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Thu 27 May 2010, 7:56 CFR - Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts - Audited results
CFR
CFR                                                                             
CFR - Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts - Audited results   
for the year ended 31 March 2010 and proposed cash dividend                     
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA Depositary Receipts                           
issued by Richemont Securities AG                                               
(Incorporated in Switzerland)                                                   
ISIN: CH0045159024                                                              
Depositary Receipt Code: CFR                                                    
PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                             
Audited results for the year ended 31 March 2010 and proposed cash dividend     
Financial highlights                                                            
- Sales at Euro 5 176 million reflected a decline of 4 per cent                 
- Operating margin was 16 per cent of sales                                     
- Cash flow from operations was Euro 1 464 million compared to Euro 819 million 
in 2009                                                                         
- Net cash position improved by Euro 1 074 million to Euro 1 896 million        
- Proposed dividend: CHF 0.35 per share, representing an increase of 17 per cent
Key financial data (audited)     12 months ended 31                             
                               March                                            
In millions of euros             2010       2009      Change                    
Sales                            5 176      5 418     - 4 %                     
Gross profit                     3 191      3 417     - 7 %                     
Gross margin (%)                 61.6       63.1      - 150 bps                 
Operating profit                 830        968       -14 %                     
Operating margin (%)             16.0       17.9      -190 bps                  
Profit from continuing           603        737       -18 %                     
operations                                                                      
Earnings per share from          1.076      1.312     -18 %                     
continuing operations - diluted                                                 
basis  (Euro)                                                                   
Cash flow from operations        1 464      819       + Euro 645 m              
Net cash position                1 896      822       + Euro 1 074              
m                             
Commenting on the Group`s performance, Johann Rupert, Executive Chairman and    
Chief Executive Officer of Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA, said:             
"Richemont has weathered the economic crisis to date and is in a strong         
financial position. Our businesses reacted quickly and positively to the        
downturn in demand and have grown market share. On behalf of shareholders, I    
would like to thank all of Richemont`s employees, around the world, for the     
commitment and dedication that they have shown to the Group during these        
difficult times. We are ready to capitalise on growth opportunities in new      
markets and to meet demand in established markets once the economic situation   
improves. Key drivers of the Group`s future success will be innovation and      
creativity, which have always been hallmarks of the Maisons. There will still be
plenty of challenges ahead but I am confident that Richemont`s Maisons will     
surmount them."                                                                 
This document contains forward-looking statements as that term is defined in the
United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-   
looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may 
differ materially from the forward-looking statements as a result of a number of
risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside the Group`s control.         
Richemont does not undertake to update, nor does it have any obligation to      
provide updates of or to revise, any forward-looking statements.                
Executive Chairman`s Commentary                                                 
Overview                                                                        
The last 18 months or so has been a challenging period in Richemont`s history.  
The global economic crisis, which stemmed from the over-expansion of credit, saw
consumer confidence in most markets collapse in late 2008 after a boom period up
to September of that year.                                                      
The first six months of the year under review were measured against the strong  
comparatives of the first half of 2008/09.  The Group`s retail sales were lower 
and the wholesale business in the Americas and Europe contracted substantially  
as our partners in the watch retail sector de-stocked.  We have seen a recovery 
in demand in the second half of the year, albeit measured against easier        
comparative figures.                                                            
Despite the difficulties the Group has experienced, Richemont has come through  
the recession in good shape.  The measures that we introduced in 2008 to limit  
capital expenditure, to focus boutique openings in high-growth markets, to limit
production and inventory build-up and to keep costs under strict control were   
timely and effective. Although we have had to take prudent measures to preserve 
the Group`s profitability and cash flow, such decisions have always been taken  
with a view to the long-term development of the Group.                          
