Burberry H1 adjusted operating profit more than triples, shares jump

Burberry reported Thursday that its adjusted operating profit more than tripled in the first half of fiscal year 2027, reaching £62 million. Comparable retail sales grew by 4% for a fifth consecutive quarter. The British luxury brand anticipates further revenue growth and margin expansion for the fiscal year. Sales for the 26 weeks ending September 26 rose 6% to £1.10 billion.

The adjusted operating margin widened to 5.7% from 1.9%, and diluted earnings per share increased to 3.4 pence from 0.6 pence. Comparable sales in the Americas jumped by 12%, while those in Greater China rose 7%. Asia Pacific sales grew by 3%, while EMEIA saw a decline of 2%, mainly due to weaker tourist spending and traffic in outlet stores.

Outerwear sales climbed by double digits, driven by rainwear, and leather goods experienced a surge in the second quarter. E-commerce sales grew in the mid-teens. Wholesale revenue surged by 17% to £174 million, surpassing expectations. Licensing revenue fell by 5% to £28 million. Gross margin expanded to 68.3%, up 40 basis points, thanks to stronger full-price sales and a one-off supply chain rebate.

Net operating expenses remained flat at constant exchange rates, as cost efficiencies offset inflation and the company continued investing in marketing. Free cash flow amounted to a £147 million outflow, down from £50 million in the previous period. Burberry's CEO, Joshua Schulman, expressed optimism about the brand's potential, stating that the company is "more confident than ever" in realizing its full potential.

For fiscal 2027, Burberry expects wholesale sales to grow by 10%-12%, annualized cost savings of about £100 million, capital spending of about £100 million, and stable retail space.