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Kering Rallies After Q3 Shows Gucci Improving and €4 Billion Beauty Sale to L’Oréal

The first update under new CEO Luca de Meo signaled early stabilization as the group streamlines with a L’Oréal deal to bolster its finances.

Overview

  • Kering reported third-quarter revenue of €3.42 billion, down 5% on a comparable basis (10% reported) and better than expectations, with a roughly 5% negative currency effect.
  • Gucci sales fell about 14% on a comparable basis to roughly €1.3–1.34 billion, a sharp improvement from a 25% drop in Q2, helped by stronger momentum in North America and Western Europe and recent leathergoods launches.
  • Shares rose as much as about 9% in Paris trading and ended the day up 8.7% at €344.95, extending a rally since de Meo took over in September.
  • Kering agreed to sell its beauty business to L’Oréal for about €4 billion ($4.7 billion), including Creed and long-term brand licenses, and the partners plan an exclusive wellness and longevity venture.
  • Analysts praised the sequential progress and management actions—Deutsche Bank raised its price target—while others urged caution pending the full-year results and de Meo’s strategic plan expected next year.