Birkenstock IPO disappoints

Article Excerpt

BIRKENSTOCK HOLDING PLC. $39 is a hold. This U.K.-based company (New York symbol BIRK; Consumer sector; Shares outstanding: 187.8 million; Market cap: $7.3 billion; No dividends paid; Takeover Target Rating: Lowest; www.berkenstock-holding.com) is an iconic footwear maker whose history dates back to 1774. On October 11, 2023, the company completed a initial public offering of 32.3 million ordinary shares at $46.00 a share. Birkenstock’s push to go public was likely accelerated by the success of the “Barbie” movie this past summer. That movie featured the company’s Arizona sandal, worn by actress Margot Robbie, who played the iconic character. The stock is now down 15% due to concerns that consumers will curtail spending on discretionary items in the face of higher inflation and interest rates. However, the company should benefit from its plan to expand its direct-to-consumer (DTC) business, which includes its websites and brick-and-mortar stores and supplies about 40% of its sales. Birkenstock is a hold. hold…