Results                                                                         
The results for the year were, in the circumstances, good.  The limited decline 
in sales over the year as a whole resulted in a reduction in operating profit   
from Richemont`s luxury business of 14 per cent to Euro 830 million.  Excluding 
the impact of discontinued operations from the prior year`s figures, profit     
after taxation was down by 18 per cent to Euro 603 million.  The Group`s net    
cash position increased by Euro 1 074 million during the year to reach Euro 1   
896 million by 31 March 2010.                                                   
Dividend                                                                        
Based upon the results for the year, the Board has proposed a dividend for the  
year of CHF 0.35 per share, an increase of 17 per cent over last year`s level.  
Business developments                                                           
We have taken advantage of this difficult period to optimise the Group`s        
operations.  Starting in 2008, the Maisons` own boutique networks were          
critically reviewed and during the year under review a number of boutiques were 
closed.  The quality of the boutique network is therefore being improved.       
Equally, the Maisons have analysed their third-party distribution arrangements  
and again steps have been taken to strengthen the network, resulting in cutbacks
in the number of external points of sale in some key markets, most notably in   
the United States.                                                              
The Asia-Pacific region was significantly less impacted by the global crisis    
than was initially feared.  Richemont`s Maisons were already well positioned in 
the region and in the growing market of mainland China.  Our strategy in China  
is to continue to develop our distribution network and to ensure that we are    
able to offer customers a high-quality shopping experience in keeping with the  
values of the Maisons.  Linked to this, we have established our own distribution
infrastructure to service the market and, most importantly, have set up a       
comprehensive after sales service organisation and training schools to develop  
the necessary skill sets for our staff in China.                                
During this severe economic downturn, Richemont has at the same time been       
prudent while continuing to invest for the long term. NET-A-PORTER.COM          
illustrates this strategy. On April 1st, we announced plans for Richemont to    
significantly increase its interest in this internet-based fashion retailer.    
Today, NET-A-PORTER is a highly successful, customer-oriented luxury fashion    
retailer. Established in 2000, it features collections from over 300 of the     
world`s leading designers and offers unrivalled customer service; it ships to   
over 170 countries worldwide and recently celebrated its millionth order. Its   
unaudited turnover for its financial year ended 31 January 2010 was             
approximately Pound 120 million. NET-A-PORTER will continue to operate as an    
independent entity within the Group, building on its success to date, and will  
be able to draw on Richemont to support its international development plans. We 
encourage you to visit NET-A-PORTER`s website at www.net-a-porter.com           
Outlook                                                                         
Richemont has weathered the economic crisis to date and is in a strong financial
position. Our businesses reacted quickly and positively to the downturn in      
demand and have grown market share.  They are ready to capitalise on growth     
opportunities in new markets and to meet demand in established markets once the 
economic situation improves. Sales in the first quarter of 2010 have continued  
to follow the trend seen in the pre-Christmas period and sales in the month of  
April were 24 per cent above the prior year`s depressed levels, primarily driven
by wholesale sales.                                                             
Key drivers of the Group`s future success will be innovation in terms of        
product, distribution and markets as well as creativity, which have always been 
hallmarks of the Maisons. There will still be plenty of challenges ahead but we 
are confident that Richemont`s Maisons will surmount them.                      
Johann Rupert                                                                   
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer                                  
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA                                               
Geneva, 27 May 2010                                                             
Financial Review                                                                
in Euro millions               31 March     31 March 2009                       
                             2010                                               
                                           re-presented                         
Sales                          5 176        5 418          - 4 %                
Cost of sales                  (1 985)      (2 001)                             
Gross profit                   3 191        3 417          - 7 %                
Net operating expenses         (2 361)      (2 449)        - 4 %                
Selling and distribution       (1 277)      (1 235)        + 3 %                
expenses                                                                        
Communication expenses         ( 506)       ( 644)         - 21 %               
Administration expenses        ( 545)       ( 542)         + 1 %                
Other operating                ( 33)        ( 28)          n/a                  
(expense)/income                                                                
                                                                                
