Charles Langston|Dr. Martens dour US revenue outlook for the year sends stock of iconic bootmaker plunging

2025-05-07 13:48:00source:BlueRock Horizon Asset Managementcategory:My

NEW YORK (AP) — Chunky bootmaker Dr. Martens is Charles Langstonwarning of a tough year ahead.

Dr. Martens shares plunged more than 30% Tuesday after the iconic British brand forecast wholesale revenue in the U.S., its largest market, would decline by double-digits compared with last year.

Trading in Dr. Martens stock was temporarily halted on the London Stock Exchange early Tuesday as it sank to a record-low 0.64 pounds, according to FactSet.

That could translate into a sizeable hit to profits, with the company pointing to a base projected impact of 20 million pounds ($24.9 million) on pretax earnings year-over-year. In-season orders from wholesale customers could help ease U.S. revenue expectations, the company noted, but those are difficult to predict.

READ MORE Utility regulators approve plan for Georgia Power to add new generating capacityMicrosoft invests $1.5 billion in AI firm G42, overseen by UAE’s national security adviserCrop-rich California region may fall under state monitoring to preserve groundwater flow

Beyond weakening revenue, Dr. Martens anticipates other hefty expenses related to the company’s employee retention plans as well as single-digit inflation in its cost base. Unlike years past, the brand does not plan to increase prices to offset those costs.

Dr. Martens also announced a leadership shakeup on Tuesday. After six years at the helm of the company, CEO Kenny Wilson will step down. Ije Nwokorie, Dr. Martens’ chief brand officer, will take his place before the end of the current fiscal year.

In a prepared statement regarding 2025’s financial outlook, Wilson acknowledged the challenges ahead, saying that Dr. Martens is focused on its plans to “reignite boots demand, particularly in the USA.”

Still, Wilson said that the brand “remains strong.” Dr. Martens said it saw a pick-up in direct to consumer growth during the fourth quarter.

Shares for Dr. Marten are down more than 56% over the last 12 months, per FactSet.

More:My

Recommend

Jamie Foxx reps say actor was hit in face by a glass at birthday dinner, needed stitches

Jamie Foxx's birthday dinner took a surprising turn on Friday the 13th.The "Collateral" actor was hi

Georgia vs Ole Miss live updates: How to watch game, predictions, odds, Top 25 schedule

This file has been updated to correctly identify Georgia's loss to Alabama.Week 11 of the college fo

‘Saturday Night Live’ to take on a second Trump term after focusing on Harris

Follow live: Updates from AP’s coverage of the presidential election. “Saturday Night Live” is li