Core Insights - Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) reported record first-quarter sales of $1.33 billion for fiscal 2026, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 10.7% with all five brands achieving positive comparable sales [1][9] - The company's operating profit surged by 71.8% to $128.2 million, moving closer to its long-term goal of a 10% operating margin [1] Sales Performance - Free People led the sales growth with an 11% increase, driven by retail and wholesale gains, including a 3.1% rise in retail comparable sales and a 25.6% increase in wholesale revenue [2] - Nuuly, the apparel rental subscription service, added over 110,000 subscribers year-over-year, surpassing 380,000 subscribers, resulting in a 59.5% revenue increase for the brand [4] - Anthropologie achieved its 10th consecutive quarter of double-digit operating profit growth, supported by a 6.9% retail comparable sales increase [6] Brand Developments - The Urban Outfitters brand recorded a 2.1% global retail comparable sales increase, with a notable 14% gain in Europe, which offset a 4% decline in North America [7] - The company opened 43 new locations under Free People and FP Movement over the past year, with expectations of mid-single-digit retail comparable gains in the upcoming fiscal quarter [3] Financial Outlook - URBN projects high-single-digit sales growth for the fiscal second quarter, with an anticipated gross margin improvement of 50-100 basis points for the year [8] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for URBN's earnings has been revised upward, indicating year-over-year growth of 22.2% for the current fiscal year and 9.9% for the next fiscal year [16] Stock Performance - URBN shares have rallied 40% in the past three months, outperforming the Zacks Retail-Apparel and Shoes industry's growth of 18.9% [10] - The stock is currently trading 6.8% below its 52-week high, with technical indicators suggesting a continued uptrend [11] Valuation Metrics - URBN is considered a compelling value play, trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 1.02, below the industry average of 1.77 [12]

Core Insights - Deckers Outdoor Corporation's performance is primarily driven by strong consumer demand for its flagship brands, HOKA and UGG, with year-over-year sales growth of 10% and 3.6% respectively in Q4 FY25 [1][9] Brand Performance - HOKA's sales reached $2.2 billion in FY25, reflecting a 23.6% year-over-year increase, supported by new product launches and international expansion, particularly in EMEA and China [4][2] - UGG generated $2.5 billion in sales for FY25, marking a 13.1% year-over-year growth, with a focus on expanding its product line beyond cold-weather offerings [4][3] International Growth - HOKA's international revenues grew by 39% year-over-year, now accounting for 34% of total brand sales, while UGG's international revenues increased by 20%, representing 39% of total sales [4][2] Competitive Landscape - Key competitors in brand innovation include Wolverine World Wide, Inc. and Urban Outfitters Inc., with Wolverine's Saucony and Merrell brands showing strong revenue growth [5][6] - Urban Outfitters' brand portfolio also demonstrated positive performance, with notable increases in net sales for its brands [7] Financial Performance and Valuation - Deckers' shares have declined by 50% year-to-date, compared to a 17.6% decline in the industry [8] - The company trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 16.45X, slightly below the industry's average of 17.01X [10] - Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a projected earnings decline of 4.4% for FY26, with a potential recovery of 9.1% in FY27 [11]

Core Insights - Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) shares reached a 52-week high of $75.57, closing at $75.26, with a year-to-date stock rally of 37.1% compared to a 12.3% decline in the Zacks Retail-Apparel and Shoes industry [1] - The company's strategic initiatives and operational efficiencies have allowed it to outperform the broader Retail-Wholesale sector and the S&P 500 index, which saw growth of 0.6% and a decline of 1.8%, respectively [1] Stock Performance - URBN is trading above its 50-day and 200-day simple moving averages (SMA) of $53.43 and $47.65, indicating a continued uptrend and positive market sentiment [4] - The stock's strong performance is supported by sustained momentum and investor confidence in URBN's financial health and growth prospects [4] Strategic Growth Initiatives - URBN's strategic approach balances innovation with operational excellence, allowing the company to shape industry shifts rather than merely react to them [6] - The diversified brand portfolio and data-informed expansion strategy are advancing in high-growth areas while reinforcing core strengths [6] Operational Efficiency - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, URBN achieved a gross margin expansion of 278 basis points due to favorable cost shifts and sustainable operational enhancements [7] - Logistics initiatives, such as reducing package numbers per order and transitioning shipments from air to sea, have led to significant delivery expense leverage [8] Brand Performance - Each of URBN's brands, particularly Anthropologie and Free People, is showing notable strength, with Anthropologie achieving 10 consecutive quarters of double-digit operating profit growth [9] - Free People and FP Movement are key growth drivers, with FP Movement posting 29% total sales growth in the fiscal first quarter [10] Future Outlook - URBN anticipates high-single-digit growth across total sales for the fiscal second quarter, with mid-single-digit growth in the Retail segment and low-double-digit growth in the Wholesale segment [11] - The subscription rental business, Nuuly, is expected to deliver mid-double-digit revenue growth, supported by an increase in active subscribers [11] Valuation Metrics - URBN is trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales ratio of 1.15, below the industry average of 1.76 and the sector average of 1.59, indicating potential for investors [12] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for URBN's earnings has been revised upward, indicating year-over-year growth of 20% for the current fiscal year and 8.7% for the next fiscal year [15] Investment Appeal - URBN is characterized as a strong value pick, backed by disciplined operations, diversified growth channels, and consistent brand performance [18] - Positive earnings revisions and attractive valuation further highlight URBN's investment appeal, making it a compelling choice for long-term growth-focused investors [18]

