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CFR - Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts - Richemont, The

Release Date: 11/11/2011 08:00
Code(s): CFR
Wrap Text

CFR - Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts - Richemont, The Swiss Luxury Goods Group, announces its unaudited consolidated results for the six month period ended 30 September 2011 Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts issued by Richemont Securities SA (Incorporated in Switzerland) ISIN: CH0045159024 Depositary Receipt Code: CFR RICHEMONT, THE SWISS LUXURY GOODS GROUP, ANNOUNCES ITS UNAUDITED CONSOLIDATED RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2011 Financial highlights - Sales increased by 29 % to Euro 4 214 million, or by 36 % at constant exchange rates - Solid growth across all segments, regions and channels - Operating profit increased by 41 % to Euro 1 075 million - Profit for the period increased by 10 % to Euro 709 million, reflecting the impact of a one-time gain in the comparative period - Consistent cash flow from operations of Euro 606 million Key financial data (unaudited) 6 months ended 30 September In millions of euros, unless 2011 2010 Change indicated Sales Euro Euro + 29 % 4 214 m 3 259 m
Gross profit Euro Euro + 26 % 2 665 m 2 113 m Gross margin 63.2 % 64.8 % - 160 bps Operating profit Euro Euro + 41 % 1 075 m 760 m Operating margin 25.5 % 23.3% + 220 bps Profit for the period Euro Euro + 10 % 709 m 644 m
Earnings per share, diluted Euro 1.266 Euro 1.144 + 11 % basis Cash flow generated from Euro Euro + Euro operations 606 m 598 m 8 m Net cash position Euro Euro + Euro 2 596 m 1 882 m 714 m This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward- looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group`s control. Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to provide updates of, or to revise, any forward-looking statements. Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer`s commentary We are pleased to report a solid performance in the first half of this year. Our Maisons were able to benefit from a favourable trading environment to enhance their positions in jewellery, watchmaking and accessories. The rate of increase in net profit was lower than the increase in operating profit primarily due to a one-off gain in the comparable period. Richemont`s financial position continues to be strong: the Group`s net cash position is Euro 2.6 billion. The sales trend of the first six months of the year has continued through to the end of October; sales for the month were 28 % above those of October 2010 at actual exchange rates. At constant exchange rates, they were 26 % higher, with good momentum in both the retail and wholesale sales channels. For the second half of the financial year, we face both the impact of global economic problems on the luxury goods industry in general, and the demanding comparative figures against which Group sales will be measured. Notwithstanding these challenges and based on the Group`s performance for the year to date, operating profit for the full year is expected to be significantly higher than last year. Moreover, the creativity of our Maisons and the responsiveness of our colleagues, our confidence in our business model and the strength of our balance sheet will enable us to continue to invest in our businesses for the long-term, despite the very worrying world economic environment. Johann Rupert Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Geneva, 11 November 2011 *** Financial Review Sales Sales in the six-month period increased by 29 % at actual exchange rates. At constant exchange rates, sales increased by 36 %. The growth in sales reflected, in particular, buoyant sales in the Group`s own retail network bolstered by very strong demand in the Asia-Pacific and Americas regions. Further details of sales by region, distribution channel and business area are given in the Review of Operations on pages 5 to 8. Gross profit Gross profit rose by 26 %, although the gross margin percentage was 160 basis points lower at 63.2 % of sales. Several factors caused the decrease in the gross margin percentage, including adverse currency movements affecting sales, the strengthening of the Swiss franc and, as expected, the impact of Net-a- Porter. The challenges posed by adverse currency movements were partially offset by price increases at both the retail and wholesale levels, evidencing the Maisons` pricing power, as well as the benefits of realising a growing proportion of sales through the