Italian luxury group Prada is set to make a decision this week about a potential takeover of smaller rival Versace, a source close to the matter said on Sunday, as the negotiations enter a final phase.A deal to buy Versace, owned by New York-based Capri Holdings, would unite two of the biggest names in Italian fashion.Italy’s Corriere della Sera newspaper reported on Sunday that a potential deal could be announced on Thursday, and the price for loss-making Versace could be reduced to 1 billion euros ($1.1 b ...

Goldman Sachs is reportedly leading a group of top investment banks to help Italian design giant Prada bankroll its planned $2.5 billion bid for luxury rival Versace. The David Solomon-led lender has been advising the fashion powerhouse on its bid to acquire Versace from parent company Capri Holdings, the Milan-based business daily MFF reported on Friday.Prada is looking to drum up $1.5 billion to complete the takeover, with another $1 billion earmarked to relaunch and revive Versace’s Medusa brand, the new ...

Group 1 - The haute couture market is significantly influenced by the economic conditions in China, creating a dependency that can lead to both benefits and challenges for the industry [1] - When the Chinese economic environment is favorable, the haute couture industry experiences growth, but during unfavorable conditions, the entire sector tends to suffer [1] - Recent years have seen a predominance of unfavorable economic conditions impacting the haute couture market [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported revenues of EUR5.4 billion, up 17% at constant exchange rates, marking the fourth consecutive year of double-digit growth [6][26] - EBIT reached EUR1.28 billion with a margin of 23.6%, an increase from 22.5% in the previous fiscal year [7][28] - Net income increased by 25% year-on-year to EUR839 million [36] - The company closed the year with a net cash position of EUR600 million after significant capital expenditures and dividends [7][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail sales totaled EUR4.8 billion, up 18% versus fiscal year '23 at constant FX, driven by full-price sales [27][29] - Wholesale sales increased by 7% year-on-year, with a 4% rise in Q4 [30] - Royalties grew by 17% year-on-year, supported by eyewear and fragrances [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Asia Pacific saw a growth of 13% year-on-year, improving to 16% in Q4 [33] - Europe grew by 18% over the year, maintaining a solid growth of 16% in Q4 [33] - The Americas reported a 9% increase in retail sales, with Q4 showing an 11% improvement [34] - Japan was the best-performing region, up 46% year-on-year, with Q4 growth at 31% [34] - The Middle East also performed well, with a 26% increase over the year and 30% in Q4 [35] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for sustainable long-term growth despite challenging market conditions, focusing on brand strength and product quality [8][10] - Continued investment in store renovations and retail network improvements is a priority [8][28] - The company is committed to sustainability, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 61% and promoting gender equality within management [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in maintaining growth trajectories despite a challenging environment, particularly in Greater China [42][48] - The company is prepared for potential ups and downs in the market, emphasizing a solid trend in brand performance [48][43] - The outlook for 2025 remains cautious but optimistic, with expectations of continued investment in brand desirability and market presence [43][41] Other Important Information - The company plans to increase its dividend per share to EUR0.164, reflecting a payout ratio of 50% [39] - Capital expenditures for fiscal year '24 were EUR493 million, with expectations for an increase in 2025 [37][119] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for Prada's growth in 2025 - Management is confident in maintaining growth for Prada, expecting potential fluctuations but a solid overall trend [48] Question: Acquisition interests in Versace and Jimmy Choo - Management refrained from commenting on rumors but acknowledged differences in the current company structure compared to past acquisition strategies [53] Question: Profitability outlook for fiscal '25 - The focus will remain on investing behind brands rather than cutting back on marketing, aiming for moderate margin expansion [58] Question: Growth by nationality in Q4 - Chinese consumers showed low single-digit growth, while North Americans improved to high single digits [69] Question: Impact of macroeconomic conditions on the U.S. market - Management noted that consumer reactions to macroeconomic changes are not immediate, but they remain optimistic about the U.S. market [81] Question: Profitability gap between Miu Miu and Prada - Miu Miu's profitability has increased significantly, and the company aims for sustainable growth across both brands [92] Question: Retail expansion plans for 2025 - The company expects to see an increase in store openings, particularly for Miu Miu, with a focus on balancing growth and profitability [102] Question: Sales per square meter by brand - Miu Miu's productivity has substantially increased, prompting plans for more store openings [110] Question: Capital allocation and potential investments - The company plans to increase CapEx to around EUR550 million in 2025, focusing on retail and industrial investments [119] Question: Pricing strategy for 2025 - Management indicated there is room for upward pricing adjustments without drastic changes, focusing on a balanced price architecture [130] Question: Chinese consumer behavior and clienteling strategy - The company noted a stable environment for Chinese consumers, focusing on events and tourism for sales [138] Question: Dual listing considerations - There has been no progress on dual listing discussions [143]

