Puma Narrows FY Core Profit Outlook

The logo of German sports goods firm Puma is seen on a shoe after the company's annual news conference in Herzogenaurach February 20, 2014. (Reuters)
The logo of German sports goods firm Puma is seen on a shoe after the company's annual news conference in Herzogenaurach February 20, 2014. (Reuters)
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Puma Narrows FY Core Profit Outlook

The logo of German sports goods firm Puma is seen on a shoe after the company's annual news conference in Herzogenaurach February 20, 2014. (Reuters)
The logo of German sports goods firm Puma is seen on a shoe after the company's annual news conference in Herzogenaurach February 20, 2014. (Reuters)

German sportswear maker Puma on Wednesday narrowed its outlook for full-year core profit as it reported its second-quarter results, citing expected currency headwinds, higher freight costs and continued muted consumer sentiment.

Puma, which has recently launched new marketing initiatives in an effort to compete better with bigger rivals like Adidas and Nike, has been grappling with weaker consumer demand and excess stocks at the sportswear retailers through which it makes most of its sales.

It now expects operating profit (EBIT) to come in a range between 620 million and 670 million euros ($676-$731 million) compared to between 620 million to 700 million euros previously.

Puma's shares were down 3.5% in early Frankfurt trade.

It confirmed its full-year outlook for currency adjusted revenue in mid-single-digit percentage, based on a strong order book for the second half of the year.

The company said it expected net income to change in 2024 in line with the operating result. It reported a net income of 304.9 million euros in 2023.

Currency-adjusted sales rose 2.1% to 2.12 billion euros in the quarter, in line with the 2.15 billion expected by analysts, according to LSEG data, driven by 9% growth in the Americas region.

In the Europe/Middle East and Africa region, currency-adjusted sales dropped by 4.3% to 817.9 million euros. A return to growth in Europe was offset by a decline in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa after a strong quarter in the previous year.

The Asia/Pacific region recorded sales growth of 1.9%, Puma said, boosted by growth in Greater China.

Quarterly EBIT was up by 1.6% to 117 million euros despite negative currency effects.



Report: L'Oreal in Talks to Buy Migros’ South Korean Cosmetic Unit

The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
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Report: L'Oreal in Talks to Buy Migros’ South Korean Cosmetic Unit

The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)
The logo of French cosmetics group L'Oreal is seen on a company building in Paris, France, February 7, 2024. (Reuters)

French cosmetics giant L'Oreal is in final talks to acquire the South Korean skincare business Gowoonsesang Cosmetics owned by Mibelle Group, a unit of Swiss retailer Migros, according to two sources with knowledge of the deal.

An announcement could be made as soon as Monday, one of the people said.

A spokesperson for Migros said it did not comment on market rumors. L'Oreal did not respond to multiple requests for comment.

Mibelle acquired its stake in South Korean Gowoonsesang Cosmetics, which sells skin care products under the Dr.G brand, in 2018.

In February, Migros announced a strategic review for Mibelle Group, saying it wanted to find a new owner for the business.

Mibelle produces cosmetics for its own brands, including Dr.G, Imbue., Lee Stafford, and Mine, as well as for other brands, according to its website.

Dr.G is the No. 1 facial care line in the Korean dermocosmetics market, according to the Mibelle website.

Spanish investment bank Alantra was hired as adviser after the strategic review, to look for buyers for the business, one of the sources said.

A spokesperson for Alantra declined to comment.

Mibelle employs 1,615 people in five countries, with revenues of 661 million Swiss francs ($739.04)in 2023, according to its website.