Gucci owner Kering stock down on weak earnings

Investing.com – Luxury conglomerate Kering (EPA:PRTP), best known for its Gucci brand, saw its shares tumble on Thursday after reporting a disappointing set of second-quarter results. The company’s overall sales dipped by 11% year-on-year on a constant currency basis, a steeper decline than analysts had anticipated.

Gucci's revenue declined significantly in the first half of 2024, falling 20% year-over-year to €4.1 billion. This steep drop was primarily driven by a 20% decline in directly operated retail sales. Wholesale revenue also contracted by 9%. 

The negative trend continued into the second quarter, with overall sales decreasing by 19% compared to the same period last year, reflecting weaker consumer demand across key markets. Specifically, retail sales dropped by 20%. While the company introduced a new product line that has been well-received, overall sales remained depressed due to weaker performance of existing products.

Analysts from Citigroup, in a note dated Wednesday, said its group EBIT fell by 42% year-over-year to €1.58 billion, which was slightly below market consensus estimates. This decline underscores the broader economic pressures impacting the luxury goods sector, with specific implications for Kering's operational strategy and financial outlook.

Citigroup also notes Kering's cautious guidance for the second half of 2024, projecting a 30% year-over-year decline in group EBIT. This guidance reflects management's concerns over persisting challenges in the global luxury market, including shifting consumer preferences and economic uncertainties.

Citigroup analysts maintain a "buy" rating on Kering, recognizing the company's history of successfully reviving underperforming brands. However, they caution that the current challenges may require significant time to overcome and advise investors to adopt a patient approach.

“It is disappointing but perhaps not totally surprising to see another profit warning,” said analysts from RBC Capital Markets in a note dated Wednesday. Analysts at RBC maintain an "outperform" rating on Kering with a price target of €400, recognizing the company’s long-term potential and strategic initiatives.

However, the brokerage flags that the near-term outlook remains challenging and that the share price is likely to face further downward pressure.