Disclosure
We are short shares of FIVE. Please click here to read full disclosures.
Summary
- FIVE’s valuation multiples are higher than historical multiples of other successful concepts in their growth phases. We compare FIVE’s multiples to those of several brands highlighted by a sellside analyst
- Morgan Stanley’s initiating coverage report last week is relatively bearish. Given lack of secular growth drivers and valuation above high-growth peers, MS does not believe FIVE’s current valuation is compelling
- Teen retail faces numerous headwinds, with too many specialty retailers competing for teen discretionary spending. Many teen retailers are closing stores and trying to recover from SSS declines in 2013
- FIVE will face increasing threats from e-commerce. It has mistimed its plans to build a national brick-and-mortar business as the industry experiences a paradigm shift towards consumers shopping more online…