Richemont announces strong underlying performance for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2024)

Ad hoc announcement pursuant to art. 53 LR

Chairman’s commentary

Overview of results

Richemont delivered a solid underlying performance for the financial year ended 31 March 2024 whilst successfully facing unfavourable foreign exchange movements, demanding comparatives, and ongoing macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainty. Group sales increased by 3% at actual exchange rates (+8% at constant exchange rates) to € 20.6 billion, driven by the Jewellery Maisons, while operating profit came in at € 4.8 billion, a 13% improvement at constant exchange rates.

At actual exchange rates, sales grew across all regions and almost all channels excluding the online retail channel. Growth was led by Asia Pacific in absolute terms and by Japan in percentage terms. The Americas came in slightly ahead of Europe in absolute terms, with the US becoming the Group’s largest individual market. At +5%, the Group’s directly operated stores generated the strongest channel performance (+11% at constant exchange rates), further demonstrating the success of a direct-to-client strategy. With increases across all business areas and regions, retail sales contributed 69% of Group sales.

At actual exchange rates, our Jewellery Maisons – Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels – delivered a solid 33.1% operating margin, with combined sales exceeding the € 14 billion mark. The 6% sales increase (+12% at constant exchange rates) was underpinned by growth across price points and regions and included a sharp double-digit progression at Buccellati. To accompany the three Maisons’ dynamic development, we have stepped up investments in manufacturing, distribution and communication.

Our Specialist Watchmakers delivered a resilient 15.2% operating margin given a strong Swiss franc, on sales 3% lower year-on-year (+2% at constant exchange rates) to €3.8 billion. A. Lange & Söhne and Vacheron Constantin registered robust performances. Overall, sales in the retail channel also performed strongly and combined with online retail sales accounted for 60% of the Specialist Watchmakers’ sales.

The ‘Other’ business area recorded a € 43 million loss, with our Fashion & Accessories Maisons reaching breakeven, driven by a heightened focus on creativity and higher sales at most Maisons, including double-digit growth at Alaïa. Of note are the ongoing solid development at Peter Millar and Delvaux as well as the acclaimed first collections of new creative directors at Chloé and dunhill, and the success of higher priced creations at Montblanc.

At Group level, operating profit came in at € 4.8 billion, impacted by significant adverse foreign exchange movements. At constant exchange rates, operating profit rose by 13% to 26.2% of sales. At € 4.7 billion, our cash flow from operating activities was robust, further strengthening our balance sheet position.

Profit for the year from continuing operations, which incorporated net one-time unallocated charges of €58million, was solid at € 3.8 billion. The overall profit for the year amounted to € 2.3 billion after a €1.5billion loss for the year from discontinued operations, primarily due to a € 1.3 billion write down of the net assets held for sale to fair value.

The Group’s net cash position was further strengthened by a € 0.9 billion increase over the prior year to
€ 7.4 billion, partly due to the net € 880 million cash inflow, net of acquisition costs, from the exercise of shareholder warrants. It excludes YNAP’s net bank position of € 0.3 billion presented as assets and liabilities of disposal group held for sale.

Strengthening our portfolio of Maisons and operations

On 31 January 2024, we completed the acquisition of 70% of Gianvito Rossi, a distinguished Italian high-end shoe Maison, further enhancing our portfolio of Fashion & Accessories Maisons. Gianvito Rossi embodies exceptional ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship, elegance and timelessness, all qualities that the Group is renowned for.

Additionally, on 7 May 2024, we announced the agreement to acquire 100% of Vhernier, the highly distinctive Italian jewellery Maison, whose unique aesthetic perfectly complements our existing collection of renowned jewellery Maisons.

We very much look forward to realising Gianvito Rossi’s and Vhernier’s full potential over time, benefitting from the Group’s infrastructure and backing as well as from the thriving luxury footwear and branded jewellery markets. We always strive to create goodwill rather than buy goodwill and, in this vein, I am pleased to report the four-and-a-half-fold increase in sales at Buccellati since acquisition in 2019.

Our Senior Executive Committee was further strengthened with the appointments of Karlheinz Baumann, Group Director of Operations, Boet Brinkgreve in the newly created role of CEO of Laboratoire de Haute Parfumerie et Beauté and Swen Grundmann, Group Company Secretary & Director of Corporate Affairs. These appointments reflect the growing importance of regulatory and reputational matters as well as the Group’s ambition to achieve sustainable growth facilitated by effective operations whilst enabling the Maisons involved in fragrance to reach their full potential in this dynamic market.

