LVMH well-equipped to continue its growth momentum
Despite an uncertain economic environment in Europe, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products group, says it is well-equipped to continue its growth momentum across all business groups in 2013.
LVMH recorded revenue of €28.1 billion in 2012, an increase of 19% compared to 2011. This includes the integration of Bulgari as of June 30, 2011. Organic revenue growth was 9%, announced the luxury conglomerate.
Revenue increased by 12% in the fourth quarter, compared to the same period in 2011, with organic revenue growth of 8%. The last quarter saw a modest increase in growth compared to the third quarter of 2012.
Profit from recurring operations increased by 13% to €5 921 million, a performance which is even more remarkable when compared to the strong growth in 2011. Current operating margin was 21% in 2012. Group share of net profit was €3 424 million, an increase of 12% compared to 2011.
“2012 was another remarkable year for LVMH, especially in the context of the economic slowdown in Europe,” said Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH. “All of our businesses demonstrated excellent momentum driven by innovation and the quality of their products, thereby strengthening their positions in traditional markets while continuing to develop in new ones. In 2013, LVMH intends to further strengthen its global leadership position in high quality products by relying on its sound, long-term strategy.”
The Fashion & Leather Goods business group recorded organic revenue growth of 7% in 2012. Profit from recurring operations increased by 6%. Louis Vuitton, which had another record year, increased its lead over other artisanal brands of leather goods. With double-digit revenue growth, Louis Vuitton maintained its historic strategy based on the extraordinary quality of its products and its excellent distribution.
The opening of its first dedicated jewelry boutique complete with its first Haute Joaillerie workshop at Place Vendôme in Paris and the reopening of the Maison Louis Vuitton in Shanghai are among the highlights of the year. Fendi continued the qualitative expansion of its distribution network. Its iconic handbag Baguette experienced a record year on its 15th anniversary. As the brand continues to strengthen its identity, Céline showed excellent performance in all its products and in all geographic areas. The performance of the other fashion brands continued to improve.
The Perfumes & Cosmetics business group recorded organic revenue growth of 8%. Profit from recurring operations increased by 17%. Parfums Christian Dior saw excellent performance driven by the strength of flagship lines, notably Miss Dior and J’adore. Dior Addict Lipstick confirmed its leadership position in its main markets and the skin care line Prestige continued its sustained growth. Guerlain continued to see strong growth momentum attributed notably to the performance of its new fragrance La Petite Robe Noire. Parfums Givenchy saw strong growth in its makeup line due to broader distribution and the success of its mascara Noir Couture. Benefit, Make Up For Ever and Fresh continued their strong growth.
The Watches & Jewelry business group recorded organic revenue growth of 6% in 2012. Profit from recurring operations rose 26% notably due the performance of Bulgari, consolidated as of 30 June 2011. LVMH watch brands experienced good momentum supported by many innovations and the excellent performance of their iconic models Carrera by TAG Heuer, King Power by Hublot and El Primero by Zenith. In Jewelry, Bulgari confirmed the success of its Serpenti and B.Zerol collections, enriched by new creations, and reinforced the quality of its distribution. Chaumet and Fred continue to develop their star collections.
