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Hugo Boss trims earnings outlook amid Gulf conflict

Wall Street Journal US Business •
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German premium‑apparel group Hugo Boss reiterated its outlook but warned the war in the Persian Gulf is tightening market conditions. Disruption in the Middle East has dented regional demand and slowed retail traffic, adding pressure to European and Asian stores. Supply chain delays forced inventory adjustments, and analysts trimmed valuation multiples amid uncertainty.

The company kept its 2026 EBIT target between €300 million and €350 million, down from €391 million recorded last year. Currency‑adjusted sales are projected to fall in the mid‑ to high‑single‑digit range, reflecting weaker consumer spending in conflict‑affected markets. Higher raw‑material costs and slower turnover in key boutiques also weighed on profitability.

Investors will watch how the brand balances cost discipline with promotional activity to sustain margins. With the Gulf conflict likely to linger, Hugo Boss may need to lean on its strong e‑commerce platform and diversified geographic footprint to offset the sales dip. The firm’s digital‑first campaign targeting younger consumers aims to cushion the dip and preserve relevance.