Fossil Stock Sinks 18% as Q3 Loss Widens Y/Y Amid DTC Weakness

Core Viewpoint - Fossil Group, Inc. has faced significant operational challenges leading to a decline in stock performance and financial metrics, reflecting investor concerns about the retail environment and company strategy [1][2]. Financial Performance - For Q3 fiscal 2025, Fossil reported an adjusted net loss of $0.63 per share, compared to a loss of $0.56 per share in the previous year [2]. - Net sales were $270.2 million, down 6.1% from $287.8 million year-over-year, with a constant currency sales drop of 7.1% [2]. - The company incurred a net loss of $39.9 million, widening from a loss of $32 million in the prior-year period [3]. Profitability Metrics - Gross profit decreased by 6.9% to $132.4 million, with gross margin slightly contracting to 49% from 49.4% [4]. - Operating expenses fell 7.5% year-over-year to $154.1 million, but the operating loss remained substantial at $21.7 million [4]. - On an adjusted constant currency basis, operating loss narrowed to $14.9 million from $22 million in Q3 2024, improving the operating margin to -5.5% from -7.6% [4]. Segment Performance - Net sales in constant currency declined 9% in the Americas and 10% in Europe, while Asia saw a 2% increase [5]. - Traditional watch sales dipped 1%, while leather and jewelry segments experienced declines of 37% and 23%, respectively [5]. - Wholesale sales grew 3% in constant currency, partially offsetting the weakness in direct-to-consumer channels [5]. Management Commentary - CEO Franco Fogliato described the quarter as one of "progress and momentum" in Fossil's turnaround strategy, emphasizing improvements in product margins and a shift to a consumer-centric model [6]. - The completion of balance sheet actions was highlighted as a "pivotal milestone" for long-term growth [6]. Drivers Behind the Numbers - The sales decline was largely attributed to store rationalization efforts and challenges in the direct-to-consumer channel, with store closures accounting for approximately three percentage points of the sales decline [7]. - Increased tariffs and higher licensed brand royalty costs contributed to gross margin compression, though these were partially offset by cost savings from restructuring initiatives [7]. Guidance - Fossil reiterated its full-year 2025 guidance, expecting a mid-teens decline in worldwide net sales and an adjusted operating margin ranging from break-even to slightly positive [9]. - The revenue forecast includes a $45 million headwind from retail store closures, excluding foreign currency fluctuations [9]. Other Developments - Fossil completed a major restructuring of its balance sheet, extending debt maturity by three years and generating $32.5 million in new financing [10]. - The company closed 50 stores during the quarter, reducing the global store count by 19% to 204 from 251 [11].