Natuzzi's 2024Q4 Earnings Call: Contradictions in Retail Strategy, Breakeven Insights, and Supply Chain Challenges

Earnings DecryptFriday, May 9, 2025 3:40 am ET
2min read
Retail expansion strategy, breakeven point, supply chain flexibility and tariff impact are the key contradictions discussed in Natuzzi's latest 2024Q4 earnings call.



Revenue and Financial Performance:
- Natuzzi S.p.A. reported total sales of EUR 318.8 million for the fiscal year 2024, which is a 3% decrease compared to the previous year.
- Despite the challenging market conditions, the company's branded sales represented EUR 289 million, 93% of total sales, reflecting a significant increase from 80% in 2019.
- The decline in overall sales was due to a volatile market and the ongoing softness in various geographical regions.

Margin Improvement and Production Strategy:
- The company's gross margin improved to 36.3% in 2024, an increase of 2 percentage points from 2023, and 7 percentage points higher than in 2019.
- To navigate market volatility, Natuzzi relocated production from Shanghai to Quanjiao in China and moved production of certain collections to Europe, enhancing flexibility and cost efficiency.
- These strategic shifts were aimed at reducing production capacity and better aligning with market demands and tariff conditions.

Retail Strategy and Store Network:
- Directly operated stores reported EUR 70.1 million in sales, up 4% from 2023 and 18% from 2019.
- Growth was driven by expansion in the U.S., including the opening of a new store in Denver, and a strategic focus on remodeling and location changes to better align with the evolving brand image.
- Closures of nonperforming stores in Spain, Switzerland, and the U.S. were part of the strategy to optimize the store network.

Challenges and Future Outlook:
- The company faced various challenges, including geopolitical instability and tariff uncertainties, which impacted the ability to forecast and plan for future growth.
- To overcome these challenges, Natuzzi emphasized cost control and continued investment in brand and retail systems, focusing on improving store performance and product offerings.
- The company remains committed to increasing organic growth and profitability through better store management and enhanced marketing strategies.

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