Tag: Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF)

Is Abercrombie’s 150% Stock Gain Justified?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF), a digitally-led, omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel and accessories, has shown outstanding growth, with the stock surging nearly 150% over the past year despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. This substantial rise in value has drawn attention to whether the company’s growth trajectory justifies its current stock price or if a correction is on the horizon.

By analyzing ANF’s earnings, revenue growth, and future sales forecasts, we can evaluate whether the company is positioned to sustain these gains and remain a compelling investment in the retail sector.

Solid Second-Quarter Earnings and Revenue Growth Despite Retail Headwinds

ANF’s recent financial performance has exceeded analysts’ expectations, positioning it as a leading player in the retail sector. For the second quarter that ended August 3, 2024, the company reported record net sales of $1.13 billion, representing a 21% increase year-over-year with comparable sales growth of 18%. That surpassed analysts’ revenue estimate of $1.09 billion.

The strength of Abercrombie’s brand portfolio and enhancements to its global capabilities drove broad-based growth across regions, brands, and channels. The Americas led its performance in the last quarter, with net sales growth of 23%, building on the previous year’s 19% growth. Meanwhile, its EMEA region also delivered solid results, with a 16% rise in net sales.

By brand, Abercrombie saw a remarkable 26% year-over-year growth, matching last year’s performance, while Hollister experienced a strong rebound, achieving 17% growth thanks to better-than-expected summer and back-to-school selling. The retailer’s gross profit rose 26% from the year-ago value to $736.26 million.

Further, ANF’s operating income was $175.63 million for the quarter, a sharp improvement from $89.84 million a year prior, reflecting strong operational efficiency. Its net income was $135.38 million, an increase of 130.5% from the prior year’s quarter. The company posted net income per share of $2.50, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.22, and up 127.3% year-over-year.

ANF’s impressive financial performance contrasts sharply with the broader retail environment, where many companies are struggling with weak consumer demand and supply chain disruptions.

Retail giants like Macy’s, Inc. (M) and The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) have lowered their annual sales forecasts, citing slower discretionary spending. In contrast, Abercrombie has managed to buck this trend by revamping its merchandise and focusing on clearer brand identities. The introduction of dressier apparel and fashion-forward items like cargo pants has resonated with shoppers, helping the retailer expand its customer base and attract fashion-conscious buyers.

Moreover, ANF recently expanded the Abercrombie Kids with Haddad Brands partnership. The company’s partnership with Haddad Brands will focus on creating new distribution channels for the brand and expanding the product line by introducing infant and toddler categories, complementing the existing assortment for children aged 5 to 14.

Raised Full-Year 2024 Guidance

Abercrombie’s remarkable second-quarter performance led the company to raise its full-year sales forecast. It now expects net sales growth between 12% and 13%, up from its previous guidance of 10%. The company also raised its operating margin in the range of 14% and 15%. This upward revision is notable given the broader retail sector’s challenges, including inflationary pressures and shifts in consumer behavior.

Fran Horowitz, ANF’s CEO, said, “We delivered a strong first half of the year, and we are increasing our full-year outlook. Although we continue to operate in an increasingly uncertain environment, we remain steadfast in executing our global playbook and maintaining discipline over inventory and expenses. We are on track and confident in our goal to deliver sustainable, profitable growth this year, while making strategic long-term investments across marketing, digital and technology and stores to enable future growth.”

Moreover, Horowitz emphasized Abercrombie’s focus on disciplined execution, particularly managing inventory and expenses while investing in marketing, digital channels, and store expansion. This strategy appears to be paying off as the company continues to post record results and improve profitability.

Analysts’ Optimism and Future Potential

Analysts remain bullish on Abercrombie’s stock, with several raising their price targets following the company’s latest earnings report. Citigroup recently upgraded their rating on ANF stock from Neutral to Buy. Also, Jefferies analyst Cory Tarlowe reiterated a “Buy” rating on ANF, increasing the price target from $215 to $220.

In addition, Dana Telsey from Telsey Advisory Group maintained an “Outperform” rating on the stock, with a price target of $208, while CFRA analyst Zachary Warring upgraded ANF from “Hold” to “Buy,” raising its price target to $198. These price targets suggest that analysts see further upside potential, driven by the company’s strong brand momentum, successful digital marketing strategies, and robust balance sheet.

