Patrizio Bertelli, CEO

“Our strategic decision to stop seasonal markdowns and to rationalize the wholesale channel has been well received by the market: full price retail sales increased across the main geographies and product categories, reflecting the soundness of our choice.

We believe that improving consistency in pricing will reinforce the relationship with customers and enhance product value.

Our Prada and Miu Miu collections are receiving significant appreciation from the market, confirming the strength of our stylistic leadership.

We are strongly committed to driving digital technology across the business, leading to more efficient decision making, as we are aware that digital innovation is key to compete in an evolving market.

Executing this program is the necessary step towards sustainable revenue and margin growth, which we will target by strengthening our brands’ cultural heritage – essential to our Group’s future.” 

Milan, 1 August 2019 – The Prada S.p.A. Board of Directors met today to review and approve the Consolidated Financial Results for the first semester of 2019, ended 30 June.

Revenues – Net revenues amounted to Euro 1,570 million, up 2% at current FX, compared with Euro 1,535 million for the same period in 2018 (flat at constant FX).

The Retail channel performed in line with the same period in 2018 at current FX (-3% at constant FX), heavily impacted by the strategic decision to stop seasonal markdowns. Full price retail sales progressively grew throughout the semester.

The Wholesale channel, not yet impacted by the recent rationalization decision, increased by 15% at current FX (+14% at constant FX), mainly driven by e-tailers.

Geographical areas

• Sales in Europe grew by 6% at current FX, mainly driven by wholesale.
• Sales in Americas were up 6%, at current FX, largely supported by local consumers.  
• The Far East was down 4% at current FX, negatively impacted by social unrest in Hong Kong. Mainland China instead recorded a positive performance: the recent communication initiatives tailored to the local market are strengthening local customer engagement.  
• Sales in Japan were up 5% at current FX, driven by local consumers.

Product category

• Leather Goods and Footwear were in line with H1 2018 at current FX
• Ready-to-Wear grew 8% at current FX, thanks to the great success of both Men’s and Women’s collections, including Linea Rossa.  

EBITDA amounted to Euro 491 million, 31.2% of revenues (32.7% in H1 2018 pro-forma) (*).

EBIT amounted to Euro 150 million, 9.6% of revenues (11.3% in H1 2018 pro-forma) (*).

Net income amounted to Euro 155 million, 10% of revenues (6.4% in H1 2018 pro-forma), benefitting from the Patent Box tax relief relating to the 2015-2019 years.

During the period, the Group generated operating cash flow of Euro 137 million.

Capital expenditures throughout the period were mainly towards Retail and amounted to Euro 178 million.

Net Financial Position at 30 June 2019 was Euro -507 million, following a Euro 146 million dividend payment during the period.

* For a better performance comparison, H1 2018 has been restated for the P&L under the new accounting principle IFRS 16.