Company Overview - Torrid Holdings Inc. (NYSE:CURV) is a leading direct-to-consumer brand specializing in apparel, intimates, and accessories for women sizes 10 to 30, based in the City of Industry, California [1] Earnings Report - On September 4, 2025, CURV reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.02, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.04, representing a 50% negative surprise and a decline from the $0.08 EPS reported in the same quarter last year [2][6] - CURV has a history of surpassing consensus EPS estimates twice in the past four quarters [2] Revenue Performance - CURV generated $262.81 million in revenue for the quarter ending in July 2025, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.24%, but this is a decrease from the $284.64 million in revenue from the same period last year [3][6] - The company has outperformed consensus revenue estimates twice in the last four quarters, indicating strong sales performance [3] Financial Metrics - CURV has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of approximately 24.76, indicating how the market values its earnings [4][6] - The price-to-sales ratio is about 0.23, suggesting the market value relative to its revenue [4][6] - The enterprise value to sales ratio is around 0.62, reflecting the company's total valuation compared to its sales [4] Capital Structure - The company's debt-to-equity ratio is -2.44, indicating a unique capital structure [5] - The current ratio of approximately 0.87 shows CURV's ability to cover short-term liabilities with short-term assets [5] - CURV offers an earnings yield of about 4.04%, providing a return on investment for shareholders despite the recent earnings shortfall [5]

Core Insights - American Eagle Outfitters reported a fiscal Q2 2025 revenue of $1.28 billion, a 1% decrease year-over-year, marking the second-highest Q2 revenue in the company's history [4][24] - The company expects a tariff impact of approximately $70 million for the second half of fiscal 2025, down from an unmitigated estimate of $180 million [4][7] - The company plans to close 35 to 40 American Eagle locations by year-end, while simultaneously expanding Aerie and offline store locations [4][29] Financial Performance - Gross margin improved to 38.9%, up from 38.6% last year, despite a 20 basis points deleverage in buying, occupancy, and warehousing costs [3][25] - Operating income for Q2 2025 was $103 million, a 2% increase from the previous year, resulting in an operating margin of 8% [3][26] - Diluted EPS rose 15% compared to last year, reflecting strong financial discipline and effective cost management [3][10] Sales and Marketing - The company experienced robust new customer growth driven by celebrity marketing campaigns, resulting in over 700,000 new customers and 40 billion campaign impressions [4][22] - Comparable sales declined 1% in Q2 2025, but Aerie's comparable sales grew by 3%, indicating a positive trend in specific segments [6][17] - The marketing campaigns featuring Sydney Sweeney and Travis Kelce have generated significant engagement and traffic, contributing to record-breaking sales during Labor Day [4][22] Inventory and Supply Chain - Ending inventory cost increased by 8%, primarily due to tariff effects, with units up 3% in Q2 2025 [6][26] - The company actively managed inventory to align with category trends and anticipated demand, minimizing pull-forward related to tariffs [4][7] - Strategic supply chain adjustments, including country-of-origin shifts and vendor negotiations, have helped mitigate tariff impacts [4][7] Future Outlook - For Q3 2025, the company expects a low single-digit increase in comparable sales and operating income in the range of $95 million to $100 million, including approximately $20 million in tariffs [4][30] - Fiscal Q4 2025 guidance includes a low single-digit increase in comparable sales and operating profit projected at $125 million to $130 million, with an expected tariff impact of $40 million to $50 million [4][31] - The company is focused on optimizing its store fleet and enhancing its digital channel to drive future growth [4][28]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for the second quarter was $1,280,000,000, marking a 1% decline compared to the previous year, but it was the second highest revenue ever posted for this quarter [6][22] - Operating income improved by 2% to $103,000,000, exceeding expectations, with diluted EPS increasing by 15% year-over-year [9][22] - Gross profit dollars were $500,000,000, reflecting a gross margin of 38.9%, up from 38.6% last year [23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Aerie experienced a comp growth of 3%, driven by strong demand in intimates, soft dressing, sleepwear, and activewear [6][15] - American Eagle saw a decline in comps but improved in key categories such as women's jeans and tops as the quarter progressed [17][19] - The overall traffic was positive across brands and channels, with significant momentum building through the second quarter [7][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a strong customer acquisition, with over 700,000 new customers attributed to recent marketing campaigns [20] - The campaigns generated approximately 40,000,000,000 impressions, indicating a significant reach and engagement [33][36] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on strengthening its brands, improving growth runway, and managing for higher profitability [5][9] - There is a commitment to operational efficiencies and supply chain improvements, particularly in response to tariff impacts [10][26] - The company plans to open approximately 30 Aerie and offline locations and remodel 40 to 50 AE stores, while closing 35 to 40 American Eagle locations by year-end [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the early results of actions taken to reignite performance, despite a dynamic consumer backdrop [5][9] - The third quarter is off to a better start, with consolidated comps up in the mid-single digits, and a positive outlook for the remainder of the year [29][30] - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by tariffs but emphasized ongoing efforts to mitigate their impact [10][30] Other Important Information - Year-to-date, the company has returned $276,000,000 to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases [11] - The company expects to incur approximately $20,000,000 in tariff costs in the third quarter and $40,000,000 to $50,000,000 in the fourth quarter [30][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you tell us more about how you keep the momentum going with the new customers attracted by the campaigns? - The campaigns have generated unprecedented new customer acquisition, and the focus is on converting this buzz into repeat business [35][37] Question: Can you provide more details on the comp metrics, transaction ticket, and tariff impacts? - AUR was down mid-single digits, but traffic was healthy, and the team managed to offset some of the declines through effective markdown management [50][52] Question: What percentage of sales does intimates represent for Aerie, and how is the strategy to recapture share? - Intimates account for roughly one-third of Aerie's business, and the company is focused on launching new collections to regain market share [59][61] Question: Are there any product categories not performing well at Aerie? - The shorts category was identified as a challenge, but overall, the company is seeing positive trends in intimates and soft apparel [74][75] Question: What are the expectations for gross margin in the back half of the year? - The company anticipates a decline in gross margin due to tariff impacts, with ongoing efforts to manage expenses and optimize pricing strategies [78][80] Question: How will the marketing spend be allocated for the back half of the year? - Advertising expenses are expected to increase in the third quarter to support ongoing campaigns, while the fourth quarter may see a stabilization in SG&A expenses [100][101]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales grew by 11%, reaching a record of $1.5 billion for Q2 [7][5] - Net income increased by 22%, setting a new Q2 record of $144 million or $1.58 per diluted share [10] - Gross profit dollars rose by 15% to $566 million, with a gross profit rate improvement of 113 basis points to 37.6% [9] - Operating income increased by 20% to $174 million, with an operating profit rate improvement of 85 basis points to 11.6% [10] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nuuly achieved a 53% revenue growth, driven by a 48% increase in average active subscribers [8] - Anthropologie reported a 6% increase in retail segment comps, marking over four years of consecutive positive comps [10] - Free People delivered a 14% increase in total revenue, with a 7% retail segment comp increase [13] - The wholesale segment saw an 18% revenue increase, driven by growth across all distribution channels [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Urban Outfitters brand in North America recorded a 4% comparable sales increase, with double-digit comp growth in Europe [25] - The EU business delivered an 11% comparable sales increase in the retail segment [27] - Nuuly's performance contributed four percentage points of revenue growth to total URBN sales [16] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on brand-led growth, enhancing customer engagement, and expanding product offerings [12][29] - There is a strategic emphasis on mitigating tariff impacts through vendor negotiations, diversifying sourcing, and adjusting transportation methods [22] - Plans to open approximately 69 new stores while closing 17, with a focus on expanding FP Movement, Free People, and Anthropologie [48] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating tariff challenges while achieving gross margin improvements [22] - The company anticipates continued strong consumer demand and plans for high single-digit sales growth in Q3 [54] - There is optimism regarding the Urban Outfitters brand's recovery and growth potential in both North America and Europe [29][50] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest in logistics expansion for Nuuly, increasing storage capacity to support growth [19] - Marketing efforts are expected to increase in the second half of the year, particularly for brand campaigns [46] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of tariffs on growth and pricing strategies - Management discussed a four-pronged approach to mitigate tariff impacts, including negotiating better vendor terms and adjusting transportation methods [60] Question: Performance of own brands versus national brands - Anthropologie's own brand penetration reached a record high of 71%, with strong growth in proprietary brands [64] Question: Pricing strategy amidst tariff pressures - The strategy involves gentle price increases while maintaining opening price points to protect customer experience [75] Question: Consumer health and trends observed - Management noted positive consumer sentiment, with increased traffic and transactions both online and in stores [91] Question: Profitability outlook for Urban Outfitters - Management indicated that while significant progress has been made, a return to profitability is not expected this year [106]