I am delighted that the Board of Directors has appointed Nicolas Bos, currently Chief Executive of Van Cleef & Arpels, to the re-established role of Chief Executive Officer of Richemont, effective 1 June, at which time he will join the Senior Executive Committee. With his strong track record, Nicolas will bring a rare combination of creativity, deep industry expertise and entrepreneurship to his new role. Jérôme Lambert will continue in the Group as Chief Operating Officer (COO) reporting to him and remain on the Board.

Building on Richemont’s expanded scale combined with its shift to a more retail-driven and jewellery-centric model, Nicolas will steer the Group through the next phase of its evolution. In his new role, he will directly and indirectly oversee all the Maisons, functions and regions, notably the Jewellery Maisons, Finance and Human Resources.

YOOX-NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) and Luxury New Retail (LNR)

Last December, we informed the market that the agreements for the sale of a majority stake in YNAP to FARFETCH and Symphony Global were terminated.

Having separated with FARFETCH free of any financial commitments, our Maisons and YNAP continue to operate on their own platforms and technology. While we are working on finding a new controlling shareholder for YNAP that can best harness its potential, we are considering alternatives to pursue the realisation of our LNR vision. The work being carried out on the re-platforming planning and solution design are of meaningful value to reach that objective.

Discussions are ongoing with potential buyers. We expect to be in a position to disclose more before the end of the year.

South African depository receipt programme and Equity-based Shareholder Loyalty Scheme

In April 2023, following receipts of required regulatory authorisations and approval from holders of depository receipts, our South African depository receipt programme was terminated in order to improve tradability of the ‘A’ shares and reduce administrative complexity. The secondary listing of the ‘A’ shares and ‘A’ warrants on the JSE became effective on 19 April 2023.

I am truly delighted that our bet on human ingenuity has proven us right and did indeed result in a successful exercise of the warrants with close to 99% of the 1'044'000'000 'A' warrants issued validly exercised and a further exercise of 11’462’330 unexercised ‘A’ warrants by Richemont Employee Benefits Limited. Further to this transaction, the Group's share capital now consists of 537'582'089 registered 'A' shares having a par value of CHF 1.00 each, and 537'582'089 registered 'B' shares having a par value of CHF 0.10 each.

Dividend

Based upon the strong underlying performance of the year, significant cash flow generation and a solid net cash position of € 7.4 billion at the end of March 2024, the Board proposes to pay an ordinary dividend of 2.75 Swiss francs per 1 A share (and CHF 0.275 per ‘B’ shares), a 10% increase in the ordinary dividend over the prior year, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 11September 2024.

Annual General Meeting, Board changes and management appointments

At the 2023 AGM in September, two new Non-executive Directors, Fiona Druckenmiller and Bram Schot, were elected to the Board. Fiona brings her combined financial and jewellery expertise, as well as insights into the American clientele and sustainability causes and Bram his premium automotive industry expertise, business acumen and understanding of risk management, supply chain and sustainability issues. Guillaume Pictet and Jean-Blaise Eckert, two long-serving and valued directors stepped down on 31 March 2024.

As a result, on 31 March 2024, the Board comprised 16 members with female representation now at 38%.

Shareholders also elected Wendy Luhabe to the Board as ‘A’ shareholder representative, with 94% supportive votes and 95% of the ‘A’ shareholders casting their votes. All directors were elected by a large majority of Class 'A' votes in addition to the Class 'B' votes.

Effective 11 September 2024, Bram Schot will be appointed as Non-executive Deputy Chairman of the Board, following Josua (Dillie) Malherbe’s decision to step down. I wish to thank Bram for accepting to take on this important role, and Dillie for his immense contribution during his 11-year tenure and for accepting to remain on the Audit and the Strategic and Security Committees.

At the 2024 AGM, shareholders will be asked to elect two new directors to the Board: Gary Saage as a Non-executive Director and Nicolas Bos as Executive Director to the Board. If elected, Gary will chair the Audit Committee. A certified public accountant, Gary departed Richemont as Group Chief Financial Officer in 2017 after a successful 29-year career across the Group. He stepped down from the Richemont Board as a Non-executive Director in September 2021 and as honorary Chair of Richemont North America and related companies in August 2023. His in-depth understanding of the Group, rigour and strong track record of financial discipline will be key in overseeing this important Board committee, which has been so diligently and effectively led by Josua Malherbe. Nicolas joined Richemont in 1992, initially working with the Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain in Paris. In 2000, he joined Van Cleef & Arpels as High Jewellery Creative and Marketing Director. In 2009, while remaining Creative Director, he became Vice President and in 2010 was appointed President of Van Cleef & Arpels, Americas. Nicolas was appointed global President and CEO of Van Cleef & Arpels in January 2013. Since September 2019, he has also been overseeing Buccellati.

