Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - For Q4 2024, sales increased by 1.7% year-over-year to $128.1 million, or 8.8% when excluding non-recurring sales from Q4 2023 [30] - Gross profit for Q4 was $53.2 million, representing 41.5% of net sales, up from 40.3% in the same period last year [31] - Net income for Q4 was $4.8 million, or $0.64 per diluted share, compared to $6.7 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q4 2023 [36] - For the full year, net sales were down 1.7% on a reported basis but up 5.3% on a recurring basis to $453.8 million [37] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale sales were $81.3 million, a decrease of 5.2%, but up 4.5% on a recurring basis [30] - Retail sales increased by 15.3% to $43.6 million, marking the segment's highest ever quarterly sales figure [30] - Contract manufacturing sales increased by 39.1% to $3.2 million [30] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The direct-to-consumer channel saw strong demand, particularly for the Durango and XTRATUF brands, leading to the highest sales volume quarter for the retail segment [6][7] - The Georgia Boot brand experienced a slight increase in Q4, driven by better boot weather and strong demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to increase investments in marketing to drive brand awareness and traffic to retail and wholesale partners [7] - There is a focus on launching new products and expanding into new categories, particularly for the Durango brand [10] - The company aims to reduce third-party exposure in manufacturing from China to below 35% by the end of 2025 while maintaining a competitive cost structure [43] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism for 2025, anticipating low single-digit revenue growth, driven by strong retail segment gains and steady wholesale growth [44] - There is recognition of consumer uncertainty affecting retail partners' inventory commitments, but sell-through rates have been strong [27][41] - The company expects to face pressure from increased tariffs on products sourced from China, impacting gross margins modestly [46] Other Important Information - The company recorded a $4 million non-cash trademark impairment charge related to the Muck brand during Q4 [33] - A new share repurchase program of up to $7.5 million has been approved by the Board [40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you clarify recent mixed indicators and sell-through performance? - Management noted good sell-through from retailers but acknowledged their cautious approach moving forward [50][51] Question: What factors give confidence in low single-digit revenue growth for the year? - The order book is up year-over-year, but retailers are cautious with inventory orders [52][53] Question: Can you clarify the tariff impact on gross margins? - The 110 basis points impact is based on existing tariffs, and the company is evaluating pricing strategies to mitigate this [56][59] Question: What are the key growth drivers for 2025? - Key drivers include strong performance from XTRATUF, Muck, and women's and kids' offerings from Durango [64][66] Question: What is the sourcing exposure to Mexico and potential tariff impacts? - The company sources a very small proportion from Mexico, and while it would negatively impact them, it may disrupt competitors more significantly [81][82] Question: How is the momentum carried into the beginning of 2025? - The Muck and XTRATUF brands have continued strong performance, but guidance remains cautious due to non-recurring sales and inventory shifts [84][86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a gross margin expansion of close to 200 basis points, reaching approximately 67% by the end of Q2 [36] - The EBITDA margin is expected to grow by 70 to 90 basis points in fiscal '25, aiming for a close to 19% EBITDA margin by the end of the fiscal year [41][122] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Prestige business is impacted by challenges in China, Travel Retail Asia, and Australia, contributing to a decline of roughly 3 points in sales [12][31] - The Consumer Beauty segment is facing challenges in the U.S., also contributing to a 3-point impact on sales [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retailers are exhibiting cautious inventory management, leading to a gap between sell-out and sell-in, particularly in the Prestige and Fragrance categories [14][68] - The U.S. market is showing strong sell-out growth, with some weeks reaching 50% to 60% growth prior to the holiday season [60] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to launch two major blockbuster products in fiscal '26 to drive organic sales growth [28] - There is a focus on expanding distribution for key brands in the Prestige division, particularly in the U.S. and emerging markets [30][97] - The company is shifting resources from Asia to the U.S. and European markets to capitalize on growth opportunities [60] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the current sales trend is unsatisfactory but remains optimistic about the long-term growth potential of the beauty category, particularly in Fragrances [121] - The company is committed to outperforming the beauty market despite macroeconomic uncertainties and regional challenges [92] Other Important Information - The company is evaluating its portfolio for long-term opportunities and return on investment, considering potential divestitures or M&A to enhance exposure to faster-moving categories [111] - The gross margin reached a record level of approximately 70%, indicating strong operational performance [122] Q&A Session Summary Question: Thoughts on retailer replenishment and issues in China - Management noted that 20% of the business is facing challenges, particularly in China and Travel Retail, with cautious inventory management from retailers impacting sales [11][14] Question: Structural and competitive challenges in U.S. color cosmetics - Management highlighted that the U.S. color cosmetics market is facing structural challenges, with a need for both heritage and new brands to drive growth [20][21] Question: Sales growth expectations for fiscal '26 - Management expects improvement in sales growth in fiscal '26, driven by retailer inventory normalization and significant product launches [26][31] Question: Margin outlook and cost structure - Management confirmed a healthy P&L with gross margin expansion and a focus on maintaining discipline in cost management while supporting brand initiatives [36][40] Question: Performance of Prestige Fragrances - Management indicated that Prestige Fragrances are holding up better due to their unique offerings and higher entry barriers compared to other categories [44][45] Question: Travel Retail performance outside Asia - Management acknowledged that Travel Retail in Asia is lagging, but the Americas and Europe are performing well, with a strategic shift in resources to capitalize on these markets [60][62] Question: Retail channel shifts and online competition - Management confirmed that e-commerce, particularly through platforms like Amazon, is growing rapidly for both Consumer Beauty and Prestige brands [70][71] Question: Pricing strategy amid FX impacts - Management plans to implement moderate price increases in the low single digits while