Movado Lowers Full-Year Expectations Despite Strong Q2

Paramus, N.J.—Movado Group saw second quarter sales rise but is lowering its full-year guidance due to the impact of tariffs, watch market challenges and “the increasingly volatile global environment.”

The Paramus, New Jersey-based watch design and distribution company reported second quarter sales of $157.8 million, up 10 percent (11 percent on a constant-currency basis) year-over-year.

Gross profit was $85.3 million, or 54.1 percent of sales, compared with $77.8 million, or 54 percent of sales in the previous second quarter.

Adjusted for one-offs mainly related to acquisitions, second quarter net income was $8.3 million, down from $10.6 million in the same period last year.

Year-to-date, net sales have totaled $304.4 million, a year-over-year increase of 12 percent (15 percent on a constant-currency basis).

Gross profit was $164.2 million, or 54 percent of sales, compared to $145.4 million, or 53.6 percent, a year ago.

Adjusted net income for the first half of the fiscal year was $13.9 million, down from $19.3 million last year.

Commenting on the results, Chairman and CEO Efraim Grinberg noted Movado Group delivered sales growth despite planned incremental investments, currency headwinds and an “increasingly challenging environment for our category.”

He said the company’s licensed brands, which include Tommy Hilfiger, Coach and Hugo Boss, gained market share and Movado.com recorded strong sales growth.

Grinberg also noted the moves the company’s made to position itself for the future, including the acquisition of two brands marketed to younger consumers with reach that extends outside the U.S. market, Olivia Burton and MVMT, product innovation and digital investments.

But a number of factors have the watch company cutting its full-year sales forecast, from the previously predicted $750 million-$765 million to $725 million-$740 million.

“As we begin the second half of the year, we believe the innovation in our offerings and our strategic initiatives strengthen our position,” Grinberg said, citing the Movado Connect 2.0 and Bold Evolution as key products for the fall and holiday season.

“That said, we believe it is prudent to update our outlook given unfavorable currency rates, ongoing challenges in our category, the impact of tariffs and the increasingly volatile global environment.”