Christian Dior: Significant improvement in trends in the third quarter of 2020 in Wines & Spirits and Fashion & Leather Goods

Significant improvement in trends in the third quarter of 2020 in Wines & Spirits and Fashion & Leather Goods

Paris, October 15, 2020

The Christian Dior group recorded revenue of 30.3 billion euros in the first nine months of 2020, down 21%. On an organic basis, revenue declined 21% compared to the same period in 2019. Since the start of the year, the Group has demonstrated good resilience in an economic environment severely disrupted by the serious health crisis that led to the suspension of international travel and the closure of its stores and manufacturing sites in most countries over a period of several months.

Revenue was down 7% in the third quarter on an organic basis, reflecting a marked improvement in trends compared to the first half, notably a return to growth in Cognac and Fashion & Leather Goods. The encouraging signs of recovery observed in June for several of the Group's activities were confirmed in the third quarter in all regions, notably in the United States, and in Asia, which once again grew over the period.

Revenue by business group:

In million euros9 months 20209 months 2019  Change 2020 / 2019
First 9 months

Reported      Organic*
Change
Q3 2020 / Q3 2019
Organic*
Wines & Spirits3 3493 919- 15 %- 15 %- 3 %
Fashion & Leather Goods13 93415 873- 12 %- 11 %+ 12 %
Perfumes & Cosmetics3 6744 912- 25 %- 25 %- 16 %
Watches & Jewelry2 2663 261- 31 %  - 30 %- 14 %
Selective Retailing7 17610 555- 32 %- 31 %- 29 %
Other activities & eliminations(51)(122)nsnsns
Total 30 34838 398- 21 %- 21 %- 7%

* with comparable structure and constant exchange rates. For the first 9 months of 2020, the currency effect for the Group was -1% and the structural impact was almost zero. For the third quarter of 2020, the currency effect for the Group was -3% and the structural impact was almost zero.

The Wines & Spirits business group saw its organic revenue decline by 15% over the first nine months of 2020 and by 3% in the third quarter. After a significant drop in volumes in the second quarter, the Champagne business saw an improvement in the third quarter in all regions. Hennessy cognac recorded a strong recovery in the third quarter, driven by VS ranges in the context of exceptional stimulus support for consumer demand in the United States. The Château d'Esclans and Château du Galoupet acquisitions, made in 2019, were integrated in 2020 for the first time, establishing a strong position for Moët Hennessy in the growing market for high-end rosé wines. A new high-end rum, Eminente, launched in the third quarter.

The Fashion & Leather Goods business group saw its organic revenue decline by 11% over the first nine months of 2020 in an environment marked by the closure of stores for several months. The third quarter saw a strong rebound in activity, with double-digit organic revenue growth. Louis Vuitton continued to display exceptional momentum and creativity, in all areas, from products to shows and customer events. During Fashion Week, the new collections were presented in an original format in the legendary renovated La Samaritaine building in Paris, as well as in Shanghai and Tokyo. The many highlights of the quarter included the Jacquard Since 1854 canvas, inspired by the Maison’s heritage, the iconic Capucines bag, reinterpreted by six great contemporary artists and the LV Volt jewelry collection. In addition, Louis Vuitton once again strengthened its production with the opening of a new workshop in France and continues its commitment to high quality craftsmanship and sustainability with responsible creativity. Christian Dior showed remarkable momentum. The many new products, such as the Dior Bobby bag and the knitted Bar jacket, were very well received. Following its success in Paris and London, the Christian Dior, Designer of Dreams exhibition opened in Shanghai. The other fashion brands also saw a good improvement in their activity in the third quarter, notably Fendi, Loewe and Celine.

The Perfumes & Cosmetics business group recorded a 25% decline in organic revenue in the first nine months of 2020. The major brands are showing good resistance in a sector marked by a fall in both makeup demand and purchases made by international travellers, partially offset by the development in skincare. Online sales grew steadily in the third quarter and there was a significant improvement in trends in stores as well. Parfums Christian Dior launched its new fragrance J’adore Eau de Parfum Infinissime and continues to develop Prestige and Capture skincare products. Guerlain recorded remarkable growth in skincare with the continued successes of Abeille Royale and Orchidée Impériale. The new skincare brand Fenty Skin, developed by Rihanna, is off to a very promising start.

