High-end shoemaker Jimmy Choo (CHOO) walks tall with a 6.2% gain at 125p as interims reveal sales growth ahead of a challenged luxury goods market as well as margin expansion.

The British luxury accessories brand also puts a spring in the step of investors with news of a strong start to the second half in addition to flagging a positive benefit from foreign exchange moves.

VANQUISH- ELAPHE METALLIC NAPPA ZEBRA PRINT PONY- BLACKShares argued prevailing weakness presented a buying opportunity at Jimmy Choo here in June and results for the first six months of 2016 certainly confirm the international growth story still has legs; the iconic red carpet favourite highlights 9.2% top-line growth to £173.1 million at reported currency.

CEO Pierre Denis (pictured below) insists 'these results represent an excellent performance in the period, with growth and margin expansion leading to improved earnings, further enhancing the brand's track record of delivery in all market conditions. This is combined with strong underlying cash flow conversion leading to further positive steps on deleveraging.'

Pierre-Denis

Forward-looking investors latch onto Denis's flagging of 'a good start to the second half'. He remains 'optimistic about our prospects both for this year and for our performance in the future', while his chairman Peter Harf says 'the prospects for the business in its 20th year have never looked better'.

Growth was driven by the launch of key new styles in the seasonal collections as well as by the launch of a Memento collection as part of the 20th anniversary celebrations for the brand. And while women's shoes remain the core business, speaking for 76% of sales, men's shoes remain the fastest growing category and now represent 8% of global revenue.

'In total we have 71 dual gender stores globally and see the potential for continued growth in this sector, so that it will come to represent a proportion of our revenue well into double digits,' enthuses the company.

As we've consistently explained, Jimmy Choo offers exposure to a compelling combination of brand strength, pricing power, high cash conversion and global growth potential, especially in Asia, which led the way again in terms of growth with revenue gains recorded in China, Hong Kong and Japan.

Sandra-Last

'The Jimmy Choo brand, driven by Sandra Choi's (pictured above) innovative new products and collections, continues to resonate with new and existing clients and there is significant scope for long term growth for the business, particularly in Asia where we remain underpenetrated', reads the upbeat outlook statement.

Web chart - JIMMY CHOO - Aug 16

Investors also like Jimmy Choo's pronouncements on foreign exchange impacts. With a lowly 9.5% of global sales derived in sterling, yet 28% of the retailer and wholesaler's operating costs denominated in the bowed pound, 'a weaker pound will lead to a reported upside in business performance at a revenue and profit level.'

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Issue Date: 25 Aug 2016