Operating profit                830          968           - 14 %               
                                                                                
Sales                                                                           
Following a period of record levels of sales and profitability until 30         
September 2008, Richemont was affected by the difficult trading environment from
October 2008 onwards. As a consequence, full year sales were down 4 per cent at 
current exchange rates and 5 per cent at constant exchange rates versus a year  
ago. During the first half of the year under review, wholesale sales in those   
regions most affected by the financial crisis, particularly the Americas and    
Europe, were particularly depressed as trade partners sought to reduce their    
inventory levels. Sales through the Group`s own boutique network were generally 
more resilient. Consequently, sales in the first six months of the year were 15 
per cent lower. During the second six months of the year under review, whilst   
trading conditions remained challenging, sales were 7 per cent higher: in the   
comparative period of fiscal 2009, sales were 5 per cent lower.                 
Gross profit                                                                    
The gross margin percentage declined by 1.5 percentage points to 61.6 per cent  
of sales. The lower margin primarily results from the lower levels of           
manufacturing capacity utilisation and the strengthening of the Swiss franc     
during the year. With almost all of the Group`s watchmaking facilities being    
located in Switzerland (A. Lange & Sohne is based in Germany), the Swiss franc  
is of particular importance to the Group`s cost of sales. The lower gross margin
percentage, combined with the decrease in the value of sales, led to a gross    
profit decrease of 7 per cent.                                                  
Operating profit                                                                
Strict cost discipline resulted in net operating expenses decreasing by 4 per   
cent overall. Selling and distribution expenses were marginally higher than the 
prior year, with cost savings from the established network more than offset by  
the additional costs of the expansion of the boutique network, particularly in  
the Asia-Pacific region. The 21 per cent decrease in respect of communication   
expenses partly reflected the timing of the annual Salon International de la    
Haute Horlogerie (`SIHH`) event; due to the change of the event from April to   
January in 2009, the cost of the two events was absorbed during the comparative 
year. Administration costs were in line with the prior year.                    
The decrease in gross profit of Euro 226 million resulted in an operating profit
decline of 14 per cent despite the cost control measures. The decline in        
operating margin was contained to 1.9 percentage points to 16.0 per cent in the 
year under review.                                                              
Profit for the year                                                             
in Euro millions                              31       31 March 2009            
                                            March                               
                                            2010                                
re-presented              
Operating profit - continuing operations       830      968                     
Net finance costs                             ( 137)   ( 101)                   
Profit before taxation                         693      867                     
Taxation                                      ( 94)    ( 133)                   
Share of post-tax results of associated        4        3                       
undertakings                                                                    
Profit from continuing operations              603      737                     
(Loss) / profit from discontinued operations  ( 3)      339                     
Profit for the year                            600     1 076                    
                                                                                
Attributable to shareholders                   599     1 075                    
Attributable to minority interests             1        1                       
Profit for the year                            600     1 076                    
Earnings per share from continuing operations Euro     Euro 1.312               
- diluted basis                               1.076                             

The 18 per cent decline in profit from continuing operations included the       
following factors:                                                              
- Net finance costs amounted to Euro 137 million, of which Euro 132 million     
relates to currency translation losses on net financial assets as a result of a 
stronger Swiss franc against the Euro. The majority of the Group`s financial    
assets are Euro-denominated cash and liquid bond funds held by a Swiss franc    
entity.  Upon translation, there is no effect on the Group`s equity position.   
- The Group`s effective taxation rate was 13.7 per cent compared with 15.7 per  
cent last year.  The lower rate is due principally to an increase in deferred   
tax assets relating to the Group`s share option plan and an increase in the     
share of profit generated in lower tax jurisdictions, such as Hong Kong.        
- A Euro 4 million profit related to the Group`s share of the results of        
associated companies.                                                           
Losses from discontinued operations amounted to Euro 3 million. In the          
comparative year, the reported profit from discontinued operations primarily    
related to the share of income in respect of the equity accounted interest in   
British American Tobacco plc for the period to 20 October 2008 when it was      
effectively distributed to shareholders as part of the Group`s restructuring.   
As a consequence, profit for the year was Euro 600 million, compared to Euro 1  
076 million in the prior year.                                                  
To comply with the South African practice of providing headline earnings per    
share (`HEPS`) data, the relevant figure for headline earnings for the year     
ended 31 March 2010 would be Euro 611 million (2009: Euro 1 093 million).       
Diluted HEPS for the year was Euro 1.092 (2009: Euro 1.948). Further details    
regarding HEPS may be found in note 29 of the Group`s consolidated financial    
statements.                                                                     
Cash flow statement                                                             
in Euro millions                   31 March 2010  31 March 2009                 
Operating profit including losses   827            951                          
from discontinued operations                                                    
Depreciation, amortisation and      314            229                          
other non-cash items                                                            
Decrease/(increase) in working      323           ( 361)                        
capital                                                                         
Cash generated from operations     1 464           819                          
Dividends received from associates  1              343                          
Interest (paid)/received           ( 5)            36                           
Taxation paid                      ( 82)          ( 179)                        
Net acquisitions of tangible fixed ( 147)         ( 293)                        
assets                                                                          
Net acquisitions of intangible     ( 28)          ( 43)                         
assets                                                                          
Net cash flow in respect of short- ( 379)         -                             
term bond funds                                                                 
Other investing activities, net     35            ( 127)                        
Net cash inflow before financing    859            556                          
activities                                                                      
Dividends paid                     ( 110)         ( 438)                        
Decrease in borrowings and other   ( 156)         ( 59)                         
financing activities                                                            
Distribution of discontinued       -              ( 351)                        
operations, net of cash disposed                                                
of                                                                              
Net cash flow in respect of        ( 99)          ( 84)                         
treasury units and shares                                                       
Net change in cash and cash         494           ( 376)                        
equivalents                                                                     
Cash and cash equivalents at the   1 363          1 771                         
beginning of the year                                                           
Reclassification of cash held in   ( 956)         -                             
bond funds                                                                      
Exchange rate effects               39            ( 32)                         
Cash and cash equivalents at end    940           1 363                         
of year                                                                         
Short-term bond funds              1 339          -                             
Borrowings                         ( 383)         ( 541)                        
Net cash at the end of the year    1 896           822                          

