Luxury Cosmetics Rise at LVMH

Luxury leader LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton recorded recorded revenue of €29.1 billion—$39.6 billion— in 2013, an increase of 4% over the previous year. Organic revenue growth was 8%, according to the company, which markets leading luxury cosmetics ad fragrances as well as well known fashion brands and wine and alcohol.

The group maintained good momentum in the United States and Asia, and continued to grow in Europe, despite the challenging economic environment.

“2013 saw another excellent performance from LVMH despite exchange rate volatility and slower growth in the European markets,” noted Bernard Arnault, chairman and CEO of LVMH. “Profit from recurring operations exceeded €6 billion for the first time.
Among the highlight noted by the company as the “strength and success of the iconic lines from Parfums Christian Dior.
 
According to LVMH, the perfumes and cosmetics business group outperformed the market by recording organic revenue growth of 7%, reaching €3.7 billion, or $5.0 billion. Profit from recurring operations increased by 2%.
 
Parfums Christian Dior continued its momentum and gained market share. The continued vitality of flagship lines like J’adore, which strengthened its market leadership notably in France, and Dior Homme, the international success of Rouge Dior and the development of the skin care Prestige, are remarkable. Guerlain continued to grow, supported by its fragrance La Petite Robe Noire and the rapid progress of Orchidйe impйriale. Benefit recorded a further year of strong growth. Make Up For Ever and Fresh both achieved particularly strong performances in Asia. The inauguration of the Hélios research centre at Saint-Jean-de Braye and the reopening of Guerlain’s iconic boutique at 68, Champs-Elysées, were some of the major highlights of the year.
 
LVMH’s selective retailingbusiness group, which includes Sephora, recorded organic revenue growth of 17% in 2013. Profit from recurring operations increased by 6%. The company said Sephora “continued to achieve an exceptional performance and gained market share across all its regions.” In addition, LVMH said Sephora’s online revenue is growing well. LVMH said that Sephora’s exclusive offering has been notably enhanced by the new Marc Jacobs cosmetics line.

Sephora continues to expand and upgrade its distribution network around the world and opened its first store in Thailand, a new territory.