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Forbes
6 hours ago
- Business
- Forbes
Is Abercrombie & Fitch Still A Buy After Its 19% July Surge?
Abercombie & Fitch logo is seen at the store in London, Great Britain on July 10, 2025. (Photo by ... More Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images) Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE: ANF) has been thriving—up 19% in July and soaring 6% on July 28 alone. This latest increase was driven by a JPMorgan upgrade to 'Overweight,' with analysts highlighting robust retail momentum in July and a rise in consumer confidence. The firm has elevated its price target to $151, implying additional upside from current prices. This optimism is well-founded. U.S. retail sales improved by 0.6% in May, which is three times more than the anticipated forecast, while jobless claims dropped, indicating strength in the labor market. Adding in Abercrombie's impressive Q1 earnings, it's clear the market has justifiable reasons to trust that the company's transformation narrative is still unfolding. That being said, for investors seeking lower volatility compared to individual stocks, the Trefis High Quality portfolio offers an alternative—it has outperformed the S&P 500 and delivered returns exceeding 91% since its inception. Fundamentals: Strong Growth, Affordable Stock, Sound Foundation Abercrombie is not only benefiting from positive macro trends—but it's also performing well. In Q1, the company reported net sales of $1.1 billion (+8%), surpassing expectations, with EPS of $1.59 compared to a consensus of $1.36. It has raised its full-year sales growth guidance to 3–6%, although it slightly reduced EPS forecasts due to tariff issues. Despite its impressive performance, the stock appears undervalued, trading at a P/S of 1.0, P/E of 9.7, and P/FCF of 11.7—all significantly below S&P 500 averages. Revenues have increased at a 10.6% CAGR over the previous three years and have risen 12.5% year-over-year in the past 12 months, significantly outperforming the wider market. No longer merely a legacy mall brand, Abercrombie has redefined itself for the digital age and is connecting with Gen Z shoppers. The company's balance sheet brings an additional level of assurance, exhibiting a debt-to-equity ratio of 21.1% (better than the S&P average) and a cash-to-assets ratio of 19.6%—almost three times that of the index. Abercrombie is well-financed and poised to reinvest or withstand market turbulence. Weakness: Margins & Risk of Downturn Even with strong growth, ANF's profitability lags behind the broader market, with an operating margin of 14.2% in the last four quarters compared to 18.3% for the S&P 500, a net margin of 10.6% against 11.9%, and an operating cash flow margin of 12.2% relative to 19.8%. The stock has also exhibited vulnerability during market downturns, plummeting 70% during the 2022 inflation crisis and 83% in the 2008 financial meltdown. Although it ultimately rebounded in both instances, the historical volatility remains a significant risk for investors. A Smarter Approach to Navigate the Market Abercrombie & Fitch presents a rare opportunity in today's market: strong revenue growth, attractive valuation multiples, and a robust balance sheet. While its margins may not match the broader market and the stock has historically struggled during downturns, ANF appears to be an undervalued growth opportunity—especially if consumer spending remains steady and inflation continues to decrease. However, investing in a single stock involves inherent risks, and a diversified strategy may provide greater stability. You might consider exploring the Trefis Reinforced Value (RV) Portfolio, which has outperformed its all-cap stock benchmark (a combination of the S&P 500, S&P mid-cap, and Russell 2000 benchmark indices) to deliver strong returns for investors. What's the reason? The quarterly rebalanced mix of large-, mid-, and small-cap RV Portfolio stocks provided an agile strategy to optimize returns during favorable market conditions while curbing losses during downturns, as outlined in RV Portfolio performance metrics.
