China Weak Hermès Demand, Siemens Energy Rises, Sainsbury Outlook

On this episode of Stock Movers:
- Hermès’ sales at the start of the year were hurt by a slowdown in Chinese demand, showing that even the most resilient purveyor of high-end goods wasn’t spared the slump in the luxury industry there. First-quarter sales in Asia Pacific excluding Japan rose 1.2% at constant exchange rates, Hermès International SCA said in a statement Thursday, below the 4% gain analysts had expected. Total sales in the period reached €4.1 billion ($4.7 billion), with the 7.2% growth falling slightly shy of analysts’ estimates. Shares slid as much as 4.2% in early Paris trading.
- Siemens Energy AG shares surged after the company substantially raised its revenue and net income outlook for the fiscal year, citing demand for gas turbines, gas services and electricity products. The German manufacturer expects comparable revenue to grow as much as 15% this fiscal year through September, up from as much as 10% previously, the company said in a Wednesday pre-releasing quarterly earnings. Net income will rise to as much as €1 billion, up from a previous about break-even guidance.
- J Sainsbury Plc expects profits to be little changed this year as higher costs and intense competition put pressure on supermarket groups. Britain’s second-largest grocer forecast underlying operating profit from retail of about £1 billion ($1.3 billion), around the same level as last year. It’s the first time Sainsbury’s has reached that mark, although its Argos brand weighed on the performance.

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