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN) reported impressive results for first-quarter fiscal 2026, wherein the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both metrics improved from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure. As a result, shares of this Philadelphia, PA-based player rose 17.5% in the after-market trading session yesterday.The company reported a highly successful quarter, showcasing strong performance across all its brands and business segments. The Retail segment’s comparable sal ...

Core Insights - Urban Outfitters reported revenue of $1.33 billion for the quarter ended April 2025, reflecting a 10.7% increase year-over-year and a surprise of +3.37% over the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.29 billion [1] - Earnings per share (EPS) reached $1.16, significantly higher than the $0.69 reported in the same quarter last year, resulting in an EPS surprise of +43.21% compared to the consensus estimate of $0.81 [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Urban Outfitters' shares have returned +22.7% over the past month, outperforming the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +12.7% change [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank 4 (Sell), indicating potential underperformance relative to the broader market in the near term [3] Retail Operations - The number of stores for Free People was 237, slightly above the four-analyst average estimate of 236 [4] - Urban Outfitters had 257 stores, exceeding the average estimate of 254 [4] - Anthropologie's store count matched the average estimate of 241 [4] Comparable Store Sales - Comparable store sales increased by 4.8% year-over-year, surpassing the average estimate of 3.4% [4] Net Sales by Brand - Urban Outfitters' net sales were $273.51 million, exceeding the average estimate of $259.71 million, with a year-over-year change of +1.2% [4] - Anthropologie's net sales reached $569.93 million, above the average estimate of $555.86 million, reflecting an +8.3% year-over-year change [4] - Nuuly's net sales were $124.35 million, significantly higher than the average estimate of $103.98 million, marking a +59.6% year-over-year increase [4] - Free People's net sales were $353.11 million, slightly below the average estimate of $362.51 million, with a +10.8% year-over-year change [4] Wholesale and Subscription Operations - Net sales from wholesale operations were $74.64 million, exceeding the average estimate of $70.28 million, with a +24.2% year-over-year change [4] - Subscription operations generated $124.35 million in net sales, surpassing the average estimate of $97.99 million [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total URBN sales grew by 11%, reaching a record $1.3 billion for Q1 [6] - Gross profit increased by 20% to $489 million, with a gross profit rate improvement of 278 basis points to 36.8% [8] - Operating income rose by 72% to $128 million, with an operating profit rate improvement of over 340 basis points to 9.6% [9] - Net income increased by 75% to $108 million, or $1.16 per diluted share [9] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Nuuly achieved a 60% revenue growth with a 53% increase in average active subscribers [7] - The wholesale segment saw a 24% revenue increase, driven by full-price sales at Free People [7] - Anthropologie reported a 7% increase in retail segment comp, marking four consecutive quarters of positive comps [10] - Free People delivered an 11% increase in total retail and wholesale segment sales [12] - Urban Outfitters recorded a positive 2% global retail segment comp, with North America at -4% and Europe at +14% [14][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - European business delivered a 14% comp driven by double-digit increases in both digital and store channels [18] - North America faced challenges with a negative retail segment comp, but Europe showed strong performance [15][18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on customer-centric strategies, evolving product assortments, and enhancing marketing efforts to drive growth [16][35] - Plans to open approximately 64 new stores while closing 17, with a focus on Free People and Anthropologie [32] - The company is diversifying sourcing to mitigate tariff impacts, with no single country accounting for more than 25% of production [22][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in continued revenue growth and margin expansion despite global uncertainties [38] - The company anticipates a solid start to Q2, with total sales expected to grow in the high single digits [27] - Management noted that customer demand remains strong, with no signs of a slowdown [34] Other Important Information - The company plans to manage tariff impacts through strategic pricing and sourcing adjustments [21][25] - Capital expenditures for FY 2026 are planned at approximately $240 million, with significant investments in retail expansion and technology [32] Q&A Session Summary Question: Key drivers of success in Europe - Management attributed success to strong product offerings and effective marketing initiatives, with a focus on collaboration between European and North American teams [42][43] Question: Urban Outfitters' store format changes - Management confirmed flexibility in store formats and plans to downsize where necessary to improve productivity [52][56] Question: Performance by brand and consumer spending outlook - Management indicated that May's performance is consistent with Q1, expecting mid-single-digit comps for Q2 across brands [59][60] Question: SG&A rate expectations - Management reiterated that SG&A expenses are expected to grow in line with sales, with potential unevenness due to marketing campaigns [105] Question: Wholesale EBIT margin outlook - Management expressed optimism about the wholesale business's growth and profitability, focusing on partnerships with aligned brands [119]

PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:URBN), a leading lifestyle products and services company which operates a portfolio of global consumer brands including the Anthropologie, Free People, FP Movement, Urban Outfitters and Nuuly brands, today announced record net income of $108.3 million and earnings per diluted share of $1.16 for the three months ended April 30, 2025. Total Company net sales for the three months ended April 30, 2025, increased 10.7% to a record $1.3 ...

Core Insights - The fashion retail landscape is shaped by two distinct brands: The Gap Inc. (GAP) and Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN), each with unique business philosophies and customer bases [1][2] The Case for GAP - GAP is positioned as a compelling investment opportunity due to strategic repositioning, operational discipline, and a strong push toward digital transformation, maintaining a notable share of the $350 billion U.S. apparel industry [3][5] - The company operates over 2,500 stores across four key brands: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, focusing on high-potential categories and closing underperforming locations [3][4] - Under CEO Richard Dickson, GAP emphasizes brand relevance, consumer engagement, and product innovation, aiming to reconnect with its iconic identity and strengthen brand equity [4][5] - Online sales account for over 40% of total revenue, supported by robust omni-channel capabilities, including buy-online-pickup-in-store and same-day delivery [5] - For fiscal 2025, GAP projects 1-2% net sales growth, driven by strength at Old Navy and Gap, with anticipated cost savings of approximately $150 million to reinvest in growth initiatives [6] The Case for URBN - Urban Outfitters closed fiscal 2025 with record-breaking results, achieving annual net sales of $5.55 billion, up 7.7% year-over-year, and net income of $402.5 million [7][8] - URBN's brand portfolio includes Anthropologie, Free People, Urban Outfitters, and the rental platform Nuuly, allowing it to tap into diverse consumer demographics [7][8] - The company invests in brand distinctiveness, multi-channel integration, and customer experience innovation, with Free People and Anthropologie expanding through retail and wholesale [8][10] - Digital innovation is a key growth engine for URBN, with high single-digit growth in digital sales and ongoing investment in mobile and data analytics [10][11] - URBN mitigates tariff pressures by diversifying its sourcing footprint and improving inventory management [11] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for GAP's fiscal 2025 sales and EPS implies year-over-year growth of 1.4% and 6.8%, respectively [12] - For URBN, the fiscal 2026 sales and EPS suggest year-over-year growth of 6.7% and 13.3%, respectively [16] Price Performance & Valuation - Year-to-date, GAP shares have rallied 18%, while URBN stock has returned 11.6% [18] - GAP is trading at a forward price-to-sales multiple of 0.67X, above its five-year median of 0.47X, while URBN's forward P/S multiple is at 0.97X, above its median of 0.62X [18][19] - GAP's cheaper valuation and recent share price momentum provide it with an edge over URBN, which reflects its investments in brand distinctiveness and customer experience [19][20] Conclusion - GAP's trajectory appears more compelling due to its legacy of classic American style, strategic focus on brand revitalization, and operational efficiency [21][24] - URBN thrives as a nimble, trend-focused innovator with a diversified brand mix, strong digital momentum, and expansion into sustainable fashion markets [21][24] - Both companies currently carry a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold) [25]

Urban Outfitters Inc. (URBN) stands out as a compelling value play within the Retail-Apparel and Shoes industry, trading at a forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio of 10.99, below the industry average of 15.74 and the Retail-Wholesale sector average of 23.01. This undervaluation highlights its potential for investors seeking attractive entry points in the retail space. URBN's Value Score of A emphasizes its investment appeal.URBN Looks Attractive From Valuation Perspective Image Source: Zacks Investment ...

Group 1 - Urban Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ: URBN) is initiated with a Strong Buy rating and a price target of $74.22, indicating a positive outlook for the company [1] - The company operates a diversified portfolio of lifestyle retail and wholesale brands targeting young adults and women, showcasing its broad market appeal [1] - Moretus Research emphasizes a structured approach to equity research, focusing on identifying companies with durable business models and mispriced cash flow potential [1] Group 2 - The research methodology combines rigorous fundamental analysis with a judgment-driven process, aiming to filter out noise and overly complex forecasting [1] - Valuation practices are based on sector-relevant multiples tailored to each company's business model, emphasizing comparability and simplicity [1] - Moretus Research aims to highlight underappreciated companies undergoing structural changes or temporary dislocations, which can lead to asymmetric returns [1]