Birkenstock plc(US:BIRK)2025-12-18 14:02Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported full-year revenue growth of 18% in constant currency, reaching EUR 2.1 billion, exceeding the initial guidance of 15%-17% [8][15] - Gross margin increased by 30 basis points to 59.1%, while adjusted EBITDA margin rose by 100 basis points to 31.8% [9][18] - Adjusted net profit for the fourth quarter was EUR 94 million, up 71% year over year, with adjusted EPS of EUR 1.85 for the full year, up 45% from fiscal 2024 [18][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Americas segment grew by 18% in constant currency, EMEA by 14%, and APAC by 34% [15][16] - B2B channel revenue increased by 21%, while D2C grew by 12% in constant currency [16] - Closed-toe share of revenue increased by 500 basis points year over year to 38% [11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company sold over 38 million pairs in fiscal 2025, up over 12%, with an average selling price (ASP) increase of 5% in constant currency [9][10] - The APAC segment now accounts for 11% of global revenue, with the highest ASP [11] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to open about 40 new stores in 2026, aiming for a total of 150 stores ahead of schedule [10][24] - Focus on maintaining brand scarcity and managing distribution tightly to support full-price realization, which remains over 90% [10][12] - The company is investing in production capacity and innovation to meet growing demand, particularly in the APAC market [12][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about future growth despite challenges from FX and tariffs, expecting a slower revenue growth of 13%-15% in fiscal 2026 [20][22] - The company highlighted strong demand across all segments, particularly from younger consumers in the B2B channel [30][49] - Management noted that production capacity constraints are the primary limitation to growth, not demand [31][60] Other Important Information - The company repurchased shares totaling EUR 176 million and reduced net leverage from 1.8x to 1.5x [19][20] - Capital expenditures for fiscal 2026 are expected to be between EUR 110 million and EUR 130 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: What is driving the more conservative view for 2026? - Management indicated that while demand remains strong, production capacity constraints are the main limitation to growth [30] Question: Can you elaborate on the margin outlook for 2026? - Management explained that FX and tariffs will significantly impact margins, with a total drag of about 200 basis points expected [39][40] Question: How do you see channel growth in 2026? - Management expects B2B to continue outpacing D2C growth, driven by strong demand from younger demographics [49] Question: What are the expectations for consumer demand in the EU? - Management reported strong growth in EMEA, particularly in closed-toe products, and expects continued positive trends in Q1 [57][58] Question: How will the new stores be located and what is the strategy for DTC? - The company plans to open stores in key cities and aims to enhance the DTC channel through targeted membership benefits and loyalty programs [78][80]