Skechers(US:SKX)2025-04-25 06:39Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company achieved record first-quarter sales of $2.41 billion, representing a 7.1% increase year-over-year, and $2.46 billion on a constant currency basis, up 9% [8][27] - Earnings per share were $1.34, essentially flat compared to the prior year [34] - Gross margin was 52%, down 50 basis points from the previous year, primarily due to lower average selling prices from higher promotions in certain markets [31] - Operating expenses increased 180 basis points as a percentage of sales to 41% [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Direct-to-consumer sales grew 6% year-over-year to $879.4 million, with domestic growth of 11% driven by strong e-commerce performance [27][17] - Wholesale sales increased 7.8% year-over-year to $1.53 billion, with international sales up 9.5% [28][16] - The domestic wholesale growth reflected broad-based demand across kids, men's, and women's categories [16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Domestic and international sales both increased by 7%, with EMEA growing 14% and The Americas growing 8.3% [9][14] - In APAC, sales decreased by 2.6%, primarily due to soft consumer spending in China, but grew 12% when excluding China [10][30] - EMEA sales for the first quarter increased 14% year-over-year to $718.2 million [29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company views international markets as its primary growth engine, with 65% of total business coming from international sales [9][21] - Investment priorities focus on expanding distribution centers, enhancing product offerings, and growing direct-to-consumer capabilities [20][21] - The company aims to navigate current macroeconomic uncertainties by leveraging its brand strength and global market position [21][42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating current challenges, citing a strong demand for Skechers products globally [26][38] - The company acknowledged the uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment but remains optimistic about growth opportunities, particularly in international markets [31][38] - Management emphasized the importance of flexibility in sourcing and production to adapt to changing market conditions [92][108] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $1.24 billion in cash and cash equivalents, maintaining liquidity of $1.85 billion [35] - Inventory increased by 30% year-over-year to $1.77 billion, primarily due to elongated transit times [35][36] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were $147.1 million, focusing on distribution infrastructure and new store openings [36] Q&A Session Summary Question: Discussion on tariff situation and production in China - Management indicated that they are actively pursuing cost-sharing, sourcing optimization, and pricing adjustments to address tariff impacts, with a focus on minimizing production from high-cost locations [49][50] Question: Market volatility and consumer demand - Management noted that while there is uncertainty in the U.S. and China markets, consumer demand for Skechers products remains robust, particularly in international markets [60][62] Question: Inventory management and pricing strategy - Management is closely managing inventory levels and is prepared to adjust pricing strategies based on market conditions, emphasizing the importance of consumer perception [78][97] Question: Sourcing and production flexibility - Management confirmed that they are exploring flexible sourcing options and optimizing production locations to mitigate tariff impacts, with a focus on maintaining quality and cost-effectiveness [92][108]