Kering shares up, shrugging off 2024 operating profit warning

Shares in Gucci-owner Kering rose on Thursday, shrugging off the French luxury goods company’s warning that 2024 operating income would almost halve to its lowest in years due to weak demand in China.

Kering shares were up 0.5% at 0729 GMT, after positive results from rival Hermès helped lift the broader luxury sector.

The owner of fashion brands Saint Laurent, Balenciaga and Bottega Veneta also posted a larger-than-expected 16% drop in third-quarter revenue.

The company’s stock has taken a battering this year, sliding more than 40%, making it the worst performer in the luxury sector. One trading source said the guidance cut did not come as a surprise and bad news was “priced in”.

“Kering are controlling their controllables (e.g. cost control, efficiency focus, store optimisation) in a difficult luxury environment, however relative performance is below average and FY25E margin visibility is low,” analysts at RBC said.