Prada S.p.A. (OTCPK:PRDSY) Q4 2024 Earnings Conference Call March 4, 2025 8:00 AM ET Company Participants Andrea Bonini - CFO Patrizio Bertelli - Chairman & Executive Director Lorenzo Bertelli - Marketing Director & Head, CSR Andrea Guerra - Group CEO Conference Call Participants Edouard Aubin - Morgan Stanley Chiara Battistini - JPMorgan Susy Tibaldi - UBS Erwan Rambourg - HSBC Oriana Cardani - Intesa Sanpaolo Thomas Chauvet - Citi Melania Grippo - BNP Paribas Linda Huang - Macquarie Louise Singlehurst - G ...

March 4th 2 2025 FY-24 Results Presentation Milan, March 4th 2025 March 4th 1 2025 Disclaimer The information contained in this document is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, invitation or recommendation to subscribe for or purchase any securities, or other products or to provide any investment advice or service of any kind. This document is not directed at, and is not intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where ...

Core Viewpoint - The fashion industry is grappling with the challenge of balancing spectacle with genuine sustainability efforts, as exemplified by Diesel's recent show and Prada's innovative collaboration with Axiom Space [1][2][3]. Group 1: Spectacle vs. Sustainability - Fashion shows often prioritize performative displays over substantive changes needed to address environmental issues, focusing on surface-level ideas while neglecting systemic problems like fast fashion and poor working conditions [3][4]. - The carbon footprint of international fashion events is significant, driven by travel and consumption promotion, which contradicts sustainability goals [4]. - The pandemic prompted a shift to digital fashion shows, but the industry has largely reverted to live events, sidelining virtual presentations [4]. Group 2: Innovations in Sustainable Fashion - The collaboration between Prada and Axiom Space highlights the potential for fashion to intersect with high-tech industries, using advanced materials designed for extreme conditions [5][7]. - Prada's efforts in sustainability include using recycled textiles and improving transparency, although it faces criticism for not meeting all sustainability goals [6]. - Innovations in materials, such as cooling textiles, are emerging to address climate change challenges, with the potential for everyday applications [7][8]. Group 3: Future Directions - The partnership between Prada and Axiom Space serves as a model for how brands can leverage high-profile projects to enhance their sustainability credentials while maintaining a fashionable image [8]. - The challenge remains to drive demand for sustainable innovations by making them appealing and fashionable to consumers [8].

