Swiss luxury goods group Richemont reported a strong trading in the first quarter ended 30th June 2021 with Group sales up by 121% at actual constant exchange rates compared to prior year.
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Richemont reported that versus the prior year period, which was severely affected by the pandemic, all regions, channels and business areas saw sales progress at triple digit rates, with the exception of Asia Pacific, Online Distributors and online retail where sales grew by double digits.
The 129% increase in sales was led by the Jewellery Maisons and Specialist Watchmakers with growth of 142% and 143%, respectively. The Other business area, mostly composed of our Fashion & Accessories Maisons, also performed strongly, recording 124% sales growth.
The Americas generated the strongest regional performance, with sales increasing by 276% driven by strong local demand, followed by the Middle East and Africa with sales up by 154%. Wholesale and retail led channel growth, with sales progression of 178% and 138%, respectively.
Given the magnitude of the impact of the pandemic on our operations in the three-month period ended 30 June 2020, additional comments compared to the three-month period ended 30 June 2019 are provided below for a more comprehensive view of our current trading.
In the period under review, sales exceeded pre-Covid levels. Sales growth of 22% was driven by strong double-digit increases in the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East and Africa. Sales in Europe contracted by 15%, as robust demand from local clientele could not offset the halt in tourist sales.
In Asia Pacific, sales increased by 40%, with good momentum across most markets, particularly in mainland China, Macau SAR (China) and South Korea. In the Americas, sales rose by 47%, supported by buoyant domestic demand and thriving retail sales. Sales in Japan declined by 14%, due to renewed public health protection measures and a halt in tourism. The Middle East and Africa posted the strongest regional performance with 55% sales growth, reflecting solid domestic and tourist spending, notably in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
The online and offline retail channels recorded strong double-digit sales growth. Retail sales, up by 35%, delivered the strongest relative channel performance, supported by double-digit growth at the Jewellery Maisons and Specialist Watchmakers. Retail sales were particularly strong in the US, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Online retail sales rose by 29%, with sustained demand across regions. Sales in the wholesale channel were 3% lower, notwithstanding notably higher sales in the US and Russia.
Sales growth of 43% at the Jewellery Maisons was driven by both strong jewellery and watch sales at Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Sales progressed in most regions and across all channels. The Specialist Watchmakers’ sales increased by 6%, driven by online and offline retail sales and growth in most regions. At the Online Distributors, sales grew by 8%, and Gross Merchandise Value (GMV) increased by 9%. The Group’s Other business area recorded a 7% decline in sales, partly reflecting persistent challenges in the wholesale channel, particularly in travel retail.
The Group’s net cash position at 30th June 2021 was US$4.2 billion (2020: US$2.1 billion), reflecting strong trading.
The Nominations Committee and Board of Compagnie Financière Richemont have undertaken a review of the Group’s governance model in light of the ongoing pandemic and the continued acceleration of ‘new retail’.
To further capitalise on Group’s agility and momentum, the Senior Executive Committee will focus solely on strategic direction, capital allocation, governance, and the provision of central and regional functions for the benefit of its Maisons and businesses. Similarly, the executives in charge of the Maisons and businesses will focus exclusively on the sustainable development of their respective entities, ensuring a customer-centric approach and the continued success of digital initiatives.
Taking these revised responsibilities into account, Cyrille Vigneron, President & Chief Executive of Cartier, and Nicolas Bos, President & Chief Executive of Van Cleef & Arpels, will step down from the Senior Executive Committee and will not seek re-election to the Board of Directors at the Group’s Annual General Meeting (‘AGM’) on 8th September 2021. They will continue to report directly to Johann Rupert, Chairman.
Philippe Fortunato, CEO of Fashion and Accessories, Emmanuel Perrin, Head of Specialist Watchmakers Distribution, and Frank Vivier, Chief Transformation Officer will step down from the Senior Executive Committee. They will continue to report to Jérôme Lambert, Group Chief Executive Officer.
Johann Rupert, Jérôme Lambert and Burkhart Grund, Chief Finance Officer, will remain on the Senior Executive Committee and will stand for re-election to the Board of Directors at the AGM.
These changes will take effect on 8th September 2021.
In addition, Alan Quasha, Non-executive Director of the Company and its predecessor companies since the Group’s foundation in 1988, has indicated that he will not seek re-election to the Board of Directors in September.
Commenting on the proposals, Johann Rupert, Chairman, said, “The continual evolution of our corporate governance structures reflects our commitment to meet the changing demands of our operating environment most efficiently and align with best practice. While the enlarged SEC structure proved effective in the early stages of our transformation journey and in navigating one of the most trying times in recent history, the time is ripe for a more streamlined structure as we embark on the next stage of our development. The outstanding development of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, in particular, means that these businesses have reached a size and scale that require the full attention of their leaders and support of the Group to continue on their remarkable trajectory.”
“Throughout the pandemic, agility and well-informed rapid decision making have been essential. Decisions must be made as close as possible to customers. These governance changes will allow Maison and business executives to focus exclusively on their customers, colleagues, partners and the sustainable development of their entities at a time when the world is changing rapidly and growing in complexity,” continued Rupert.
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“I am grateful to be able to rely on the deep experience and expertise of Cyrille, Nicolas, Philippe, Emmanuel and Frank as well as their strong sense of collegiality. Finally, I would like to thank Alan Quasha for his valued contributions over the past 33 years. We have benefited from his broad understanding of the Group, and his astute perspectives will be missed,” added Rupert.