Maisons` own boutiques. Additionally, gains recognised as a result of the hedging programme amounted to Euro 70 million and added 166 basis points to the gross percentage. The stronger Swiss franc is of particular importance to the cost of sales as the majority of the Group`s manufacturing facilities are located in Switzerland. Compared with the Group`s other Maisons, Net-a-Porter`s gross margin percentage is well below the average reflecting its distinct business model as an online retailer of fashion products and accessories. Given its above-average sales growth, Net-a-Porter has a dilutive impact on the Group`s gross margin percentage. Operating profit Operating profit increased by 41 %, reflecting the significant increase in gross profit and continuing cost discipline. The year-on-year increase in net operating expenses has been limited to 18 %, well below the growth in sales: they now represent 38 % of sales compared to 42 % in the comparative period. Selling and distribution expenses were 17 % higher, primarily reflecting better trading and the expansion of the Maisons` own boutique networks. Communication expenses increased by 29 %, in line with sales, and represented 8 % of sales. Despite the strength of the Swiss franc, administration costs rose by only 9 %. As a consequence, operating margin increased by 220 basis points to 25.5 % in the period under review. Profit for the period Profit for the period increased by 10 % to Euro 709 million, reflecting the following significant items: - Within net finance costs, Euro 153 million relates to non-cash, mark-to-market currency losses on net financial assets as a result of the stronger Swiss franc against the euro. The majority of the Group`s financial assets are euro- denominated cash and liquid bond funds held by a Swiss franc entity. Upon translation, there was no effect on the Group`s equity position. - Also within net finance costs, Euro 113 million of mark-to-market losses have been recorded in respect of currency hedging activities. The Group ceased applying hedge accounting to new foreign currency hedges from 1 April 2011. Changes in the value of new hedging instruments are therefore recognised immediately in net finance costs. Had hedge accounting continued, Euro 46 million of this amount would have been deferred in equity. - The non-recurrence of a Euro 102 million non-cash accounting gain recorded in the comparative period. The gain related to the revaluation of the Group`s former interest in Net-a-Porter in April 2010 when Richemont acquired control of that business. This gain was reported within the Group`s share of the post-tax results of associated companies. The effective taxation rate was 16.4 %, reflecting the anticipated full-year rate. The increase in the rate compared to the prior year stems from the impact of non-cash currency translation losses on net financial assets, which are tax neutral. Earnings per share increased by 11 % to Euro 1.266 on a diluted basis. To comply with the South African practice of providing headline earnings per share (`HEPS`) data, the relevant figure for headline earnings for the period ended 30 September 2011 would be Euro 713 million (2010: Euro 540 million). Basic HEPS for the period was Euro 1.303 (2010: Euro 0.979). Diluted HEPS for the period was Euro 1.273 (2010: Euro 0.956). Further details regarding earnings per share and HEPS, including an itemised reconciliation, may be found in note 8 of the Group`s condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Cash flow Cash flow generated from operations was Euro 606 million, in line with the prior period. The additional cash generated from operating profit was absorbed by working capital increases, in particular inventories and debtor balances. The net acquisition of tangible fixed assets amounted to Euro 123 million, reflecting selected investments in the Group`s network of boutiques and manufacturing facilities. The 2011 dividend, at CHF 0.45 per share, was paid to shareholders net of withholding tax in September. The cash outflow in the period amounted to Euro 133 million; the withholding tax was remitted to the Swiss authorities in October. During the period, the Group acquired some 8 million `A` shares to hedge executive stock options. The cost of these purchases was partly offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options by executives and other activities linked to the hedging programme, leading to a net outflow of Euro 205 million. Financial structure and balance sheet Fixed assets, including tangible and