Genesco(GCO)2025-06-04 13:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of $474 million for Q1 2026, an increase of approximately 4% year-over-year, driven by a 5% growth in comparable sales, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive comps [30][31] - Adjusted gross margin for the quarter was 46.7%, a decline of 90 basis points compared to the previous year, primarily due to a shift towards higher price point but lower margin products [32] - SG&A expenses were 52.5% of sales, improving by 170 basis points year-over-year, driven by reduced occupancy and bonus expenses along with cost-saving initiatives [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys led the business with comparable sales up 8%, while Schuh saw a 1% increase, and Johnston and Murphy experienced a 2% decline in comps [30][31] - Journeys' strong performance was attributed to a strategic focus on product assortment and brand partnerships, resulting in double-digit gains across several brands [14][23] - Schuh's comps increased due to improved brand access and digital capabilities, with over 40% of sales coming from e-commerce [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains choppy, with consumers showing willingness to shop during key events but retreating during quieter periods [5][28] - The UK consumer market is under pressure, impacting Schuh's performance, while Johnston and Murphy faced challenges in factory store traffic [19][28] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its product offerings and strengthening its brand partnerships, particularly in the athletic category, to capture a broader teen market [22][23] - The strategic growth plan for Journeys includes enhancing product assortment, elevating customer experience through new store designs, and increasing brand awareness through marketing initiatives [26][68] - The company is actively mitigating tariff impacts by diversifying suppliers and adjusting inventory strategies [12][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating the current trade environment and emphasized the importance of compelling footwear and freshness to drive consumer purchases [7][10] - The company reiterated its full-year EPS guidance of $1.3 to $1.7, acknowledging ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties and the impact of tariffs [38][39] - Management expects positive comps for Journeys in Q2, despite challenges in other business segments [56][58] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with a negative free cash flow of $120 million, attributed to higher capital spending and inventory growth to meet consumer demand [36][37] - The company repurchased approximately 605,000 shares during the quarter, representing about 5% of its outstanding shares [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the impacts of new athletic brand relationships on Q1 comp? - Management noted that existing brands drove the comp, but new brands like HOKA and Saucony had a positive impact, validating Journeys' position in lifestyle running [46][48] Question: How did vulcanized product trends compare to expectations? - Management acknowledged pressure on vulcanized products but stated that strength in other brands offset this pressure [50][51] Question: What is the guidance for Journeys in Q2? - Management indicated that Journeys is tracking similarly to Q1, with expectations for a positive comp, despite challenges in other segments [56][58] Question: What are the drivers for Journeys in the back half of the year? - Management highlighted the focus on product assortment, store remodels, and marketing initiatives as key drivers for growth [60][68] Question: How does the company view recent M&A activity in the footwear landscape? - Management stated that the company is positioned differently from competitors focused on performance athletic, emphasizing lifestyle and style-driven strategies [77][78] Question: What are the impacts on gross margin and balancing price increases? - Management explained that the shift to athletic products has affected margins, but they are working with brand partners to manage costs and maintain profitability [79][80]