Ano vintage para o Grupo LVMH

Em 2010, o maior grupo de luxo do mundo, o LVMH, aumentou as suas vendas em 19 por cento e, pela primeira vez, ultrapassou os 20 mil milhões de euros em vendas.

Lido no Fédération Horlogère:

In 2010, the world’s leading producer of luxury goods saw its sales increase by 19%, passing the 20 billion euro mark for the first time.

The LVMH group had a dazzling financial year in 2010 with a record turnover of 20.3 billion euros (+19% compared to the previous year), an operating profit of 4.3 billion (+29%) and a net profit of 3.0 billion (+73%).

All sectors of the group’s business contributed to this increase, led by watches and jewellery where sales surged ahead 29% to 985 million euros (+21% based on comparable structure and exchange rates) resulting in an operating profit of 128 million, an increase of 103%. Buoyed by steady demand, watch brands gained market share in all regions. To mark its 150th anniversary, TAG Heuer successfully launched its new chronograph movement, adding momentum to its development in Asia. Hublot for its part benefited from the growing success of its Big Bang and King Power collections and continued its move upmarket, at the same time completing the integration of its luxury watchmaking manufactory. Zenith picked up the pace on the back of its new collections and the excellence of its El Primero movement, while the jewellery brands Chaumet, De Beers and Fred registered solid sales growth in their network of stores in Europe and Asia.

Other sectors of activity also did well however. Wines and spirits recorded a 19% increase in sales to 3.3 billion euros, bringing in an operating profit of 930 million (+22%). The fashion and leather goods segment registered sales of 7.6 billion (+20%) and an operating profit of 2.6 billion (+29%). Perfumes and cosmetics lagged slightly behind with a rise in turnover of 12% to 3.1 billion and a 14% increase in operating profit to 332 million. Lastly, the selective distribution sector saw its sales increase by 19% to 5.4 billion, achieving a profit of 536 million (+38%).

In view of this excellent year, LVMH will be proposing to the General Assembly on 31 March a dividend of 2.1 euros per share, an increase of 27%.

In an official statement released at the beginning of February the luxury group noted once more that it "is well placed to maintain dynamic growth in all sectors in 2011" and that its strategy "will remain focused on accentuating its brand strengths, supported by a sustained policy of innovation, quality and expansion in buoyant markets". Drawing strength from the excellent responsiveness of its organisation and the good distribution of its different activities in the geographical regions where it is present, the group therefore has a confident outlook for 2011, its objective once again being to build on its success in the world luxury market.