Bottom Line

ANF’s around 150% stock gain is more than just a reflection of short-term market vitality; it is backed by solid earnings growth, impressive revenue expansion, and a positive outlook in a challenging retail environment. The company’s ability to revamp its product offerings, focus on profitability and raise its full-year guidance demonstrates that it is well-positioned to continue outperforming its peers.

While the stock experienced a nearly 17% drop following its last earnings report, this can largely be attributed to investor expectations of an even larger guidance increase. However, the fundamentals remain strong, and Abercrombie’s strategic initiatives and disciplined execution suggest that the stock’s rally could have more room to run.

With its robust brand positioning, expanding customer base, and operational efficiency, ANF could be an attractive buy for investors seeking exposure to the retail sector.

What's in Store for Retail Stocks This Earnings Season?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

Amid soaring inflation that continues to burden consumer budgets, there appears to be a prevailing sense of optimism. Early Black Friday discounts in October were notably higher than in past years, indicating retailers’ concerns about potential subdued demand during the pivotal holiday shopping period.

Several of America's largest retailers have begun rolling out Black Friday sales events this week. According to studies, consumers are expected to spend an average of $567 during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, a 13% increase year-over-year. This trend is driven by shoppers pursuing the best deals amid the economic strains of high prices and interest rates.

The expected average spending sets a record for Deloitte’s annual Black Friday-Cyber Monday survey, with about 84% of shoppers expressing confidence in adhering to the budgets they established in September.

Despite ongoing increases in living costs impacting household budgets, around 74% of consumers plan on taking advantage of the November sales this year. According to the National Retail Federation, holiday spending is predicted to grow between 3% and 4% annually. This year’s estimated holiday spending falls between $957.3 billion and $966.6 billion.

Shopping trends are shifting from physical stores to digital dominance. Data from Adobe Analytics reveals that in 2022, approximately 69% of Black Friday shopping was conducted online, leading to record-breaking sales worth $9.2 billion.

U.S. e-commerce sales comprised 21.4% of total retail sales in 2023's third quarter, reaching $271.7 billion, a 7.8% year-on-year growth, according to Digital Commerce 360's analysis of U.S. Department of Commerce data. Concurrently, total retail sales for the quarter rose by 3.2% to reach $1.267 trillion.

Online shopping, which gained substantial popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to maintain this momentum, is anticipated to grow between 7% and 9% this holiday season, contributing significantly to overall spending.

However, McKinsey’s study found that U.S. consumers are less likely to overspend this holiday season than last year, potentially due to high inflation and escalating interest rates that have driven credit card annual percentage rates (APRs) to new peaks.

With retailers American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO), Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF), Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN), and Kohl's Corporation (KSS) set to unveil their earnings reports on November 21, let’s see what’s in store for these retail stocks.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO)

Young adult apparel retailer AEO appears well-positioned to capitalize on its robust brand appeal and steady demand propelled by its engaging product range and innovative marketing endeavors. The corporation's impressive growth can be ascribed to favorable demand for its flagship brands and strong efforts in branching into new markets.

In the previous quarter, AEO reported revenue of $1.20 billion, a 0.2% year-on-year increase, on par with the industry analyst estimates. The last reported quarter proved exceptionally productive for the retailer, with EPS surpassing projections, primarily due to robust growth in the Aerie segment. This brand continues demonstrating a stunning growth trajectory, as illustrated by its stellar performance in the first quarter of fiscal 2023.

Additionally, AEO's heightened revenue forecasts and operational income guidance for the fiscal year 2023 (operating income is expected to be in the range of $325 to $350 million, up from prior guidance of $250 to $270 million) – are strikingly optimistic.

The company's progressive strategies, robust omnichannel capabilities, and focus on efficient stock management likely contributed to an elevated top and bottom line for the forthcoming quarter's performance. A strong digital presence is projected to further bolster the fiscal third quarter performance.

As 2023's second half unfolds, AEO expects a positive reception for its early autumn merchandise, a development expected to amplify fiscal third-quarter sales, especially for the Aerie brand. AEO also predicts greater gross margins, fueled by reduced freight, product costs, and markdowns.

