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HONG KONG, Mar 30, 2022 - (ACN Newswire) - ESPRIT HOLDINGS LIMITED (the "Company", together with its subsidiaries, "ESPRIT" or the "Group"; HKEx: 00330) has announced its audited financial annual results for the year ended 31 December 2021 (the "Current Year"), highlighted by a significant increase in both revenue and profit attributable to shareholders of the Company to HK$8,316 million and HK$381 million respectively, in which the profit attributable to shareholders of the Company also recorded a turnaround versus the loss attributable to shareholders of the Company of HK$414 million for the six months ended 31 December 2020 (the "Corresponding Period"1 ). Gross profit margin was 48.6%, 7.0% higher than the Corresponding Period. Please refer to the Company's results announcement for the Current Year for further details.
Such financial improvement was attributable to various reasons, including (i) the new infrastructure and strategies instituted by the current management team; (ii) improvement in sales with higher gross profit margin; (iii) positive results of efficient cost control measures; (iv) improved inventory management; and (v) growth in E-commerce.
Mr. PAK William Eui Won, Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer, said, "The remarkable results are definitely a testament to the Company's collective efforts by devoted staff at ESPRIT, including the successful migration of selected strategic functions from Germany back to Hong Kong, ESPRIT's new global headquarters. Combining expertise from the two offices has created a stronger organizational balance and workplace synergy. It is also evident that the current management team has crafted the correct infrastructure to re-establish ESPRIT to become a market leader. We will continue to strengthen ESPRIT by becoming a truly omni-present brand and enhancing our product portfolio that fits with the Company's mission of making our customers 'feel good to look good'."
Although revenue in the Current Year was affected by lockdowns in the Company's major European markets during the first quarter of 2021, and due to increased restrictions on entry requirements into stores during the fourth quarter of 2021, the Group generated revenue via three main channels: E-commerce, wholesale, and owned retail stores. As the ESPRIT brand website and third-party E-commerce partners continued to trade during lockdown, a large portion of the Group's sales were generated online. This business model allowed it to mitigate some of the negative impacts of the Pandemic in the retail segment. Another driver of growth came from selling fewer discounted products from the Company's retail business compared to 2020.
The Group has not forgotten the ESPRIT mission and long-standing commitment to sustainability. The Company has continued to work tirelessly towards developing cutting-edge materials that set new standards in terms of environmental sustainability. The Company has formulated and further advanced its ESG strategies to establish ESPRIT as an industry pioneer. Such strategies involve the greater use of sustainable fibers, developing new and innovative product options that support a circular economy, and ensuring environmental awareness is a key message that underpins all of the Group's projects. To achieve these objectives, the Management has identified four key pillars of growth (Sourcing and Procurement; Marketing and Product; IT, Internet, and E-commerce; and The ESPRIT Brand Story) that are paramount in maintaining the loyalty of existing ESPRIT patrons and attracting new customers.
Looking ahead, the global economy is anticipated to be negatively affected by the lingering effects of the coronavirus pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. The already unstable logistics industry and disrupted supply chain will likely be further impacted, which in turn will result in higher logistic service costs. Despite the unfavorable global economic outlook, the Group believes that under the leadership of its current management and with the support of dedicated staff members, the Company is on track to ongoing profit growth.
Ms. CHIU Christin Su Yi, Chairperson and Executive Director, concluded, "Although there are major uncertainties in the short term for the general global economy, the Group will stay connected and remain agile to react promptly to whatever challenges that may emerge. The Company has already started revitalizing the ESPRIT brand and leveraging the Company's 2021 performance to drive greater sustainable business growth in 2022. The Management will continue to apply its four-pillar approach to its business practices to ensure that the Company remains on the road to success."
[1] Due to a change in the fiscal year end date, the Corresponding Period covered a period of six months from 1 July 2020 to 31 December 2020. Hence, the comparative figures hence are not directly comparable.
About ESPRIT
Fueled by the vision of essential positivity, ESPRIT was founded in California by couple Susie and Doug Tompkins in 1968. Inspired by the revolutionary spirit of the 60s, the brand developed a clear philosophy - always celebrating real people and togetherness, in line with the brand's promise: "We want to make you feel good to look good". The success story of ESPRIT is based on delivering joy every day through laid-back tailored, high-quality essentials and carefully selected fashion-forward pieces while staying true to its core values of sustainability, equality and freedom of choice. Example: In the early 90s, long before "Eco Fashion" became fashionable, ESPRIT debuted its first "E-collection" made of 100% organic cotton and featured its own team instead of models in honor of their "Real People Campaign."
Keeping this spirit alive since day one, today ESPRIT has a presence in over 30 markets around the globe. ESPRIT's headquarters is located in Hong Kong, where the brand has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 1993.
The information contained herein is not a public issuance of securities. These materials do not contain or constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States or to any "U.S. Person" as defined in Regulation S under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the Act, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under such Act or an available exemption from it.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, statements relating to our plans to transform the Company's business, make a significant investment in our businesses and achieve sustainable profitability in the future, and other risks and factors identified by us from time to time. Although the Group believes that the anticipations, beliefs, estimates, expectations and/or plan stated in this document are, to the best of its knowledge, true, actual events and/or results could differ materially. The Group cannot assure you that those current anticipations, beliefs, estimates, expectations and/or plan will prove to be correct and you are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such statements. The Group undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this document, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited or any other applicable laws and regulations. All forward-looking statements contained in this document are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements.
Topic: Earnings
Source: Esprit Holdings Ltd.
Sectors: Fashion & Apparel, Daily Finance
http://www.acnnewswire.com
From the Asia Corporate News Network
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