The Watches & Jewelry business group saw its organic revenue decline by 30% in the first nine months of 2020. The rebound in China was observed in the third quarter but did not prevent the overall activity from dropping by 14% in the period. Bvlgari unveiled a new line of Barocko fine jewelry. Its latest watch models, presented at the Geneva Watch Days, received an excellent reception from distributors. Chaumet launched its new Perspectives fine jewelry collection exploring the theme of architecture. In the watch sector, TAG Heuer celebrated its 160th anniversary with new models from the Carrera line. After the launch of its new Special Golf smartwatch, the Maison became the Official Partner of the Porsche Golf Cup France.

In Selective Retailing, organic revenue declined 31% in the first nine months of 2020. Sephora demonstrated good resilience during the health crisis which led to the closure of almost all its stores globally for nearly two months. Revenue improved in the third quarter. Sephora gained market share in its main countries, thanks in particular to the strong growth of its online sales. Supported by an innovative and varied offer, momentum within skincare products was strong. DFS saw a significant decline in its activity in most destinations as a result of the suspension of international travel, which is showing no signs of improving.

OUTLOOK

In a very turbulent context, marked by continuing economic and health uncertainties, the Christian Dior group will continue to exercise caution, strengthen its cost controls and selectivity in its investments. The Group will maintain a strategy focused on preserving the value of its brands, by continuing its marketing and communication investments and relying on the exceptional quality of its products and the reactivity of its organisation. The Group will rely on the power of its brands and the talent of its teams to further extend its global leadership in the luxury market in 2020.

The decision to pay an interim dividend will be discussed by the Board of Directors before the end of the month and announced thereafter.

LVMH filed its countersuit against Tiffany with the Delaware Chancery Court on September 28. To date, nine of the ten required regulatory authorisations have already been obtained and LVMH expects to receive approval from the European Commission by the end of October. The trial is scheduled for January 5, 2021.

Aside from the items mentioned in this press release, there was no event or change during the quarter and as of today that could significantly impact the Group's financial structure.
Regulated information related to this press release and the presentation are available on www.dior-finance.com.


ANNEX

Christian Dior group – Revenue by business group and by quarter

2020 Revenue (Euro millions) 
FY 2020

 
Wines &
Spirits
Fashion &
Leather Goods
Perfumes &
Cosmetics
Watches &
Jewelry
Selective
Retailing
Other activities
& eliminations
Total

 
First Quarter1 1754 6431 382 7922 626(22)10 596
Second Quarter8103 3469225272 218(26)7 797
Total First Half1 9857 9892 3041 3194 844(48)18 393
Third Quarter1 3645 9451 3709472 332(3)11 955
Nine Months3 34913 9343 6742 2667 176(51)30 348


2020 Revenue (organic growth versus the same period of 2019) 
FY 2020

 
Wines &
Spirit
Fashion &
Leather Goods
Perfumes &
Cosmetics
Watches &
Jewelry
Selective
Retailing
Other activities
& eliminations
Total

 
First Quarter-14%-10%-19%-26%-26%--17%
Second Quarter-33%-37%-40%-52%-38%--38%
Total First Half-23%-24%-29%-39%-33%--28%
Third Quarter -3%+12%-16%-14%-29%--7%
Nine Months-15%-11%-25%-30%-31%--21%


 

2019 Revenue (Euro millions)
 
FY 2019

 
Wines &
Spirit
Fashion &
Leather Goods
Perfumes &
Cosmetics
Watches &
Jewelry
Selective
Retailing
Other activities
& eliminations
Total

 
First Quarter1 3495 1111 6871 0463 510(165)12 538
Second Quarter1 1375 3141 5491 0893 588(133)12 544
Total First Half2 48610 4253 2362 1357 098(298)25 082
Third Quarter1 4335 4481 6761 1263 457176*13 316
Nine Months3 91915 8734 9123 26110 555(122)38 398

* Includes all Belmond revenues for the period April to September 2019.


This document is a free translation into English of the original French financial release dated October 15, 2020.
It is not a binding document.
In the event of a conflict in interpretation, reference should be made to the French version, which is the authentic text.


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