Hugo Boss beats Q2 profit estimates, maintains annual guidance

By Ozan Ergenay

Aug 4 (Reuters) - German fashion group Hugo Boss reported second-quarter operating profit ahead of expectations on Tuesday and confirmed its annual guidance despite weak consumer demand.

The company's second-quarter earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) fell to 59 million euros ($68 million) from 81 million a year earlier, but topped analysts' average forecast of 52 million euros in a company-provided poll.

Currency-adjusted sales fell 9% to 905 million euros, compared with analysts' expectations of 907 million euros, reflecting the impact of strategic realignment efforts and subdued consumer demand.

Analysts at Jefferies said quarterly sales came in broadly in line with their expectations, but added that the company delivered a very strong beat on operating profit.

"Still, we would expect no material move in the share price this morning given the stock's technical support and a floor related to the Frasers Group's offer," analysts added.

Shares were little changed in early trading.

The results came as British retailer Frasers pressed ahead with its €38 per share takeover bid for the German group after securing EU approval and making its offer unconditional.

WEAK CONSUMER DEMAND PERSISTS

Hugo Boss said ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical tensions continued to dampen consumer demand, notably in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

"Lower store traffic in the Middle East following geopolitical developments added further pressure on regional performance," the company said.

Currency-adjusted sales in EMEA declined 13% to 532 million euros from 618 million euros a year earlier.

Chief Executive Daniel Grieder said Hugo Boss was encouraged by the progress made in the first half despite persistent macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty.

He said the quarter marked further progress in executing the group's Claim 5 strategy, aimed at improving profitability and operational efficiency.

Hugo Boss has sought to strengthen its brand through targeted marketing investments while improving profitability through cost discipline amid weak consumer demand.

The company maintained its full-year guidance for 2026.

(Reporting by Ozan Ergenay in Gdansk, editing by Matt Scuffham)