AI Terminal

MODULE: AI_ANALYST
Interactive Q&A, Risk Assessment, Summarization
MODULE: DATA_EXTRACT
Excel Export, XBRL Parsing, Table Digitization
MODULE: PEER_COMP
Sector Benchmarking, Sentiment Analysis
SYSTEM ACCESS LOCKED
Authenticate / Register Log In

Hermès International

Interim / Quarterly Report Oct 6, 2016

1399_ir_2016-10-06_1798f6af-79db-4a54-aa22-e188f2ad70ed.pdf

Interim / Quarterly Report

Open in Viewer

Opens in native device viewer

HALF-YEAR REVIEW OF OPERATIONS

June 2016

Contents

  • 5 Key figures
  • 9 Half-year review of operations
  • 15 Condensed interim consolidated financial statements
  • 43 Statutory auditors' report on the interim financial information for the first half of 2016
  • 45 Statement by persons responsible for the interim financial report

This document is a free translation into English of the "Rapport semestriel d'activité", originally prepared in French, and has no other value than an informative one. Should there be any difference between the French and the English version, only the French language version shall be deemed authentic and considered as expressing the exact information published by Hermès.

Key figures

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015
financial year
First half
of 2015
Revenue 2,440.4 4,841.0 2,299.4
Operating income 826.8 1,540.7 748.2
Net income attributable to owners of the parent 545.4 972.6 482.5
Operating cash flows 699.4 1,218.2 573.9
Investments (excluding financial investments) 107.6 266.6 101.4
Shareholders equity (1) 3,863.3 3,742.0 3,227.8
Net cash position 1,513.4 1,571.2 951.9
Restated net cash (2) 1,625.4 1,614.0 1,018.3
Number of employees 12,510 12,244 11,857

(1) Corresponds to equity excluding non-controlling interests.

(2) The restated net cash includes non-liquid financial investments for the purposes of the IAS 39 standard, and borrowings.

Half-year review of operations

  • Half-year highlights
  • First-half sales
  • First-half results
  • Investments
  • Financial position
  • Subsequent events
  • 2016 outlooks
  • Risks and uncertainties
  • Related-party transactions

HALF-YEAR HIGHLIGHTS

The Group's consolidated revenues amounted to €2,440 million in the first half of 2016, up 7% at constant exchange rates (1). After adjustment for the negative currency effect, growth was 6%.

In the second quarter, the growth was sustained (+8% with constant exchange rates and +6% with current exchange rates).

At the end of June, the evolution of the exchange rates was unfavourable, resulting in a negative impact on the turnover of €25 million.

FIRST-HALF SALES

(AT CONSTANT EXCHANGE RATES, UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED)

Over the first half of 2016, revenues rose in all the regions worldwide:

– Japan (+10%) achieved an excellent performance thanks to its selective distribution network, despite the strengthening of the Yen and a particularly high comparison basis;

– Asia excluding Japan (+5%), which re-opened the Liat Towers store in Singapore in May after extension and renovation, pursued its growth. In continental China, sales continued to rise even though the context remains challenging in Hong Kong and Macao;

– America (+8%) is developing in a still uncertain context and benefits particularly from last year's extensions and renovations;

– Europe (+8%) posted growth, performing well in the Group's stores which confirm their resistance, despite the impact of recent events, particularly in France. In a more adverse context, growth was driven by the success of Leather Goods and Saddlery which confirmed its role as the mainstay of the Group.

Growth in Leather Goods and Saddlery (+16%) was remarkable, thanks to the success of the collections and the models' diversity, in particular the bags Constance, Halzan and Lindy, together with Birkin and Kelly. The development was supported by the sustained pace of production and the increase in capacities at the three sites in Charente, Isère and Franche-Comté. Investments for a third site in this latter region continue.

The Ready-to-wear and Accessories division (-2%) was down slightly, in contrast with the success of the latest women's ready-to-wear and shoe collections.

The Silk and Textiles business line (-7%) was penalized in the first semester by events in Europe, and by slowing sales in Greater China and America.

The Perfumes division (+4%) posted an increase, driven by the success of Terre d'Hermès and by the latest creations with the launch of colognes, Eau de néroli doré and Eau de rhubarbe écarlate.

Watches (+1%) remained stable, penalized by a still challenging market, particularly in Asia excluding Japan.

Other Hermès business lines (-2%) which encompass Jewellery, Art of Living and Hermès Table Arts, continued their development.

(1) Growth at constant exchange rates: the restatement of the exchange effect involves the calculation of the increase of the revenue from the current year using the exchange rate of the previous year.

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
First half
of 2015
Evolutions
published
Evolutions at
constant exchange
rates
France 352.3 328.3 7.3% 7.3%
Europe (excluding France) 433.8 406.7 6.6% 9.1%
Total Europe 786.1 735.1 6.9% 8.3%
Japan 329.8 279.7 17.9% 10.0%
Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) 856.1 842.2 1.7% 5.3%
Total Asia 1,185.9 1,121.9 5.7% 6.5%
Americas 431.6 403.8 6.9% 8.3%
Other 36.7 38.7 (4.9)% (4.9)%
TOTAL 2,440.4 2,299.4 6.1% 7.2%

in million of euros

First half
of 2016
First half
of 2015
Evolutions
published
Evolutions at
constant exchange
rates
Leather Goods and Saddlery (1) 1,231.2 1,067.4 15.3% 16.3%
Ready-to-wear and Fashion accessories (2) 517.5 534.1 (3.1)% (1.7)%
Silk and Textiles 230.3 250.6 (8.1)% (6.9)%
Other Hermès sectors (3) 150.6 154.9 (2.8)% (1.5)%
Perfumes 124.6 120.3 3.5% 3.7%
Watches 74.6 75.0 (0.5)% 0.7%
Other (4) 111.8 97.1 15.1% 15.8%
TOTAL 2,440.4 2,299.4 6.1% 7.2%

(1) The "Leather Goods and Saddlery" business line includes bags, riding, diaries and small leather goods.

(2) The "Ready-to-wear and Accessories" business line includes Hermès Ready-to-wear for men and women, belts, costume jewellery, gloves, hats and shoes.