ESG, consolidating our approach

Over the year, Richemont has further consolidated its approach to ESG, completing the development of a Group-wide ESG Management System in order to execute the Group’s ESG priorities in a consistent and harmonised manner across Maisons, regions and functions. Richemont’s Non-Financial Report was developed in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative’s (“GRI”) standards, with selected GRI indicators independently assured by PricewaterhouseCoopers, and compliance with Art. 964a-c of the Swiss Code of Obligations. In addition, the Group founded its Richemont Sustainability Online Academy to raise its level of internal expertise.

In 2023, Richemont was awarded an A- score for climate change by the Carbon Disclosure Project, attesting to the Group’s continuous endeavours to reduce the environmental impact from its operations and supply chains. In addition, the Group is focused on providing an inclusive work environment across its Maisons and regions. I am pleased to say that this year, Richemont obtained global gender EQUAL-SALARY certification from the EQUAL-SALARY Foundation.

Concluding remarks

We experienced a softening of sales in the fourth quarter in Asia Pacific against challenging comparatives, which was more than offset by higher growth in all the other regions. As we predicted, a sustainable rebound in Chinese demand would take some time. We are encouraged by our increasingly balanced client mix across nationalities, with the emergence of several growth engines for the Group. Our deliberate focus on local clients across geographies, supported by increased direct client interaction, is contributing to improved resilience.

This year, we have further strengthened our Senior Executive Committee and our Board, and improved the capabilities and desirability of our Maisons, along with their approach to sustainability. Maintaining financial discipline despite the inflationary environment has allowed us to make the necessary investments for the Group’s future profitable growth, in a discerning, responsible and sustainable manner.

Compagnie Financière Richemont SA
Geneva, 17 May 2024

Financial review

Any references to Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan within this financial review are to Hong Kong SAR, China; Macau SAR, China; and Taiwan, China, respectively.

The results of YOOX NET-A-PORTER (‘YNAP’) for the year ended 31March2024 are presented as ‘discontinued operations’. Unless otherwise stated, all comments below relate to the results of “continuing operations”.

Sales

For the year ended 31March2024, sales from continuing operations increased by3% at actual exchange rates and by8% at constant exchange rates, to €20616million.

Sales in all regions increased compared to the prior year, at both actual and constant exchange rates. At actual exchange rates, growth of 4% in Asia Pacific included a 7% progression in mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau combined, following the removal of travel and health restrictions at the start of the year and the related resumption of travel in those markets. Sales growth in the Americas reached1%, with increased momentum in the second half of the year, albeit against less demanding comparatives. In absolute terms, the Americas ended the year slightly ahead of Europe where sales grew by 2% compared to the prior year. Japan reported the strongest regional performance for the year with sales up by 8%, on strength of tourist demand, notably from China. Sales in Middle East & Africa rose by7%.

The Group’s directly-operated stores recorded the strongest channel growth rate, with sales up by5% at actual exchange rates compared to the prior year, reflecting growth in all regions and business areas. At actual exchange rates, online retail sales, which exclude sales made by YNAP, declined by6% while wholesale sales were in line with the prior year and represented 25% of Group sales.

At actual exchange rates, sales at the Jewellery Maisons rose by6%, reflecting growth across all regions, and in both retail and wholesale; growth at constant exchange rates reached 12%. The 3% sales decrease at the Specialist Watchmakers reflects a good performance in Japan and the Middle East & Africa region being more than offset by declines in other regions. Sales in the ‘Other’ business area declined by2%, notwithstanding growth seen in the Americas, its largest region. At constant exchange rates, sales by the Specialist Watchmakers and Other business area grew by2% and1%, respectively.

Further details on sales by region, distribution channel and business area are given under Review of Operations.

Gross profit

Compared to the prior year, gross profit increased by2% to €14036million with a corresponding gross margin of68.1% of sales.

This 60basis point reduction in gross margin was mainly driven by a combination of unfavourable foreign exchange movements and increased raw materials cost, partially offset by the positive impact of targeted price increases and a favourable geographical mix.

Operating profit

Profitability was significantly impacted by adverse foreign exchange movements during the period, resulting in a5% reduction in operating profit from continuing operations to €4794million. Operating margin contracted by 190basis points to23.3% of sales. At constant exchange rates, operating profit grew by 13% to 26.2% of sales.

