Core Viewpoint - LVMH is facing an unprecedented crisis characterized by declining global demand, looming U.S. tariff threats, a significant drop in stock price, and a loss of personal wealth for CEO Bernard Arnault, indicating that the golden era of the luxury goods empire may be over [1][2][3] Group 1: Financial Performance - LVMH's stock price has nearly halved since its peak in April 2023, resulting in a market value loss of approximately €221 billion, with a year-to-date decline of over 30% [2] - Arnault's personal wealth has plummeted from a peak of $231 billion in March 2024 to around $149 billion, dropping him from the world's richest person to the tenth position [3] Group 2: Market Position and Competition - LVMH is no longer among the top three most valuable companies in Europe, losing its title as France's most valuable company to rival Hermès [3] - The luxury market is under pressure from U.S. tariff threats, with Arnault's long-standing relationship with former President Trump failing to yield any protective measures [3] Group 3: Structural Issues - LVMH's extensive portfolio of over 75 brands, while beneficial during prosperous times, has become a burden amid current challenges, leading to a lower valuation compared to single-brand competitors like Hermès [4][5] - The company has begun divesting underperforming brands and is considering further asset sales, including a potential split of Sephora [5] Group 4: Core Brand Challenges - The core brand Dior, which contributes 14% to LVMH's profits, has lost momentum under the leadership of Arnault's daughter, Delphine, following years of double-digit growth [6] - The Moët Hennessy division is also struggling, facing competition from cheaper alternatives and announcing layoffs of 1,200 employees, representing 13% of its workforce [6] Group 5: Succession Concerns - Arnault has not shown signs of relinquishing control, extending the CEO age limit to 85, while concerns about succession and governance are growing among investors [7] - The lack of a clear successor among Arnault's five children has led to worries about governance and potential conflicts within the family [7]