Jen Psaki dives into Donald Trump’s interesting obsession: shoes… and the size of them too. MS NOW: My Source for News, Opinion, and the World. » Subscribe to MS NOW: https://www.youtube.com/@msnow MS NOW is the go-to destination for domestic and international breaking news, and best-in-class opinion journalism. For more context and news coverage of the most important stories of our day click here: https://www.ms.now/ #trump #shoes #cabinet ...

Core Insights - The company has successfully completed a significant transformation of its supply chain, with approximately 50% of U.S. sourcing now coming from outside China, enhancing flexibility and aligning with company targets [1] - For fiscal 2025, a.k.a. Brands reported a net sales increase of 4.4% to $600 million, with the U.S. market being the largest and fastest-growing segment, contributing 66% of total sales [3][4] - The company anticipates continued sales growth and improved profitability for fiscal 2026, with projected net sales of $625–$635 million and adjusted EBITDA of $27–$29 million [6][26] Supply Chain and Inventory Management - The company has made operational improvements, resulting in a 10% year-over-year reduction in inventory, reflecting disciplined management and a shift to a "test and repeat" merchandising approach [2] - Despite challenges from tariffs, the company achieved a gross margin expansion of 30 basis points to 57.3% for fiscal 2025, although adjusted EBITDA decreased from $23.3 million to $19.7 million due to tariff impacts [7][11] Brand Performance and Growth Strategies - Princess Polly, the largest brand, experienced double-digit growth and opened seven new U.S. stores, along with its first store in Australia, contributing to overall brand awareness and financial performance [5][12] - The wholesale partnerships, particularly with Nordstrom, exceeded expectations, and the company plans to expand its TikTok Shop and other wholesale collaborations [13] Financial Outlook - Management projects mid-single-digit sales growth for fiscal 2026, with first-quarter net sales expected to be between $130 million and $132 million, reflecting low single-digit growth [19][20] - The company expects adjusted EBITDA to improve in fiscal 2026, driven by gross margin recovery and operational efficiencies, with a forecasted EBITDA margin expansion of about 100 basis points in the second and third quarters [21][22] Balance Sheet and Future Initiatives - As of the end of fiscal 2025, the company had $20.3 million in cash and $111.1 million in debt, having refinanced its debt to extend maturity to 2028 [23] - The company aims to leverage supply chain diversification, improved inventory health, and omnichannel expansion as key drivers for growth in 2026, alongside the integration of AI to enhance customer experience [23]

Core Insights - ThredUp Inc. (NASDAQ:TDUP) is recognized by analysts as one of the best penny stocks to buy on NASDAQ, emphasizing its marketplace model and focus on profitable growth in 2026 [1][5]. Financial Performance - In Q4 2025, ThredUp reported an 18% year-over-year revenue increase to $79.7 million, with a gross profit of $63.4 million and a narrower loss of $5.6 million [2]. - For the full year 2025, revenue reached $310.8 million, up 20% from the previous year, with losses reduced to $20.2 million from $40 million in 2024 [2]. - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $13.5 million, and total orders rose by 25% to 6.08 million [2]. Future Outlook - ThredUp anticipates Q1 2026 revenue between $79.5 million and $80.5 million, and full-year 2026 revenue of $349 million to $355 million, with gross margins projected around 78% to 79% and adjusted EBITDA margins near 6% [3]. - The company is experiencing strong momentum as it scales its resale platform and drives innovation [3]. Company Overview - Founded in 2009 and based in Oakland, California, ThredUp operates an online resale platform in the U.S. for buying and selling secondhand apparel, shoes, and accessories [4].

Allbirds, the erstwhile king of comfy shoes, has lost heat in recent years. Which everyday sneakers have claimed its crown? We tapped eight experts—including sneakerheads, a mountain guide and a physio—for their top men’s picks. https://t.co/HEgKFqlLXY ...

Core Insights - ThredUp Inc. reported strong financial results for Q4 and full year 2025, highlighting the scalability of its infrastructure and marketplace model, with a focus on sustainable, profitable growth in 2026 [2][4]. Financial Highlights - **Fourth Quarter 2025**: Revenue reached $79.7 million, an 18% increase year-over-year, with gross profit of $63.4 million, up 17% year-over-year. Gross margin was 79.6%, down from 80.4% in Q4 2024. The loss from continuing operations was $5.6 million, or -7.0% of revenue, an improvement from a loss of $8.1 million, or -12.0% of revenue, in the previous year [5][4]. - **Full Year 2025**: Total revenue was $310.8 million, a 20% increase year-over-year, with gross profit of $246.8 million, up 19% year-over-year. Gross margin was 79.4%, slightly down from 79.7% the previous year. The loss from continuing operations was $20.2 million, or -6.5% of revenue, compared to a loss of $40.0 million, or -15.4% of revenue, in 2024 [5][4]. Active Buyers and Orders - The number of active buyers reached 1.65 million in Q4 2025, a 30% increase year-over-year, with total orders of 1.56 million, up 27% from the previous year. For the full year, active buyers also totaled 1.65 million, with total orders of 6.08 million, representing a 25% increase year-over-year [5][4]. Financial Outlook - For Q1 2026, ThredUp expects revenue between $79.5 million and $80.5 million, reflecting a 12% year-over-year increase at the midpoint. The gross margin is anticipated to be between 78.0% and 79.0%, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of approximately 3.0% [4][11].