intangible assets, increased by Euro 99 million during the six-month period. The increase largely reflects the expansion of the Maisons` boutique networks, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, and investments in their European manufacturing facilities. Inventories at the end of September amounted to Euro 3 280 million. This figure represents 16 months of gross inventories and compares with 18 months at September 2010. The reduction in the rate of stock turn reflects the favourable trading conditions in particular. In absolute terms, the increase in the value of inventories reflects the strengthening of the Swiss franc, the build-up of inventories and the expansion of the boutique network. At 30 September 2011, the Group`s net cash position amounted to Euro 2 596 million and was in line with the position at 31 March 2011. The Group`s net cash position includes short-term liquid bond funds as well as cash, cash equivalents and all borrowings. Liquid bond funds and cash balances were primarily denominated in euros, whereas borrowings to finance local operating assets are denominated in the currencies of the countries concerned. Total borrowings, including bank borrowings and short-term loans, amounted to Euro 139 million. Richemont`s financial structure remains very strong, with shareholders` equity representing 71 % of total equity and liabilities. *** Review of Operations 1. Sales by region Movement at:
Constant Actual in Euro millions 30 September 30 September exchange exchange 2011 2010 rates* rates
Europe 1 514 1 260 + 22 % + 20 % Asia-Pacific 1 718 1 157 + 60 % + 48 % Americas 602 489 + 35 % + 23 % Japan 380 353 + 9 % + 8 % 4 214 3 259 + 36 % + 29 % *Note: movements at constant exchange rates are calculated translating underlying sales in local currencies into euros in both the current year and the comparative year at the average exchange rates applicable for the financial year ended 31 March 2011. Europe Europe accounted for 36 % of overall sales. Solid double-digit organic growth was registered across the region, including Russia and the Middle East. Travellers to Europe continue to be an important sales driver. All Maisons improved their performance in the region versus the comparative period. Asia-Pacific While growth in the Asia-Pacific region was broad-based, it was primarily driven by mainland China, which is now Richemont`s third largest market after Hong Kong and the USA. Robust sales across channels and markets there also benefitted from the Group`s selective expansion of its retail network in recent years. Americas The Americas region reported double-digit growth and represented 14 % of Group sales. The performance was specifically driven by significant High Jewellery sales, although business in general has been very encouraging. Japan Sales in Japan increased, despite the dramatic events of last March. Van Cleef and Arpels and the Specialist Watchmakers performed particularly well. 2. Sales by distribution channel Movement at:
Constant Actual in Euro millions 30 September 30 September exchange exchange 2011 2010 rates* rates
Retail 2 083 1 522 + 44 % + 37 % Wholesale 2 131 1 737 + 29 % + 23 % 4 214 3 259 + 36 % + 29 % *Note: movements at constant exchange rates are calculated translating underlying sales in local currencies into euros in both the current year and the comparative year at the average exchange rates applicable for the financial year ended 31 March 2011. Retail Overall retail sales, comprising directly operated boutiques and Net-a-Porter, increased by 37 %. This was well above the growth in wholesale sales and Richemont now generates 49 % of its sales through its own retail network. The growth in retail sales partly reflected the good performance of Net-a-Porter and the expansion of the Maisons` network of boutiques to 919 stores. Openings during the period were primarily in high-growth markets such as China. Wholesale The Group`s wholesale business, including sales to franchise partners, reported strong growth. This performance reflected a good sell-out and the optimisation of the network. This growth was achieved despite the impact of a continuing programme of planned reductions in the number of points of sale in Western Europe and North America. 