(3) The "Other Hermès business lines" include Jewellery and Hermès home products (Hermès Art of Living and Hermès Tableware).

(4) The "Other products" include the production activities carried out on behalf of non-group brands (textile printing, tanning…), as well as the John Lobb, Saint-Louis, Puiforcat and Shang Xia products.

First-half results

The gross margin rate reached 68,4%, an increase of 1.9 points relative to first half 2015, primarily due to the favourable impact of the exchange rate hedging set up the previous year.

Selling, marketing and administrative expenses amounted to €724.2 million compared with €693.9 million at the end of June 2015, notably including €99.6 million of advertising and marketing expenses (compared with €97.1 million in the previous half-year).

Other income and expense came to €119.1 million. This includes €77 million of depreciation charges, which increased due to the sustained investments in the expansion and renovation of the distribution network. This item also includes the expense relative to the allocations of free shares that, until the end of the first half of 2015, had been included in the selling, marketing and administrative expenses.

Operating income rose 11% to reach €826.8 million compared to €748.2 million in the first half of 2015. The operational profitability represents 33.9% of sales, an increase compared to the level reached at the end of June 2015 (32.5%).

The financial result, which includes the financial income from cash investments as well as the exchange rate results, amounted to an expense of -€20.3 million compared with -€24.7 million in the first half of 2015. Non-controlling interests totalled €1.7 million, compared with €2.2 million at the end of June 2015. After an income tax expense of €267.8 million and net income from affiliated companies (proceeds of €8.4 million), the Group's consolidated net income came to €545.4 million compared with €482.5 million at the end of June 2015, a 13% increase.

INVESTMENTS

During the first half of 2016, operating and financial investments amounted to €107.6 million.

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015
financial
year
First half
of 2015
Operating
investments
107.6 252.4 100.4
Investments in
financial assets
14.2 1.0
Sub-total
(excluding
financial
investments) 107.6 266.6 101.4
Financial
investments (1)
86.8 0.2 0.5
Total
investments
194.4 266.7 102.0

(1) Financial investments correspond to the investments that do not meet the criteria for classification as cash equivalents, primarily because their maturity at inception is more than 3 months.

Financial position

Cash flow from operations reached €699.4 million, up by 22% and financed all operational investments (€107.6 million), the change in working capital needs (€117.9 million) and the payment of the ordinary dividend (€350.4 million). In the first semester, Hermès International bought back 164,924 shares for €53.6 million, outside of transactions as part of the liquidity contract. The net cash position amounted to €1,513.4 million as at 30 June 2016, compared to €1,571.2 million as at 31 December 2015. Restated net cash (including non-current financial investments for more than 3 months and borrowings) totalled €1,625.4 million as at 30 June 2016, compared with €1,614.0 million as at 31 December 2015.

After the the ordinary dividends distribution, shareholders' equity reached €3,863.3 million on 30 June 2016 (Group shareholding), against €3,742.0 million on 31 December 2015.

Subsequent events

No significant event occurred between 30 June 2016 and 13 September 2016, when the Executive Management authorised the condensed consolidated interim financial statement for issue.

2016 OUTLOOK

Thanks to its unique business model, Hermès continues its long-term development strategy based on creativity, maintaining control over know-how and singular communication.

For the full year 2016, Hermès confirms its outlook of sales growth at constant exchange rates as announced when the Q2 2016 Revenues were published. Operating margin should be slightly higher than in 2015 given the favourable impact of foreign exchange hedges taken out last year.

In the medium term, despite growing economic,

geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world, the Group confirms an ambitious goal for sales growth at constant exchange rates but not quantified anylonger (1).

RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES

The Hermès Group's results are exposed to the risks and uncertainties exposed in the 2015 Reference Document. The assessment of these risks did not change during the first half of 2016 and no new risk had been identified since the annual report publication. The main risks remain the exposure to currency fluctuations, and the changing economic situation in some parts of the world.

Related-party transactions

Transactions with related parties in the first half of 2016 are comparable to the relationships that existed in 2015. More specifically, no transaction unusual in its nature or amount was carried out during the period.

(1) Compared to the medium-term goal of around 8% revenue growth at constant exchange rates (communicated on the 4th Quarter 2014 Revenues publication), the group will no longer communicate any quantified goal due to the reinforcement of economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world, but maintains an ambitious goal for sales growth.

Condensed interim consolidated financial statements

  • Consolidated statement of income for the first half of 2016
  • Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for the first half of 2016
  • Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016
  • Consolidated statements of changes in equity as at 30 June 2016
  • Consolidated statement of cash flows for the first half of 2016
  • Notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements

Note: The values shown in the tables are generally expressed in millions of euros. In certain cases, the effects of rounding up/down can lead to a slight discrepancy on the level of the totals or variations.

Consolidated statement of income for the first half of 2016

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Revenue (Note 4) 2,440.4 4,841.0 2,299.4
Cost of sales (Note 5) (770.3) (1,642.5) (770.6)
Gross profit 1,670.1 3,198.5 1,528.8
Selling, marketing and administrative expenses (Note 6) (724.2) (1,418.9) (693.9)
Other income and expenses (Note 7) (119.1) (238.9) (86.7)
Recurring operating income (Note 4) 826.8 1,540.7 748.2
Other non-recurring income and expenses
Operating income 826.8 1,540.7 748.2
Financial result (Note 8) (20.3) (45.6) (24.7)
Pre-tax income 806.5 1,495.1 723.5
Income tax expense (Note 9) (267.8) (535.6) (248.0)
Net income from associates (Note 16) 8.4 17.7 9.2
CONSOLIDATED NET INCOME 547.1 977.2 484.7
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (Note 22) (1.7) (4.6) (2.2)
NET INCOME ATTRIBUTABLE TO OWNERS
OF THE PARENT (Note 4)
545.4 972.6 482.5
Net earnings per share (in euros) (Note 10) 5,22 9,32 4,62
Diluted net earnings per share (in euros) (Note 10) 5,20 9,26 4,59

