Hermes, the renowned French luxury-handbag maker, has announced its confidence moving into 2024 after successfully weathering a slowdown in the luxury sector. The company experienced a surge in fourth-quarter sales, attributing its success to its exposure to wealthy consumers.
For the last three months of 2023, Hermes reported revenue of 3.36 billion euros ($3.62 billion). This marks a remarkable 17.5% increase at constant exchange rates compared to the same period in the previous year, surpassing analysts’ expectations of EUR3.26 billion according to a Visible Alpha consensus.
Notably, all regions reported double-digit revenue growth for the final quarter, with Asia leading as the largest contributor to group revenue, generating EUR1.72 billion.
Hermes’s leather goods and saddlery business, responsible for the majority of group revenue and encompassing bags and small leather items, saw a significant 10% rise in revenue, amounting to EUR1.37 billion.
Impressively, Hermes shares rose by 4% to EUR2,158.50 at 0957 GMT. This surge brings the company’s gains over the past year to 27%, positioning it as the top-performing European luxury stock during this period.
Hermes’s positive results reflect a growing divergence within the luxury industry. The divide is apparent between companies that primarily cater to status-seeking consumers and those serving wealthier clientele. Amid an economic environment characterized by inflation and high interest rates, aspirational consumers have curbed their spending more than high-end customers. As a result, esteemed brands like Hermes, Richemont, and Brunello Cucinelli have managed to sustain sales growth.
Following the conclusion of the post-pandemic boom in luxury spending last year, the market is expected to witness further weakening in 2024. Estimates from Bain & Co. and Fondazione Altagamma, the trade association of Italian luxury goods manufacturers, suggest that sales of luxury goods will experience low to mid-single percentage digit growth this year.
A Resilient Recovery for Hermes in a Challenging Luxury Market
The luxury industry has been facing a challenging environment due to the ongoing effects of the pandemic, and China’s slower-than-expected recovery has further impacted growth trends. However, despite these obstacles, Hermes, a leading luxury brand, has managed to navigate through these challenges with success.
Hermes CEO, Axel Dumas, stated in a recent conference call that the company has not experienced any slowdown. This can be attributed to its strong local clientele in Europe, which reduces its reliance on tourist flows compared to its competitors.
The company’s financial performance for 2023 reflects its resilience. Operating profit increased to EUR5.65 billion from EUR4.7 billion in the previous year, demonstrating strong growth. Additionally, net profit showed an impressive leap of 28% to reach EUR4.31 billion.
Looking ahead, Hermes maintains an optimistic outlook despite the global economic, geopolitical, and monetary uncertainties. The company confirms its ambitious goal for revenue growth at constant exchange rates in the medium-term.
Furthermore, Hermes plans to reward its shareholders with an increased dividend. In 2023, the proposed dividend will be EUR15 per share, whereas it was EUR13 per share in the previous year. Additionally, an exceptional dividend of EUR10 per share will also be offered.
Hermes’s outstanding performance stands out amidst a mixed earnings season for the luxury industry. While some companies struggled, those catering to high-end consumers fared better. LVMH, considered a bellwether for the sector, exceeded analysts’ sales forecasts and expressed confidence for the year ahead. Richemont and Brunello Cucinelli benefited from their affluent customer base. Conversely, brands like Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Burberry disappointed analysts with their results.
Kering, the owner of Gucci, faced ongoing sales decline. The company anticipates that its profits in 2024 will be affected by planned investments in its fashion houses, aiming to reinvigorate the core brand in a slowing luxury market.
In summary, despite the challenges faced by the luxury industry, Hermes continues to shine as a beacon of resilience and success. With robust financial performance and an optimistic outlook, the brand’s ability to navigate through turbulent times is a testament to its unwavering strength and unique positioning in the market.