Core Insights - The research service "Asia Value & Moat Stocks" targets value investors looking for Asia-listed stocks with significant discrepancies between market price and intrinsic value, focusing on deep value balance sheet bargains and wide moat stocks [1] Group 1: Investment Focus - The service emphasizes deep value balance sheet bargains, which include net cash stocks, net-nets, low price-to-book (P/B) stocks, and sum-of-the-parts discounts [1] - It also highlights wide moat stocks, which are characterized by strong earnings power at discounted prices, including high-quality businesses and hidden champions [1] Group 2: Market Emphasis - The primary focus is on investment opportunities in the Hong Kong market, providing a range of watch lists with monthly updates for investors [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics - Net revenues reached €2.55 billion, up 17% YoY at constant FX, with a negative FX impact of 330 basis points leading to a 14% increase at current exchange rates [43] - Retail sales grew 18% YoY to €2.26 billion at constant FX, with EBIT reaching €575 million, a 26% increase YoY, and EBIT margin expanding to 22.6% [43][3] - Net income increased by 26% YoY to €383 million, while CapEx for H1 2024 was €169 million, allocated to retail, IT, and industrial infrastructure [3] - Operating costs increased by 14% at constant FX, driven by client-facing initiatives and digital/IT investments, with G&A costs rising from 6.6% to 7% of revenue [2] Business Line Performance - Retail sales grew 18% YoY, driven by full-price like-for-like volumes, with wholesale up 8% and royalties increasing 28% [36] - Prada retail sales grew 6% YoY, with a 5% increase in Q2 despite tougher comparisons in Asia Pacific [110] - Miu Miu retail sales surged 93% YoY, contributing 23% of group retail sales, up from 14% in H1 2023 [87] - Church's also performed well, with a 15% increase in retail sales [87] Regional Performance - Asia Pacific retail sales grew 12% in H1, with Q2 up 8% despite tougher comparisons [1] - Europe saw an 18% increase in retail sales, with Q2 growth of 19% driven by strong local demand and tourism [1] - Americas retail sales grew 7%, with Q2 showing a sequential improvement of 9% [1] - Japan was the best-performing region, with retail sales up 55% in H1 and accelerating to 65% in Q2 [1] - Middle East retail sales grew 20% in H1, with acceleration in Q2 [1] Strategy and Industry Competition - The company reiterated its commitment to delivering sustainable, above-market growth, focusing on brand investment and agility in a challenging market environment [5] - Prada and Miu Miu are positioned to capture unique identities, with strong traction in ready-to-wear, footwear, and leather goods [85][87] - The company is investing in vertical integration and manufacturing capabilities, with €50 million allocated to industrial initiatives in H1 2024 [3] Management Commentary on Market Conditions - Management noted a more complicated environment in China, with easier trends in other regions, and emphasized vigilance and agility in navigating market challenges [7][15] - The company expects operating leverage to improve in H2, with moderated OpEx growth and continued focus on cost control [22][100] Other Key Information - The group maintained a solid balance sheet with a net cash position of €265 million as of June 2024 [37] - ESG initiatives progressed, with 80% of raw material suppliers engaged in sustainability programs and 70% of leather procurement covered by traceability systems [86] Q&A Summary Question: Demand in China and offsetting with Chinese spending abroad - Management noted no drastic changes in trends in July, with China becoming more complicated while other regions eased [7] Question: Miu Miu's operating margin compared to Prada - Miu Miu's profitability is improving significantly due to productivity gains, but reinvestment is needed to sustain growth [58] Question: Retail footprint and store openings - The company closed 10 Prada stores and 4 franchise stores in H1, with plans for marginal growth in store openings in 2025 [18][44] Question: Pricing strategy - Price increases in H1 were in the low single digits, with mid-single-digit increases expected for the full year [20] Question: OpEx leverage and EBIT margin expansion - Management expects more visible operating leverage in H2, with moderated OpEx growth and improved revenue growth [22] Question: Regional performance in Europe and Japan - Europe saw low double-digit growth in Q2, while Japan maintained strong performance with 65% local and 35% tourist sales [72] Question: Gross margin outlook for H2 - No major changes in industrial gross margins are expected, despite some FX headwinds [29] Question: Online business penetration - Online penetration is around 8-9%, with higher rates in the US, but the focus is on full potential rather than specific penetration levels [70] Question: Category performance and jewelry launches - Ready-to-wear and footwear showed strong traction, with leather goods also performing well [123] Question: Synergies between Prada and Miu Miu - The two brands are increasingly independent, with 80% of operations now separate, but Prada supports most of the shared infrastructure costs [127]

Since the last time I wrote about the luxury fashion stock Prada (OTCPK:PRDSF) (OTCPK:PRDSY) in November last year, its price is up by 35% and the total returns are even bigger at 37%. This is an impressive increase, and in stark contrast with my Sell rating on it at the time, which was based on slowing down in its sales growth, compounded with the likelihood of a slowdown in the luxury sector and its elevated market multiples compared with peers. Rise in luxury stocks and company level developments Until e ...