However, AEO has been contending with an upswing in corporate compensation, incentives, and other corporate expenses, only partially mitigated by cost efficiencies. A surge in selling, general and administrative (SG&A) expenses has also been observed. An uncontrolled increase in costs and expenses could affect the company's margins and profitability in the quarter awaiting results.

AEO is expected to surpass top and bottom-line growth when it reports third-quarter fiscal 2023 results. Analysts expect its revenue and EPS for the fiscal third quarter ending October 2023 to increase 3.3% and 15.3% year-over-year to $1.28 billion and $0.48, respectively.

AEO’s shares have gained around 40% year-to-date. Wall Street analysts expect a price target of $19.25 in the next 12 months, indicating a potential downside of 1.8%.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF)

With a market cap of over $3.7 billion, young adult apparel retailer ANF has been gaining from consistent growth momentum in its Abercrombie brand and a systematic improvement in its Hollister brand. Strategic store optimization initiatives and reduced freight expenses are aiding the company's thriving bottom line.

ANF has emphasized that efforts to enhance the brand image of Hollister have begun yielding positive results. The company’s Always Forward Plan, which encompasses strategic investments in stores, digital platforms, and technology, promises to bolster its positive trajectory.

It has been experiencing demand upsurge attributable to successful rebranding initiatives that align with prevailing fashion trends. Additionally, ANF's persistent endeavors to diversify its inventory across all brands have enticed customers to explore a wider product range, potentially promoting top-line growth in the soon-to-be-reported quarter.

For the fiscal third quarter, decreased freight expenses and substantial growth in average unit retail (AUR) is projected to facilitate margin expansion. Management forecasts an 8% to 10% operating margin in the third quarter, a significant increase from 2.4% in the year-ago quarter. This expansion is driven by a rise in gross profit rate spurred by lower freight costs, higher AURs, and moderate operating expense leverage on increased sales.

Analysts expect its revenue for the fiscal third quarter ending October 2023 to increase 11.6% year-over-year to $982.40 million, while its EPS for the quarter is expected to increase significantly year-over-year to $1.07.

ANF is venturing into the earnings season, with Wall Street analysts anticipating a price target of $66.50 in the next 12 months, indicating a potential downside of 9.2%.

Urban Outfitters, Inc. (URBN)

URBN, a retail and wholesale consumer goods company, has reaped significant advantages from its strategic initiatives. The technological advancements, rationalization of store count, and focused merchandising tactics have all played pivotal roles in reinforcing their prosperity.

The robust reinforcement of its direct-to-consumer operations, the enhanced productivity across existing channels, the expansive offering of products, and the optimized inventory management significantly strengthened the company's positioning.

URBN’s exponential acceleration of digital activities has further solidified its market presence. A key contributor is URBN's Nuuly, a subscription-based rental service that amplifies the company's premier brands among its customer base instead of eroding wholesale profitability.

Nuuly is projected to attain profitability by the third or fourth fiscal quarter of 2023. Although relatively new, the subscription service has thrived, with revenues nearly doubling year-on-year in URBN's second quarter due to an impressive 85% surge in active subscribers.

An uptick in consumer demand at the beginning of the fiscal third quarter is poised to drive total company sales into high single-digit growth. This progress, backed by a mid-single-digit increase in the Retail segment's comparable sales and a substantial double-digit spike in Nuuly's segment sales, places URBN in a favorable position.

The financial prognoses indicate a gross margin improvement of over 400 basis points year-over-year, driven by an increase in initial product margins due to decreased inbound freight costs and merchandise markdowns.

However, challenges presented by a rigorous operational environment, inflationary pressures, and currency volatility may have posed barriers for the company. Persistent struggles with higher SG&A expenses and subdued wholesale division sales have been troublesome for the retailer. Consequently, deteriorated wholesale unit sales could partially counter the fiscal third quarter's overall sales.

For the fiscal third quarter ending October 2023, URBN is likely to surpass top and bottom-line figures when it releases third-quarter fiscal 2024 results on November 21, after market close. Analysts expect its revenue and EPS for the quarter to increase 7.4% and 106.5% year-over-year to $1.26 billion and $0.83, respectively.

Wall Street analysts expect a price target of $37.92 in the next 12 months, indicating a potential upside of 3.2%.

Kohl's Corporation (KSS)

Leading omnichannel retailer KSS, boasting a market cap exceeding $2.83 billion, continues to prosper from its core initiatives like refining the customer experience, streamlining value strategies, orderly inventory and expense management, and solidifying its financial structure.

