Fashion
US’ a.k.a. Brands FY25 revenue rises 4.4% to $600.2 mn
Despite revenue growth, the company posted a net loss of $31.4 million in FY25, compared with a loss of $26 million in FY24. Adjusted EBITDA stood at $19.7 million, or 3.3 per cent of net sales, down from $23.3 million in the previous year, a.k.a. Brands said in a press release.
a.k.a. Brands has reported net sales of $600.2 million in FY25, up 4.4 per cent YoY, driven by US retail expansion and DTC growth.
However, net loss widened to $31.4 million, while adjusted EBITDA declined to $19.7 million.
The company opened new Princess Polly stores, reduced inventory and improved cash flow.
It expects FY26 sales of $625-635 million with stronger profitability.
“We are pleased with the progress we made in 2025 as we continued to execute against our strategic priorities and strengthen the foundation of the business,” said Ciaran Long, chief executive officer of a.k.a. Brands adding, “We delivered another year of growth, with net sales increasing 4.4 per cent to $600 million, including 7 per cent growth in the US, which is now up 25 per cent on a two-year stack. During the year, we diversified our supply chain, reduced inventory by 10 per cent, opened eight new Princess Polly stores and continued to invest in our brands. Importantly, we expanded gross margin by 30 basis points despite a dynamic trade environment.”
The company also announced that it has executed eight new Princess Polly store leases across the United States, with additional retail locations expected to be announced during the year as part of its omnichannel expansion strategy.
Operating expenses rose in the fourth quarter as the company increased its retail footprint and faced higher administrative costs. Selling expenses reached $51 million, accounting for 31.1 per cent of net sales, compared with 28 per cent YoY. Marketing expenses declined to $20.5 million, representing 12.5 per cent of net sales, reflecting more efficient marketing investments. General and administrative expenses increased to $30.3 million, partly due to non-routine legal matters.
Meanwhile, the company recorded fourth quarter (Q4) net sales of $164 million, rising 3.1 per cent YoY. The net loss widened to $14.5 million, compared with $9.4 million a year earlier, while adjusted EBITDA declined to $2.5 million from $6.2 million. Gross margin in Q4 stood at 55.6 per cent, slightly lower than 55.9 per cent in the same period of 2024 due to temporary out-of-stock issues in popular styles during October linked to supply-chain adjustments.
The company ended the quarter with $20.3 million in cash and cash equivalents, while inventory declined to $86.2 million, down from $95.8 million a year earlier. Total debt stood at $111.1 million, largely unchanged from the previous year.
Cash flow from operations improved significantly to $16.4 million in 2025, compared with $0.7 million in 2024, driven mainly by stronger inventory sell-through.
Looking ahead, a.k.a. Brands expects fiscal 2026 net sales between $625 million and $635 million, with adjusted EBITDA projected between $27 million and $29 million. For the first quarter (Q1) of 2026, the company forecasts net sales of $130 million to $132 million and adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million to $2 million.
“We enter 2026 from a position of strength, with growing momentum across the brands and mid-single-digit net sales growth quarter to date,” noted Long adding, “We remain focused on driving direct-to-consumer growth through exclusive, trend-right product and disciplined marketing. We see significant opportunity to expand our reach through targeted retail growth, including the new Princess Polly stores announced today, as well as strategic wholesale partnerships. At the same time, we are simplifying the business and embedding AI-driven tools to move faster, operate more efficiently and support margin expansion. We believe 2026 represents an inflection point for the company, and we are confident in our ability to deliver sustainable growth, expand adjusted EBITDA and create long-term shareholder value.”
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
DOST-PTRI to launch yarn innovation centre in Philippine’s Cotabato
The facility will process natural fibres such as abaca, banana and pineapple into high-quality yarn, addressing long-standing challenges faced by local weavers who have relied on imported materials. This initiative is expected to create new markets for agricultural produce while providing additional income streams for farmers.
The DOST-PTRI, with DOST Region 12, will establish the Regional Yarn Production and Innovation Center in Philippine’s Cotabato to process natural fibres into yarn and support Mindanao’s textile industry.
The facility aims to boost farmer incomes, reduce reliance on imported yarn and strengthen local weaving communities through training, technology transfer and improved supply chain infrastructure.
During the first-quarter meeting of the Regional Research, Development, and Innovation Committee, Evangeline Flor P. Manalang, chief science research specialist of DOST-PTRI’s Technical Services Division, stated “The RYPIC will serve as a key facility to process our natural fibers into yarn and open opportunities for skills training among farmers and local stakeholders.” She also emphasised the project’s role in building a sustainable textile ecosystem in Soccsksargen.