Consolidated statement of other comprehensive income for the first half of 2016

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Consolidated net income 547.1 977.2 484.7
Variation of translation differences (Note 21.4) (16.5) 117.6 120.7
Cash flow hedging (1) (Note 21.4) (16.0) 35.7 (0.7)
– fair value variation (38.2) 22.2 (14.2)
– recycling through profit or loss 22.2 13.5 13.5
Assets available for sale (1)
– fair value variation
– recycling through profit or loss
Gains and losses recorded in equity and transferable
through profit or loss
(32.5) 153.3 119.9
Other items (1) (Note 21.4)
Commitments to the personnel: value change
linked to actuarial gains and losses (1) (Note 21.4)
(9.2)
Gains and losses recorded in equity and transferable
through profit or loss
(9.2)
Comprehensive income 514.6 1,121.2 604.6
attributable to owners of the parent 512.9 1,115.2 600.6
attributable to non-controlling interests 1.7 6.0 4.0

(1) Net of tax

Consolidated statement of financial position as at 30 June 2016

ASSETS

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Non-current assets 2,181.3 2,092.4 2,098.2
Goodwill (Note 11) 40.0 37.9 37.2
Intangible assets (Note 12) 126.4 122.3 119.8
Property, plant and equipment (Note 13) 1,297.0 1,287.4 1,245.6
Investment property (Note 14) 88.7 100.2 104.5
Financial assets (Note 15) 106.0 42.4 61.3
Investments in associates (Note 16) 84.9 85.4 103.6
Loans and deposits (Note 17) 53.8 50.6 48.9
Deferred tax assets (Note 9.2) 381.8 360.3 368.5
Other non-current assets (Note 19) 2.8 5.9 8.9
Current assets 3,066.3 3,095.2 2,450.5
Inventories and work in progress (Note 18) 993.6 949.2 1,006.4
Trade and other receivables (Note 19) 263.6 303.0 262.9
Current tax receivables (Note 19) 23.4 31.8 19.8
Other current assets (Note 19) 196.9 183.0 141.2
Derivative financial instruments (Note 23) 60.9 39.0 51.9
Cash and cash equivalents (Note 20) 1,527.9 1,589.2 968.2
TOTAL ASSETS 5,247.6 5,187.6 4,548.7

LIABILITIES

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Equity 3,867.3 3,748.7 3,235.2
Share capital (Note 21) 53.8 53.8 53.8
Share premium 49.6 49.6 49.6
Treasury shares (Note 21) (231.7) (271.8) (270.1)
Reserves 3,291.0 2,750.3 2,758.1
Foreign currency adjustments (Note 21.2) 149.0 165.3 168.1
Financial instruments included in equity (Note 21.3) 6.2 22.2 (14.2)
Net income attributable to owners of the parent (Note 4) 545.4 972.6 482.5
Non-controlling interests (Note 22) 4.0 6.7 7.4
Non-current liabilities 281.5 281.7 267.9
Borrowings and debt 16.3 11.4 20.5
Provisions (Note 24) 2.6 2.6 2.6
Post-employment and other employee benefit obligations
(Note 26)
167.5 155.0 133.4
Deferred tax liabilities (Note 9.2) 32.1 50.7 30.7
Other non-current liabilities (Note 27) 62.9 62.0 80.7
Current liabilities 1,098.9 1,157.2 1,045.5
Borrowings and debt 21.1 30.2 22.3
Provisions (Note 24) 60.9 58.8 38.6
Post-employment and other employee benefit obligations
(Note 26)
4.8 4.8 5.1
Trade and other payables (Note 27) 374.1 440.3 351.1
Derivative financial instruments (Note 23) 68.5 37.1 88.9
Current tax liabilities (Note 27) 133.0 115.0 116.6
Other current liabilities (Note 27) 436.3 471.1 423.0
TOTAL EQUITY AND LIABILITIES 5,247.6 5,187.6 4,548.7

