][7] Financial Performance - National Vision has a market capitalization of $1.81 billion and has consistently beaten earnings expectations, with an average surprise of 81.81% over the last four quarters [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 earnings per share is 62 cents, with projected revenues of $1.94 billion, indicating a 2.9% year-over-year improvement [9] Growth Drivers - The America's Best brand is enhancing its value offerings through promotions and exclusive partnerships, contributing to revenue growth [3][7] - The company has implemented remote examining capabilities, allowing for increased examination capacity and a 3.1% growth in comparable store sales in Q1 2025 [4][5] Challenges - National Vision faces a weak solvency position, with cash and cash equivalents of $80 million against short-term debt of $101.5 million, raising concerns amid macroeconomic pressures [6][8] - Rising expenses, particularly a 6.4% year-over-year increase in SG&A expenditures, are impacting profitability in a challenging economic environment [8]
Is it the Right Time to Add EYE Stock to Your Portfolio Now?
ZACKS· 2025-04-09 13:40
Company Overview - National Vision Holdings, Inc. (EYE) is enhancing its foundation through leadership changes, expanded exam capacity, and strategic initiatives, with positive optical retail industry statistics indicating growth potential in upcoming quarters [1] - The company's America's Best brand is significantly contributing to revenue growth, capitalizing on the strength of managed care [1][3] Financial Performance - Year-to-date, National Vision's shares have increased by 4.4%, outperforming the industry decline of 3.1% and the S&P 500's fall of 14.3% [2] - The company has a market capitalization of $894.19 million and has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 79.29% [2] Industry Trends - The U.S. optical retail industry is experiencing consistent growth, driven by medical and recurring eye care purchases, with 82% of respondents using some form of vision correction according to a 2023 report by the Vision Council [5] - A WHO report from 2023 indicates that nearly 2.2 billion individuals globally have vision impairments, with 1 billion of these impairments unaddressed [5] Strategic Initiatives - National Vision is implementing several strategic changes, including the introduction of the Wide Buys promotion by America's Best to attract new customers and exclusive partnerships with eyewear brands [3][4] - The company is digitizing its operations, investing in a finance ERP system set to launch in Q2 2025 and a new Adobe CRM platform [7] Operational Challenges - National Vision's solvency position is concerning, with cash and cash equivalents of $73.9 million and short-term debt of $101.4 million, leading to a debt-to-capital ratio of 30% [9] - The company plans to take action on 43 stores through fiscal 2026 to strengthen its core business foundation [8] Future Outlook - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for National Vision's 2025 earnings per share remains at 55 cents, with projected revenues of $1.92 billion, reflecting a 2.2% improvement from the previous year [10]