The RYPIC complements existing facilities such as the Natural Textile Fiber Innovation Hub at Sultan Kudarat State University and forms part of broader national programmes including the Clothing and Textile Research Innovation and Investment Agenda (CATRINA) and the FRONTIER initiative. These efforts aim to strengthen the domestic textile value chain, reduce reliance on imports and support the government’s push to expand Telang Pinoy, as highlighted by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. in his fourth State of the Nation Address.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (JP)
Fashion
Canada’s Lululemon’s FY25 revenue rises 5% on strong global growth
International markets remained a key growth driver, with revenue rising 22 per cent, while the Americas saw a marginal 1 per cent decline. Comparable sales increased 2 per cent overall, with a 15 per cent rise internationally offset by a 3 per cent decline in the Americas.
Lululemon has reported revenue of $11.1 billion in FY25, up 5 per cent YoY, driven by 22 per cent international growth despite weak Americas sales.
Margins and profits declined, with EPS falling to $13.26.
The company expanded stores and repurchased shares.
Q4 showed modest growth but weaker profitability.
Lululemon expects FY26 revenue growth of 2-4 per cent amid ongoing macroeconomic challenges.
The gross profit remained flat at $6.3 billion, while gross margin contracted by 260 basis points to 56.6 per cent. Income from operations declined 12 per cent to $2.2 billion, with operating margin narrowing to 19.9 per cent. Diluted earnings per share (EPS) fell to $13.26 from $14.64 in FY24, Lululemon Athletica said in a press release.
The company continued to invest in expansion and shareholder returns, opening 44 net new stores to reach a total of 811 locations and repurchasing 5 million shares worth $1.2 billion. Lululemon ended the year with $1.8 billion in cash and cash equivalents, while inventories rose 18 per cent to $1.7 billion.
Andre Maestrini, interim co-CEO, president, and chief commercial officer at the company, stated, “Throughout 2025, we reported double-digit revenue growth in our international business and are taking action to incorporate learnings from across our regions to drive forward our strategies. Our teams are energised by the initial response to our recent product launches and continue to deliver successful guest activations globally. Looking ahead, we are encouraged by our opportunities in North America and around the world and are grateful to our teams for their commitment to delivering the products and experiences our guests love.”
In the fourth quarter (Q4) of FY25, revenue increased 1 per cent to $3.6 billion, with international growth of 17 per cent offsetting a 4 per cent decline in the Americas. However, profitability weakened, with operating income falling 22 per cent and gross margin declining by 550 basis points to 54.9 per cent. Quarterly diluted EPS dropped to $5.01 from $6.14.
Meghan Frank, interim co-CEO and chief financial officer at Lululemon, stated, “We are pleased to achieve fourth quarter revenue and EPS results ahead of our expectations. As we begin our new fiscal year, we are focused on executing on our action plan, offering new and differentiated products to our guests, and elevating their experiences with lululemon. Driving improvement in our full-price sales over the course of 2026 is also a key priority, particularly in North America, and will enable us to enhance our brand health and deliver long-term growth and value creation for shareholders.”
Looking ahead, Lululemon expects first-quarter FY26 revenue between $2.4 billion and $2.43 billion, with full-year revenue projected at $11.35 billion to $11.5 billion, representing growth of 2 per cent to 4 per cent. Diluted EPS is forecast in the range of $12.1 to $12.3 for FY26, as the company navigates macroeconomic uncertainties and evolving market conditions.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Fashion
China’s textile & apparel exports surge 17% to $50 bn in Jan-Feb 2026
China’s shipment of garments and accessories increased **.* per cent year on year to $**.*** billion from $**.*** billion, driven by steady demand from key markets such as the US and EU, where retailers have begun restocking after cautious inventory management in ****. Meanwhile, exports of textile products, including yarns, fabrics and related articles, rose at a faster pace of **.* per cent to $**.*** billion from $**.*** billion, supported by stronger downstream manufacturing activity across Asia and improved order flows from emerging sourcing hubs.
In February **** alone, exports of textile yarns, fabrics and related articles were valued at $**.*** billion, while garment shipments stood at $**.*** billion, taking the combined monthly total to $**.*** billion. The relatively balanced contribution of textiles and apparel highlights a synchronised recovery across the value chain, from raw materials to finished goods.
-
Tech1 week agoTips and Advice for Buying Used or Refurbished Electronics
-
Business1 week agoUAE savings strategies 2026 explained: Best apps, tools, budget rules and smart money hacks to beat rising cost of living in emirates – The Times of India
-
Politics1 week agoIran threatens US-linked oil facilities after Kharg Island bombed
-
Entertainment7 days agoStrategic oil stocks to be released ‘immediately’ in Asia and Oceania: IEA
-
Entertainment1 week agoIran at war
-
Entertainment1 week agoMeet one of the last true paparazzi
-
Sports1 week agoCollege Basketball Invitational abruptly cancels 2026 tournament
-
Sports1 week agoJapan suffers shocking collapse to Venezuela in World Baseball Classic