Consolidated statements of changes in equity as at 30 June 2016

Share Share Treasury
capital
(Note 21)
premium shares
(Note 21)
As at 31 December 2014 53.8 49.6 (266.9)
Net income attributable to owners of the parent
Other comprehensive income
Sub-total
Change in share capital and share premium
Purchase or sale of treasury shares (4.9)
Share-based payment
Dividends paid
Other
As at 31 December 2015 53.8 49.6 (271.8)
Net income attributable to owners of the parent
Other comprehensive income
Sub-total
Change in share capital and share premium
Purchase or sale of treasury shares 40.2
Share-based payment
Dividends paid
Other
As at 30 June 2016 53.8 49.6 (231.7)
Share
capital
(Note 21)
Share
premium
Treasury
shares
(Note 21)
As at 31 December 2014 53.8 49.6 (266.9)
Net income attributable to owners of the parent
Other comprehensive income
Sub-total
Change in share capital and share premium
Purchase or sale of treasury shares (3.2)
Share-based payment
Dividends paid
Other
As at 30 June 2015 53.8 49.6 (270.1)
in million of euros
Consolidated
net income
attributable
to owners
of the parent
Financial
instruments
(Note 21.3)
Foreign
currency
adjustments
(Note 21.2)
Actuarial
gains and
losses
(Note 21.4)
Shareholders'
equity -
Group share
Non
controlling
interests
(Note 22)
Equity Number
of shares
(Note 21)
3,651.5 (13.5) 47.7 (73.3) 3,449.0 9.5 3,458.5 105,569,412
972.6 972.6 4.6 977.2
0.0 35.7 116.2 (9.2) 142.6 1.4 144.0
972.6 35.7 116.2 (9.2) 1,115.2 6.0 1,121.3
0.3 (4.6) (4.6)
36.4 36.4 36.4
(833.9) (833.9) (6.3) (840.2)
(21.4) 1.4 (20.0) (2.5) (22.6)
3,805.4 22.2 165.3 (82.5) 3,742.0 6.7 3,748.7 105,569,412
545.4 545.4 1.7 547.1
(16.0) (16.5) (32.5) (0.0) (32.5)
545.4 (16.0) (16.5) 512.9 1.7 514.6
0.0
(92.8) (52.6) (52.6)
20.5 20.5 20.5
(356.0) (356.0) (3.5) (359.6)
(3.7) 0.1 (3.6) (0.8) (4.3)
3,918.9 6.2 149.0 (82.5) 3,863.3 4.0 3,867.3 105,569,412
Number
of shares
(Note 21)
Equity Non
controlling
interests
(Note 22)
Shareholders'
equity -
Group share
Actuarial
gains and
losses
(Note 21.4)
Foreign
currency
adjustments
(Note 21.2)
Financial
instruments
(Note 21.3)
Consolidated
net income
attributable
to owners
of the parent
105,569,412 3,458.5 9.5 3,449.0 (73.3) 47.7 (13.5) 3,651.5
484.7 2.2 482.5 482.5
119.9 1.9 118.1 118.8 (0.7)
604.7 4.0 600.6 118.8 (0.7) 482.5
0.0
(2.8) (2.8) 0.4
17.7 17.7 17.7
(840.4) (6.4) (833.9) (833.9)
(2.5) 0.2 (2.9) 1.6 (4.5)
105,569,412 3,235.2 7.4 3,227.8 (73.3) 168.1 (14.2) 3,313.9
in million of euros
First half 2015 financial First half
of 2016 year of 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income attributable to owners of the parent (Note 4) 545.4 972.6 482.5
Depreciation and amortisation (Notes 12, 13 and 14) 92.0 178.6 82.9
Impairment losses (Notes 11, 12 and 13) 15.1 27.9 5.0
Marked-to-market value of financial instruments 0.5 (2.1) (1.0)
Currency gains / (losses) on fair value adjustments 44.1 (23.0) (18.0)
Change in provisions 10.9 19.9 7.2
Net income from associates (Note 16) (8.4) (17.7) (9.2)
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests (Note 22) 1.7 4.6 2.2
Capital gains / (losses) on disposals (1.9) (3.7) 0.2
Deferred tax (20.3) 25.0 4.6
Accrued expenses and income related to share-based payments (Note 28) 20.5 36.4 17.7
Other (0.1) (0.2) (0.1)
Operating cash flows 699.4 1,218.2 573.9
Dividend income (11.5) (1.5) (0.8)
Financial expenses and interest income (9.2) (5.7) (0.4)
Current tax expense 295.3 539.6 265.9
Operating cash flow before financial interest, dividends and taxes 974.1 1,750.6 838.7
Change in working capital (142.7) 2.0 (108.0)
Financial expenses and interest income 9.2 5.7 0.4
Income tax paid (270.5) (572.6) (287.7)
Net cash from operating activities 570.1 1,185.7 443.3
CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchase of intangible assets (Note 12) (23.0) (39.1) (16.0)
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (Notes 13 and 14) (84.5) (213.3) (84.4)
Investments in associates (14.2) (1.0)
Purchase of other financial assets (Note 15) (86.8) (0.2) (0.5)
Amounts payable relating to fixed assets (17.5) (21.3) (20.0)
Proceeds from sales of operating assets 0.1 10.4 0.7
Proceeds from sale of investments and subsidiaries and associates 9.1
Proceeds from sales of other financial assets (Note 15) 22.8 17.8
Dividends received 14.9 18.5 0.3
Net cash used in investing activities (164.9) (241.3) (120.9)
CASH FLOWS USED IN FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid (359.6) (840.2) (840.4)
Purchase of treasury shares (52.7) (5.2) (3.2)
Borrowings 10.7 6.5
Reimbursements of borrowings (6.4) (2.2) (0.6)
Other increases / (decreases) in equity 0.3
Net cash used in financing activities (418.6) (836.7) (837.7)
Change in the scope of consolidation (0.0) 1.9 0.0
Effect of foreign currency exchange on intragroup transactions (31.1) 11.6 0.3
Effect of foreign currency exchange (Note 20) (13.3) 28.4 45.2
CHANGE IN NET CASH POSITION (Note 20) (57.8) 149.6 (469.7)
Net cash at the beginning of period (Note 20) 1,571.2 1,421.6 1,421.6
Net cash at end of period (Note 20) 1,513.4 1,571.2 951.9
CHANGE IN NET CASH POSITION (Note 20) (57.8) 149.6 (469.7)

Notes to the condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the first half of 2016

  • Note 1 Accounting policies and principles
  • Note 2 Analysis of the main changes in the scope of consolidation
  • Note 3 Seasonal nature of the business
  • Note 4 Segment information
  • Note 5 Cost of sales
  • Note 6 Selling, marketing and administrative expenses
  • Note 7 Other income and expenses
  • Note 8 Net financial income
  • Note 9 Taxes
  • Note 10 Earnings per share
  • Note 11 Goodwill
  • Note 12 Intangible assets
  • Note 13 Property, plant and equipment
  • Note 14 Investment property
  • Note 15 Financial assets
  • Note 16 Investments in associates
  • Note 17 Loans and deposits
  • Note 18 Inventories and work in progress
  • Note 19 Trade and other receivables
  • Note 20 Cash and cash equivalents
  • Note 21 Shareholders equity
  • Note 22 Non-controlling interests
  • Note 23 Exposure to market risks
  • Note 24 Provisions
  • Note 25 Employees
  • Note 26 Post-employment and other employee benefit obligations
  • Note 27 Trade payables and other liabilities
  • Note 28 Share-based payments
  • Note 29 Unrecognised commitments
  • Note 30 Related-party transactions
  • Note 31 Subsequent events

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements as presented were approved by the Executive management on 13 September 2016 after review by the Audit Committee at its meeting of 8 September 2016.

NOTE 1 - ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND PRINCIPLES

The condensed interim consolidated financial statements of the Hermès Group have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 "Interim Financial Reporting", as endorsed by the European Union. The selected explanatory notes do not contain all information included in annual financial statements. Accordingly, they should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements for FY 2015.

The accounting principles and calculation methods used to prepare these condensed interim financial statements are the same as those used to prepare the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015 and described therein, with the exception of the estimated tax charge for the first half, and the personnel benefits, which are assessed separately (Note 1.3), and with the exception of the standards and interpretations applicable for the group as of 1 January 2016 (listed in Note 1.1).

