Consumers are increasingly considering the company’s shoe brands and buying direct.
Shares of shoe company Deckers Outdoor (DECK 7.99%) jumped on Friday after the company reported financial results for its fiscal first quarter of 2025 — the period that ended in June. In short, sales are up, profits are surging, and management increased its full-year forecast, which is why Deckers stock was up 8% as of 11:15 a.m. ET.
Strong growth and profits for Deckers
Deckers owns various shoe brands including its big two brands, Hoka and Ugg. Net sales for both of these brands were up in Q1, leading to overall revenue growth of 22%. The company’s Q1 gross margin of nearly 57% was up sharply from a gross margin of just north of 51% in the prior-year period. And this major improvement led to strong bottom-line profitability.
Deckers had Q1 diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $4.52 compared with diluted EPS of $2.41 in the same quarter of last year. And this profitability is clearly better than what management had expected. Previously it thought it could earn up to $30 per share in its fiscal 2025. But after reporting Q1 results, it now believes it could earn up to $30.65 per share for the year.
Looking ahead
Deckers plans to do a 6-for-1 stock split later this year if its shareholders approve it. Investors will need to be sure to remember this down the road when comparing per-share metrics. Assuming it gets approved, the split would make it seem like EPS dropped sharply, for example.
The business outlook looks good for Deckers. As has been the case in recent years, Q1 direct-to-consumer revenue grew faster than overall revenue. To me, when consumers buy directly from the company, it demonstrates a growing brand awareness and attraction, which is something that can carry Deckers forward for the foreseeable future.
Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
