**Inditex Outshines Rivals with Record High Shares and Robust Spring Sales**
In a remarkable display of resilience amid economic headwinds, Inditex, the parent company of Zara, has seen its shares surge to an all-time high following an impressive early spring sales report. The fashion giant’s shares climbed by as much as 5.9 percent, reflecting investor confidence after the company announced an 11 percent increase in sales at constant currencies from February 1 to March 11.
The Spanish multinational, which holds the title of the world’s largest fashion retailer, has outpaced its Swedish competitor H&M with a 10 percent rise in annual sales, reaching a record-breaking 36 billion euros for the year ending January 2024. This growth is attributed to the company’s upscale fashion offerings and its swift response to market trends, leveraging nearby suppliers to deliver new styles at a faster rate.
Inditex’s CEO Oscar Garcia highlighted the company’s strong start to the year despite the challenging backdrop of inflation and geopolitical instability. The group’s expansion strategy is in full swing, particularly in the United States, where it plans to open new Zara stores in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Cambridge, Massachusetts. Additionally, Miami will welcome the first Massimo Dutti store in the country.
While Inditex thrives, its rivals face tougher times. H&M reported a concerning 4 percent drop in sales during the crucial Christmas shopping period, and German online retailer Zalando also disclosed a decline in full-year sales.
Despite a slight deceleration in sales growth compared to the previous year, Inditex’s performance aligns with analysts’ expectations. The company’s net profit soared by 30 percent to 5.4 billion euros, maintaining a robust gross margin of 57.8 percent. Investment plans are underway, with 900 million euros earmarked annually through 2025 for logistics enhancements, including new centers in Zaragoza, Spain, and the Netherlands.
Innovation remains at the forefront of Inditex’s strategy. The company is set to introduce weekly livestreaming shopping services for Zara in the U.S. and UK markets—a concept that has already proven successful in China. Furthermore, Inditex is expanding its second-hand business into the U.S., following launches in the UK and Europe.
As a testament to its financial health, Inditex announced a dividend increase of 28 percent to 1.54 euros per share, surpassing analysts’ forecasts. The company’s strategic pricing adjustments and expansion into high-fashion pieces have allowed it to navigate inflationary pressures effectively.
Investors remain bullish on Inditex’s prospects, expecting it to continue its outperformance relative to peers such as H&M, Gap, and Next. With a higher valuation than its competitors and a clear growth trajectory, Inditex is poised to maintain its lead in the global fashion industry.