The standards adopted by the European Union may be consulted at www.eur-lex.europa.eu.

1.1. - Mandatory standards and interpretations in 2016

The following amendments to published standards and interpretations are mandatorily applicable to financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2016:

– the amendments contained in the IFRS annual improvement procedure, 2010-2012 cycle, published in December 2014 ;

– the amendments contained in the IFRS annual

improvement procedure, 2012-2014 cycle, published in December 2015.

These standards and amendments did not have significant impact on the Group's consolidated financial statements.

1.2. - Standards, amendments and interpretations applicable after 1 January 2016

The IFRS 15 standard which establishes new review recognition principles – the effects of the application of this standard as of 1 January 2018 should be of little significance in view of the nature of the group's activities. The IFRS 9 standard relative to principles for financial assets and liabilities applicable as of 1 January 2018 and the IFRS 16 standard relative to leasing contracts applicable as of 1 January 2019 – the effects of the application of these two standards are currently being analysed.

1.3. - Particularities specific to the preparation of the interim financial statements

The half-yearly tax expense is calculated on the basis of an estimated annual average rate.

Barring a specific event or material change in actuarial assumptions during the period, no actuarial valuations are performed for the preparation of the condensed interim financial statement. The post-employment benefits expense for the first half of 2016 is one-half of the net charge calculated for full year 2016, based on the data and actuarial assumptions used on 31 December 2015.

NOTE 2 - ANALYSIS OF THE MAIN CHANGES IN THE SCOPE OF CONSOLIDATION

No significant equity investment or disposal was carried out in the first half of 2016.

NOTE 3 - SEASONAL NATURE OF THE BUSINESS

The group's overall activity remains balanced over the course of the year (in 2015, 47% of the group's turnover was generated during the first half of the year, and 53% during the second). However, second half sales are strongly related to the commercial activities during the year-end holidays.

NOTE 4 - SEGMENT INFORMATION

4.1 - Information by operating segment

The following elements are presented after eliminations and restatements:

in million of euros
First half of 2016 France Europe
(excl.
France)
Japan Asia
Pacific
(excl.
Japan)
Americas Other Holding Total
Revenue 352.3 433.8 329.8 856.1 431.6 36.7 2,440.4
Selling, marketing and
administrative expenses
(96.0) (129.0) (104.9) (214.0) (131.2) (10.0) (39.1) (724.2)
Depreciation
and amortisation
(12.3) (13.7) (7.0) (21.9) (16.4) (0.5) (5.1) (77.0)
Operating provisions (2.9) (2.0) (1.3) (2.6) (0.1) 0.1 (5.7) (14.6)
Impairment losses (1.9) (0.7) (0.0) (6.9) (5.6) (15.1)
Other income/(expenses) (3.0) (2.1) 0.5 (3.7) (2.1) (0.2) (1.7) (12.3)
Operating income 112.8 113.3 129.7 380.4 139.6 8.2 (57.2) 826.8
Operating margin
by sector
32.0% 26.1% 39.3% 44.4% 32.3% 22.4% 33.9%
Net financial result (20.3) (20.3)
Net income
from associates
8.4 8.4
Income tax expense (267.8) (267.8)
Net income attributable
to non-controlling interests
(1.7) (1.7)
Net income 112.8 113.3 129.7 380.4 139.6 8.2 (338.6) 545.4
in million of euros
2015 financial year France Europe
(excl.
France)
Japan Asia
Pacific
(excl.
Japan)
Americas Other Holding Total
Revenue 683.8 905.8 600.2 1,694.0 884.1 73.2 4,841.0
Selling, marketing and
administrative expenses
(175.9) (259.2) (204.3) (427.8) (261.8) (23.7) (66.1) (1,418.9)
Depreciation
and amortisation
(21.6) (26.5) (12.3) (44.7) (28.0) (0.8) (13.3) (147.3)
Operating provisions (9.9) (7.8) (2.9) (7.4) (2.4) (1.1) (7.1) (38.6)
Impairment losses (11.9) (3.0) 0.1 (0.8) (15.5)
Other income / (expenses) (10.6) (10.8) (5.2) (3.7) (4.7) (0.5) (2.2) (37.5)
Operating income 226.0 238.3 203.7 667.6 278.9 14.8 (88.7) 1,540.7
Operating margin
by sector
33.1% 26.3% 33.9% 39.4% 31.5% 20.2% 31.8%
Financial result (45.6) (45.6)
Net income
from associates
17.7 17.7
Income tax expense (535.6) (535.6)
Net income attributable
to non-controlling interests
(4.6) (4.6)
Net income 226.0 238.3 203.7 667.6 278.9 14.8 (656.8) 972.6
in million of euros
--------------------- -- -- -- -- --
First half of 2015 France Europe
(excl.
France)
Japan Asia
Pacific
(excl.
Japan)
Americas Other Holding Total
Revenue 328.3 406.7 279.7 842.2 403.8 38.7 2,299.4
Selling, marketing and
administrative expenses
(97.9) (119.7) (96.6) (204.8) (123.3) (9.3) (42.4) (693.9)
Depreciation
and amortisation
(10.1) (12.6) (5.9) (22.5) (12.4) (0.5) (5.5) (69.5)
Operating provisions (2.4) (2.0) (1.2) (0.7) (0.6) (0.0) (6.1) (13.0)
Impairment losses (1.1) (2.1) (0.6) (3.8)
Other income/(expenses) (0.6) (0.2) (0.5) 0.2 0.7 0.0 (0.1) (0.4)
Operating income 110.6 107.0 100.6 342.5 131.6 10.0 (54.2) 748.2
Operating margin
by sector
33.7% 26.3% 36.0% 40.7% 32.6% 25.8% 32.5%
Financial result (24.7) (24.7)
Net income
from associates
9.2 9.2
Income tax expense (248.0) (248.0)
Net income attributable
to non-controlling interests
(2.2) (2.2)
Net income 110.6 107.0 100.6 342.5 131.6 10.0 (319.8) 482.5

4.2 - Information by geographical area

The breakdown of the non-current assets (1) by geographical area is the following:

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
France 804.0 806.9 796.8
Europe (excl. France) 181.7 188.5 190.4
Japan 183.7 170.0 158.1
Asia-Pacific (excl. Japan) 281.6 276.6 282.6
Americas 204.8 215.6 189.2
Rest of the world 38.3 32.4 51.5
Non-current assets (1) 1,694.0 1,689.9 1,668.6

(1) Non-current assets other than financial instruments and deferred tax assets.

