Core Viewpoint - The sporting goods sector is experiencing increased demand driven by consumer enthusiasm for active lifestyles, prompting companies to compete for market share. An analyst has raised the outlook for Dick's Sporting Goods, citing confidence in its operating leverage and market share gains [1]. Company Performance - Analyst Joseph Feldman maintained an Outperform rating for Dick's Sporting Goods and increased the price forecast from $220 to $255, reflecting strong demand for athletic apparel, footwear, fitness, and outdoor gear [2][3]. - Dick's is gaining market share through a national brand mix, differentiated private labels, attractive store locations, and an expanding e-commerce platform enhanced by new technologies [3]. Financial Projections - Feldman expects Dick's to deliver solid earnings growth in 2025 and accelerate further in 2026, even before considering the planned acquisition of Foot Locker, which is anticipated to unlock long-term value [4]. - For Q2 2025, EPS is modeled at $4.30, with comparable store sales holding at 3.5%, and operating margin contraction expected to be narrower than previous projections [5]. - For the full year 2025, the EPS estimate is maintained at $14.40, with a comparable store sales growth of 3.0% and an operating margin of 10.9% [5]. Market Dynamics - Tariffs are noted as a headwind, particularly affecting private-label goods sourced from China, but Dick's improved pricing tools and diversified sourcing strategy are expected to mitigate the impact [6]. - The company is expected to outperform the broader sporting goods category and continue gaining market share, indicating confidence in its growth trajectory [6].

Core Viewpoint - Burlington Stores, Inc. has announced the appointment of Michael Skirvin to its Board of Directors and Audit Committee, effective November 18, 2025, which is expected to enhance the company's strategic growth oversight [1][2]. Company Overview - Burlington Stores, Inc. is a nationally recognized off-price retailer, specializing in high-quality branded apparel, footwear, accessories, and home merchandise, with Fiscal 2024 net sales of $10.6 billion [4]. - The company operates 1,115 stores across 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering discounts of up to 60% off other retailers' prices [4]. Leadership Insights - John Mahoney, Chairman of the Board, emphasized that Skirvin's extensive experience will strengthen the Board's qualifications and oversight capabilities [2]. - Michael O'Sullivan, CEO, expressed excitement about Skirvin's addition, highlighting his 30 years of experience in the off-price retail sector as beneficial for the company's Burlington 2.0 strategy [2]. Michael Skirvin's Background - Michael Skirvin served as CEO of Bob's Discount Furniture from 2016 to 2020 and held various roles at The TJX Companies from 1989 to 2010, including Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer [3].

Asia Pacific Equity Research August 2025 China Quick Commerce Deep Dive Alex Yao AC (86 21) 6106 6505 alex.yao@jpmorgan.com J.P. Morgan Securities (China) Company Limited Source: CAITEC (Quick commerce industry development report, Oct 2024). China quick commerce market size forecast (Rmb bn) 650 4,046 5,000 4,000 3,000 2,000 - 1,000 2023 2030E Source: CAITEC (Quick commerce industry development report, Oct 2024), J.P. Morgan estimates. 2 Andre Chang (86 21) 6106 6362 andre.ch.chang@jpmorgan.com J.P. Morgan ...

Core Viewpoint - Burlington Stores, Inc. is set to release its second quarter fiscal year 2025 results on August 28, 2025, before the U.S. stock market opens, followed by a conference call to discuss the results at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time [1] Company Overview - Burlington Stores, Inc. is a nationally recognized off-price retailer headquartered in New Jersey, with fiscal 2024 net sales of $10.6 billion [6] - The company operates 1,115 stores across 46 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, offering high-quality branded merchandise at discounts of up to 60% compared to other retailers [6] Conference Call Details - The U.S. toll-free dial-in for the conference call is 1-800-715-9871 with a passcode of 6135700, and the international dial-in number is 1-646-307-1963 [2] - A live webcast of the conference call will be available on the investor relations page of the company's website [2] Replay Information - For those unable to participate in the live conference call, a replay will be available starting at 11:30 a.m. ET on August 28, 2025, through September 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. ET [3] - The U.S. toll-free replay dial-in number is 1-800-770-2030, and the international replay dial-in number is 1-609-800-9909, with the same passcode of 6135700 [3] Communication Channels - Burlington Stores announces material information through SEC filings, press releases, public conference calls, and webcasts, and may also utilize its website and social media for important communications [4] - The company encourages stakeholders to review information posted on its website and social media channels, including Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) [4][5]

Core Insights - Lulu's Fashion Lounge Holdings, Inc. reported a net revenue of $81.5 million for Q2 2025, an 11% decrease year-over-year, attributed to a 16% decline in total orders placed, partially offset by a 1% increase in average order value [8][11] - The company achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA of $0.5 million, compared to a loss of $0.2 million in the same period last year, indicating improved operational efficiency [8][30] - Lulu's continues to focus on strategic initiatives to enhance cost efficiency and expand its customer base, particularly in the occasion dress segment, while repositioning its casual wear and footwear offerings [2][3] Financial Performance - Net loss for Q2 2025 was $3.0 million, a significant improvement from a net loss of $10.8 million in Q2 2024 [8][11] - Gross profit decreased by 12% to $36.9 million, with a gross margin of 45.3%, down 20 basis points from the previous year [8][30] - Active customers decreased by 8% to 2.5 million compared to 2.7 million in the same period last year [8][30] Debt and Liquidity - Total debt decreased by $4.3 million to $5.8 million, while net debt increased by $2.7 million to $4.2 million during the quarter [8][30] - The company is negotiating a new asset-based revolving credit facility to strengthen its liquidity position [3][6] Future Outlook - Lulu's expects to achieve positive Adjusted EBITDA in Q3 2025 and projects full-year capital expenditures to be approximately $2.5 million [9][10] - The company remains optimistic about its strategic initiatives and the potential for improved financial performance in the upcoming quarters [3][9]

