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

Paris, October 15, 2020

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, the world’s leading luxury products 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, LVMH 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 the Group’s 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:

* 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, LVMH 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. LVMH 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

  

ANNEX

LVMH – Revenue by business group and by quarter

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

LVMH

LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton is represented in Wines and Spirits by a portfolio of brands that includes Moët & Chandon, Dom Pérignon, Veuve Clicquot Ponsardin, Krug, Ruinart, Mercier, Château d’Yquem, Domaine du Clos des Lambrays, Château Cheval Blanc, Colgin Cellars, Hennessy, Glenmorangie, Ardbeg, Belvedere, Woodinville, Volcán de Mi Tierra, Chandon, Cloudy Bay, Terrazas de los Andes, Cheval des Andes, Cape Mentelle, Newton, Bodega Numanthia, Ao Yun, Château d'Esclans and Château du Galoupet. Its Fashion and Leather Goods division includes Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior Couture, Celine, Loewe, Kenzo, Givenchy, Pink Shirtmaker, Fendi, Emilio Pucci, Marc Jacobs, Berluti, Nicholas Kirkwood, Loro Piana, RIMOWA, Patou and Fenty. LVMH is present in the Perfumes and Cosmetics sector with Parfums Christian Dior, Guerlain, Parfums Givenchy, Kenzo Parfums, Perfumes Loewe, Benefit Cosmetics, Make Up For Ever, Acqua di Parma, Fresh, Fenty Beauty by Rihanna and Maison Francis Kurkdjian. LVMH's Watches and Jewelry division comprises Bvlgari, TAG Heuer, Chaumet, Dior Watches, Zenith, Fred and Hublot. LVMH is also active in selective retailing as well as in other activities through DFS, Sephora, Le Bon Marché, La Samaritaine, Groupe Les Echos, Cova, Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, Royal Van Lent, Belmond and Cheval Blanc hotels.

“This document may contain certain forward looking statements which are based on estimations and forecasts. By their nature, these forward looking statements are subject to important risks and uncertainties and factors beyond our control or ability to predict, in particular those described in LVMH’s Universal Registration Document which is available on the website (). These forward looking statements should not be considered as a guarantee of future performance, the actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by them. The forward looking statements only reflect LVMH’s views as of the date of this document, and LVMH does not undertake to revise or update these forward looking statements. The forward looking statements should be used with caution and circumspection and in no event can LVMH and its Management be held responsible for any investment or other decision based upon such statements. The information in this document does not constitute an offer to sell or an invitation to buy shares in LVMH or an invitation or inducement to engage in any other investment activities.”

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