To augment customer experience, the retail giant persistently works toward evolving sectors like gift services, Sephora collaboration, home decor, and longer-term new stores. KSS's tactical alliances, notably with Amazon, along with the consistent implementation of omnichannel approaches, have proven fruitful.

Adding to its recent successful ventures, the early savings holiday event "Deal Dash," held from October 9 across over 1,100 KSS outlets and online at Kohls.com, is expected to impact its third-quarter outcomes positively.

KSS rolled out an innovative strategy for attracting potential customers by adding "+ Sephora" to its store signs, a testament to its significant partnership with the beauty retail giant established in 2020.

However, KSS currently contends with issues of rising product costs, which are impacting its profit margins. In the fiscal second quarter of 2023, its gross margin declined to 39%, while SG&A expenses increased 1.6% year-over-year to $1.30 billion.

The surge in SG&A costs could potentially hinder performance results in the forthcoming quarter, with management anticipating nearly a 3% increase due to supplementary store-related investments and the inauguration of 45 small Sephora outlets.

KSS’ digital sales declined 17% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2023 and 18% year-to-date, with clientele reversion to physical stores identified as one of the causes. Alongside this, the elimination of online-only promotions was seen to affect sales. For fiscal 2023, the company projects net sales to decline between 2% and 4%, triggering concerns for future quarters.

KSS could register top-and-bottom-line declines for the fiscal third quarter of 2023. Analysts expect its revenue and EPS for the quarter to decline 2.6% and 54.9% year-over-year to $3.95 billion and $0.37, respectively.

Notably, upcoming earnings may be affected by backlash from a "woke" dispute beginning in May over Pride-themed merchandise sold by KSS. Although this controversy only accounted for two months of the second quarter, it is still unknown if the backlash from conservative consumers further intensified and potentially harmed the company’s performance. Regardless, this issue should not be overlooked, particularly considering KSS' demographic of clientele.

Even though shares of KSS declined about 17% over the past year, it gained over 22% over the past five days. Wall Street analysts expect a price target of $24.90 in the next 12 months, indicating a potential downside of 1.5%.

Investor Alert: Are These 11 Back-to-School Stocks Making Big Moves?

Posted on by The INO.com Team

The end of summer and the onset of fall usually mean one thing in the United States — it’s time to replenish supplies and head back to school. This also translates to wardrobe refreshes and gadget upgrades. The average planned back-to-school spending per household in the United States has gradually increased year-over-year to $848.9 in 2021, with electronics or computer-related equipment emerging as the biggest category.

While stressed American consumers have been forced to go bargain hunting to squeeze out the maximum possible value from money for bare essentials so that more of it can be set aside in favor of outdoor experiences instead of manufactured goods, the trend is unlikely to be significantly impacted even by the seismic shifts in the consumption ecosystem.

In fact, since the supply chain disruptions in the aftermath of the pandemic, concern for stockouts has only pulled back-to-school sales have increasingly been pulled forward to the end of July, compared to the conventional peak during the beginning of August. Prime Week by Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) has also done its fair bit to catalyze that shift.

Given the above, we have shortlisted a few relevant apparel/fashion/luxury, grocery, and technology stocks below that are expected to benefit from back-to-school sales to determine if they are worth buying in the aftermath of the sales event and ahead of the holiday season.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

The technology and consumer electronics giant, which has a history of revolutionizing products like the personal computer, smartphone, and tablet, has begun scripting the next key chapter in its success story with the announcement of its first product in the AR/VR market, the Apple Vision headset, which will sell for $3,499 when it is released early next year.

Despite its 7.9% dip during the past month, AAPL’s stock has gained 22.2% over the past six months. While the business boasts excellent profitability, in view of its stretched valuation in the face of frigid trade relations between the U.S. and China, AAPL’s manufacturing hub and key market, investors should wait for a better entry point.

Walmart Inc. (WMT)

Sam Walton, founder of the largest grocer in the world, built the company on a no-frills approach aimed at making groceries and other products more affordable. With 60% of its revenue in the U.S. coming from the grocery segment, the retail giant’s focus on value through “everyday low prices” has helped it become relatively immune to the seismic shifts in the consumption ecosystem.

