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.



Mulberry Majority Shareholder Rejects Selling to Frasers

Signage is seen on the Mulberry store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 24, 2021. (Reuters)
Signage is seen on the Mulberry store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 24, 2021. (Reuters)
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Mulberry Majority Shareholder Rejects Selling to Frasers

Signage is seen on the Mulberry store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 24, 2021. (Reuters)
Signage is seen on the Mulberry store in Manhattan, New York City, US, November 24, 2021. (Reuters)

The majority shareholder in luxury brand Mulberry on Sunday said it had no interest in selling any of its stake to sportswear and apparel retailer Frasers Group, in a statement designed to end Frasers' takeover attempt.

On Friday Frasers, Mulberry's second-largest shareholder, increased its bid after the brand, known for its handbags and belts, rejected an initial offer of 83 million pounds ($108 million) saying it undervalued the company.

In a response issued on Sunday, Challice, Mulberry's Singaporean backer which holds a 56% stake, said: "Challice believes that it is an inopportune time for Mulberry to be sold and particularly regrets the distraction that the possible offer is bringing to the company and its management team at this time.

"Challice has no interest in either selling its Mulberry shares to Frasers or providing Frasers with any irrevocable or other undertaking with regards the possible offer."

Under UK takeover rules, Frasers has until Oct. 28 to make a firm offer for Mulberry or walk away.

"Challice hopes that by making its position clear, Frasers will be encouraged to announce that it does not intend to make an offer for Mulberry," the Challice statement said.