RNZ News
19 hours ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Sharesies to offer trading in Bitcoin, other cryptocurrency
Bitcoin has ranged between NZ$129,000 and NZ$201,000 so far this year. Photo: CFOTO / NurPhoto via AFP Online investment platform Sharesies is expanding into cryptocurrency trading. Co-chief executive Leighton Roberts said it was responding to customer demand. "More and more people either own crypto or are interested in doing so. As the asset class has matured, we've seen it become more prominent in both institutional and personal investment portfolios. "At Sharesies, we see an opportunity to make crypto investment more straightforward and less overwhelming for New Zealanders -whether they are new to crypto or seasoned investors who want to reduce complexity." Sharesies customers can sign up to a waiting list to get early access to trading, expected to be in August. Roberts said Sharesies would look to remove some of the complexity associated with crypto wallets and keys, and would partner with a leading crypto platform to allow retail customers to be able to buy, sell and hold crypto. It was expected that leading crypto brands such as Bitcoin and Ethereum would be available. Roberts accepted that crypto could be highly volatile and carried higher risk. "As always, we'll be taking an educational approach with a number of initiatives planned to assist customers. We acknowledge that crypto may not be for everyone, but we want to provide people with choice." Bitcoin has ranged between US$77,000 (NZ$129,000) and US$120,000 (NZ$201,000) so far this year. Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
Extra.ie
20 hours ago
- Extra.ie
Garda stabbed in unprovoked attack on Capel Street
A man has been arrested after a garda was stabbed in an unprovoked attack in Dublin city centre this evening. The incident happened shortly after 6pm on Capel Street. The garda was reportedly on a high-visibility patrol at the time of the attack. He was taken to hospital for treatment, with his injuries described as non-life-threatening. A Garda was stabbed in an unprovoked attack on Capel Street on Tuesday evening. Pic: Artur Widak/NurPhoto via Getty Images A suspect was arrested at the scene and is currently being detained. Gardaí say he can be questioned for up to 24 hours under the Criminal Justice Act. An investigation is now underway.
Extra.ie
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Extra.ie
Butter Bling: Irish designer teases glitzy Kerrygold purse
Hold onto your toast, Irish designer Maya Grisham has just teased what might be the most gloriously over-the-top accessory of the year. Taking to Instagram, the brand known for its crystal embellished accessories, shared an image of a Kerrygold handbag encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Known for her tongue-in-cheek takes on Irish iconography, Grisham seems to have outdone herself with this recent homage, even topping her previous Guinness can cross body and Tayto packet purse. Hold onto your toast, Irish designer Maya Grisham has just teased what might be the most gloriously over-the-top accessory of the year. Pic: Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto via Getty Images 'For those who love @kerrygoldirl,' the brand captioned the mock-up image. 'Super tempted to make a Kerry Gold Bag. Should we make a prototype?,' they further teased. Unsurprisingly, fans of the brand melted faster than butter on a hot pan (we couldn't help ourselves, sorry). View this post on Instagram A post shared by @mayagrishamofficial 'OMG I need this,' one user wrote. 'Omg this is gas I love it,' another penned. While the official Kerry Gold Ireland account commented: 'You don't need to ask us twice.' Earlier this month, Kerrygold launched a brand new flavour in the United States, leaving their Irish customers fuming. Pic: Kerrygold USA/ Instagram As we mentioned, the brand is no stranger to paying tribute to popular Irish motifs, but what should she try her hand at next? Our money is on a purple Snack bar or a bottle of Cidona. Earlier this month, Kerrygold launched a brand new flavour in the United States, leaving their Irish customers fuming. The beloved brand has been upping their game in recent years with new varieties of their products including Garlic & Herb butter as well as a spreadable cheese range. Now, American customers have been getting their hands on their latest butter blend, Cinnamon & Sugar. Californian creator Cait Regan took to TikTok to share a glimpse at the delicious delicacy, which is coated in brown sugar and cinnamon. 'It smells like a churro,' she explained, 'I'm not okay.' Cait captioned the clip 'cinnamon sugar kerrygold butter GOODBYE,' with the video generating more than 30,000 likes. Many of the comments were people in awe after learning of the new butter variation, while others were Irish people literally raging that it wasn't a product available in Ireland.
The Drive
2 days ago
- Automotive
- The Drive
Does F1 Really Have a Future at Spa?
