Urban Outfitters(URBN) - 2026 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript

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]