Rent the Runway's stock surged 162% after reporting fourth-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings that beat Wall Street expectations, signaling a potential turnaround for the clothing-rental company. The company has faced challenges due to the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting consumer fashion trends, but improvements in inventory and website functionality have boosted investor confidence. Despite a 95% decline since its public debut, Rent the Runway is working to regain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements and is seen as being "on the right track" for subscriber growth.
Rent the Runway's shares surged over 220% after the apparel rental firm announced its focus on using artificial intelligence tools to drive growth, joining the trend of companies rallying their stocks by emphasizing AI plans. The company forecasts revenue growth of 1-6% in the current fiscal year and aims for breakeven free cash flow. With a market capitalization of about $63.3 million, Rent the Runway recently implemented a reverse stock split to meet Nasdaq listing requirements. Despite previous challenges, the company reported increased customer loyalty and plans for new designer launches in 2024.
Rent the Runway's stock is surging as the company projects a positive financial outlook for 2024, aiming to achieve break-even and free cash flow. Despite reporting a larger loss per share than expected in the fourth quarter, the company anticipates significant improvements and a milestone year ahead.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March, with estimates at 0.3%, while Federal Reserve officials will provide commentary on monetary policies. Additionally, Delta Airlines and Rent the Runway are set to release their quarterly earnings, with Delta expected to report potential margin pressures due to rising wages.
Clothing rental service Nuuly, owned by Urban Outfitters, has achieved profitability, surpassing rival Rent the Runway in reaching this milestone. Nuuly reported an 86% increase in revenue and an operating profit of $300,000 during its fiscal third quarter, with an active subscriber count of 198,000. This marks the first time Nuuly has turned a profit since its launch in 2019. In contrast, Rent the Runway, which has been operating for nearly 15 years, has yet to achieve profitability. The success of Nuuly is attributed to its partnership with Urban Outfitters, which provides inventory and covers some costs. Both companies offer monthly clothing rental services, but Rent the Runway focuses more on designer brands, while Nuuly initially targeted casual wear.
Harley-Davidson's stock fell nearly 5% in after-hours trading after announcing a CFO shakeup, with Gina Goetter stepping down and David Vine becoming interim CFO. Rent the Runway's shares also dropped about 5% after issuing annual revenue guidance that missed Wall Street expectations, despite a narrower-than-expected Q4 loss and a rise in active subscribers. The clothing rental service's current CFO Scarlett O’Sullivan will transition out of her role effective May 25.
