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Kering H1 revenues up 28.2 percent, earnings soar 77.5 percent

By Prachi Singh

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Business

Kering’s revenue for the first half of 2017 amounted to 7,296.2 million euros (8,526 million dollars), up 28.2 percent reported and 26.5 percent based on a comparable group structure and exchange rates. The company said, this performance was driven by extremely strong sales growth in both mature and emerging markets. Earnings per share amounted to 6.55 euros (7.65 dollars), up 77.5 percent compared with the prior-year period.

“Thanks to the execution of our strategy, we achieved outstanding revenue growth in the first half, clearly outperforming the sector, and delivered record profits and operating margins. This excellent first half raises our confidence in the Group’s capacity to realize another year of growth and improved operating performances,” said François-Henri Pinault, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Kering in a media statement.

Kering segments report buoyant first half

Kering’s luxury activities’ revenue increased 29.7 percent as reported and 28.3 percent on a comparable basis to 5,031.2 million euros (5,880 million dollars). Recurring operating income of the segment soared 49.4 percent over the period as reported, to 1,254.2 million euros (1,465 million dollars). The revenue growth, Kering said, was driven by 34 percent comparable growth in the directly operated store network, with online sales up 50 percent. Wholesale sales enjoyed a double-digit growth.

Gucci revenues were up 45.4 percent as reported and 43.4 percent comparable to 2,832.5 million euros (3,310 million dollars). Recurring operating income amounted to 907.3 million euros (1,060 million dollars) for the period, up 69 percent as reported, while operating margin rose by 440 basis points to 32 percent. Sales in directly operated stores rose by 46.2 percent at constant exchange rates, , while the brand’s online sales grew by more than 60 percent in the first half.

Bottega Veneta sales improved 3.4 percent reported and 2 percent comparable. Recurring operating income amounted to 147.5 million euros (172 million dollars). Sales generated in directly operated stores, which accounted for more than 83 percent of the brand’s total sales in the period, increased by 3.6 percent on a comparable basis.

Yves Saint Laurent revenue rose by 29.7percent as reported and by 28.5 percent comparable to 710.8 million euros (830 million dollars), while recurring operating income came in at 163.5 million euros (191 million dollars), up 50 percent year on year. Revenue from directly operated stores advanced by 30.7 percent comparable, growing by 38.8 percent in Western Europe and by 17.1 percent in North America. The brand performed well in Asia Pacific, where sales were up sharply across all main markets, particularly in Mainland China. The contribution of online sales continued to increase, driven by performances in North America and Western Europe.

Sales from all other luxury brands increased by 10.6 percent as reported and 10.1 percent on a comparable basis, with all regions except North America contributing to growth. Recurring operating income amounted to 35.9 million euros (41.9 million dollars). Sales from directly operated stores rose by 20.6 percent on a comparable basis, up across all brands.

Couture & leather Goods brands delivered growth of 13.4 percent on a comparable basis, while posting highly satisfactory sales growth of 5.9 percent, watches & jewellery brands continued to implement growth strategy.

Revenue from the sport & lifestyle activities crossed the 2 billion euros (2.3 billion dollars) in the first half of 2017, up 16.1 percent as reported and 14.3 percent comparable. Recurring operating income amounted to 110 million euros (128 million dollars) for the period. Sales increased across all regions, notably Western Europe (up 19.7 percent on a comparable basis) and North America (up 10.4 percent). Sales rose 14.7 percent in the second-quarter.

Puma capitalised on its partnerships and sponsorships, notably with Rihanna, Usain Bolt and several prestigious football clubs, to post sales growth of 15.7 percent comparable in all of its main markets. All product categories turned in a very solid performance, particularly shoes (up 26 percent comparable) and apparel (up 10.5 percent). Puma also saw a rise in profitability, with its margin increasing to 5.7 percent. The brand’s recurring operating income more than doubled compared with the first half of 2016, to 113 million euros (132 million dollars).

Volcom’s performance however, the company said, continued to be hampered by the decline in revenue at major distributors in the US.

Kering reports sales growth across markets

Kering’s comparable sales increased 33.5 percent in Western Europe and 34.4 percent in Asia Pacific, 32 percent and 28 percent of consolidated revenue, respectively. North America, contributing 21 percent of revenue also posted a 20.7 percent increase in comparable revenue, while sales in Japan were up 6.4 percent. Kering Eyewear contributed 162 million euros (189 million dollars) to consolidated revenue during the period.

Gross margin for the first half stood at 4,725 million euros (5,521 million dollars), up 31.2 percent as reported. The group’s recurring operating income rose 57.1 percent as reported to 1,274.1 million euros (1,488 million dollars) during the period. Consolidated recurring operating margin came in at 17.5 percent, up 330 basis points and by activity, recurring operating margin was 24.9 percent in luxury and 5.3 percent in sport & lifestyle.

EBITDA for the period totalled 1,526 million euros (1,783 million dollars), up 51 percent compared with the prior-year period, while the EBITDA margin rose by 310 basis points on a reported basis to 20.9 percent.

Net income, group share totalled 825.8 million euros (965 million dollars), up from 464.9 million euros (543 million dollars) in the same period of 2016. Adjusted for non-recurring items net of tax, the company said, net income from continuing operations, group share rose 67.4 percent to 872.3 million euros (1,019 million dollars).

Kering expects another year of sales growth

As in 2016, the company added, the group’s luxury activities in 2017 are focused on achieving same-store revenue growth, while the expansion of the store network will be targeted and selective, as well as on extending work currently underway to durably strengthen operating margins. In the group’s sport & lifestyle activities, Puma expects to deliver another year of marked improvement in revenue and recurring operating margin.

Picture:Gucci website

Kering