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H&M earnings dented by restructuring hit, sales slip

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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Swedish fast‑fashion group H&M posted a weaker second‑quarter result as a one‑off restructuring charge drained earnings. The retailer booked 1.24 billion Swedish kronor in provisions for brand, technology and logistics reorganisations. The expense underscores its ongoing turnaround plan, which targets higher‑margin offerings and a refreshed customer experience.

Operating profit held at 5.91 billion kronor, matching the prior year but missing the 6.47 billion consensus from a FactSet poll. Net sales slipped 3.3% to 54.83 billion kronor, below analysts’ 55.27 billion forecast, as a stronger krona eroded overseas revenue. The dip highlights currency risk amid a competitive European market.

The restructuring charge reflects H&M’s shift away from low‑cost basics toward premium lines and digital integration. While the one‑time expense hurts near‑term profitability, analysts view it as necessary to streamline supply chains and reduce inventory write‑downs. Investors will watch margin trends as the brand rollout progresses.

Quarterly results signal that the turnaround is still in flux; cost discipline must improve to lift earnings above consensus. With the krona likely to stay strong, H&M faces pressure to accelerate price adjustments and online growth. The latest figures give shareholders a clearer view of the restructuring’s short‑term pain.