3. Sales and operating results by business area Jewellery Maisons in Euro millions 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Change Sales 2 165 1 619 + 34 % Operating results 734 541 + 36 % Operating margin 33.9 % 33.4 % + 50 bps The Jewellery Maisons` sales grew by 34 %. Both Cartier and Van Cleef and Arpels performed exceptionally well. The Maisons` boutique networks reported higher growth and further benefitted from new store openings, primarily in the Asia-Pacific region. Demand for High Jewellery pieces and more accessible jewellery ranges was solid. Demand for Cartier`s watch collections was also strong, reflecting the policy of extending its premium and technical watch offerings. The significant increase in sales and continuing cost discipline generated an operating margin of 34 %. Specialist Watchmakers in Euro millions 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Change Sales 1 171 901 + 30 % Operating results 312 259 + 20 % Operating margin 26.6 % 28.8 % - 220 bps The Specialist Watchmakers` sales increased by 30 %. All Maisons performed well worldwide, reflecting the strong demand for haute horlogerie. Despite higher input costs and the strength of the Swiss Franc, the contribution margin was 27 %, reflecting the Maisons` pricing power and operating leverage. Montblanc Maison in Euro millions 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Change Sales 334 303 + 10 % Operating result 54 48 + 13 % Operating margin 16.2 % 15.8 % + 40 bps Montblanc`s sales increased by 10 %, reflecting good demand for its range of watches and accessories in particular in the Asia-Pacific region. During the period under review, Montblanc continued to upgrade both its retail and wholesale distribution networks. The Maison maintained an operating margin of 16 %. 3. Sales and operating results by business area, continued Other businesses in Euro millions 30 September 30 September Change 2011 2010 Sales 544 436 + 25 % Operating results (17) (19) + 10 % Operating margin (3.1) % (4.4) % + 130 bps The `Other` segment includes the Group`s Fashion and Accessories businesses, Net-a-Porter and the Group`s watch component manufacturing activities.Richemont`s Fashion & Accessories Maisons saw double-digit sales growth and generated improved profits of Euro 23 million (2010: profits of Euro 7 million). Alfred Dunhill and Chloe performed particularly well.Sales growth at Net-a-Porter was once again well above the Group`s average. Net-a-Porter incurred losses during the period amounting to Euro 22 million, resulting from the amortisation of intangibles and the costs associated with the continued expansion of its platforms in the UK and the USA.Losses at the Group`s watch component manufacturing facilities were contained and were broadly in line with the comparative period. Corporate costs in Euro millions 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Change Corporate costs (8) (69) - 88 % Central support services (69) (75) - 8 % Other operating 61 6 n/a income/(expense), net Corporate costs represent the costs of central management, marketing support and other central functions, known as central support services, as well as other expenses and income which are not allocated to specific business areas, including foreign exchange hedging gains and losses. Central support service expenses decreased: the negative impact of stronger Swiss franc was more than offset by credits linked to the Group`s stock option plan. Other operating income/(expense) included gains of Euro 70 million relating to the Group`s exchange rate hedging programme, which are reported within gross profit. In the comparative period, equivalent exchange rate hedging gains amounted to Euro 13 million. *** The Group`s condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income, of cash flows and of financial position are presented in Appendix 1. Richemont`s unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements for the period may be found on the Group`s website at http://www.richemont.com/investor- relations/results-presentations.html Richard Lepeu, Deputy Chief Gary Saage, Chief Financial Executive Officer Officer Presentation The results will be presented via a live internet webcast on 11 November 2011, starting at 09:00 (CET). The direct link will be available from 08:00 (CET) at: http://www.richemont.com - Live listen-only telephone connection: call one of these numbers 10 minutes before the start of the presentation: - Europe: +41 91 610 56 00 - USA: +1 866 291 4166 - UK: +44 203 059 5862 - South Africa: 0800 992 635 (toll free) - An archived video webcast of the presentation will be available from: http://www.richemont.com/investor-relations/results-presentations.html - A transcript of the presentation will be available from: http://www.richemont.com/investor-relations/results-presentations.html