Core Insights - Optimist Fund's objective is to achieve capital growth at a mid-teens rate or higher over several decades, despite a decline of 8.5% in Q4 2025 [1] - The Fund remains optimistic about its portfolio's fundamental performance and expects significant returns over the next five years, believing current valuations underestimate future earnings and cash flow [1] Company Overview: ThredUp Inc. (NASDAQ:TDUP) - ThredUp Inc. is a resale platform for secondhand apparel, shoes, and accessories, with a market capitalization of $610.69 million [2] - As of February 27, 2026, ThredUp's stock closed at $4.88 per share, with a one-month return of -2.40% and a 52-week gain of 118.83% [2] Financial Performance - ThredUp reported a 34% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3, marking one of its fastest growth rates [3] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $3.8 million, representing a 4.6% margin, compared to breakeven last year, with active buyers increasing by approximately 26% [3] - Management raised full-year revenue guidance, indicating confidence in future performance [3] Hedge Fund Interest - ThredUp is held by 40 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q4, up from 31 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest [4] - Despite this interest, the company is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with some analysts suggesting that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential [4]

Core Viewpoint - Birkenstock Holding PLC (NYSE:BIRK) is identified as a strong investment opportunity despite a slight miss in revenue expectations for fiscal Q1 2026, with the company maintaining its guidance for the fiscal year [1][4]. Financial Performance - The company reported a quarterly revenue of $477.03 million, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 25.58%, although it fell short of consensus estimates by $1.20 million [2]. - Earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.32, exceeding consensus by $0.01 [2]. Growth Drivers - Management attributed the revenue growth to robust holiday demand across all product segments, resulting in double-digit revenue growth in constant currency [2]. Profitability Insights - Gross profit margins decreased by 460 basis points to 55.7%, influenced by unfavorable currency rates, increased tariffs from the US, and an unfavorable channel mix [3]. Future Outlook - For fiscal 2026, the company anticipates revenue growth between 13% and 15%, with gross profit margins projected to be in the range of 57% to 57.5% [4]. - The company plans to expand its retail presence by opening 40 new stores globally in fiscal 2026 [4]. Company Overview - Birkenstock Holding PLC operates through Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG and specializes in unisex footbed-based footwear, designed to align with human foot anatomy [5].

Allbirds, the erstwhile king of comfy shoes, has lost heat in recent years. Which everyday sneakers have claimed its crown? We tapped eight experts—including sneakerheads, a mountain guide and a physio—for their top men’s picks. https://t.co/JdRybrloJB ...

Core Insights - Birkenstock's growth strategy emphasizes expanding beyond sandals, targeting opportunities in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, direct-to-consumer (DTC) channels, and closed-toe shoes [1][4][5] Financial Performance - The company reported a revenue growth of 41% and EBITDA growth of 38% in the first two years post-IPO, with a deleverage of 55% [2] - Preliminary Q1 FY26 revenue reached EUR 402 million, reflecting an 18% increase on a constant-currency basis and an 11% reported growth [6][7] - Adjusted gross margin fell to 57.4%, down 290 basis points year-over-year, primarily due to foreign exchange and U.S. tariffs [11] Growth Strategy - Management reaffirmed a three-year plan targeting 13-15% constant-currency revenue growth, over 30% EBITDA margins, and approximately 15-17% EPS growth in constant currency [5][12] - The company aims to double APAC revenue by FY28, with expectations of about EUR 1 billion incremental revenue by fiscal 2028 compared to fiscal 2025 [14][18] Regional Insights - In the Americas, the company has around 10,000 distribution points and plans to open 30 additional stores, expecting over 10% growth in the region [15][16] - EMEA is characterized by a strong margin profile and growth opportunities in under-penetrated markets [17] - APAC is positioned in the premium luxury segment, with plans to open 70 stores and add 100 partner stores, expecting revenue to double over three years [18] Supply Chain and Capacity - The vertically integrated supply chain model supports a target of 10% annual unit growth, with significant investments in production facilities [19][20] - Expansion efforts are underway at key sites to enhance production capabilities and efficiency [21]

Core Insights - Gordon Brothers has acquired the global LK Bennett brand and related intellectual property assets from the Joint Administrators of LK Bennett Fashion Limited [1] - LK Bennett, founded in the '90s, is recognized for its British heritage, luxury fashion, and craftsmanship [2] - Gordon Brothers aims to revitalize LK Bennett by implementing an asset-light model and expanding its market presence through innovative marketing and strategic partnerships [3][4] Company Overview - Gordon Brothers has a history of investing in iconic brands since 2003, including Laura Ashley and Nicole Miller, focusing on brand expansion through licensing and e-commerce [4] - The firm provides integrated solutions in asset advisory, lending, and trading, with expertise across various sectors including retail and real estate [5] - Gordon Brothers operates globally with over 30 offices across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia Pacific [5]