NOTE 5 - COST OF SALES

All commissions are included in the cost of sales. Stock depreciations, losses on stocks and the share of depreciations included in the production cost of products sold are part of the cost of sales.

NOTE 6 - SELLING, MARKETING AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Advertising and marketing expenses (99.6) (214.6) (97.1)
Other selling and administrative expenses (624.7) (1,204.3) (596.8)
Total (724.2) (1,418.9) (693.9)

(1) On 30 June 2016, to enhance the understanding of the income statement, the Group decided to recognise free share plan expense at €21.1 million under the item "Other operating incomes & expenses". If this expense had been classified in "Selling, marketing and administrative expenses" in June 2015, the "Other operating incomes & expenses" would have amounted to €104.3 million instead of €86.7 million, and the "Selling, marketing and administrative expenses" to €676.3 million instead of €693.9 million.

NOTE 7 - OTHER INCOME AND EXPENSES

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Depreciation (77.0) (147.3) (69.5)
Net change in recurring provisions (4.8) (21.8) (4.5)
Cost of defined benefit plans (Note 26) (9.9) (16.8) (8.5)
Sub-total (14.6) (38.6) (13.0)
Reversible impairment losses (15.1) (15.5) (3.8)
Expense related to free shares plans
and associated taxes (1)
(21.1) (36.4)
Other expense (including impairment of goodwill) (3.0) (19.6) (3.3)
Other income 11.8 18.5 3.0
Sub-total (27.4) (53.0) (4.2)
Total (119.1) (238.9) (86.7)

(1) On 30 June 2016, to enhance the understanding of the income statement, the Group decided to recognise free share plan expense at €21.1 million under the item "Other operating incomes & expenses". If this expense had been classified in "Selling, marketing and administrative expenses" in June 2015, the "Other operating incomes & expenses" would have amounted to €104.3 million instead of €86.7 million, and the "Selling, marketing and administrative expenses" to €676.3 million instead of €693.9 million.

Total depreciation of tangible and intangible assets included in operating expenses (Other income and expense and Cost of sales) amounted to €92.0 million in the first half of 2016 compared with €82.9 million at the end of June 2015.

NOTE 8 - Net financial income

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Income from cash and cash equivalents 2.7 7.3 3.8
Cost of gross debt (0.7) (0.7) (0.5)
– of which: income from hedging instruments 0.1 0.4 0.2
Cost of net debt 2.0 6.6 3.3
Other financial income and expenses (22.3) (52.2) (28.0)
– of which: ineffective portion of cash flow hedges
(Note 23)
(32.1) (49.2) (26.6)
Total (20.3) (45.6) (24.7)

NOTE 9 - TAXES

9.1 - Income tax expense

The tax rate expected for 2016 is 33.2% (34.3% for the first half of 2015 and 35.8% for the 2015 financial year). This variance can be explained by the effect of the 3% tax rate on exceptional dividends paid in 2015 and amounted to €17 million.

9.2 - Deferred tax

in million of euros
First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Deferred tax assets as at 1 January 360.3 335.8 335.8
Deferred tax liabilities as at 1 January 50.7 31.3 31.3
Net deferred tax assets as at 1 January 309.6 304.4 304.4
Impact on the statement of income 27.5 3.9 17.9
Impact on the scope of consolidation
Impact of foreign currency movements 4.3 15.8 14.2
Other (1) 8.2 (14.7) 1.2
Net deferred tax assets at period end 349.7 309.6 337.8
Balance of deferred tax assets at period end 381.8 360.3 368.5
Balance of deferred tax liabilities at period end 32.1 50.7 30.7

(1) Other items relate to deferred taxes resulting from changes in the portion of financial instruments revaluation recorded under equity (transferable portion). These changes had no impact on net income for the period (see Note 21.4).

Deferred tax assets mainly related to the following adjustments:

in million of euros

First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
Internal margins on inventories and impairment on inventories 248.9 231.0 228.5
Employee obligations 63.2 59.6 54.1
Derivative instruments 13.4 (4.0) 13.4
Impairment losses 14.3 9.9 8.4
Restricted provisions (44.1) (20.8) (40.3)
Other 54.0 33.7 73.6
Total 349.7 309.6 337.8

NOTE 10 - EARNINGS PER SHARE

In accordance with the definitions set out in Note 1.20 of the 2015 Reference Document, the calculation and reconciliation of basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share is as follows:

First half
of 2016
2015 financial
year
First half
of 2015
545.4 972.6 482.5
545.4 972.6 482.5
104,498,788 104,395,884 104,398,607
5,22 9,32 4,62
442,024 692,884 671,619
104,940,812 105,088,768 105,070,227
5,20 9,26 4,59
€314.50 €325.14 €317.90

The dilutive effect on the calculation of the net profit per share of the allocations of free shares is not significant.

Note 11 - Goodwill

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Increases Decreases Currency
impact
Others 30 June
2016
Goodwill 131.4 143.9 3.7 147.6
Total gross value 131.4 143.9 3.7 147.6
Depreciation booked
before 1 January 2004
30.6 31.6 2.3 33.9
Impairment losses 63.5 74.4 (0.6) 73.8
Total depreciation and
impairment losses
94.2 106.0 1.7 107.6
Total net value 37.2 37.9 2.1 40.0

On 30 June 2016, the net value of goodwill was €40.0 M and mainly concerned the CGU of the distribution entities (€30.7 M) and the group's various production CGUs (€9.2 M). Within the CGU of the distribution entities, the principal goodwill is that of Hermès Japan which amounts to €17.3 M and shows no indicator of impairment losses.

