Financial Data and Key Metrics - Revenue for Q1 2024 was EUR 303 million, up 26% YoY, driven by growth across all segments and channels [9] - DTC revenue grew by 30% YoY, contributing to 53% of total revenue, while B2B revenue increased by 22% [9] - Adjusted EBITDA was EUR 81 million, up 12% YoY, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of 26.9%, impacted by capacity expansion and unfavorable currency translation [27] - Gross profit margin was 61%, down 70 basis points YoY, due to capacity expansion and currency effects [87] - Cash and cash equivalents stood at EUR 169 million, with inventory buildup in preparation for spring-summer 2024 wholesale shipments [28] Business Line Performance - DTC channel penetration increased further, with approximately half of revenues generated from membership program members [5] - B2B revenue growth was driven by expansion in categories like closed-toe silhouettes, with significant growth in existing partner stores [15][45] - Closed-toe silhouettes, including clogs, contributed more than half of total revenue in the APMA region [8] - The professional product category delivered the second-highest growth rate in terms of value and units [94] Market Performance - Americas revenue grew by 19%, driven by strong DTC performance and increased penetration in existing B2B channels [5][15] - Europe revenue increased by 33%, with strong sell-out performance during the holiday season and successful price adjustments [16][120] - APMA was the fastest-growing segment, with revenue growth of 51%, driven by DTC and digital channel expansion [8][52] Company Strategy and Industry Competition - The company is doubling its production capacity in Germany and Portugal over the next three years to meet growing demand [46] - Strategic focus on premium products and DTC channels, with a goal to maintain a gross profit margin over 60% and an adjusted EBITDA margin in the low 30s mid-term [30][112] - Expansion into new categories like closed-toe footwear and professional products is driving growth and diversifying revenue streams [92][94] Management Commentary on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the company's ability to sustain strong performance through 2024 and beyond, despite temporary margin compression from capacity expansion [14][30] - The company is successfully recovering inflation through selective price increases and optimizing channel and product mix [87][112] - The shift towards intentional purchasing by consumers is benefiting the brand, with high levels of full-price realization across all distribution points [4][95] Other Important Information - The company repaid EUR 525 million of debt, reducing net leverage to 2.6% as of December 31, 2023 [98] - Capital expenditures of EUR 80 million were primarily related to production capacity expansion [98] - The company launched new products in expansionary categories, including a professional line at the A+A trade fair, which received strong demand [94] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of inflation and capacity utilization [21] - The company is managing inflation through selective price increases and is on track with capacity expansion, which is expected to impact margins temporarily [30][112] Question: Closed-toe footwear performance and mix [22][42] - Closed-toe silhouettes now exceed sandals in revenue share, with clogs, boots, and sneakers driving growth [22][64] - The Boston clog remains a top performer, but other closed-toe products like the Highwood and Prescott boots are also exceeding expectations [102] Question: Gross margin and inventory levels [35][69] - Gross margin is expected to be lower in Q2 due to seasonality and higher wholesale share, but the company remains confident in its full-year guidance [58][71] - Inventory levels are in line with historical patterns, with a focus on preparing for spring-summer wholesale shipments [28][109] Question: Growth trajectory in APMA region [51] - The APMA region is experiencing strong growth, with price increases well-received and no negative consumer impact [52] - The company is expanding its DTC and B2B presence in the region, with a focus on Greater China, Japan, and Southeast Asia [52] Question: ASP growth and premium product shift [34][115] - ASP growth is expected to be in the mid- to high-single digits, driven by premium products and channel mix [115] - The shift towards premium products, including closed-toe footwear, is contributing to higher ASPs [92][115] Question: European market performance [119] - Europe has completed its transformation plan, with strong sell-out performance and successful price adjustments [119][120] - The company is well-positioned in the European market, with full-price realization superior to the market [120]
Birkenstock plc(BIRK) - 2024 Q1 - Earnings Call Transcript