Luxe
The French Hermès, which makes the coveted Birkin handbag, among other things, saw its net profit rise to 4.3 billion euros last year.
The French luxury group Hermès has had a record year. Net profit rose 28 percent to 4.3 billion euros and turnover increased 16 percent to 13.4 billion euros. The fashion house behind the well-known Birkin handbag, among other things, recorded growth in all regions worldwide. Employees and shareholders will share in the profits.
Asia is the most important market. Turnover increased by more than 13 percent to 7.5 billion euros, of which approximately 1.3 billion euros in Japan. The European market experienced 19 percent growth to almost 3.1 billion euros in turnover: around 1.3 billion euros in France and 1.8 billion euros elsewhere. North and South America accounted for just over 17 percent growth to 2.5 billion euros.
Bonus for employees and shareholders
Leather goods and horse saddles – the company started in Paris in the 19th century as a saddle maker – increased by almost 12 percent to 5.5 billion euros. Hermès makes, among other things, the very expensive and scarce Birkin, the bag that owes its name to the actress and singer Jane Birkin, who died last year. Clothing and accessories generated almost a quarter more turnover (3.9 billion euros). Other sectors, including perfumes and watches, also improved.
The 22,000 employees worldwide will receive a bonus of 4,000 euros, the company said. There is a dividend of 15 euros for the shareholders, 2 euros more than for the 2022 financial year. In addition, the company is proposing an additional exceptional dividend of 10 euros per share to the shareholders.
