#Retail & Brands

2024-03-28

H&M Hennes & Mauritz with increased profit in first quarter 24

In the first quarter (1 December 2023 – 29 february 2024) the H&M group’s net sales amounted to SEK 53,699 m (54,872). Gross profit increased by 7 percent to SEK 27,655 m (25,886). This corresponds to a gross margin of 51.5 percent (47.2). Operating profit amounted to SEK 2,077 m (725), corresponding to an operating margin of 3.9 percent (1.3). Adjusted for result from investments in associated companies and joint ventures of SEK -14 m (999) the operating profit amounted to SEK 2,091 m (-274), corresponding to an improvement in profit of SEK 2,365 m.

The result after tax increased to SEK 1,201 m (540), corresponding to SEK 0.75 (0.33) per share. Cash flow from operating activities amounted to SEK 3,967 m (4,986). Financial net cash amounted to SEK 6,585 m (10,424). Cash and cash equivalents plus undrawn credit facilities were SEK 38,710 m (38,923). Currency adjusted the stock-in-trade decreased by 7 percent compared with the previous year. Converted into SEK the stock-in-trade decreased by 8 percent to SEK 37,630 m (41,040). The stock-in-trade in SEK represented 16.0 percent (17.9) of rolling 12-month sales.

The H&M group’s sales in the period 1 – 25 March 2024 increased by 2 percent in local currencies compared with the same period the previous year. As previously communicated, the H&M group and Vargas Holding have co-founded Syre, which aims to rapidly scale textile-to-textile recycling of polyester and contribute to a more sustainable textile industry.

Today the H&M group publishes its annual and sustainability report 2023. Among other things, the report shows a 22 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. In relation to sales in SEK the decrease was 23 percent.*

The annual general meeting will be held on 3 May 2024 to resolve, among other things, on the board’s proposed dividend of SEK 6.50 per share, to be paid in two instalments, and on a general authorisation allowing the board to buy back the group’s own B shares in the period up to the 2025 annual general meeting. This general authorisation is one of the tools for the board to use if surplus liquidity is identified. If the annual general meeting authorises the board and the board chooses to utilise this authority, amounts and other details will be communicated.

“Development continued in the right direction in the first quarter with an improved gross margin and operating profit, lower inventory and strong cash flow. Our top priority is to continue improving the customer offering, the store experience and the supply chain in order to increase sales, said CEO Daniel Ervér.

* Refers to science-based targets for the company’s entire value chain in scope 3 and excludes the use of sold products. The baseline is 2019. By 2030 at the latest the H&M group is to reduce its scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas emissions by 56 percent.

** Stock-in-trade in SEK as a share of rolling 12 months sales.

“Production is a product”

From technical textiles and AI-driven robotics to the limitations of textile circularity: Professor Dr Thomas Gries looks back on more than two decades of development at ITA Aachen. In the interview, he explains why production technology remains a decisive success factor, discusses international collaborations and innovation ecosystems, and shares his views on the transformation of production landscapes and the challenges facing an increasingly regulated industry.

“We need to move away from the price trap and return to a value-driven mindset.”

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“Innovation, resilience and international experience remain the great strengths of the Swiss textile machinery industry”

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Recover™ secures multi-year recycled cotton agreement with H&M

Recover™ has signed a multi-year agreement with H&M to support the integration of its recycled cotton fiber, RCotton, for use in H&M’s products. Since early 2024, H&M and Recover™ have collaborated on product development, which now enables scaled commercial introduction of Recover™ mechanically recycled cotton into H&M’s collections.

GORE-TEX® KIDSWEAR launches innovative membership scheme for kids’ jackets

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Reju opens its first R&D Center in the U.S. in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania

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Itema reaffirms its commitment to the Syrian textile industry at NasTex 2026

From July 18th to 21st, Itema will exhibit at NasTex at the Damascus Fairground (Hall 11 – Stand C02), marking its return to one of the Middle East’s historically significant textile markets. Itema will showcase advanced weaving technology designed to support the competitiveness and technological evolution of Syrian manufacturers and announces a new partnership with Growfast Agency as the sole agent of Itema in Syria.

KARL MAYER's HKS 2-SE Expands Possibilities for Premium Stretch WARP KNITS

Warp knitted fabrics with a woven look are more in demand than ever in the fashion and apparel industries. Stretch WARP KNITS, in particular, impress with their freedom of movement, breathability, and virtually wrinkle-free wear – thereby opening up new style worlds such as smart casual or business casual. When it comes to the highly efficient production of premium-quality stretch WARP KNITS, the HKS 2-SE has long been the machine of choice. KARL MAYER’s best-selling tricot machine produces standard elastic fabrics characterized by high gauges, smooth, delicate surfaces, and a soft hand feel.