Cash generated from operations totalled Euro 1 464 million for the year.        
Compared to the prior year, the Euro 684 million decrease in working capital was
largely due to lower inventory levels resulting from measures taken to reduce   
manufacturing output and to movements in liabilities in respect of foreign      
exchange hedging activities.                                                    
At Euro 147 million, net acquisitions of tangible fixed assets were nearly      
halved compared to the previous year. This amount included selected investments 
in the Group`s network of boutiques as well as limited further investment in    
manufacturing facilities.                                                       
Investing activities reported during the year included further investments in   
short-term liquid bond funds. Net of disposals, these acquisitions amounted to  
Euro 379 million.                                                               
During the year under review, the Group bought back 10 million `A` shares       
through the market. The share buy-back programme was implemented largely to     
hedge the Group`s increased exposure in respect of its own shares, linked to the
restructuring effected in 2008. The gross cost of these purchases, at Euro 153  
million, was partly offset by proceeds from the exercise of stock options by    
executives, leading to a net cash outflow of Euro 99 million.                   
Summarised balance sheet                                                        
in Euro millions                         31 March     31 March                  
                                       2010         2009                        
Non-current assets                                                              
Fixed assets                             1 527        1 534                     
Other non-current assets                  622          642                      
                                        2 149        2 176                      
Net current assets excluding cash and    1 753        2 028                     
cash equivalents                                                                
Inventories                              2 260        2 422                     
Debtors and other current assets          723          781                      
Current liabilities                      (1 230)      (1 175)                   
Other non-current liabilities excluding  ( 138)       ( 191)                    
borrowings                                                                      
Net operating assets                     3 764        4 013                     
Net cash                                 1 896         822                      
Cash and cash equivalents                 940         1 363                     
Short-term bond funds                    1 339        -                         
Borrowings                               ( 383)       ( 541)                    
                                                                                
                                        5 660        4 835                      
Equity                                                                          
Shareholders` equity                     5 658        4 832                     
Minority interests                        2            3                        
                                        5 660        4 835                      

                                                                                
Excluding cash and cash equivalents, the Euro 275 million decrease in net       
current assets compared to March 2009 is primarily attributable to the Euro 162 
million decline in the value of net inventories to Euro 2 260 million.          
At 31 March 2010, net cash amounted to Euro 1 896 million, an increase of Euro 1
074 million during the year. The Group`s holdings of short-term liquid bond     
funds, which were reported within cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2009,   
were reclassified as a distinct asset class during April 2009. Liquid bond funds
and cash balances were primarily denominated in euros, whereas borrowings were  
spread across the principal currencies of the countries in which the Group has  
significant operations. Borrowings reflect the financing of net operating assets
in the countries concerned.                                                     
Shareholders` equity amounted to Euro 5 658 million, net of the cost of         
repurchased treasury shares and related instruments. At 31 March 2010, the Group
held some 20 million treasury shares, representing 3.8 per cent of the total    
number of the `A` shares in issue, as well as options to acquire a further 14   
million `A` shares.                                                             
Richemont`s balance sheet remains very strong, with shareholders` equity        
representing 73 per cent of the balance sheet compared to 65 per cent at 31     
March 2009.                                                                     
Proposed dividend                                                               
The Board has proposed an ordinary dividend of CHF 0.35 per share, up CHF 0.05  
compared to last year.                                                          
The dividend will be paid as  Gross        Withholding    Net payable           
follows:                      dividend                                          
                             per share    tax @ 35%      per share              
  Ordinary dividend          CHF 0.3500   CHF 0.1225     CHF 0.2275             
The dividend will be payable following the Annual General Meeting, which is     
scheduled to take place on Wednesday, 8 September 2010.                         
It is currently anticipated that the last day to trade Richemont `A` shares and 
Richemont South African Depository Receipts cum-dividend will be Friday, 10     
September 2010.                                                                 
The dividend on the Compagnie Financiere Richemont `A` shares will be paid on   
Thursday, 16 September 2010. The dividend in respect of the `A` shares is       
payable in Swiss francs.                                                        
The dividend in respect of Richemont South African Depository Receipts will be  
payable on Monday, 27 September 2010. The South African Depository Receipt      
dividend is payable in rand to residents of the South African Common Monetary   
Area (`CMA`) but may, dependent upon residence status, be payable in Swiss      
francs to non-CMA residents.                                                    
Review of operations                                                            
1. Analysis of sales and operating results by business area                     
Sales and operating results of the Group`s main areas of activity were as       
follows:                                                                        
in Euro millions                31 March    31 March 2009                       
                              2010                                              
                                           re-presented                         
Sales                                                                           
Jewellery Maisons               2 688       2 762          - 3 %                
Specialist watchmakers          1 353       1 437          - 6 %                
Writing instrument Maison        551         587           - 6 %                
Other                            584         632           - 8 %                
Total sales                     5 176       5 418          - 4 %                
                                                                                
Operating results                                                               
Jewellery Maisons                742         777           - 5 %                
Specialist watchmakers           231         301           - 23 %               
Writing instrument Maison        79          69            + 14 %               
Other                           ( 36)       ( 39)          + 8 %                
1 016       1 108          - 8 %                 
Corporate costs                 ( 186)      ( 140)         + 33 %               
Central support services        ( 147)      ( 139)         + 6 %                
Other operating expense, net    ( 39)       ( 1)           n/a                  

Operating profit                 830         968           - 14 %               
                                                                                
In accordance with requirements of International Financial Reporting Standard 8 
- Operating Segments, the Group has reduced the total number of reportable      
segments from five to four. Alfred Dunhill and Lancel, formerly reported as the 
`Leather and Accessories Maisons` segment, have been reported within the `Other`
segment with effect from 1 April 2009. Comparative periods have been re-        
presented accordingly. Consequently, the `Other` segment now includes all of the
Group`s Fashion and Accessories businesses, as well as the Group`s watch        
component manufacturing activities.                                             
Jewellery Maisons                                                               
Sales decreased by only 3 per cent, a notable achievement given the trading     
environment. The very top-end of the high jewellery market has not recovered    
past record levels, but the more traditional high jewellery and more accessible 
bijoux ranges did well. Watches resisted much better than the market generally, 
thanks to strong retail sales.                                                  
Operating contribution declined by 5 per cent. Nevertheless, the contribution   
margin was maintained at the high level of 28 per cent.                         
Cartier saw only a marginal decline in sales and profitability and was able to  
make the most of its broad geographic coverage and leading position in growth   
markets.                                                                        
Van Cleef & Arpels was also resilient, albeit to a lesser extent, due to a      
proportionately higher exposure to Europe and the US.                           
Specialist Watchmakers                                                          
Sales by the Group`s specialist watchmakers are made principally to third party 
retailers. Many such retailers prudently sought to reduce their inventories     
during the latter part of the 2009 financial year and the first half of the year
under review, given the impact of the financial crisis which began in September 
2008 on their own businesses. Consequently, orders for new stock were           
significantly curtailed. As a result, the Group`s specialist watchmakers        
reported a sales decrease of 17 per cent during the first six months of the year
under review. Sales in the second half of the year under review increased       
against the low comparative base seen in the prior year, thus limiting the year-
on-year decline to 6 per cent.                                                  
Piaget and Vacheron Constantin performed particularly well and were able to grow
sales in this difficult period.                                                 
While all Maisons, with the exception of Roger Dubuis and Baume & Mercier,      
remained profitable, their contribution margin decreased by 4 percentage points 
to 17 per cent of sales. This decrease was primarily due to reductions in gross 
margin, reflecting a stronger Swiss franc in particular, as well as the slowdown
in sales and production. Excluding the two loss-making Maisons, the contribution
margin would be above 20 per cent, reflecting the strength of this portfolio.   
The slowdown prompted the watchmaking Maisons to effectively reduce             
manufacturing output to limit a build-up of inventory. The favourable year-on-  
year impact on profit arising from two SIHH events in the prior year was        
partially offset by a one-off charge relating to the Roger Dubuis business and  
the costs associated with the reduction of the number of points of sale in the  
Americas and Europe.                                                            
Writing instrument Maison                                                       
Montblanc managed to contain the decline in sales to 6 per cent. This sales     
performance was achieved thanks to the resilience of writing instruments and    
watches, higher retail sales and a leading position in China. This is           
particularly encouraging given its exposure to the US, Europe and an            
`aspirational` clientele more sensitive to economic slowdowns.                  
Operating profit showed a healthy 14 per cent increase to Euro 79 million and   
the Maison`s contribution margin gained 2 percentage points to 14 per cent.     
Other businesses                                                                
The Euro 36 million loss in `Other` businesses can be primarily attributed to   
the significant decrease in sales that affected the Group`s watch component     
manufacturing activities, as they suffered from a 60 per cent fall in orders    
from other manufacturers.                                                       
Richemont`s Fashion & Accessories Maisons improved their performance. The retail
exposure, shorter life cycle and more accessible price points of leather        
products were factors in their resilience, linked to the repositioning of most  
of these Maisons. Lancel was particularly successful over the period. Alfred    
Dunhill and Lancel were close to break-even while Chloe remained profitable.    
Other Fashion & Accessories businesses in this segment include Shanghai Tang,   
Maison Alaia and Purdey.                                                        
Corporate costs                                                                 
Corporate expenses, which principally represent the costs of central management,
marketing support and other central functions, as well as other expenses and    
income which are not allocated to specific business areas, including foreign    
exchange hedging gains and losses, were kept under tight control. Central       
support service expenses increased by 6 per cent to Euro 147 million. Excluding 
asset impairment charges and fees in respect of the NET-A-PORTER transaction,   
central support service expenses were in line with the prior year. Other        
operating expenses included losses of Euro 14 million relating to the Group`s   
exchange rate hedging programme, which are charged to the gross margin. In the  
comparative period, unallocated exchange rate hedging gains amounted to Euro 12 
million.                                                                        
2. Sales by region                                                              
                                           Movement at:                         
                                           Constant       Actual                
in Euro millions    31 March   31 March     exchange       exchange             
                  2010       2009         rates*        rates                   
                                                                                