The latest car news, reviews, and features. When rumors began to circulate around a year ago about the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps leaving the Formula 1 calendar, locals, race organizers, and fans engulfing the grandstands in orange all had something to say about it. For many, the Belgian Grand Prix's 2025 contract expiration meant more than erasing one of the sport's European races from the schedule. To locals, it represents a hit to the small-town economy. Residents rent out their farm fields as parking lots, and the race generates 41.8 million euros ($48.7 million) for the region, making up 10 percent of a neighboring town's annual income. For race organizers, the expiration date looked threatening as races like Miami and Las Vegas popped up with bigger bottom lines and commercial success. 'I guess a lot of things are just about money nowadays, which is the issue. It's a business,' Lando Norris said in 2022 as South African Grand Prix negotiations threatened to axe Spa. For fans, Spa's uncertain future meant one of F1's most historic and iconic tracks could be removed from the calendar. Ultimately, F1 re-signed its contract with the Belgian Grand Prix until 2031 on the condition that it would rotate every other year starting in 2028. NurPhoto via Getty Images Last year, spectators flocked to the circuit anticipating that it could be their last chance to see F1 cars take on Eau Rouge in person. The 2024 race offered an unexpected winner and disqualification drama. But as the sport's 20 drivers faced a slick circuit under a safety car this year, there was much left to be desired. With a nearly hour-and-a-half rain delay to kick off Sunday, the race looked like it could hold seat-gripping promise when Oscar Piastri lunged alongside teammate and championship-title rival Norris to take the lead. However, besides a few wide corner slip-ups and a handful of clean overtakes, the Grand Prix was a dull affair. The finishing order looked a whole lot like the starting grid, just in a slightly different order, as Piastri took home the winner's trophy, followed by Norris and Charles Leclerc. Against expectation and public opinion, Saturday's sprint race held more drama, intrigue, and wheel-to-wheel racing than the main event. While there were opportunities for Sunday's race to keep viewers' attention—like Alex Albon dragging his Williams into sixth place, or Lewis Hamilton's recovery drive from 16th to seventh—F1's broadcast spent more time on the dominant drive in front. The sport's greatest narrative arc in 2025 is its midfield runners, and the story told to spectators on Sunday didn't capitalize on the fact that Liam Lawson, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Pierre Gasly rounded out the top 10 points-scoring finishers. McLaren's Oscar Piastri, the winner of Sunday's Belgian Grand Prix, stands at center on the podium beside second-place finisher and teammate Lando Norris at left and third-place Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Zhao Dingzhe/Xinhua via Getty Images In F1's current entertainment epidemic, Spa remains an enigma. It has all the ingredients for a fan-favorite race: high speeds, blind corners, history, and decently cheap entry and concession costs. But Sunday's race didn't reach that potential. In response to the 44-lap procession, fans on social media began to circulate Max Verstappen's radio message from the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix: 'This is boring, should have brought my pillow.' The sport's 2026 regulations bring the potential for more excitement. Smaller and lighter hybrid cars should increase speeds at one of the fastest tracks on the calendar. But the new regulations also come with unpredictability. The circuit's lack of braking means fewer opportunities for energy regeneration. And less bulky machines paired with lower downforce, higher speeds, and a track that never seems to fully dry mean the potential for danger is high. NurPhoto via Getty Images The 4.3-mile circuit already has a long and tragic history, and its safety faces near-constant skepticism: 'The two questions are, is Spa safe enough?' George Russell said last year. 'And then, it's a question of the conditions.' Over the years, F1 has increasingly prioritized safety in its decision-making at Spa, as it did with the call to delay Sunday's race start. Still, the venue's long list of fatalities and annual uncertainty is another tick working against its long-term future. So, where does Spa go from here? Maybe it is truly something better suited to the history books, or to this on-again, off-again format that leaves space for more modern race host locations. But there are still traditionalists who wax poetic about the Belgian Grand Prix as a timeless tribute to the sport and its heroes: 'It's one of the best tracks in the world,' as Hamilton put it last year. Maybe distance will make the heart grow fonder as the track's rotating format takes effect, and Spa will be more sweet than snooze-inducing next time around. Got a tip? Email tips@
