Founding director at ASOS (LSE: ASC) Nick Robertsonis quitting his role as Chief Executive.Should we panic, run for the hills, and dump our shares in ASOS as fast as we dispatch yesterdays socks?
Of course, not. Not for that reason, anyway.
Continuity
After 15 years in his role at the top of the company he helped found, Mr Robertson clearly wants an easier life. Who can blame him? Under his leadership, the firm is realising his and the other founding directors vision to build ASOS into the worlds number-one online fashion destination for the twenty-somethings.
Growth has been breath-taking. During 2014, just 14 years after the firms establishment, ASOS posted revenue of 975.5 million, up 27% on the year before. In the four months to 30 June 2015 sales are up 20% compared to the year-ago figure, suggesting the growth story still cruises in the fast lane.
Mr Robertson is rich, successful and vindicated. After 15 years in what is no-doubt a high-pressure position, is there any wonder that he wants to step down? However, not all is lost for ASOS shareholders, as the former chief intends to keep his services available to the firm in a new role as a non-executive director. That should provide useful continuity to help the new man bed into the role of chief executive.
The new chief is Nick Beighton, the former chief operating officer and, before that, the chief finance officer. Hes been with the firm for around six years and his appointment to the top job now is reassuring for investors.
Watch list
Although management succession isnt something to worry about with ASOS, the firm does have a few traits that keeps me cautious about owning the shares. Top of the list is valuation.
At todays share price around 3037p, the forward price-to-earnings ratio runs at about 56 and City analysts following the firm expect earnings to grow by 24% that year. Id describe that valuation as high.
Another problem is the low margin ASOS earns on its turnover. There isnt much room for error or setbacks in ASOSs financial model. Last years full-year results revealed a profit margin running at just 3.75% or so.
Then there is ever-present risk thanks to the dual threats of fashion and cyclicality. ASOS could mess up its marketing in the future, or becomes un-cool for whatever reason with the worlds twenty-something fashion consumers. Fashion sales depend upon being fashionable. Cyclicality, on the other hand, is something that all non-essential retailers face, and a prolonged economic downturn could be the kiss of death for thin margins and turnover growth at ASOS.
Nothing much has changed
Despite a change at the top, nothing much has changed with the ASOS investment story: the firm still pumps out high sales growth.
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Kevin Godbold has no position in any shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK owns and has recommended ASOS. We Fools don’t all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.