PUMA

Berenberg has kept its rating on Puma at "Buy" with a price target of €40. The bank writes that the renewal of the management team, business model, balance sheet and cost base is largely complete. The focus is now back on growth and the potential of the brand. » More on finanzen.net

Puma is working together with major shareholder Anta Sports on a new Greater China operating model that will be more focused on direct-to-consumer (DTC). Anta has held a 29.9% stake in Puma since October and is introducing a DTC-focused approach to be driven online and in company-owned stores. The shift is already prompting caution among Chinese wholesalers and a decline in wholesale sales, but it is being taken into account in the annual forecast. Under new management, Puma aims to return to profitable growth from 2027; 2026 is considered a reset year. » More on finanzen.net

On a currency-adjusted basis PUMA reports a 6.3% decline in revenue in the third quarter and records operating losses for the second consecutive quarter. The group narrows its full-year forecast for the EBIT loss to a range of 130 to 80 million euros and reduces 2026 investments to 150 million euros (previously ~200 million). Adjusted for tariff effects and one-off costs, the quarterly EBIT would have been almost breakeven. PUMA calls 2026 a reset year and is working with new major shareholder Anta on a more DTC-oriented operating model for China. » More on finanzen.net

Puma has appointed Arne Arens, effective 15 November, as chief commercial officer and member of the executive board. Arens will take over the global sales organization and market strategy and will lead worldwide sales activities. He joins from Unspun and brings more than 25 years of leadership experience at brands such as Nike, The North Face and Boardriders. Arens succeeds Matthias Bäumer; the executive board will consist going forward of Arthur Höld (CEO), Mark Langer (CFO), Maria Valdes, Andreas Hubert and Arne Arens. » More on finanzen.net

Anta Sports has taken over the Pinault family’s 29% stake in Puma; two Anta managers replace the previous representatives on the supervisory board, and Dennis Tao was elected chairman. The stock broke the 200‑day line and cleared resistance around €24.50, leaving short‑term room up to about €26 and, if overcome, making the year high near €30 reachable again. Q3 figures are due on October 30; investors hope for a boost to the China business, while a consolidation and tight hedging are recommended. » More on finanzen.net