Amer Sports(US:AS)2025-11-18 14:00Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Amer Sports reported a 30% growth in sales for Q3, with an adjusted operating margin expansion of 130 basis points and adjusted EPS more than doubling [4][19][20] - Adjusted gross margin increased by 240 basis points to 57.9%, driven by favorable channel, geographic, product, and brand mix [20] - Adjusted net income for Q3 was $185 million, compared to $71 million in the prior year, with adjusted diluted EPS of $0.33 versus $0.14 last year [21] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Technical apparel revenues increased by 31% to $683 million, led by Arc'teryx, with direct-to-consumer growth of 46% [21][22] - Outdoor performance segment saw revenues increase by 36% to $724 million, driven by strong performance in Salomon footwear and apparel [26] - Ball and racket segment revenue increased by 16% to $350 million, with soft goods more than doubling in the quarter [32][33] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Regional growth was led by Asia-Pacific, which increased by 54%, followed by China at 47%, EMEA at 23%, and the Americas at 18% [20] - Salomon footwear experienced strong demand across all regions, particularly in Asia, with significant growth in both sports style and performance products [12][13] - The company noted a strong pull demand in Europe, particularly for Salomon, which is experiencing accelerating demand [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - Amer Sports aims to leverage its unique portfolio of premium brands to capture market share in the sports and outdoor sectors [5] - The company is focusing on expanding its direct-to-consumer channels and optimizing its retail footprint, particularly in Greater China [6][25] - The strategy includes opening new flagship stores and enhancing brand presence in key metro markets globally [13][24] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's growth trajectory, citing strong brand performance and market demand [5][19] - The company is raising its full-year revenue, margin, and EPS expectations based on strong Q3 results and continued momentum [19][38] - Management acknowledged challenges from recent incidents but emphasized a commitment to community engagement and brand recovery [6][41] Other Important Information - The company plans to open approximately 25 net new Arc'teryx stores for the full year, with a focus on North America [23] - Amer Sports is also expanding its presence in the U.S. market with new Salomon and Wilson stores, targeting key urban areas [30][34] - The company expects inventory growth rates to normalize in the second half of 2026 [37] Q&A Session Summary Question: Has there been a sales impact in China following the fireworks incident? - Arc'teryx's sales trends were softer at the beginning of Q4 but have since rebounded as weather has cooled, with no impact on Q4 guidance [41][42] Question: Can you elaborate on the confidence in guiding 2026 revenue growth to mid-teens? - Management expressed confidence in achieving mid-teens growth patterns in 2026 based on a solid foundation built in 2025 [42] Question: What is the status of Salomon's distribution in the U.S.? - Salomon is focusing on building its presence in the U.S. market, with a strategy to open more epicenter stores and enhance brand awareness [46][48] Question: What is the long-term opportunity for Tennis 360 stores outside of China? - The Tennis 360 concept is still in early stages in North America, with plans for expansion in southern and coastal markets [51] Question: How is the margin outlook for the fourth quarter? - The fourth quarter is expected to see some margin headwinds due to tariffs and ongoing investments, but management remains optimistic about overall performance [59]