Genesco(GCO)2025-06-04 13:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported total revenue of $474 million for the first quarter, an increase of approximately 4% year-over-year, driven by a 5% growth in comparable sales, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive comps [34][35] - 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 [35] - Adjusted earnings per share loss improved by $0.05 year-over-year, with an adjusted diluted loss per share of $2.05 for the quarter compared to a loss of $2.10 last year [38][42] 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 [34][35] - The company noted that all channels posted positive growth, with store comps improving by 5% and direct comps increasing by 7% [34][36] - Schuh's digital capabilities and e-commerce business remained a key channel, with digital sales growth outpacing store sales in Q1 [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment was described as choppy, with consumers showing a willingness to shop during specific events like Valentine's Day and Easter, but retreating during quieter periods [5][6] - The UK consumer remains selective, impacting the footwear category and overall purchases [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on diversifying its product offerings and strengthening its leadership in premium athletic footwear, with a significant increase in athletic sales contributing to overall growth [25][26] - The strategic growth plan for Journeys includes enhancing product assortments, improving customer experience through store remodels, and leveraging brand partnerships [24][29] - The company is actively mitigating tariff impacts by diversifying suppliers and sourcing from countries with lower tariffs, aiming to reduce dependence on China [12][13] 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 motivate consumer purchases [8][9] - The company reaffirmed its full-year EPS guidance range of $1.30 to $1.70, despite acknowledging increased uncertainty in the external consumer environment [42][43] - Management highlighted the importance of the back-to-school and holiday shopping periods for driving sales and expressed optimism about the second half of the fiscal year [30][42] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with 1,256 total stores, having closed 26 stores and opened 4, resulting in a net reduction of 65 stores year-over-year [40] - Free cash flow for the quarter was negative $120 million, impacted by higher capital spending and inventory growth to meet consumer demand [39][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the impacts of new athletic brand relationships on Q1 comps? - 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 [50][51] Question: How did the vulcanized product category perform? - Management acknowledged pressure on vulcanized products but stated that strength in other brands offset this pressure [53][54] Question: What are the expectations for Journeys in the back half of the year? - Management indicated that while they are lapping more difficult comparisons, they are optimistic about serving a broader market and continuing to strengthen product leadership [67][70] Question: How does the company view recent M&A activity in the footwear landscape? - Management expressed confidence in their positioning, focusing on lifestyle-driven offerings for the teen market, which differs from the performance-focused M&A activity [78][79] Question: What are the expectations regarding gross margins and price increases? - Management discussed the shift towards athletic products impacting margins but emphasized that they do not expect to absorb gross margin reductions due to tariffs [80][81]