Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record revenue of €574 million for the second quarter, representing a 19% year-over-year increase and an 18% increase in constant currency, exceeding the annual guidance of 15% to 17% [6][15][22] - Gross margin improved to 57.7%, up 140 basis points year-over-year, driven by better cost absorption and selected price adjustments [16][19] - Adjusted EBITDA for the quarter was €200 million, up 23% year-over-year, with a margin of 34.8%, an increase of 110 basis points [17][22] - Adjusted net profit reached €103 million, a 33% increase year-over-year, with adjusted EPS rising to €0.55 from €0.41 [18][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue growth was balanced between B2B and DTC channels, with B2B up 18% and DTC up 17% in constant currency [8][15] - Closed toe silhouettes saw revenue growth at twice the rate of the overall group, increasing their share of business by 400 basis points [9][12] - The DTC channel's growth was supported by investments in online and owned retail stores, with a membership base exceeding 10 million, up over 25% year-over-year [8][15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the Americas, revenue increased by 23% in reported currency and 20% in constant currency, with strong growth in both B2B and DTC channels [10][12] - EMEA experienced 12% growth, with DTC outpacing B2B growth by 1.5 times [11][12] - The APAC region was the fastest-growing segment, with a 30% increase driven by strong DTC growth [12][13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to expand its retail presence, targeting 100 owned stores by the end of the fiscal year, with a long-term goal of 150 stores by 2027 [9][56] - The strategy includes leveraging vertical integration to mitigate tariff impacts and maintain pricing flexibility [20][21] - The company is focused on capturing market share and shelf space, particularly in regions where competitors are struggling [24][25] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in navigating macroeconomic uncertainties, viewing the current environment as an opportunity rather than a risk [5][29] - The company anticipates continued strong demand across all product channels and categories, with expectations to meet or exceed financial targets for fiscal year 2025 [22][24] - Management noted that the recent depreciation of the dollar may create headwinds for reported growth and margins in the latter half of the year [21][22] Other Important Information - The company is proactively managing working capital, improving its inventory-to-sales ratio to 36% from 40% year-over-year [19] - Capital expenditures for the quarter were approximately €21 million, with plans to invest around €80 million for the year [19][75] Q&A Session Summary Question: Confidence in outlook despite macro uncertainty - Management views the current situation as an opportunity and is confident in fully offsetting tariff effects, with no changes in consumer demand observed [29][30] Question: DTC strength and implied top-line deceleration - Management acknowledged reduced visibility in the second half due to a heavier DTC mix but emphasized strong order books and continued growth in closed toe products [38][39] Question: Plans for tariff mitigation - The company is less exposed to tariffs due to European sourcing and manufacturing, allowing for pricing flexibility without impacting consumer demand [46][47] Question: Gross margin drivers and future expectations - Management expects gross margin improvements to continue, with better absorption and pricing strategies contributing positively [40][41] Question: Cash flow and uses in the back half of the year - The company prioritizes investments in business growth and debt reduction, with potential for share repurchases considered [74][75] Question: Trends in younger customers and in-person shopping - A global trend of younger consumers preferring in-person shopping was noted, enhancing brand engagement [78] Question: Demand outlook in the back half of the year - Management sees no significant impact on demand from tariffs, maintaining a balance of stock to sales [81][82] Question: Membership growth and its impact on DTC sales - Membership has grown significantly, with members spending 20% more on average, indicating a strong return on investment for marketing efforts [113][129] Question: Pricing strategy and product performance - Consumers are increasingly favoring higher price points, with closed toe products outpacing sandals in growth [131]
Birkenstock plc(BIRK) - 2025 Q2 - Earnings Call Transcript