Core Viewpoint - Xcel Brands announced a public offering of 2,181,818 shares at $1.10 per share and a concurrent private placement of 145,147 shares at $1.36 per share, with expected gross proceeds of approximately $2.6 million [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The public offering consists of 2,181,818 shares priced at $1.10 each, while the private placement involves 145,147 shares sold to insiders at $1.36, matching the closing price on July 31, 2025 [1]. - The closing of the offering is anticipated on or about August 4, 2025, pending customary closing conditions [1]. Group 2: Financial Proceeds - The combined gross proceeds from both the public offering and private placement are expected to be around $2.6 million before deducting fees and expenses [2]. - The net proceeds will be utilized for brand development, working capital, and other general corporate purposes, including settling outstanding payables [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Xcel Brands is a media and consumer products company focused on designing, licensing, and marketing branded consumer products, including apparel and home goods [5]. - The company has generated over $5 billion in retail sales through live streaming and digital channels, with a significant social media presence reaching over 43 million followers [5]. - Xcel Brands operates with a strategy that integrates interactive television, digital live-stream shopping, and social commerce to enhance consumer engagement [5].

Core Viewpoint - Under Armour, Inc. is set to report its first quarter fiscal 2026 results on August 8, 2025, with a conference call scheduled to discuss the results and strategic progress [1]. Company Overview - Under Armour, Inc. is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, and is recognized as a leading inventor, marketer, and distributor of branded athletic performance apparel, footwear, and accessories [2]. - The company's products are designed to empower human performance, with a focus on innovation to enhance athletic capabilities [2].

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Company (TSCO) reported second-quarter 2025 results with both net sales and earnings exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate, showing year-over-year growth [1][9] - Earnings per share reached 81 cents, surpassing the estimate of 80 cents, and reflecting a 2.5% increase from the previous year [1][9] - Net sales grew 4.5% year over year to $4.44 billion, exceeding the expected $4.40 billion [2][9] Sales Performance - The increase in sales was driven by new store openings and a rise in comparable store sales, which grew 1.5% year over year, reversing a 0.5% decline from the prior year's second quarter [2][3] - The growth in comparable sales was supported by strong performance in consumable, usable, and edible (C.U.E.) products, along with solid demand for spring seasonal items [3] Cost and Margin Analysis - Gross profit increased by 5.4% year over year to $1.64 billion, with the gross margin improving by 30 basis points to 36.9% due to effective product cost management [4][9] - Selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses rose 6.8% to $1.06 billion, with SG&A as a percentage of net sales increasing to 23.9% from 23.4% [5][6] Operating Income and Margins - Operating income for the quarter grew 2.9% year over year to $577.8 million, while the operating margin fell by 20 basis points to 13% [7][9] Financial Position - At the end of the quarter, Tractor Supply had cash and cash equivalents of $225.8 million, long-term debt of $1.67 billion, and total stockholders' equity of $2.49 billion [11] - The company returned $195.9 million to shareholders, including share repurchases and cash dividends [12] Future Outlook - Tractor Supply reaffirmed its financial guidance for fiscal 2025, expecting net sales growth of 4-8% and comparable store sales growth of 0-4% [13] - Projected operating margin rate is between 9.5% and 9.9%, with net income expected to be between $1.07 billion and $1.17 billion [13]

Core Viewpoint - Steven Madden, Ltd. is set to release its second quarter 2025 earnings results on July 30, 2025, with a conference call scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss the results [1]. Company Overview - Steven Madden, Ltd. is a prominent designer and marketer of fashion-forward footwear, accessories, and apparel, operating under various brands including Steve Madden, Kurt Geiger London, and Dolce Vita [4]. - The company engages in wholesale distribution through department stores, mass merchants, and online retailers, while also operating its own retail stores and e-commerce platforms [4]. - Additionally, Steven Madden licenses certain brands for marketing and sales in apparel, accessory, and home categories [4].

Core Insights - Stitch Fix, Inc. (SFIX) reported a 3.4% adjusted EBITDA margin in Q3 of fiscal 2025, an increase of 130 basis points year over year, with adjusted EBITDA reaching $11 million compared to $6.7 million in the same quarter last year [1][9] Financial Performance - The improved margin was driven by disciplined cost control, particularly in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses, which declined by 10.8% year over year to $153.3 million, accounting for 47.2% of net revenues, down from 53.2% in the prior-year quarter [2] - Revenues per active client grew by 3.2% year over year to $542, supported by a 10% rise in average order value, attributed to more flexible Fix options and expanded trend-right assortments [3] - The contribution margin remained above 30% for the fifth consecutive quarter, providing financial flexibility to manage gross margin fluctuations and reinvest in client experience [4] Strategic Outlook - The company raised its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance to $43-$47 million, implying a margin of 3.5%-3.8%, an increase from the previously communicated $40-$47 million [5] - SFIX is currently trading at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) multiple of 0.42X, significantly lower than the industry's average of 1.77X and the sector's average of 1.66X, indicating a potential undervaluation [6] Stock Performance - Shares of Stitch Fix have gained 34.8% in the past three months, outperforming the industry's growth of 25.5% [10]