Torrid (US:CURV)2025-12-03 22:32Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q3 fiscal 2025, the company reported sales of $235 million, down from $263.8 million in the prior year, reflecting a decline of 10.5% [15][16] - Adjusted EBITDA was $9.8 million, representing a margin of 4.2%, compared to $19.6 million and a margin of 7.4% a year ago [18] - Net loss for the quarter was $6.4 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to a net loss of $1.2 million, or $0.01 per share last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted in denim, non-denim, dresses, and intimates, all generating positive comparable growth, while tops and jackets categories faced significant challenges [5][6] - Tops accounted for approximately half of the year-over-year sales miss, with a shift towards fashion-forward designs impacting core assortments [5][6] - The footwear category experienced an estimated $12.5 million in lost sales due to a strategic pause, with plans to scale back to historical sales levels of approximately $40 million in 2026 [8][9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comparable sales declined by 8.3%, with the tariff-related pause in the shoe category contributing approximately 400 basis points to this decline [16] - The company noted that 70% of demand is now originating online, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences towards digital channels [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing product offerings through sub-brands and an opening price point strategy to increase market share and customer acquisition [9][10] - A comprehensive review of the spring-summer 2026 buying strategy has been completed, with a commitment to balance investments across categories [7][10] - The store optimization strategy remains a cornerstone of the company's transformation, with plans to close approximately 180 stores in fiscal 2025 [13][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed disappointment with overall performance but highlighted corrective actions being taken to address assortment issues [4][5] - The company expects to see sequential improvement in knit and woven performance by the end of Q4, with confidence in returning categories to growth [7][10] - Full-year net sales are now expected in the range of $995 million to $1.002 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA projected between $59 million and $62 million [20] Other Important Information - The company has implemented enhanced guardrails in the merchandising process and is actively addressing near-term assortment gaps [6][7] - Marketing investments increased by $2.7 million to $15.7 million, supporting customer acquisition and brand visibility [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on some of the product missteps? - Management identified tops as the primary area of revenue miss, with corrective actions being implemented to address the issue [22][23] Question: What changes are being made to ensure a balanced assortment? - The company is embedding a balanced approach into the assortment architecture, focusing on both opening price points and core products [33][35] Question: What is the outlook for sub-brands? - The sub-brand strategy remains unchanged, with positive momentum expected to continue into 2026 [42][45] Question: How will store closures impact the leverage profile? - Store closures are expected to create a more flexible expense profile, leading to substantial EBITDA margin expansion in 2026 [46][47] Question: What are the competitive landscape observations? - Management noted that the challenges faced were largely self-inflicted, with opportunities to recapture customer interest through improved product offerings [56][57]