Europe              2 099      2 363        - 11 %         - 11 %               
Asia-Pacific        1 740      1 474        + 17 %         + 18 %               
Americas             712        889         - 20 %         - 20 %               
Japan                625        692         - 17 %         - 10 %               
                   5 176      5 418        - 5 %          - 4 %                 
*Note: movements at constant exchange rates are calculated translating          
underlying sales in local currencies into euros in both the current year and the
comparative year at the average exchange rates applicable for the financial year
ended 31 March 2009.                                                            
Europe                                                                          
Within the Group`s number one region, with 40 per cent of consolidated sales,   
sales declined by 11 per cent to end just above the level seen in 2007. The     
beginning of the year was difficult, with sales down by 21 per cent for the     
first six months. November was the turning point. Sales rose by a modest 1 per  
cent in the second half.                                                        
Demand from the local European clientele was particularly affected, while sales 
to third party nationals from Eastern Europe, the Middle-East and Asia were more
resilient.                                                                      
Asia-Pacific                                                                    
Up 17 per cent at constant exchange rates compared to the prior year, sales in  
the region recorded their fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth. Asia-  
Pacific now represents 34 per cent of Group sales. This strong performance was  
broad-based across the region, leveraging the Maisons` continued expansion of   
their distribution networks in that market. Hong Kong, mainland China and Macau,
all enjoyed double-digit growth in sales. Sales in Taiwan, Singapore and Korea  
grew as well, albeit at a lower rate.                                           
Americas                                                                        
The Americas region, now 14 per cent of Group sales, registered a 20 per cent   
reduction in sales. The significant decline is entirely attributable to the US  
where, after years of double-digit growth, sales fell dramatically. This        
collapse in the first half of the year under review was followed by a rebound in
the second half of the year, when sales rose by 8 per cent, partly explained by 
easier comparative figures.                                                     
Japan                                                                           
The Japanese market, Richemont`s second largest single market with 12 per cent  
of Group sales, remained challenging throughout the year for luxury businesses  
generally. Yen-denominated sales declined by 17 per cent. The appreciation of   
the yen over the period softened the decline to 10 per cent in euro terms.      
3. Sales by distribution channel                                                
in Euro millions               31 March      31 March                           
                             2010          2009                                 
Retail                         2 385         2 304       + 4 %                  
Wholesale                      2 791         3 114       - 10 %                 
                              5 176         5 418       - 4 %                   
Retail                                                                          
Sales in directly operated stores proved to be quite resilient: up 4 per cent, a
performance well above the 10 per cent decline in wholesale sales. As a result, 
retail now represents 46 per cent of the Group`s sales, a historical high.      
During the year, the overall retail network of Group-owned boutiques increased  
to 817 boutiques. Store openings in growing markets, such as Hong Kong and      
mainland China, were partly offset by the closure of under-performing boutiques 
across the Group.                                                               
Wholesale                                                                       
The 10 per cent decline reflects de-stocking by watch retailers until November, 
and the continuing reduction in the number of external doors Richemont`s Maisons
deal with. Sales to franchise partners are treated as wholesale sales.          
Full consolidated financial statements                                          
Richemont`s audited consolidated financial statements for the year may be found 
on the Group`s website at http://www.richemont.com/reports.html                 
The Group`s income statement, including notes regarding the re-presentation of  
the comparative figures is presented in Appendix 1.                             
Richard Lepeu                                                                   
Deputy Chief Executive Officer                                                  
Gary Saage                                                                      
Chief Financial Officer                                                         
Presentation                                                                    
The full year results will be presented via a live internet webcast on 27 May   
2010, starting at 09:30 (CET). The direct link will be available from 07:30 at: 
http://www.richemont.com                                                        
- Live listen-only telephone connection                                         
Call one of these numbers 10 minutes before the start of the presentation:      
Europe: +41 (0) 91 610 56 00 - USA: +1 (1) 866 291 4166                         
UK: +44 (0) 207 107 0611 - Toll Free South Africa: 0800 992 635                 
- An archived video webcast and podcast of the presentation will be available   
from:                                                                           
http://www.richemont.com/reports_and_presentations.html                         
- A transcript of the presentation will be available from:                      
http://www.richemont.com/reports_and_presentations.htm                          
Annual Report                                                                   
The Richemont 2010 Annual Report and Accounts will be published on or around 14 