monitoring market elasticity [74][75] Question: Inventory levels and sell-in versus sell-out - Management noted ongoing adjustments in inventory levels at wholesalers and retailers, with positive sell-in for Fragrances expected to continue [81][82]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company's pretax sales revenue, including wholesale and retail, declined by a mid-single digit percentage year-over-year [3] - The gross margin for directly operated stores decreased by 4.4% year-over-year and 2.1% compared to August [6] - The company expects full-year profit to decline by 35% to 45% based on market expectations [25][46] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail performance was slightly better than wholesale, with online channels driving overall retail sales [3][4] - Direct-to-consumer online sales accounted for approximately 40% of total direct retail sales, showing a year-over-year increase [4] - Same-store traffic showed slight improvement compared to the first half of the year, but overall performance remained negative [5][17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted that foot traffic in offline channels weakened during the quarter, although there was some improvement compared to H1 [5][17] - The average store size continued to show year-over-year growth, despite a high single-digit decline in total same-store sales [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is strategically prioritizing inventory management and plans to utilize various promotional activities to improve inventory positions [2][3] - There is a focus on omni-channel operation efficiency, including precision store openings, renovations, and closures [7] - The company aims to collaborate with brand partners to achieve planned inventory improvements by the end of the year [5][66] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed cautious optimism about the offline retail network, believing that opportunities still exist despite current pressures [17][19] - The company remains committed to inventory optimization and expects to see improvements by the end of the fiscal year [45][66] - Management highlighted strong commitments from brand partners to the China market and the intention to strengthen collaborations [67] Other Important Information - The company capitalized on major online shopping festivals, resulting in double-digit worldwide growth in overall online sales [4] - The company is taking a proactive approach to store closures, particularly for underperforming locations [6][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inquiry about NACI's performance and market outlook - Management discussed recent communications with NACI's new global CEO, emphasizing the importance of the China market and potential synergies in product offerings [12][13] Question: Future offline retail network considerations - Management acknowledged pressures in the offline retail network but maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the need for omni-channel operations [17][19] Question: Clarification on sales performance and profit guidance - Management confirmed that while Q3 performance was better than expected, they still anticipate a decline in profits for the full year [25][26] Question: Discount rates and inventory management - Management explained that discount rates have deepened due to inventory clearance efforts and increased online sales, but they are optimistic about inventory management [29][30] Question: E-commerce performance and strategies - Management highlighted the growth of online sales, particularly through live streaming and private channels, and emphasized the importance of resource allocation to online sales [33][35] Question: Store rental fees and brand support - Management indicated that store rental fees will depend on negotiations with property management companies and noted strong brand support for the China market [40][42] Question: Inventory synchronization with NACI - Management outlined strategies for inventory control and collaboration with NACI to optimize inventory levels [61][63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall revenue fell by 7.9% to RMB 13.05 billion, primarily due to subdued macroeconomic demand and diminished foot traffic from offline customers [12][7] - Retail business revenue decreased by 8.9% to RMB 10.92 billion, while wholesale business revenue fell by 2.2% to RMB 2.04 billion [12] - The company registered a 35% decline in pretax profit, but operating cash flow rose by 2.5% [10][11] - The dividend payout ratio was 99.9%, maintaining a leading position in the industry [5][11] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The main brand sales revenue fell by 8.1% to RMB 11.35 billion, contributing 87.6% to total sales revenue, while other brands accounted for 12.4% of revenue, marking a slight rise of 0.2% [12] - The gross profit margin experienced a year-on-year decline of 3.6%, attributed to increased discount rates and a shift in sales distribution towards lower-margin wholesale channels [12][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall consumer market remains unclear, but supportive macroeconomic policies are anticipated to stimulate consumption [5][36] - The company noted a shift in consumer behavior from in-person to online shopping, which has increased the pressure on physical retail [36][37] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is committed to a flexible omni-channel strategy, enhancing integrated retail frameworks that merge online and offline channels [4][36] - There is a focus on broadening category layouts and solidifying market advantages across various sports sub-sectors [4][36] - The company aims to adapt to changing consumer preferences and enhance user experience through targeted optimizations [4][38] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by a sluggish macroeconomic environment but expressed confidence in the long-term strategy and cash flow management [5][36] - The company anticipates beneficial shifts in the consumer market as macroeconomic policies take effect, despite the current unclear market conditions [5][36] - Management remains cautious about the second half of the year, projecting a potential decline in profits [86][87] Other Important Information - The company has maintained a strong cash generation capability, with net cash flow from operating activities reaching a billion, marking a 2.5% rise from the same period last year [28][29] - The number of directly operated stores decreased by 396, with a focus on optimizing store layouts and improving efficiency [41][40] Q&A Session Summary Question: Inventory management and new CEO impact - The company plans to work with brands facing inventory issues and is optimistic about the new CEO's potential to improve product innovation and market share in China [61][66][70] Question: Strategies for the November 11 shopping event - The company is mobilizing online and offline resources for the shopping event, acknowledging high industry inventory levels and the importance of this sales opportunity [73][74] Question: Market sentiment and consumer behavior changes - Management noted that government initiatives, such as consumption coupons, are positively impacting consumer sentiment, although quantifiable effects remain uncertain [75][90]