Core Insights - Birkenstock Holding plc reported strong financial results for Q1 2026, with revenues of €402 million, reflecting an 11% increase on a reported basis and an 18% increase in constant currency, exceeding the annual guidance of 13% to 15% growth [9][12][20] - The company expects to maintain a growth trajectory of 13% to 15% in constant currency over the next three years, with a focus on optimizing profitability and brand equity [5][22] Financial Performance - Q1 2026 revenues were driven by strong demand during the holiday season, with B2B sales up 24% in constant currency and DTC sales up 12% [9][12] - Gross profit margin for Q1 was 55.7%, down 460 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted gross profit margin was 57.4%, down 290 basis points [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 was €106 million, up 4% year-over-year, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.5% [14] Market Growth and Strategy - The Americas segment continues to grow in double digits, with significant room for growth in the U.S. market, where penetration is only about 5% [6][7] - EMEA markets like Germany and Austria have reached similar penetration levels as the U.S. but still show double-digit growth potential [7] - APAC is identified as a key growth area, with plans to double revenue from this region by 2028 [8] Product and Channel Insights - The company is focusing on balancing B2B and DTC growth, with B2B expected to outpace DTC in the near term [8] - The closed-toe segment accounted for nearly 60% of revenue in Q1, indicating a successful expansion beyond sandals [11] - Retail expansion is a priority, with nine new stores added in Q1, bringing the total to 106 [10] Future Outlook - The company anticipates significant headwinds from foreign exchange and tariffs in Q2, projecting a revenue growth headwind of approximately 700 basis points [18][19] - For fiscal 2026, the company expects adjusted EBITDA of at least €700 million, implying an adjusted EBITDA margin of 30% to 30.5% [20][21] - The expected tax rate is projected to be between 26% to 28%, with adjusted EPS anticipated to be between €1.90 to €2.05 [21]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter revenues of EUR 402 million, representing an 11% increase on a reported basis and an 18% increase in constant currency, exceeding the full year guidance of 13%-15% [12][15] - Adjusted net profit for the first quarter was EUR 49 million, up 47% year-over-year, with adjusted EPS of $0.27, a 50% increase from $0.18 a year ago [18][19] - Gross profit margin for the first quarter was 55.7%, down 460 basis points year-over-year, while adjusted gross profit margin was 57.4%, down 290 basis points [17] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The B2B segment grew by 24% in constant currency, while DTC (Direct-to-Consumer) grew by 12% [12][18] - The closed-toe share of revenue reached close to 60% during the first quarter, with strong sales in clogs, including the Boston silhouette [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment grew by 14% in constant currency, EMEA by 17%, and APAC by 37% in constant currency [16] - The company is under-penetrated in markets like France, Spain, the UK, and the GCC, indicating strong growth potential in these regions [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 13%-15% top-line growth in constant currency over the next three years, with a focus on maximizing profitability per pair while protecting brand equity [8][9] - The company plans to double its APAC revenue by 2028, steering growth at double the pace of other segments [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the brand's growth potential, citing a total addressable market that includes every human being, with significant room for growth in established markets [9][28] - The company anticipates significant headwinds from foreign exchange and tariffs in the second quarter, projecting a 700 basis point headwind to revenue growth [21][22] Other Important Information - The company plans to repurchase shares for a total consideration of $200 million during fiscal 2026, subject to market conditions [52] - The company ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of EUR 229 million and a net leverage of 1.7 times [19][20] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of durable demand momentum for the brand globally - Management highlighted a long runway for growth, with market penetration below 5% in established markets and strong order books for 2026 [28] Question: Allocation of inventory across channels and geographies - Management stated that inventory is allocated to the most profitable channels and regions to optimize brand strength and margin [33] Question: Seasonal progression of margins across quarters - Management indicated that Q1 and Q2 would experience significant FX headwinds, with expected margin pressure from tariffs [41] Question: SG&A and operational leverage - Management acknowledged the impact of tariffs and FX on margins but emphasized the need to balance margin expansion with reinvestment in the business [45] Question: Product trends for the upcoming season - Management noted strong momentum in elevated styles and open-toe silhouettes, particularly in the APAC region [48]