TOP NEWS: Dr Martens shares drop as warns margins to suffer

(Alliance News) - Dr Martens PLC shares slumped on Thursday after a margin caution, as the boot ...

Alliance News 24 November, 2022 | 8:41AM
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(Alliance News) - Dr Martens PLC shares slumped on Thursday after a margin caution, as the boot maker grapples with slower-than-expected growth in its direct-to-consumer arm.

Shares in the footwear brand plunged 16% to 239.80 pence each in London on Thursday morning.

The FTSE 250-listing achieved a half-year revenue rise, though profit declined.

In the six months to September 30, revenue improved 13% to GBP418.6 million, from GBP369.9 million a year earlier. Pretax profit, however, fell by 5.5% to GBP57.9 million from GBP61.3 million.

It achieved a first-half earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation margin of 21.2%, in line with guidance, but down from 24.0% a year prior.

"I am pleased to report another strong set of results covering the first half of our financial year. Underlying revenue growth was 18% and the Ebitda margin was in line with our guidance," Chief Executive Officer Kenny Wilson said.

"Although there are economic challenges ahead, we are well positioned for future growth."

Underlying revenue does not include the contribution from Russia, where it cancelled supply following the invasion of Ukraine, and South America where it did not renew "a number of distribution contracts".

Dr Martens lifted its dividend by 28% to 1.56 pence per share from 1.22p.

Looking ahead, it still expects revenue growth in the "high-teens" for the current financial year. Margins will weaken, however.

Dr Martens said the trading environment "weakened" from the second quarter onwards, hitting its direct-to-consumer offering. DTC growth was "slower than anticipated", it said.

"As well as slower DTC growth, we made a proactive decision to continue with targeted investment for the future rather than reducing investment for short-term profit," Dr Martens explained.

It now expects its annual Ebitda margin to be 100 to 250 basis points weaker than a year earlier. Dr Martens explained the dollar's strength has also diluted its margin. Its Ebitda margin in financial 2022 was 29.0%.

"From FY24 and over the medium term, we continue to guide to mid-teens revenue growth, DTC to be at least 60% mix with e-commerce at least 40%, and a medium-term Ebitda margin milestone of 30%, with price continuing to offset inflation," the company said.

By Eric Cunha; ericcunha@alliancenews.com

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Securities Mentioned in Article

Security Name Price Change (%) Morningstar
Rating
Dr. Martens PLC Ordinary Shares 87.40 GBX 4.05 -

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