Revenue: EUR21.4 billion, up 4% at actual and constant exchange rates. Operating Profit: EUR4.5 billion, down 7% compared to the prior year. Profit from Continuing Operations: EUR3.8 billion, 1% lower than the prior year. Cash Flow from Operating Activities: EUR4.4 billion. Net Cash Position: EUR8.3 billion. Jewellery Maisons Sales: EUR15.3 billion, up 8% for the year. Specialist Watchmakers Sales: EUR3.3 billion, down 13%. Other Business Area Sales: EUR2.8 billion, up 7%. Gross Margin: 66.9%, down 120 basis points. CapEx: EUR1.2 billion, representing 5% of sales. Free Cash Flow: EUR2.2 billion, EUR0.6 billion lower than the prior year. Dividend Proposal: CHF 1 per A share or 10 B shares, a 9% increase over the prior year. Store Expansion: 25 net new internal boutiques.

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Release Date: May 16, 2025

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

Positive Points

Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA (CFRHF) achieved record sales of EUR21.4 billion, marking an all-time high for the group. The Jewellery Maisons segment posted a high single-digit increase, driven by double-digit growth in the second half of the year. The company maintained a robust net cash position of EUR8.3 billion, reflecting strong financial health. Richemont expanded its distribution network with 25 net new internal boutiques and invested significantly in manufacturing capacity. The Americas and Japan regions showed strong sales growth, with Japan posting a 30% increase, the highest regional growth for the third consecutive year.

Negative Points

Operating profit declined by 7% to EUR4.5 billion, impacted by higher raw material costs and unfavorable foreign exchange movements. Sales in the Asia Pacific region were down 13%, primarily due to weak demand in China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The Specialist Watchmakers segment experienced a 13% decline in sales, significantly affecting the group's overall performance. The company faced EUR72 million in nonrecurring charges related to legal disputes and impairments of goodwill. Free cash flow decreased by EUR0.6 billion to EUR2.2 billion, partly due to higher investments in operations and real estate.

Q & A Highlights

Q: Could you provide some color on the current trading environment, especially in the US, given the uncertain macroeconomic conditions? A: Johann Rupert, Chairman of the Board of Directors: We have always focused on maintaining the residual value for our clients, which has helped us remain resilient. While some regions face challenges, our diversified regional footprint allows us to balance demand across different markets. We are not seeing insufficient demand but are cautious about maintaining value for our clients.

Story Continues

Q: With new entrants in the jewelry market, like Lafor Gold, how do you view the competition from these brands? A: Nicolas Bos, CEO: The jewelry market has traditionally been non-branded, with strong local players. New entrants like Lafor Gold contribute to the category's desirability and energy. We focus on maintaining our brand's legacy and creativity to remain competitive.

Q: Is there a risk of ubiquity for the Alhambra collection at Van Cleef & Arpels, and what are your plans for future growth? A: Nicolas Bos, CEO: Alhambra is a significant collection with potential for further development. We are cautious about expanding it and are also investing in other lines like Perlee and Frivole to drive growth.

Q: Could you elaborate on the buybacks in the watch industry, particularly in China? A: Burkhart Grund, CFO: The buybacks were targeted and not material at the group level. They addressed specific challenges in certain distribution areas and were part of regular inventory rebalancing.

Q: What is the strategy for the Specialist Watchmakers division, and will you continue to increase the retail mix? A: Johann Rupert, Chairman of the Board of Directors: We believe we are at an optimal level for internal fixed costs. The focus remains on maintaining a balanced sell-in, sell-out ratio to ensure efficiency and support our wholesale partners.

For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

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