Interim Report The Richemont 2011 Interim Report will be published on 29 November 2011 and will be available for download from the Group`s website; copies may be obtained from the Company`s registered office or by contacting the Company via the website at http://www.richemont.com/contact.html Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Registered office: 50 chemin de la Chenaie CP30, 1293 Bellevue Geneva Switzerland Tel: +41 22 721 3500 Fax: +41 22 721 3550 Internet: www.richemont.com Media contact Alan Grieve Director of Corporate Affairs Tel: +41 22 721 3507 E-mail: pressoffice@cfrinfo.net Investor contact Sophie Cagnard Head of Investor Relations Tel +33 1 58 18 25 97 E-mail: investor.relations@cfrinfo.net Statutory Information Primary listing SIX Swiss Exchange (Reuters "CFR.VX" / Bloomberg "CFR:VX" / ISIN CH0045039655). The Swiss `Valorennummer` is 4503965. Richemont `A` bearer shares are included in the Swiss Market Index (`SMI`) of leading stocks. Secondary listing Johannesburg stock exchange operated by JSE Limited (Reuters "CFRJ.J" / Bloomberg "CFR:SJ" / ISIN CH0045159024). South African depository receipts in respect of Richemont `A` shares. The closing price of the Richemont `A` share on 30 September 2011 was CHF 40.95 and the market capitalisation of the Group`s `A` shares on that date was CHF 21 376 million. Over the preceding six month period, the highest closing price of the `A` share was CHF 57.40 (7 July) and the lowest closing price of the `A` share was CHF 38.51 (10 August). Copyright Richemont 2011 Appendix 1 Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income Six months to Six months to 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Euro m Euro m
Sales 4 214 3 259 Cost of sales (1 549) (1 146) Gross profit 2 665 2 113 Selling and distribution (891) ( 761) expenses Communication expenses (340) ( 264) Administrative expenses (342) ( 314) Other operating (expense) / (17) ( 14) income Operating profit 1 075 760 Finance costs (287) ( 160) Finance income 61 40 Share of post-tax (1) 102 (loss)/profit of associated undertakings Profit before taxation 848 742 Taxation (139) ( 98) Profit for the period 709 644 Other comprehensive income: Currency translation 427 327 adjustments - movement in the period - reclassification to profit 1 - or loss Cash flow hedges 20 41 - net gains - reclassification to profit (70) ( 13) or loss Other comprehensive income, 378 355 net of tax Total comprehensive income 1 087 999 Profit attributable to: Owners of the parent company 709 646 Non-controlling interest - ( 2) 709 644 Total comprehensive income attributable to: Owners of the parent company 1 086 1 000 Non-controlling interest 1 ( 1) 1 087 999 Earnings per share attributable to owners of the parent company during the period (expressed in Euro per share) Basic 1.295 1.171 Diluted 1.266 1.144 Condensed consolidated statement of cash flows Six months to Six months to 30 September 2011 30 September 2010 Euro m Euro m
Operating profit 1 075 760 Depreciation and impairment of 119 99 property, plant and equipment Amortisation and impairment of 43 40 other intangible assets Increase in provisions 26 41 Decrease in retirement benefit ( 3) - obligations Non-cash items ( 55) 6 Increase in inventories ( 340) ( 144) Increase in trade debtors ( 288) ( 134) Increase in other receivables ( 27) ( 84) and prepayments Increase in current and long- 56 14 term operating liabilities Cash flow generated from 606 598 operations Interest received 17 7 Interest paid ( 13) ( 12) Other investment income 3 4 Taxation paid ( 129) ( 112) Net cash generated from 484 485 operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities Acquisition of subsidiary undertakings and other businesses, net of cash ( 3) ( 227) acquired Proceeds from disposal of subsidiary undertakings and other businesses, net of cash - ( 3) disposed Acquisition of associated ( 1) - undertakings Acquisition of property, plant ( 140) ( 75) and equipment Proceeds from disposal of 17 1 property, plant and equipment Acquisition of intangible ( 29) ( 21) assets Investment in short-term bond ( 151) ( 939) funds Proceeds from disposal of short- 143 937 term bond funds Acquisition of other non- ( 16) ( 8) current assets Proceeds from disposal of other 9 17 non-current assets Net cash used in investing ( 171) ( 318) activities Cash flows from financing activities Proceeds from borrowings 10 66 Repayment of borrowings ( 101) ( 207) Dividends paid ( 133) ( 92) Payment for treasury shares ( 279) ( 108) Proceeds from sale of treasury 74 17 shares Capital element of finance ( 1) ( 2) lease payments Net cash used in financing ( 430) ( 326) activities Net change in cash and cash ( 117) ( 159) equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 657 940 beginning of period Exchange gains on cash and cash 32 33 equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 572 814 end of period Condensed consolidated statement of financial position 30 September 2011 31 March 2011