Overall, operating expenses grew by6% over the prior year, outpacing the3% sales increase.

Selling and distribution expenses increased by7%, amounting to24.3% of sales in the current period compared to 23.5% a year ago, reflecting the expansion of the Group’s retail network and strength of retail sales in addition to inflation-driven operating cost increases.

Communication expenses rose by 3% compared to the prior year and amounted to9.7% of sales.

Expenses related to the fulfilment of online retail orders decreased by5% whilst administrative expenses increased by11%. Higher salary costs, investments in technology and adverse foreign exchange movements contributed to the increase in administrative expenses, which are primarily incurred in Swiss francs. Other expenses included a €34million charge for impairment of intangible assets as well as a €19million charge related to the impairment of goodwill at Watchfinder, which has been further negatively impacted by the global reduction of resale values for pre-owned watches. Overall, non-recurring charges, including M&A fees, amounted to €58million net.

Profit for the year

Profit for the year from continuing operations was solid at €3818million. The €93million decrease compared to the prior year included a €136million improvement in net finance costs which amounted to €178million. Net finance costs included net foreign exchange losses of €226million on monetary items, partially mitigated by a €187million net gain on the Group’s hedging programme. Net interest expense of €22million reflected a favourable €62million variance compared to the prior year. This positive variance was offset by a €269million charge included in finance costs in relation to the Farfetch convertible note, valued at nil at 31March2024.

The loss for the year from discontinued operations amounted to €1463million. This incorporates a further reduction in the fair value of YNAP, reflecting a €1263million write down of the net assets held for sale, considering current levels of net working capital.

As a result, profit for the year amounted to €2355million.

Earnings per share reached €4.077on a diluted basis. Excluding YNAP, diluted earnings per share (1‘A’ share/10‘B’ shares) from continuing operations were €6.588.

To comply with the South African practice of providing headline earnings per share (‘HEPS’) data, the relevant figure for the year ended 31March2024 was €3688million(2023: €3807million). Basic HEPS for the year were €6.398(2023: €6.691), diluted HEPS for the year were €6.365(2023: €6.601). Further details regarding earnings per share and HEPS, including an itemised reconciliation, can be found in note 28 of the Group’s consolidated financial statements.

Cash flow

Cash flow generated from operating activities, including YNAP, amounted to €4696million compared to €4491million in the prior year. The5% increase reflected lower investments in working capital and higher cash flows from the settlement of currency derivatives.

Net investments in property, plant and equipment amounted to €865million, a 3% increase over the prior year. Capital expenditure during the period focused on improvements to the Group Maisons’ retail network, as well as investments in manufacturing facilities in Switzerland, France and Italy in support of the Group’s three business areas.

During the year, the Group completed a number of acquisitions, resulting in a net cash outflow of €306million, the most significant being a controlling stake in Gianvito Rossi, the high-end Italian shoe maker.

The 2023 dividend of CHF2.50 per share (1‘A’ share/10‘B’ shares) and the exceptional dividend of CHF1.00 per share (1‘A’ share/10‘B’ shares) were paid to shareholders, net of withholding tax, in September 2023. The total dividend cash outflow in the period amounted to €2072million.

Proceeds from the exercise of share options by executives and other hedging activities during the period amounted to a net cash inflow of €181million. Additional treasury shares were acquired during the year at a cost of €54million.

The exercise of shareholder warrants issued in 2020 resulted in a net cash inflow of €880million, net of acquisition costs.

Balance sheet

At 31March2024, the assets and liabilities of YNAP were classified as ‘Assets of disposal group held for sale’ and ‘Liabilities of disposal group held for sale’, respectively. The remainder of the balance sheet reflected only the assets and liabilities of continuing operations.

Inventories excluding YNAP amounted to €7980million, a12% increase, and inventory rotation represented 17.7 months of cost of sales (2023: 16.6 months).

The Group’s net cash position at 31 March 2024 rose by 14% to € 7 450 million excluding YNAP. Net cash is comprised of cash and cash equivalents, investments in externally managed bond and money market funds as well as external borrowings, including corporate bonds. At31March 2024, gross cash amounted to €13429million.

Shareholders’ equity represented 48% of total equity and liabilities compared to 47% in the prior year.

