(Source: LuxuryBrandNetwork.com)

LVMH -- Citing "strong momentum in the first half of the year," Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault said the group "approaches the second half with confidence."  He confirmed a "tangible increase in results for 2008."  A company statement says that "LVMH will continue to grow thanks to both the numerous product launches planned before the end of the year and to its geographic expansion."

Coach -- "We believe that the consumer malaise in the U.S. will remain well into calendar 2009, significantly impacting our business," said CEO Lew Frankfurt.  "Accordingly, we will plan cautiously until we see concrete evidence of a change in consumer behavior."  Coach estimates a sales increase of at least 13% for the fiscal year started 1 July 2008. Earnings per share are forecasted to rise about 10% from last year, excluding one-time items.

Richemont -- Executive Chairman Johann Rupert warned that U.S. economic problems could affect "affordable luxury" brands like Montblanc.  He remained confident that Richemont's ultra-luxury labels, which include Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels, would continue to resist any slowdown.

BMW--Following an April-June quarter in which profits before taxes and interest plunged 58%, Chief Executive Norbert Reithofer attempted to reset expectations downward:  "We assume that 2009 will be another difficult year full of challenges."

Bulgari--CEO Francesco Trapani maintained previous guidance for the company, but tried to steer analysts to the lower end of 8-12% growth estimates for sales, operating and net profits.  "Given that difficult macroeconomic conditions in key markets are continuing, I believe that it is both reasonable and prudent to restrict the range of the increase in our revenues (at comparable exchange rates), operating profit and net profit to the lower band of the guidance already given to the market," Trapani said in a statement 01 August 2008. 

Hermes--After posting better-than-forecast Q2 sales, Finance Director Mireille Maury confirmed Hermes's 10 percent sales growth forecast for the current year, excluding the impact of currency fluctuations, disposals and acquisitions.  In the interview with Reuters, she also reiterated the company's target operating margin of 25.5%.

Polo Ralph Lauren--The Company continues to expect consolidated revenues for Fiscal 2009 to increase by a low-to-mid single digit percentage.  On 8 August 2008, the company increased its earnings per share guidance from previous estimates by 1.3%. 

Gucci--The company rebounded from a weak first quarter to post an impressive 11.1% increase in revenue in the March-June period.   "Our luxury brands are far less affected by these weakening economic conditions than our mass-market activities," said Gucci-parent PPR CFO Jean-Francois Palus. "In emerging countries, we continue to enjoy booming economic environments, driven by a very solid consumption momentum."