Financials

LVMH’s Q1 Watch, Jewelry Sales Pass Billion-Euro Mark

FinancialsApr 12, 2019

LVMH’s Q1 Watch, Jewelry Sales Pass Billion-Euro Mark

Bulgari was a top performer in both watches and jewelry.

013119_Bulgari-minute.jpg
The Octo Finissimo watch, introduced at Baselworld in 2016, was among the top sellers for Bulgari in Q1, LVMH said.

Paris—LVMH had a strong start to its fiscal year, with watch and jewelry sales climbing past the billion-euro mark in its first quarter.

Quarterly sales of LVMH-owned watch and jewelry brands totaled €1.05 billion ($1.19 billion) compared with €959 million ($1.08 billion) a year ago, a 9 percent increase.

Organic (like-for-like) revenue growth was 4 percent, with jewelry leading the charge. Bulgari’s iconic Serpenti, Divas’ Dream and Lvcea lines as well as its Fiorever collection had an especially strong first quarter.

During its earnings call Wednesday announcing first quarter results, LVMH executives also addressed the recently concluded Baselworld show, including answering the question: Will LVMH return to the watch and jewelry trade show in 2020?

“We once again had a successful participation in Baselworld this year in which we introduced a number of newer launches,” said Chris Hollis, director of financial communications.

The most well-received new timepieces exhibited at the watch and jewelry trade show included Hublot’s Classic Fusion Ferrari GT and Bulgari’s Octo Finissimo Chronograph GMT Automatic.

During the question-and-answer segment of the call, Bernstein analyst Luca Solca asked what the company’s plans are for Baselworld going forward since a number of major players, including Swatch Group, have dropped out.

“As far as Baselworld is concerned, I have to announce, I mean, we are one of the biggest players in this universe. You have seen the action taken by the others not only this year but over the last few years, which is obviously a reason for us to think about it, but we have not taken any decision and have nothing to announce,” Chief Financial Officer Jean-Jacques Guiony said.

Headquartered in Paris, LVMH Moёt Hennessy Louis Vuitton is to luxury products what Procter & Gamble is to consumer staples with its household name brands spanning jewelry, watches, wines and spirits, leather goods, perfumes, and cosmetics.

Total quarterly revenue when including all the luxury conglomerate’s divisions rose 11 percent to €12.54 billion ($14.16 billion) compared with €10.85 billion ($12.25 billion) a year ago.

While other retailers are facing a slowdown in sales in China, LVMH saw sales in Asia climb 17 percent organically, accounting for 35 percent of its total revenue, more than any other region.

Sales in the United States rose 8 percent while sales in Europe were up 7 percent.

Revenue from LVMH’s fashion and leather goods segment totaled €5.11 billion ($5.77 billion), a 15 percent increase in organic revenue compared with

€4.27 billion ($4.82 billion) a year ago.

Its iconic Louis Vuitton brand continued to be a best-seller, so much so that the company said it has opened a new leather workshop in France to meet demand and limit stock shortages.

The perfumes and cosmetics segment saw organic revenue growth of 9 percent to €1.68 billion ($1.9 billion) compared with €1.5 billion ($1.7 billion) a year ago.

LVMH’s wine and spirits segment reported organic revenue growth of 9 percent to €1.35 billion ($1.52 billion) compared with €1.19 billion ($1.34 billion) a year ago.

Hennessy cognac volumes increased double digits, seeing strong growth in the U.S. and Chinese markets.

The selective retailing segment, which includes Sephora and duty-free stores, saw organic revenue growth of 8 percent to €3.51 billion ($3.96 billion) compared with €3.1 billion ($3.5 billion) a year ago.

LVMH’s retail network spans 70 brands and 4,950 stores worldwide, as per its annual report.
Lenore Fedowis the senior editor, news at National Jeweler, covering the retail beat and the business side of jewelry.

The Latest

The Gemological Institute of America’s logo
Lab-GrownJun 04, 2025
GIA Reverting to More General Terminology for Lab-Grown Diamonds

It will quit assigning the stones specific color and clarity grades in favor of applying “new descriptive terminology.”

Exterior of the Venetian and the Las Vegas Sphere
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
As JCK Talks Returns, Don’t Miss These 12 Sessions

From design trends to sustainability, here’s a roundup of can’t-miss education sessions at JCK Las Vegas.

JCK show
CrimeJun 04, 2025
10 Safety Tips for the Las Vegas Shows

The Jewelers’ Security Alliance offers advice for those attending the annual trade shows.

DCA-student-cert-NJ1872x1052-2.png
Brought to you by
The True Power Behind the Counter: Why Sales Associates Are the Heart of the Jewelry Business

When investing in your jewelry business, it's important not to overlook the most crucial element of success: the sales associates.

Amy Curran
MajorsJun 04, 2025
Amy Curran Promoted at Hill & Co.

