Luxury stocks fell sharply on Wednesday after disappointing first-quarter earnings from Kering and Hermès highlighted the growing toll of the Middle East conflict on high-end spending, tourism and investor confidence. The selloff, which spread across Europe's luxury sector, signals rising concerns that geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty are derailing hopes of a recovery in the $400 billion industry.
Gucci's organic sales fell by 8%, a bigger drop than the 6% decline seen in a sell-side consensus cited by analysts. Kering's first-quarter revenue came in at 3.57 billion euros, down 6% year-on-year on a reported basis, and flat on a comparable basis at constant exchange rates.
Kering SA (PPRUY) Q1 2026 Sales/Trading Call Transcript
Seven months into the job, Luca de Meo has bought himself time as CEO of Gucci owner Kering . This week he has to prove he knows how to use it.
Kering shows early signs that revenue could stabilize in 2026, as Q4 2025 in particular showed some signs of revival. The company's profitability has weakened in the past year, though, with a sharp drop in the net margin. While a sharp pickup in earnings is possible this year, PPRUY still trades at exceptionally stretched forward valuations.
Kering SA (PPRUY) Q4 2025 Earnings Call Transcript
Kering sales fell less than expected in the fourth quarter - down 3% on the year. Flagship label Gucci, which accounts for most of Kering's profits, saw revenue dip double digits - its 10th straight quarter of decline - but that also came in better than expected, as CNBC's Charlotte Reed reports.
Gucci sales were down 16% on year. In the previous three months, the label's sales fell 18%.
Kering: Some Green Shoots, But The Turnaround Will Take Time
Here is how Kering SA (PPRUY) and Zumiez (ZUMZ) have performed compared to their sector so far this year.
Kering said the deal is part of a real-estate strategy that aims to secure retail locations for its brands, while enhancing financial flexibility.
Kering faces ongoing challenges in luxury, with Gucci and Saint Laurent under pressure. The company's sale of its beauty business to L'Oréal strengthens its balance sheet and reduces leverage, addressing key investor concerns. Q3 sales beat across brands despite limited disclosure.