Italy’s Moncler posts 11% increase in first half revenues, boosted by Asia

Operating profit at Italian luxury group Moncler beat analysts’ expectations for the first half of the year, thanks in part to an 11% increase in revenues that were lifted by its performance in Asia.

The Milan-based group, known for its puffer jackets, said on Wednesday its half-year consolidated revenues totalled 1.23 billion euros ($1.34 billion), in line with a company-provided consensus.

Revenues at Moncler, the principal brand which accounts for over 80% of group sales, rose 5% in the second quarter, driven by strong growth in Japan, supported mostly by tourists, and by a positive performance on the Chinese mainland, the company said.

The group’s other brand, Stone Island, reported a decline in revenues in the second quarter, mainly due to the weak performance of its wholesale channel.

First half operating profit totalled 259 million euros, with a 21% margin on revenues, above expectations of 247 million euros.