NOTE 12 - INTANGIBLE ASSETS
----------------------------- -- -- --
in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Increases
(1)
Decreases Currency impact Others 30 June
2016
Leasehold rights 71.6 69.9 0.5 (0.4) 70.0
Concessions, patents, licences
and software
49.9 72.0 2.0 (0.1) 1.1 1.9 76.9
Other intangible assets 152.9 151.9 11.2 (0.6) 2.4 2.8 167.8
Work in progress 15.0 13.1 9.9 0.0 (5.1) 17.9
Total gross value 289.4 306.9 23.0 (0.7) 4.1 (0.7) 332.6
Depreciation of leasehold rights 39.9 40.7 1.4 0.4 (1.6) 40.9
Depreciation of concessions,
patents, licences and software
36.3 50.5 4.1 (0.1) 0.8 1.2 56.6
Depreciation of other intangible
assets
91.3 90.6 8.9 (0.6) 1.7 (0.3) 100.4
Impairment losses (1) 2.1 2.7 5.7 0.0 (0.0) 8.3
Total amortisation
and impairment losses
169.7 184.6 20.1 (0.7) 2.9 (0.7) 206.2
Total net value 119.8 122.3 2.9 (0.0) 1.2 (0.0) 126.4

(1) The completed investments mainly include the acquisition and/or set-up of integrated management software programs in compliance with the IAS 38 standard.

NOTE 13 - PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Increases
(1)
Decreases Currency
impact
Others 30 June
2016
Lands 160.4 162.5 0.3 14.1 176.9
Buildings 766.8 784.6 4.1 (2.0) 12.0 10.6 809.2
Machinery, plant and equipment 268.8 293.0 8.5 (2.2) (3.7) (11.2) 284.4
Store fixtures and furnishings 549.8 709.3 22.4 (29.9) (6.7) 24.3 719.4
Other tangible assets 415.2 320.2 8.8 (1.7) 0.3 4.7 332.2
Fixed assets under construction 78.9 60.9 40.5 (0.2) (0.1) (29.2) 72.0
Total gross value 2,240.0 2,330.5 84.5 (36.0) 15.9 (0.9) 2,394.0
Depreciation of buildings 248.4 265.9 16.4 (1.6) 9.1 0.3 290.1
Depreciation of machinery, plant
and equipment
156.8 167.6 10.3 (2.2) (1.6) (8.9) 165.2
Depreciation of store fixtures
and furnishings
311.3 382.7 34.8 (29.8) (2.8) 10.9 395.8
Depreciation of other tangible
assets
247.9 188.8 15.0 (1.6) 0.1 (2.9) 199.3
Impairment losses (2) 30.0 38.1 9.4 (0.1) (0.3) (0.5) 46.6
Total depreciation and
impairment losses
994.4 1,043.1 85.9 (35.4) 4.4 (1.1) 1,097.0
Total net value 1,245.6 1,287.4 (1.4) (0.7) 11.5 0.2 1,297.0

(1) Investments made during the first half of 2016 mainly include the opening and renovation of stores and capital expenditure to expand production capacity.

(2) The impairment losses include the production operation and stores deemed not to be sufficiently profitable. The cash generating units on which the impairment losses have been recognized are not individually material in view of the group's total activity.

No item of property, plant or equipment has been pledged as debt collateral. Furthermore, the amount of such assets in temporary use is not material when compared with the total value of property, plant and equipment.

NOTE 14 - INVESTMENT PROPERTY

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Increases Decreases Currency
impact
Others 30 June
2016
Lands 36.3 35.2 (3.6) 31.6
Buildings 85.4 83.2 (8.4) 74.8
Total gross value 121.8 118.4 (12.0) 106.4
Depreciation 17.3 18.2 1.1 (1.7) 17.6
Total net value 104.5 100.2 (1.1) (10.3) 88.7

32 Condensed interim consolidated financial statements

It is specified that the group and its subsidiaries are not bound by any contractual obligation to buy, build or develop investment properties, existing or not.

not significant nor likely, as far as we know, to change significantly in the coming financial years.

Moreover, the costs incurred for the upkeep, maintenance and improvement of the investment assets are Rental income from investment property amounted to €3.4 million for the first half of 2016 (compared with €2.5 million during the first half of 2015).

NOTE 15 - FINANCIAL ASSETS

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Increases Decreases Currency
impact
Others 30 June
2016
Investments in financial assets (1) 52.0 34.5 86.8 (23.0) 0.5 98.7
Liquidity contract 10.7 9.3 (0.4) 8.9
Other non-consolidated
investments (2)
0.3 0.3 0.4 0.6
Total gross value 63.0 44.1 86.8 (23.5) 0.5 0.4 108.3
Impairments 1.7 1.7 0.3 0.3 2.3
Total net value 61.3 42.4 86.6 (23.5) 0.5 0.0 106.0

(1) Financial investments are investments that do not meet the criteria for classification as cash equivalents, primarily because their maturity at inception is more than 3 months.

(2) Other available-for-sale non-consolidated investments do not include any listed securities.

NOTE 16 - INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES

The change in investments in associates is broken down as follows:

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
85.4 91.3 91.3
(6.3) 0.1 0.2
8.4 17.7 9.2
(3.5) (15.7) (0.3)
0.9 2.8 3.3
(10.8)
84.9 85.4 103.6

NOTE 17 - LOANS AND DEPOSITS

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec. 2015 Increases Decreases Currency
impact
Others 30 June
2016
Loans and
deposits (1)
54.1 55.9 6.0 (2.2) 0.5 0.2 60.4
Impairments 5.2 5.3 1.4 (0.1) (0.0) 6.6
Total 48.9 50.6 4.6 (2.2) 0.5 0.2 53.8

(1) As at 30 June 2016, security deposits amounted to €38.6 million compared with €35.9 million as at 31 December 2015.

