Marimekko - Profitability slightly below expectations
Marimekko's second-quarter results generally met our expectations. The positive effect of non-recurring wholesale sales was higher than expected while on the other hand profitability suffered from lower licensing sales and higher fixed costs more than we estimated.
- Group result: driven by continued strong wholesale development in Finland, Q2 net sales grew by 8% to EUR 43.7m (42.4/42.9m Evli/cons.). The domestic wholesale sales grew strongly while the retail sales also fared a touch better than expected (growth of 5% y/y vs. Evli est. 3%). On the top line level, growth in international sales matched our expectations. On a less positive note, the company's growth driver, APAC wholesale, grew by only 1% year-over-year.
- Adj. EBIT amounted to EUR 6.4m (EUR 6.8/7.1m Evli/cons.), reflecting a margin of 14.6%. Profitability was a touch lower than expected. Comparable EBIT margin was affected by higher fixed costs and weakened relative sales margin. EPS came in at EUR 0.12 (0.13/0.13 Evli/cons.).
- Finland: topline grew 11% to EUR 24.5m (Evli est. EUR 23.2m) supported by continued strong wholesale sales which grew 30% y/y driven by the timing of non-recurring wholesale deliveries. In addition to wholesale, retail sales grew 5% y/y, which also topped our estimate slightly.
- Int’l: Marimekko’s international sales grew 6% y/y, in line with our estimates. While APAC faced tough comps, the growth of 2% y/y missed our estimates yet was at least partly explained by the timing of certain wholesale deliveries.
- Marimekko continues to expect that the sales in Finland will be roughly at the level of last year in 2024 and international sales are estimated to grow in 2024.
- Financial guidance unchanged: net sales expected to grow from the previous year, comparable EBIT margin to be 16-19%.