Core Insights - LVMH's sales increased by 1% in Q3, marking the first quarter of growth this year, driven by improved demand in China [1][5] - The luxury goods sector is experiencing a prolonged slump, but LVMH's performance offers some relief [1][7] Sales Performance - LVMH reported quarterly sales of 18.28 billion euros ($21.17 billion), surpassing expectations of flat sales [5] - The fashion and leather goods division, which includes brands like Louis Vuitton and Dior, saw a 2% decline compared to the previous year, but this was an improvement from a 9% drop in Q2 [4][6] Regional Trends - Notable improvement in sales trends was observed in Asia, particularly in mainland China, which turned positive in Q3 [2] - The CFO indicated that the luxury market in Asia, excluding Japan, showed "noticeable" improvement [2] Market Challenges - LVMH faces challenges in Q4, including unfavorable currency rates and ongoing economic uncertainty [2] - The luxury sector has been impacted by price hikes and economic factors such as tariffs and the real estate crisis in China [7][8] Investor Sentiment - LVMH's U.S. shares rose by 7.5% following the positive trading update, indicating a shift in investor sentiment towards the luxury sector [4]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 9.4% in Q4 and 7.2% for the year, with comparable sales decreasing by 6.7% in Q4 and 6.5% for the year [24][30] - Gross margin in Q4 was 32.9%, an increase of 49 basis points, while for the full fiscal year 2024, gross margin increased by 50 basis points to 37.2% [30][31] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $106 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.95, while for the year, adjusted net income was $167 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.50 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sephora continued to be a strong sales driver with comparable beauty sales increasing by 13%, an acceleration from Q3 [27] - The accessories business, excluding Sephora, had a flat comparable sales performance for the quarter, driven by strong performance in fashion and bridge jewelry [28] - Key growth categories, including impulse, gifting, home decor, and baby gear, showed collective outperformance, although legacy home business remained challenged [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales experienced a decline of 13.4% in Q4 and 8.7% for the year, primarily due to softness in the home category and online inventory suppression issues [26] - Store comparable sales declined by 3.1% in Q4 and were down 5.6% for the year, although store sales benefited from strong average transaction value [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to offer a curated, more balanced assortment that fulfills needs across all customers, reestablish itself as a leader in value and quality, and enhance the omnichannel platform for a frictionless shopping experience [11][12][18] - The focus will be on proprietary brands, which resonate with core loyal customers, and simplifying promotions to improve customer experience [14][17] - The company plans to rebuild cash balance, reduce reliance on revolver, and capitalize on opportunities to further reduce debt and overall leverage [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the turnaround will take time, with expectations set for gradual improvement starting in 2025 [11][22] - The macro environment presents challenges, particularly for lower-income customers who are seeking value [60][61] - Management is optimistic about the company's potential, citing a strong foundation and loyal customer base [21][22] Other Important Information - The company announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores and one e-commerce fulfillment center, resulting in a one-time charge of $76 million [33] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $466 million, with expectations for 2025 to be in the range of $400 million to $425 million [34][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of merchandising strategy and confidence in returning to growth - Management sees significant opportunities in product offerings, value, and quality, with a loyal customer base that can be better served [42][44] Question: Implications for margins with quality elevation of private brands - The focus is on balancing proprietary and national brands while improving promotional strategies to enhance customer value perception [48][50] Question: Store base evaluation and merchandise assortment mix - The company has a productive store base, with few unprofitable locations, and is focused on reallocating space effectively to meet customer needs [54][56] Question: Consumer health level in guidance - The guidance reflects uncertainty in the macro environment and the time needed for necessary changes [100] Question: Initiatives prioritization and free cash flow modeling - Short-term tactical moves are prioritized, with expectations for gradual improvement in free cash flow as inventory management progresses [68][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 9.4% in Q4 and 7.2% for the year, with comparable sales decreasing by 6.7% in Q4 and 6.5% for the year [24][30] - Gross margin in Q4 was 32.9%, an increase of 49 basis points, while for the full fiscal year 2024, gross margin increased by 50 basis points to 37.2% [30][31] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $106 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.95, while for the year, adjusted net income was $167 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.50 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sephora continued to be a strong sales driver with comparable beauty sales increasing by 13%, an acceleration from Q3 [27] - The accessories business, excluding Sephora, had flat comparable sales for the quarter, driven by strong performance in fashion and bridge jewelry [28] - The apparel business saw notable comparable sales improvement as proprietary brand inventory was rebuilt throughout the quarter [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales experienced a decline of 13.4% in Q4 and 8.7% for the year, primarily due to softness in the home category and online inventory suppression issues [26] - Store comparable sales declined by 3.1% in Q4 and were down 5.6% for the year, although store sales benefited from strong average transaction value [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to offer a curated, balanced assortment that fulfills needs across all customers, reestablish itself as a leader in value and quality, and enhance the omnichannel platform for a frictionless shopping experience [11][12][18] - The focus will be on proprietary brands that resonate with core loyal customers, while also introducing new products to drive productivity [15][16] - The company plans to simplify promotions and clarify value messaging to improve the shopping experience [17][18] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the turnaround will take time, with actions in 2025 marking the initial phase of improvement [11][22] - The macro environment presents challenges, particularly for customers with lower income levels, who are seeking value [60][61] - Management is optimistic about the company's potential, citing a strong foundation and a dedicated associate base focused on customer service [21][44] Other Important Information - The company announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores and one e-commerce fulfillment center, resulting in a one-time charge of $76 million [33] - Capital expenditures for 2025 are expected to be in the range of $400 million to $425 million, focusing on Sephora rollout and omnichannel enhancements [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of merchandising strategy and confidence in returning to growth - Management sees significant opportunity in product offerings, value, and quality, with a loyal customer base that can be better served [42][43] Question: Implications for margins with quality elevation of private brands - The focus will be on balancing proprietary and national brands, with an emphasis on improving inventory allocation and promotional strategies [48][49] Question: Store base evaluation and merchandise assortment mix - The majority of stores are profitable, and management is focused on reallocating space effectively to enhance customer experience [54][55] Question: Consumer health level in guidance - The guidance reflects uncertainty in the macro environment and the time needed for necessary changes [100] Question: Initiatives prioritization and free cash flow modeling - Short-term tactical moves are prioritized, with longer-term strategies still in development [68][71]