WMT’s stock has dipped slightly over the past month but has gained 11.7% over the past six months. With core PCE at 4.3%, indicating stretched budgets and high borrowing costs in the foreseeable future, WMT is best positioned to capture the upside from “modest improvement” in sales of big-ticket and discretionary items like electronics during the Back-to-School season.

Target Corporation (TGT)

TGT sells an assortment of general merchandise and food items to its guests through its stores and digital channels. With product categories such as apparel and accessories, beauty and household essentials, food and beverage, and home furnishing and décor, the budget retailer has converted its 1900+ stores into mini-malls offering a range of “cheap chic” items.

Due to the recent miss in revenue and a not-so-optimistic outlook for the holiday season, TGT’s stock has lost 9.5% over the past month. However, the slump has also brought the stock to a more attractive valuation, which could protect investors from downside risks and a potential upside from a mid-term recovery in consumer confidence and market sentiment.

Ross Stores, Inc. (ROST)

ROST operates two brands of off-price retail apparel and home fashion stores, Ross Dress for Less (Ross) and dd’s DISCOUNTS, with the latter offering in-season, name-brand apparel, accessories, footwear, and home fashions for the entire family at savings of 20% to 70% off department and discount store regular prices every day.

ROST’s shares have gained about 5% over the past month and 8.5% over the past six months. Given its healthy profitability, investors could consider buying the stock to capitalize on a rally during Back to School and the holiday season.

Dollar General Corporation (DG)

As a discount retailer, DG offers merchandise, including consumable items, seasonal items, home products, and apparel.

DG’s stock has plummeted 7.4% over the past month and 27.6% over the past six months. In view of its bleak prospects, investors are advised to stand by until sentiments improve before investing in the stock.

Logitech International S.A. (LOGI)

Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, LOGI designs, manufactures, and markets products that connect people to working, creating, gaming, and streaming worldwide. The company offers accessories, such as mice, keyboards, webcams, and other accessories for mobile devices. The company sells its products under the Logitech, Logitech G, ASTRO Gaming, Streamlabs, Blue Microphones, and Ultimate Ears brands.

Despite a 4.3% dip in the past month, LOGI’s shares have gained 24.2% over the past six months. While the business boasts excellent profitability, investors could wait for the pendulum of personal consumption to swing from services back in favor of high-ticket discretionary goods before buying into it.

Crocs, Inc. (CROX)

CROX designs, develops, and markets casual lifestyle footwear and accessories for women, men, and children, containing Croslite material, a proprietary, molded footwear technology. The company’s segments include North America; Asia Pacific; Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America (EMEALA); and the HEYDUDE Brand.

CROX’s stock has lost 7.8% over the past month. While the decently profitable business is well-positioned to benefit from increased expenditure on outdoor expenses, investors could wait for further valuation comfort before taking a long position in the stock.

Dillard's, Inc. (DDS)

DDS is a fashion apparel, home furnishings, and cosmetics retailer. The company’s operating segments include its retail department stores and a general contracting construction company.

DDS’ stock has gained 5.6% over the past month. Despite the recent price gains, its excellent profitability at a decent valuation means that investors could benefit from further upside in the stock.

Levi Strauss & Co. (LEVI)

The well-known apparel company designs and markets jeans, casual wear, and related accessories for men, women, and children under the Levi's, Signature by Levi Strauss & Co., Denizen, Dockers, and Beyond Yoga brands.

LEVI’s stock has lost 5.9% over the past month and 22.4% over the past six months. While the sentiment has been improving lately, investors would be wise to wait for its valuation to improve before deciding to add the stock to their portfolio.

Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (ANF)

As an omnichannel specialty retailer of apparel, personal care products, and accessories for men, women, and kids, ANF sells its offerings primarily through its digital channels, company-owned stores, and various third-party arrangements.

ANF’s stock has surged 26.3% over the past month and 68.3% over the past six months. Given its excellent track record and profitability, investors could consider investing in the stock.

Shoe Carnival, Inc. (SCVL)

SCVL is an omnichannel family footwear retailer that offers customers an assortment of dress, casual, and athletic footwear for men, women, and children.
SCVL’s stock has plummeted 15.9% over the past month. While valuations have become more attractive, investors are advised to wait for the outlook to improve before acquiring a stake in the business.