July 2010 and will be available for download from the Group`s website; copies   
may be obtained from the Company`s registered office or by contacting the       
Company via the website at http://www.richemont.com/contact.html                
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA                                               
Registered office:                                                              
50 chemin de la Chenaie                                                         
1293 Bellevue Geneva                                                            
Switzerland                                                                     
Tel: (+41)  (0) 22 721 3500                                                     
Fax: (+41) (0) 22 721 3550                                                      
Statutory Information                                                           
`A` shares issued by the Swiss parent company, Compagnie Financiere Richemont   
SA, are listed and traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange, (Reuters "CFR.VX" /        
Bloomberg "CFR:VX" / ISIN CH0045039655) and are included in the Swiss Market    
Index (`SMI`) of leading stocks. The Swiss `Valorennummer` is 4503965.          
South African depository receipts in respect of Richemont `A` shares are traded 
on the Johannesburg stock exchange operated by JSE Limited (Reuters "CFRJ.J" /  
Bloomberg "CFR:SJ" / ISIN CH0045159024).                                        
The closing price of the Richemont `A` share on 31 March 2010 was CHF 40.83 and 
the market capitalisation of the Group`s `A` shares on that date was CHF 21 313 
million. Over the preceding year, the highest closing price of the `A` share was
CHF 41.73 (18 March 2010), and the lowest closing price of the `A` share was CHF
18.52 (1 April 2009).                                                           
Internet: www.richemont.com                                                     
Media contacts                                                                  
Alan Grieve                                                                     
Director of Corporate Affairs                                                   
Tel: +41 22 721 3507                                                            
E-mail: pressoffice@cfrinfo.net                                                 
Investor contacts                                                               
Sophie Cagnard                                                                  
Head of Investor Relations                                                      
Tel +33 1 58 18 25 97                                                           
E-mail: investor.relations@cfrinfo.net                                          
Appendix 1                                                                      
Group results                                                                   
in Euro millions                   31 March   31 March 2009                     
2010                                           
                                             re-presented                       
Sales                              5 176      5 418         - 4 %               
Cost of sales                      (1 985)    (2 001)                           
Gross profit                       3 191      3 417         - 7 %               
Net operating expenses             (2 361)    (2 449)       - 4 %               
Operating profit                    830        968          - 14 %              
Net financial costs                ( 137)     ( 101)                            
Share of post-tax results of        4          3                                
associates                                                                      
Profit before taxation              697        870          - 20 %              
Taxation                           ( 94)      ( 133)                            
Profit from continuing operations   603        737          - 18 %              
(Loss) / profit from discontinued  ( 3)        339          n/a                 
operations, net of tax                                                          
Profit for the year                 600       1 076         - 44 %              
Analysed as follows:                                                            
attributable to shareholders        599       1 075                             
attributable to minority interests  1          1                                
                                   600       1 076                              
Earnings per share from continuing Euro       Euro 1.312    - 18 %              
operations - diluted basis         1.076                                        
Dividend per share                 CHF 0.35   CHF 0.30      17 %                
Re-presentation of the comparative period                                       
The income statement presented in this document for the period ended 31 March   
2009 has been re-presented to reflect the non-disposal of a small business unit 
previously classified as a discontinued operation. The impact on sales in the   
comparative year is nil; operating profit is now re-presented at Euro 968       
million (previously presented at Euro 982 million).                             
Consolidated financial statements                                               
The Group`s audited consolidated financial statements are available on the      
Group`s website at http://www.richemont.com/reports.html                        
Notes for South African editors                                                 
Acknowledging the interest in Richemont`s results on the part of South African  
investors, set out below are key figures from the results expressed in rand. The
average euro/rand exchange rate prevailing during the year ended 31 March 2010  
was 11.042; this compares with a rate of 12.489 during the prior year.          
in ZAR millions                     31 March     31 March                       
                                  2010         2009                             
                                                re-presented                    
Sales                               57 153       67 665        - 16             
                                                           %                    
                                                                                
