Improved Profitability and Margins
Gross profit margin up 60 basis points to 47.7%; adjusted EBIT ~€64m, up ~5% year‑on‑year; reported EBIT ~€52m, up almost 20% YoY; EBIT margin improved to 2.8% from 2.2%.
Direct‑to‑Consumer (D2C) Momentum
D2C sales grew 3.8% with owned & operated retail stores up 5.7% and e‑commerce up 0.6%; D2C share increased to 28.3% from 27.5% year‑on‑year, supporting a more favorable channel mix.
Inventory and Working Capital Progress
Inventories declined ~9% to €1.9bn and are slightly ahead of plan; trade receivables down ~20% to €1.2bn; trade payables down ~26% to ~€1.0bn; overall working capital reduced almost 10% to €1.8bn with inventories expected to normalize below 25% of sales by end‑2026.
Cost Discipline and OpEx Reduction
Operating expenses (ex one‑offs) fell ~5.5% to €848m, driven by cost efficiency program savings and lower marketing (phasing effect), and structural right‑sizing actions continue (500 positions reduced in H1 2025; further reductions underway toward a 20% corporate reduction target).
Product and Brand Wins
Strong product momentum: NITRO platform performing well (running & HYROX), multiple product sellouts (e.g., HYROX product, Deviate NITRO Elite 4, Mathias Gidsel handball shoe), 11 teams qualified for FIFA World Cup, several world records and motorsport podiums boosting brand visibility.
Stronger Financial Headroom
Cash position increased ~15% YoY to €326m and unutilized credit lines ~€800m, yielding total financial headroom of ~€1.1bn; management expects full‑year 2026 free cash flow to turn positive.
Range Rationalization Progress
Range/SKU complexity materially reduced (mid‑double digit SKU reduction), with a push toward a more consistent global core assortment while retaining local market additions.