YNAP’s performance

Acquisition of Gianvito Rossi

On 31January2024, Richemont completed the acquisition of 70% of the share capital of Gianvito Rossi srl (‘Gianvito Rossi’), for a total net cash consideration of €265million. Gianvito Rossi’s results are consolidated within the ‘Other’ business area with effect from 1February2024. The acquisition has resulted in the recognition of €131million in provisional goodwill and €216million of intangible assets.

Proposed dividend

The dividend will be payable following the Annual General Meeting which is scheduled to take place in Geneva on Wednesday 11September2024.

Review of operations

This part is only available in the full PDF which can be downloaded above.

Appendix

The results will be presented via a video webcast on 17 May 2024, starting at 09:30 (CEST). The direct link is available from 07:30 (CEST) at www.richemont.com.

An archive of the video webcast will be available at 15:00 (CEST) the same day and a transcript of the webcast will be available on 18 May 2024: www.richemont.com/investors/results-reports-presentations/

Statutory information

The Richemont 2024 Annual Report will be published on 13 June 2024 and will be available for download from the Group’s website at www.richemont.com/investors/results-reports-presentations/. Copies may be obtained from the Company’s registered office or by contacting the Company via the website at https://www.richemont.com/news-media/media-contacts/

Registered office
50 chemin de la Chênaie
CP 30, 1293 Bellevue
Geneva
Switzerland
+41 22 721 3500
www.richemont.com

Registrar
Computershare Schweiz AG
P.O. Box, 4601 Olten
Switzerland
+41 62 205 7700
share.register@computershare.com

Auditor
PricewaterhouseCoopers SA
50 avenue Giuseppe-Motta
1202 Geneva
Switzerland

Secretariat contact
Swen Grundmann
Group Company Secretary & Director of Corporate Affairs
+41 22 721 3500
secretariat@cfrinfo.net

Investor/analyst and media contacts

Sophie Cagnard
Group Corporate Communications & Investor Relations Director

James Fraser
Investor Relations Executive

+41 22 721 3003 (investor relations)
investor.relations@cfrinfo.net

+41 22 721 3507 (media)
pressoffice@cfrinfo.net
richemont@teneo.com

Richemont ‘A’ shares issued by Compagnie Financière Richemont SA are listed and traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange, Richemont’s primary listing (Reuters ‘CFR.S’ / Bloomberg ‘CFR:SW’ / ISIN CH0210483332). They are included in the Swiss Market Index (‘SMI’) of leading stocks and the MSCI Switzerland IMI ESG Leaders Index. The ‘A’ shares are also traded on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont’s secondary listing (‘CFRJ.J’ / Bloomberg ‘CFR:SJ’ / ISIN CH0210483332).

About Richemont

At Richemont, we craft the future. Our unique portfolio includes prestigious Maisons distinguished by their craftsmanship and creativity, alongside online distributors that cultivate expert curation and technological innovation to deliver the highest standards of service. Richemont’s ambition is to nurture its Maisons and businesses and enable them to grow and prosper in a responsible, sustainable manner over the long term.

Richemont operates in three business areas: Jewellery Maisons with Buccellati, Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels; Specialist Watchmakers with A. Lange & Söhne, Baume & Mercier, IWC Schaffhausen, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Panerai, Piaget, Roger Dubuis and Vacheron Constantin; and Other, primarily Fashion & Accessories Maisons with Alaïa, AZ Factory, Chloé, Delvaux, dunhill, Gianvito Rossi, Montblanc, Peter Millar including G/FORE, Purdey, Serapian as well as Watchfinder&Co. In addition, Richemont operates NET-A-PORTER, MR PORTER, THE OUTNET, YOOX and the OFS division.

Disclaimer

This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Richemont’s forward-looking statements are based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company’s business and performance, the economy and other future conditions and forecasts of future events, circ*mstances and results. Our retail stores are heavily dependent on the ability and desire of consumers to travel and shop and a decline in consumer traffic could have a negative effect on our comparable store sales and/or average sales per square foot and store profitability resulting in impairment charges, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. Reduced travel resulting from economic conditions, retail store closure orders of civil authorities, travel restrictions, travel concerns and other circ*mstances, including disease epidemics and other health-related concerns, could have a material adverse effect on us, particularly if such events impact our customers’ desire to travel to our retail stores. International conflicts or wars, including resulting sanctions and restrictions on importation and exportation offinished products and/or raw materials, whether self-imposed or imposed by international countries, non-state entities or others, may also impact these forward-looking statements.As with any projection or forecast, forward-looking statements are inherently susceptible to uncertainty and changes in circ*mstances. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group’s control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of, or to revise, any forward-looking statements.