Assets Euro m Euro m Non-current assets Property, plant and equipment 1 341 1 267 Goodwill 459 441 Other intangible assets 319 314 Investments in associated 9 7 undertakings Deferred income tax assets 309 349 Financial assets held at fair 71 70 value through profit or loss Other non-current assets 233 211 2 741 2 659
Current assets Inventories 3 280 2 789 Trade and other receivables 934 597 Derivative financial instruments 36 148 Prepayments 120 119 Financial assets held at fair 2 163 2 154 value through profit or loss Cash at bank and on hand 1 432 1 227 7 965 7 034 Total assets 10 706 9 693 Equity and liabilities Equity attributable to owners of the parent company Share capital 334 334 Treasury shares (530) ( 325) Hedge and share option reserves 233 305 Cumulative translation 1 319 892 adjustment reserve Retained earnings 6 287 5 774 7 643 6 980 Non-controlling interest 13 12 Total equity 7 656 6 992
Liabilities Non-current liabilities Borrowings 23 120 Deferred income tax liabilities 30 35 Retirement benefit obligations 36 38 Provisions 150 137 Other long-term financial 120 158 liabilities 359 488 Current liabilities Trade and other payables 811 825 Current income tax liabilities 275 260 Borrowings 63 1 Derivative financial instruments 146 36 Provisions 139 126 Accruals and deferred income 344 294 Short-term loans 53 101 Bank overdrafts 860 570 2 691 2 213 Total liabilities 3 050 2 701 Total equity and liabilities 10 706 9 693 Sponsor RAND MERCHANT BANK (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited) Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA 50, Chemin de la Chenaie CH-1293 Bellevue - Geneva Switzerland Telephone +41 (0)22 721 3500 Telefax +41 (0)22 721 3550 www.richemont.com 11 November 2011 Notes for South African editors Acknowledging the interest in Richemont`s results on the part of South African investors, set out below are key figures from the results expressed in rand. The average euro/rand exchange rate prevailing during the period ended 30 September 2011 was 9.9383; this compares with a rate of 9.4966 during the prior period. in ZAR millions 30 September 30 September 2011 2010
Sales 41 880 30 949 + 35 % Operating profit 10 684 7 217 + 48 % Profit for the period 7 046 6 116 + 15 % Profit attributable to: Owners of the parent company 7 046 6 135 Non-controlling interest - (19) 7 046 6 116 Earnings per depository receipt - ZAR 1.2582 ZAR 1.0864 + 16 % diluted basis Headline earnings per depository ZAR 1.2651 ZAR 0.9079 + 39 % receipt - diluted basis Headline earnings per depository receipt exclude the impact of impairment and currency exchange losses amounting to ZAR 40 million (Euro 4 million). In the comparative period, one-off gains amounted to ZAR 1 007 million (Euro 106 million). Further details of these losses and gains, which conform to the JSE listing requirements, are presented in note 8.3 of the unaudited condensed consolidated interim financial statements. Richemont Securities SA Depository Receipts are issued subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement entered into on 18 December 1992, most recently amended on 16 December 2010. By holding Depository Receipts, investors acknowledge that they are bound by the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Copies of the Deposit Agreement may be obtained by investors from Richemont Securities SA or Computershare Limited. Date: 11/11/2011 08:00:00 Supplied by www.sharenet.co.za Produced by the JSE SENS Department. The SENS service is an information dissemination service administered by the JSE Limited (`JSE`). The JSE does not, whether expressly, tacitly or implicitly, represent, warrant or in any way guarantee the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information published on SENS. The JSE, their officers, employees and agents accept no liability for (or in respect of) any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential loss or damage of any kind or nature, howsoever arising, from the use of SENS or the use of, or reliance on, information disseminated through SENS.

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