Core Viewpoint - American Eagle Outfitters Inc. faces challenges due to slowing sales momentum, tariff impacts, and limited earnings visibility, leading to a downgrade by Bank of America Securities [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company is set to report its second quarter fiscal 2025 on September 3, with analysts estimating earnings of approximately 21 cents per share and sales of $1.24 billion [2]. - Analyst Christopher Nardone has reduced fiscal 2025 and 2026 EPS estimates by 8% and 30% to 65 cents and 95 cents, respectively, due to higher tariffs and declining Aerie sales [3]. Valuation and Market Position - The stock is currently trading at 5x EV/EBITDA (F26E) and 13.5x P/E, with BofA indicating downside risks to these estimates given a deteriorating fundamental backdrop [3]. - The price forecast has been cut from $11 to $10, reflecting lower estimates based on a 4x F26E EV/EBITDA, which remains a discount to peers [4]. Tariff and Margin Impact - American Eagle and Aerie are experiencing tariff headwinds with limited pricing power, with BofA estimating a potential gross margin squeeze of about 20 basis points in fiscal 2025 and up to 70 basis points in fiscal 2026 due to a 20% rest-of-world tariff [5]. - Despite significant cost cuts in recent years, further improvements may be constrained as marketing expenditures lag behind competitors [5]. Sales Growth and Brand Recovery - Sales growth is expected to be capped at 3-5%, making a return to historical EPS of $1.40 challenging [6]. - The recovery of the brand remains uncertain, with sales rebounds from first-quarter assortment issues anticipated to take time, and traction for non-denim products unproven [6]. Aerie's Market Challenges - Aerie is facing secular weaknesses in intimates and swim categories, increasing reliance on offline growth, and reduced promotions may negatively impact traffic [7]. - Store expansion plans may be scaled back if retail conditions remain soft [7]. Advertising and Market Sentiment - The recent advertising campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney may provide a short-term boost to sales momentum, but the potential for sustained business impact is limited [8]. - Denim is expected to be a strong category for the back-to-school season, which could influence sales positively [8].

Group 1 - The stock of Victoria's Secret & Co. (NYSE: VSCO) is currently rated as a hold due to its challenging position in the market [1] - There are early signs indicating that the turnaround of the core intimates business is gaining traction [1] - The investment approach focuses on understanding the core economics of a business, including competitive moat, unit economics, reinvestment runway, and management quality [1] Group 2 - The analysis emphasizes the importance of long-term free cash flow generation and shareholder value creation [1] - The author aims to provide insights that help readers focus on what drives long-term equity value [1] - The analysis is intended to be both analytical and accessible, adding value to readers seeking high-quality, long-term investment opportunities [1]

Core Insights - American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) and Nordstrom (JWN) are competing in the Retail – Apparel and Shoes sector, each adapting to changing consumer preferences and economic challenges with distinct strategies [1][4] - Nordstrom targets an affluent demographic through a dual-channel model, combining full-line department stores with Nordstrom Rack, and emphasizes a high-touch shopping experience [2] - AEO focuses on a younger, value-conscious audience with its brands American Eagle and Aerie, leveraging trends in comfort and digital engagement [3] Nordstrom's Strategy and Performance - Nordstrom is pursuing three main goals: growing the Nordstrom brand, improving operations, and strengthening Nordstrom Rack, with a focus on inventory management and faster product delivery [5] - The company has seen significant online sales contributions, utilizing new technologies for inventory management and enhancing customer engagement [6] - Improvements in the supply chain have led to a 40% reduction in return processing time, increasing efficiency and sales potential [7] American Eagle's Strategy and Performance - AEO is implementing its Powering Profitable Growth Plan, focusing on digital innovation, supply chain automation, and customer experience [8] - The company reported strong operating income growth in Q4 of fiscal 2024, driven by effective cost controls and improved operating margins [9] - Aerie is a key growth driver for AEO, focusing on innovation and expanding customer reach in the body-positive market [10] Financial Outlook and Comparisons - AEO anticipates mid-single-digit revenue declines for Q1 of fiscal 2025, with projected operating income of $20-$25 million, impacted by a stronger U.S. dollar [12] - For fiscal 2025, AEO expects low-single-digit revenue dips and a gross margin decline, with operating income projected at $360-$375 million [13] - In contrast, Nordstrom's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS estimates imply year-over-year growth of 2.2% and 1.8%, respectively [14] Valuation and Stock Performance - Nordstrom trades at a forward P/E ratio of 10.89X, below the industry average, indicating reasonable valuation [15] - AEO has a lower P/E ratio of 9.68, positioning it as a more value-oriented option [15] - Over the past year, Nordstrom has gained 16.5%, while AEO has declined by 47.9%, highlighting Nordstrom's stronger stock performance [16] Conclusion - Nordstrom is positioned as a stronger long-term investment due to consistent strategic execution and brand equity, expanding its digital capabilities [18] - AEO shows growth potential but faces volatility and uncertainty, particularly with its fiscal 2025 outlook [19] - For investors seeking stability and long-term value, Nordstrom is the preferred choice, currently rated as a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy) [20]