Her new role is director of strategic initiatives.

Weekly QuizMay 30, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Daymond John
Events & AwardsJun 04, 2025
Daymond John to Give Keynote at JCK Las Vegas

The entrepreneur and “Shark Tank” star will share his top tips for success.

The eight rings in Viviana Langhoff’s AU79 jewelry collection
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
In Her Latest Collection, Viviana Langhoff Is Leaning Into Gold

The designer is embracing bold pieces with weight to them in “AU79,” a collection she celebrated with a creative launch party.

Article Image 1.png
Brought to you by
Clienteling Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s an Essential Business Model.

More shoppers are walking out without buying. Here’s how smart jewelers can bring them back—and the tool they need to do it right.

Woman’s hand holding shopping bags
SurveysJun 03, 2025
Consumer Confidence Improves in May

The index partially rebounded after months of decline, due in part to the U.S.-China deal to temporarily reduce import tariffs.

Dakota Johnson as Roberto Coin Brand Ambassador
CollectionsJun 03, 2025
Dakota Johnson Is Roberto Coin’s New Brand Ambassador

The actress stars in the latest campaign set in Venice, Italy, and is set to participate in other creative initiatives for the jeweler.

Mason Kay Jade necklace
GradingJun 03, 2025
Mason-Kay Jade Adds ‘Fei Cui’ to Jade Reports

The company has joined other labs, including GIA and Lotus Gemology, in adopting the Chinese term for "jadeite jade."

Gemfields ruby
SourcingJun 02, 2025
Gemfields’ June Auction to Include 36-Carat Ruby

The large stone will be offered at its June sale along with a selection of secondary-type rubies from a new area of the Montepuez mine.

Adobe Stock image of skyline of Bangkok, Thailand
GradingJun 02, 2025
GSI Opens New Lab in Thailand

Located in Bangkok, the laboratory is Gemological Science International’s 14th location worldwide.

Seaman Schepps pearl earrings
TrendsJun 02, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Three Gems for June

Those born in June have a myriad of options for their birthstone jewelry.

David Allouche
SourcingJun 02, 2025
David Allouche Joins Grandview Klein Diamonds

The diamond industry veteran has been named its senior sales executive.

Zoë Chicco Bracelets
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Tariffs & Designers: Navigating Pricing in an Unstable Environment

Between tariffs and the sky-high cost of gold, designers enter this year’s Las Vegas shows with a lot of questions and few answers.

Renato Cipullo Hematite Blaze Necklace
CollectionsMay 30, 2025
Piece of the Week: Renato Cipullo’s ‘Hematite Blaze’ Necklace

Designed by founder Renato and his daughter Serena Cipullo, it showcases a flame motif representing unity and the power of gathering.

Stock image of shipping containers
Policies & IssuesMay 30, 2025
Trade Court Declares Trump’s Tariffs Invalid

However, the tariffs remain in effect in the short term, as an appeals court has stayed the U.S. Court of International Trade’s decision.

Britney Spears
CollectionsMay 29, 2025
Britney Spears Files Trademark for New Jewelry Line

The pop icon is one step closer to launching her “B Tiny” jewelry collection, a collection she first began posting about last fall.

Inoveo Platinum Grain image.jpg
Supplier BulletinMay 29, 2025
Inoveo Platinum Grain, Exclusively Distributed by Stuller

Sponsored by Stuller

Grizzly Mining Pilala emerald
SourcingMay 29, 2025
Grizzly Auctions 6,620-Carat Emerald

It was featured in the miner’s latest sale, which brought in $24.8 million.

GemFind Logo
TechnologyMay 29, 2025
GemFind Launches AI Product Description Software

GemText AI uses artificial intelligence to generate tailored product titles, descriptions, and tags with jewelry-specific language.

Graff Fontainebleau Las Vegas
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Graff Unveils New Las Vegas Flagship

The 3,300-square foot location is the jeweler's largest store in North America.

Kim Kardashian
CrimeMay 28, 2025
8 Convicted in Kim Kardashian Jewelry Heist Trial

Aging and with myriad health issues, none will serve time for their roles in robbing the billionaire celebrity at gunpoint in 2016.

New York Liberty 2024 WNBA Championship Ring
CollectionsMay 28, 2025
NY Liberty’s 2024 Championship Rings Honor Historic Win

The WNBA team received rings imbued with meaning, from leaf motifs and its Liberty torch to the number of diamonds used.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 28, 2025
Andrew Rickard Named JBT President

A longtime executive at RDI Diamonds, Rickard has served on the JBT board for the past five years.

Logos for Manufacturing Jewelers & Suppliers of America and Jewelers of America
MajorsMay 27, 2025
MJSA to Become Part of Jewelers of America

The two organizations have signed an affiliation agreement that’s expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy