Fitbit Presentation
Transcript: By Noel Randewich | SAN FRANCISCO Wearable gadget maker Fitbit Inc (FIT.N) attracted far more bets against its recently rising stock in September, underscoring concerns about competition from the likes of Apple Inc (AAPL.O). Since Sept. 10, borrowing in Fitbit shares has jumped 50 percent, according to lending data from SunGard's Astec Analytics, which provides a strong glimpse into short-selling activity. Short-sellers borrow shares and sell them, hoping to buy them back later for less to return to the lender. While short-selling in Fitbit declined from 7.4 percent of outstanding shares at the end of August to 6.9 percent in mid-September, that rate is still much higher than the average short interest of 2.7 percent for tech companies, according to Thomson Reuters data. San Francisco-based Fitbit makes wrist bands and clippable devices that monitor fitness activity by tracking calories burned or distance covered, among other metrics. Fitbit's stock market listing in June won a rousing response from investors. The shares rose to a high of $51.90 on Aug. 5 from their $20 IPO price. Auguring well for the nascent consumer electronics niche, global shipments of wearable devices more than tripled to 18.1 million units in the second quarter, according to market research firm IDC. [ID:nL4N1124O8] But some on Wall Street have grown concerned about competition from other wearable devices with health-related features and apps, including the Apple Watch, which was introduced in June. Activity tracking is also available on some smartphones without the need to wear an additional device. In Fitbit's debut quarterly report in August, the company warned that increased spending to develop new gadgets meant a dip in gross margins that would not improve for the rest of the year, disappointing Wall Street and sending its stock sharply lower. [ID:nL3N10G5OM] The shares have recovered 14 percent in the past month but remain 27 percent below their record high. On Thursday, the stock was up 0.3 percent at $37.81. (Reporting by Noel Randewich; Editing by Lisa Von Ahn) Fitbit Inc. Founder(s):James Park and Eric Friedman Current Executives: James Park-CEO ($1.9 million) William Zerella-CFO ($878,000) Eric Friedman-CTO ($702,000) Andy Missan-VP($280,215) Edward Scal-CBO ($758,519) Shares increased by 50% Borrow shares and sell them Monitors fitness activity by tracking calories burned or distance covered Price per share was $51.90 Made shipments equal to 18.1 million devices Competitors are being made such as the apple watch Fitbit Inc. Sector:Technology Industry:Scientific & Technical Instruments Price Per Share:$13.01 Revenue:$2.21 B P/E:$27.50 Beta:N/A 52 Week Range:$11.65-$39.13 Products Price Range:$40-$200 Slogan: "Find your FIT" Year Founded:2007 Where can you buy a Fitbit? Fitbit Inc. I'm glad to have Fitbit part of my market watch portfolio because most times it is the number one seller, it never drops unless the market drops. When the market drops in my portfolio Fitbit shows up as a light pink instead of a dark red so that means it didn't crash as much as other shares. I feel that Fitbit satisfies their customers with quality products. Fitbit is helpful because it motivates their patrons to exercise and stay active. Personal Statement By: Kailer Apilado Number of Stores:Nationwide Locations(Retailers): -Amazon -At&t -Best Buy -Brookestone -Dick's Sporting Goods -Kohls -Nordstrom -Rei Coop -Target -Verizon -Walmart -Dillards -Academy -Bed Bath & Beyond -Macys Company Headquarter: San Francisco, California Fitbit Inc. CSR:"Fitbit is dedicated to delivering simple, innovative health and fitness products and services that engage people to lead healthier, more active lives by giving them the tools to become more aware, more motivated and more fit every day. Fitbit is the market leader for wireless activity trackers." Fitbit Inc. Article Summary History: "In 2007, our founders, Eric and James, realized that sensors and wireless technology had advanced to a point where they could bring amazing experiences to fitness and health. They embarked on a journey to create a wearable product that would change the way we move." Mission: "To empower and inspire you to live a healthier, more active life. We design products and experiences that fit seamlessly into your life so you can achieve your health and fitness goals, whatever they may be."