Pandora Sees a Strong Start with 7% Organic Growth in Q1 2025

Financial Performance Highlights

Pandora is committed to executing its Phoenix strategy, which aims to solidify its position as a comprehensive jewellery brand while achieving consistent financial growth. As of the first quarter of the fiscal year 2025, Pandora reported an impressive organic growth rate of 7%. This number combines a like-for-like (LFL) growth of 6% alongside a 4% contribution from network expansion. Notably, despite a few offsetting factors due to the timing of sales, these numbers reflect the brand's robust performance.

In the United States, the LFL growth rate surged to 11%, even as four key European markets saw a slight decline of 2%. The "Rest of Pandora" area, however, maintained a solid growth trajectory at 8%. Across Europe, the overall LFL growth stood at 4%, bolstered by double-digit growth rates in countries like Spain and Portugal, proving the brand's strength even in established markets.

The company also showed improvement in its gross margin, reaching 80.4%, which is an increase of 110 basis points year-over-year. This growth can be attributed to effective pricing strategies, enhanced operational efficiencies, and reduced pressures from forward integration. Furthermore, the EBIT margin landed at 22.3%, marking a 30 basis point increase from the prior year, demonstrating the company's efficiency in managing costs amidst inflationary pressures.

Pandora's low leverage, indicated by a net debt-to-EBITDA of 1.4x, showcases its financial stability. In early February, the company initiated a DKK 4.0 billion share buyback program, which underscores its commitment to shareholder value. As a result of these factors, earnings per share (EPS) grew by 19% in the first quarter of 2025.

Insights on the Phoenix Strategy

With a keen awareness of the current macroeconomic climate, Pandora will persist in leveraging its Phoenix strategy to establish itself as a leading player in the accessible jewellery market. The brand is dedicated to investing in growth through innovative product offerings and building brand recognition. As a part of this strategy, February 2025 witnessed the launch of a follow-up to the successful "BE LOVE" marketing campaign, which aims to reshape public perception of Pandora into that of a full-fledged jewellery brand. The campaign has already yielded results, with the "Core" segment witnessing a 2% LFL growth and a stellar 12% growth in the "Fuel with more" segment.

Pandora's recently introduced online platform has been positively received, yielding solid commercial results, and enhancing overall brand performance metrics. The company is proactively taking steps to counteract rising commodity prices and is closely monitoring the impact of fluctuating foreign exchange rates. As of late January 2025, these factors have introduced an additional 70 basis point headwind, prompting management to adjust its EBIT margin expectation for 2026 to approximately 25%—excluding any potential tariff-related impacts.

2025 Guidance and Ongoing Trade Developments

Looking ahead, Pandora has reaffirmed its guidance for the full year 2025, projecting an organic growth rate of 7-8% despite the ongoing macroeconomic uncertainties. The EBIT margin forecast has been slightly adjusted to around 24%, down from the previously anticipated 24.5%, primarily due to recent foreign exchange challenges, which do not account for potential tariffs beyond the existing 90-day pause.

Pandora is taking a proactive approach in preparing for various scenarios related to potential U.S. tariffs, planning to update its 2025 guidance and 2026 targets as the implications become clearer. Current trading data for the second quarter of 2025 indicate that LFL growth is stabilizing at mid-single-digit levels.

CEO's Perspective on Market Dynamics

Alexander Lacik, President and CEO of Pandora, remarks: “We are pleased with how we’ve started the year, especially given the very high volatility in the world around us. We do not control the external factors, but we do control how we execute on an already proven strategy that is growing our business. As we remain agile to the environment around us, there’s no change in our strategic plans and long-term vision for making Pandora the go-to destination for high quality, branded jewellery.”

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Pandora's organic growth for Q1 2025?

Pandora reported an organic growth rate of 7% for Q1 2025, driven by a combination of like-for-like growth and network expansion.

How has the Phoenix strategy impacted Pandora?

Pandora's Phoenix strategy has been central to its positioning as a full jewellery brand, resulting in strong financial metrics and a positive brand perception.

What are the EBIT margin expectations set by Pandora?

Pandora has adjusted its EBIT margin expectations for 2025 to around 24%, reflecting recent foreign exchange headwinds.

What initiatives has Pandora taken to combat rising commodity prices?

Pandora is actively implementing measures to mitigate the impact of rising commodity prices and fluctuating foreign exchange rates on its margins.

What does the current trading data show for Q2 2025?

The current trading data indicates that underlying like-for-like growth for Q2 2025 is stabilizing at mid-single-digit levels.

About The Author

Greetings, I'm 32-year-old author and financial specialist Evelyn Baker. My introduction into the financial industry started with an economics degree and continued with a wealth of experience in wealth management and financial consulting. My great passion over the years has been assisting people and companies in making wise, well-informed decisions to reach their financial objectives.

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