Operating profit                    9 165        12 089        - 24             
%                    
                                                                                
Profit from continuing operations   6 658        9 204         - 28             
                                                           %                    
(Loss) / profit from discontinued   ( 33)        4 234         n/a              
operations                                                                      
Profit for the year                 6 625        13 438        - 51             
                                                           %                    
Analysed as follows                                                             
Net profit attributable to          6 614        13 426                         
shareholders                                                                    
Net profit attributable to minority  11           12                            
interests                                                                       
                                   6 625        13 438                          
                                                                                
Earnings per depository receipt                                                 
from                                                                            
 continuing operations - diluted   ZAR 1.1881   ZAR 1.6386    - 27              
basis                                                        %                  
                                                                                
Headline earnings per depository                                                
receipt                                                                         
 from continuing and discontinued  ZAR 1.2058   ZAR 2.4329    - 50              
 operations  - diluted basis                                %                   
No one-off charges have been disclosed in the year under review. The comparative
figure in the prior year was ZAR 987 million or Euro 79 million.                
The Group`s share of the results of its former associate, British American      
Tobacco, is included within discontinued operations in the table above.         
Subject to approval of the shareholders at the annual general meeting, scheduled
to take place on 8 September 2010, it is currently anticipated that the dividend
will be paid to Richemont Depository Receipt holders on 27 September 2010. The  
rand dividend amount per Depository Receipt will be calculated by reference to  
the Swiss franc/rand exchange rate prevailing on the currency conversion date in
September 2010.                                                                 
Richemont Securities AG Depository Receipts are issued subject to the terms of  
the Deposit Agreement dated 25 August 1988 as amended on 18 December 1992, 28   
September 2001 and 7 August 2008. By holding Depository Receipts, investors     
acknowledge that they are bound by the terms of the Deposit Agreement. Copies of
the Deposit Agreement may be obtained by investors from Richemont Securities AG 
or Computershare Limited.                                                       
Copyright Richemont 2010                                                        
Sponsor                                                                         
RAND MERCHANT BANK (a division of FirstRand Bank Limited)                       
Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA                                               
50, Chemin de la Chenaie  1293 Bellevue - Geneva Switzerland                    
Telephone +41 (0)22 721 3500  Telefax +41 (0)22 721 3550                        
www.richemont.com                                                               
27 MAY 2010                                                                     
Date: 27/05/2010 07:56:27 Produced by the JSE SENS Department.                  
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