Key Takeaways Chewy grew active customers 4.5% y/y to 20.9 million in 2Q25.Autoship drove $2.58B in sales, or 83% of total net sales, rising 15% y/y.The Get Real brand launch expanded private labels and boosted premium pet food offerings.Chewy, Inc. (CHWY) sustained strong momentum in active customer expansion in the second quarter of fiscal 2025, underscoring the strength of its engagement and retention strategies. The company closed the quarter with 20.9 million active customers, a 4.5% year-over-year inc ...

Core Viewpoint - Chewy (NYSE: CHWY) remains a strong investment opportunity despite its stock price doubling since 2024, primarily due to the potential for rising profit margins driven by strategic initiatives [1]. Profit Margins - Chewy has achieved consistent profitability and cash generation over the past two years, currently reporting a 2% net profit margin and a 4% free cash flow margin (1.2% when including stock-based compensation). There is potential for further margin improvement as management focuses on higher-margin growth areas [2]. Key Growth Areas - **Autoship**: Chewy's Autoship subscription plans constitute 83% of total sales, providing predictable and steady revenue that can be further streamlined [3]. - **Chewy Vet Care**: The company aims to operate 20 Chewy Vet Care clinics by year-end, which will enhance its physical presence and tap into the higher margins typical of veterinary services [5]. - **Get Real**: The launch of a private-label healthy and fresh dog food product, Get Real, is expected to offer higher margins and align well with the Autoship subscription model [8]. - **Advertising**: The sponsored ads business is a significant contributor to Chewy's profitability, with management projecting that it could grow to represent 1% to 3% of total revenue [9]. - **Chewy+**: The new $49 annual membership program, Chewy+, has received positive feedback and already accounts for 3% of June sales, with potential for generating substantial high-margin membership fees [10]. Valuation - Chewy is currently trading at 29 times forward earnings, but with anticipated earnings growth, it is considered a top stock to consider [10].

Core Viewpoint - Chewy's stock has declined 15% following conservative guidance despite reporting a 9% increase in sales and a 38% rise in adjusted EPS for Q2 [1][4] Group 1: Financial Performance - Chewy reported a 9% increase in sales for Q2, with adjusted EPS rising by 38% [1] - Autoship sales, which include recurring purchases, increased by 15% and now represent 83% of total sales, indicating a stable revenue base [3] - Management has guided for a slower sales growth of 7.5% and adjusted EPS of $0.30 for the upcoming quarter, down from $0.33 in Q2 [1] Group 2: Market Reaction and Future Outlook - The stock drop is attributed to conservative guidance, but there is potential for Chewy to exceed estimates in the upcoming quarter [2][4] - Chewy is exploring higher-margin business opportunities, which could enhance profitability [4][5] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives - Chewy's gross margin improved by 90 basis points, driven by sponsored ads [5] - The introduction of Chewy+, a $49 per year membership program, accounted for 3% of sales in July [5] - The launch of Get Real, a premium-priced private-label fresh dog food brand, and the opening of 20 Chewy Vet Care locations by year-end are expected to contribute to higher margins [5]

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]