HUGO BOSS looks back on a very successful fourth quarter, building on the strong business performance of the first nine months of 2023. In doing so, the Company continued its broad-based growth trajectory across both brands, all regions, and all channels. This performance first and foremost reflects the ongoing strong brand momentum of BOSS and HUGO, fueled by the successful execution of several marketing, product, and distribution initiatives as part of the Companys CLAIM 5 growth strategy. On a preliminary basis, currency-adjusted revenues in the fourth quarter grew by 13% compared to the prior-year period. In reporting currency, sales increased by 10% year over year to EUR 1,177 million (Q4 2022: EUR 1,068 million), making the final quarter of 2023 the most successful one in HUGO BOSS history from a top-line perspective.

Brand momentum drives double-digit improvements at BOSS and HUGO
In the fourth quarter, brand momentum was fueled by several brand initiatives implemented over the course of 2023, including the successful launch of the Fall/Winter 2023 collections. Building on the enhanced relevance of BOSS and HUGO, both brands continued their double-digit growth trajectories, thus further expanding market shares worldwide. In the three-month period, currency-adjusted sales for BOSS Menswear were up 13% year over year, while revenues for BOSS Womenswear and for HUGO expanded by 14% each.

Robust growth across all regions with particular strength in the Americas
From a geographical perspective, all regions contributed to revenue growth in the final quarter of 2023. Currency-adjusted revenues in EMEA came in 7% above the prior-year level against a particularly strong comparison base, reflecting solid sales increases in key markets such as Germany and France as well as double-digit improvements in emerging markets. In the Americas, HUGO BOSS maintained its stellar momentum from previous quarters. Consequently, sales increased 18% currency-adjusted in the three-month period, supported by ongoing double-digit growth in the important U.S. market. Revenues in Asia/Pacific increased by 33% currency-adjusted, reflecting strong double-digit sales improvements in both China and South East Asia & Pacific.

Momentum in brick-and-mortar retail and digital business continues
The Groups digital business successfully continued its double-digit growth trajectory from previous quarters, with currency-adjusted revenue growth of 26%. This performance was driven by double-digit sales increases across all digital touchpoints, including the Groups digital flagship hugoboss.com and digital revenues generated with partners. Also in brick-and-mortar retail, momentum continued in the final quarter. Currency-adjusted revenues were up 12% compared to the prior year, driven by both store productivity improvements as well as additional selling space. In brick-and-mortar wholesale, currency-adjusted revenues were up 5% year over year, with all three regions contributing to growth. Sales in the license business increased by 15%, led by double-digit growth in the important fragrance business.

2023 marks record year for HUGO BOSS
In light of the robust performance during the fourth quarter, HUGO BOSS achieved its full-year 2023 sales and earnings targets, which had been revised upwards twice during the year. On a preliminary, non-audited basis, HUGO BOSS achieved record sales of EUR 4,197 million in fiscal year 2023, reflecting robust growth of 15% in reporting currency (2022: EUR 3,651 million). Sales thus came in at the upper end of the Companys most recent guidance range (guidance: increase between 12% and 15% to EUR 4.1 billion to EUR 4.2 billion). On a currency-adjusted basis, this translates into an increase of 18%. This performance was driven by the rigorous execution of the Companys CLAIM 5 strategy, thus enabling HUGO BOSS to once more strongly outgrow the global premium apparel market. In doing so, the Company gained further market shares and exceeded its initial 2025 sales target of EUR 4 billion two years ahead of plan.

At the same time, HUGO BOSS recorded strong bottom-line improvements in fiscal year 2023, with the robust top-line performance more than compensating for further investments into the business as part of CLAIM 5. Subject to the completion of year-end closing procedures, the Group expects the operating profit (EBIT) to increase by 22% to an amount of EUR 410 million for full year 2023 (2022: EUR 335 million), thus fully in line with the Companys most recent guidance range (guidance: increase between 20% and 25% to EUR 400 million to EUR 420 million). The fourth quarter is anticipated to contribute an EBIT of EUR 121 million, up 17% year over year (2022: EUR 104 million). As a result, the EBIT margin for full year 2023 is expected to increase to a level of 9.8% (2022: 9.2%).

Fiscal year 2023 thus marked another important milestone for HUGO BOSS towards achieving its 2025 financial ambition, which the Company raised in mid-2023. By 2025, HUGO BOSS aims at generating revenues of EUR 5 billion and an EBIT of at least EUR 600 million, representing an EBIT margin of at least 12%.

HUGO BOSS will publish its final results for 2023 and its financial outlook for the fiscal year 2024 on March 7, 2024.