Garment maker Makalot Industrial Co (聚陽) yesterday reported lower-than-expected fourth-quarter revenue of NT$7.93 billion (US$251.44 million), down 9.48 percent from NT$8.76 billion a year earlier.
On a quarterly basis, revenue fell 10.83 percent from NT$8.89 billion, company data showed.
The figure was also lower than market expectations of NT$8.05 billion, according to data compiled by Yuanta Securities Investment and Consulting Co (元大投顧), which had projected NT$8.22 billion.
Photo: Fang Wei-chieh, Taipei Times
Makalot’s revenue this quarter would likely increase by a mid-teens percentage as the industry is entering its high season, Yuanta said.
Overall, Makalot’s revenue last year totaled NT$34.43 billion, down 3.08 percent from its record NT$35.52 billion in 2024. It also ended the company’s four consecutive years of increases in annual revenue.
The company said uncertainties surrounding US tariffs disrupted its shipments last year, while a rapid surge in the New Taiwan dollar against the US dollar in May affected its revenue and gross margin.
Makalot is a manufacturer of ready-to-wear garments and functional sportswear products. GAP Inc, Target Corp, Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc and Fast Retailing Co’s GU sub-brand, Kohl’s Corp, are among its major clients.
The company believes the worst is over and expects full-year revenue to be higher than last year’s level, as the FIFA World Cup is expected to drive new orders and brand customers continue to replenish their inventories, Makalot spokesman Henry Lin (林恆宇) told the Central News Agency yesterday.
Makalot said it is considering adjusting prices for brand customers this year, given the significant changes in tariffs and exchange rates, a move that might prompt consumers to make early purchases and contribute to the company’s sales performance.
“We expect Makalot to benefit from emerging inventory replenishment orders in 2026 on the back of brands’ inventory digestion following consumers’ early purchases due to the anticipation of price hikes,” Yuanta said in a note. “We also expect the company to see strong second-quarter sales, despite seasonality, due to the World Cup driving strong sportswear order intake.”
Yuanta expects Makalot to return to the normal growth track this year, with revenue projected to increase 5.6 percent year-on-year to NT$36.44 billion and earnings per share forecast to grow 9.5 percent to NT$15.94, the note added.
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