Michael Kors owner Capri cuts revenue forecast as US demand wavers

​Michael Kors parent Capri Holdings Ltd on Wednesday cut its annual sales forecast as demand for its handbags and shoes weakens in the United States, sending its shares down nearly 9% in early trading.

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Demand for high-end goods has softened in the U.S. as shoppers pause luxury indulgence in the face of rising cost of living, also affecting sales of other luxury brands such as LVMH and Gucci owner Kering.

Revenue from the company's biggest brand, Michael Kors, fell nearly 11% to $910 million, while Asia sales rose marginally during the fourth quarter following a rebound in China demand.

Chinese shoppers, unshackled from COVID-19 curbs, have returned to splurging on bags and apparel, driving peer Coach handbag maker Tapestry Inc to raise its annual profit outlook earlier this month despite a slowdown in U.S. luxury purchases.

CFRA Research analyst Zachary Warring said sagging U.S. demand will likely offset easing supply chain pressure as well as tailwinds in Asia for Capri.

"We think that (Americas) business will remain soft probably through the majority of the summertime," Capri CEO John Idol said.

The company lowered its annual revenue outlook to $5.7 billion from its earlier outlook of about $5.8 billion.
Its forecast for first-quarter sales and profit also fell short of analysts' expectations as the company warned of significant decline in its wholesale business as U.S. department stores cut back on orders.

The company's revenue of $1.34 billion beat estimates, even as sales in the Americas segment declined across Capri's three brands during the reported quarter.

Adjusted earnings came in at 97 cents per share, higher than 94 cents that analysts had expected.