NOTE 18 - INVENTORIES AND WORK IN PROGRESS

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Gross Impairment Net Net Net
Retail, semi-finished and finished goods 1,050.0 438.3 611.7 570.4 607.5
Raw materials and work in progress 539.9 157.9 381.9 378.9 398.9
Total 1,589.9 596.3 993.6 949.2 1,006.4
Net income/expense from
the impairment of retail, semi-finished
and finished goods
(32.0) (79.1) (50.6)
Net income/expense from
the impairment of raw materials
and work in progress
(3.9) (10.1) (9.3)

It is stipulated that no inventories were pledged as debt collateral.

NOTE 19 - TRADE AND OTHER RECEIVABLES

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Gross Impairment Net Net Net
Trade and other receivables 268.9 5.2 263.6 303.0 262.9
of which: – amount not yet due 225.2 0.3 224.9 269.5 220.8
– amount payable (1) 43.7 4.9 38.8 33.5 42.1
Current tax receivables 23.4 23.4 31.8 19.8
Other current assets 197.1 0.2 196.9 183.0 141.2
Other non-current assets 3.0 0.3 2.8 5.9 8.9
Total 492.3 5.7 486.7 523.8 432.8

(1) The amount of trade and other receivables payable is broken down as follows:

in million of euros

30 June 2016
31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Gross Impairment Net Net Net
Less than 3 months 32.7 0.7 32.0 28.9 38.4
Between 3 and 6 months 3.8 0.6 3.2 3.3 2.1
Between 6 months and 1 year 7.2 3.7 3.5 1.3 1.6

Except for other non-current assets, all accounts receivable are due within one year. There were no significant deferred payment that would justify the discounting of receivables.

The risk of non-recovery is low, as illustrated by accounts receivable impairment, which amounted to less than 2% of the gross value on 30 June 2016 (compared with 2% at the end of 2015). There is no significant concentration of credit risk.

NOTE 20 - CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Cash
flows
Currency
impact
Impact on
the scope of
consolidation
Other (1) 30 June
2016
Cash and cash equivalents 469.8 535.7 58.6 (3.9) (0.0) 0.5 590.8
Marketable securities (2) 499.1 1,053.1 (106.7) (9.3) 937.1
Sub-total 968.9 1,588.8 (48.1) (13.3) (0.0) 0.5 1,527.9
Bank overdraft and
current accounts in debit
(17.0) (17.6) 3.1 (0.0) (14.5)
Net cash position 951.9 1,571.2 (44.9) (13.3) (0.0) 0.5 1,513.4

(1) Corresponds to mark-to-market on cash and cash equivalents.

(2) Primarily invested in money market UCITS and cash equivalents with a duration of less than 3 months.

All of the cash and cash equivalents have a maturity of less than 3 months and a sensitivity of less than 0.5%.

NOTE 21 - SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

As at 30 June 2016, Hermès International's share capital consisted of 105,569,412 fully-paid shares with a par value of €0.51 each. 926,325 of these shares are treasury shares.

There was no change in the company's share capital during the first half of 2016.

It is specified that no shares are reserved for issuance under put options or agreements to sell shares.

For management purposes, the Hermès Group uses the notion of " shareholders' equity " as shown in the consolidated statement of changes in equity. More specifically, shareholders' equity includes the part of financial

21.1 - Dividends

At the General Meeting of 31 May 2016, held to approve the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2015, it was decided to pay a dividend of €3.35 per share for the year.

instruments that has been transferred to equity as well as actuarial gains and losses, as defined in Notes 1.9 and 1.17 of the 2015 Reference Document.

The Group's objectives, policies and procedures in the area of capital management are in keeping with sound management principles designed to ensure that operations are well-balanced financially and to minimise the use of debt. As its surplus cash position gives it some flexibility, the Group does not use prudential ratios such as "return on equity"in its capital management. Since last year, the Group made no change in its capital management policy and objectives.

The balance of the cash dividend of €1.85 was paid on 6 June 2016, following the payment of an interim cash dividend of €1.50 per share on 26 February 2016. The total dividend payout therefore amounted to €350 million.

21.2 - Foreign currency adjustments

The change in foreign currency adjustments during the first half of 2016 is analysed below:

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Balance as at 1 January 165.3 47.7 47.7
Japanese yen 28.8 22.7 14.0
US dollar (7.2) 38.0 27.4
Chinese yuan (3.7) 4.1 5.8
Australian dollar (0.6) (0.2) 0.1
Pound sterling (11.6) 4.5 7.4
Macao pataca (1.3) 6.3 4.9
Swiss franc 0.2 16.0 23.8
Singapore dollar 3.3 17.9 11.0
Hong Kong dollar (6.8) 15.3 11.5
South Korean won (5.7) (1.8) 1.6
Other currencies (11.7) (5.4) 12.7
Balance at period end 149.0 165.3 168.1

21.3 - Financial instruments

During the first half of 2016, changes in derivatives and financial investments were broken down as follows (after tax) :

in million of euros
30 June
2016
31 Dec.
2015
30 June
2015
Balance as at 1 January 22.2 (13.5) (13.5)
Amount transferred to equity during the period for derivatives (1.9) 17.4 17.5
Amount transferred to equity during the period for financial investments 0.0 0.0 0.0
Adjustment in the value of derivatives at closing (1.1) 1.9 (23.7)
Other deferred losses / gains on exchange in the comprehensive income (12.9) 16.3 5.5
Balance at period end 6.2 22.2 (14.2)

21.4 - Other comprehensive income

In the first half of 2016, other comprehensive income was broken down as follows:

in million of euros
Gross impact Tax effect Net impact
Actuarial gains and losses
Foreign currency adjustments (Notes 21.2) (16.5) (16.5)
Financial instruments included in equity (Note 21.3) (24.3) 8.3 (16.0)
Other items
Balance as at 30 June 2016 (40.7) 8.3 (32.5)
Actuarial gains and losses (14.0) 4.8 (9.2)
Foreign currency adjustments (Notes 21.2) 117.6 117.6
Financial instruments included in equity (Note 21.3) 55.3 (19.6) 35.7
Other items
Balance as on 31 December 2015 158.9 (14.9) 144.0
Actuarial gains and losses
Foreign currency adjustments (Notes 21.2) 120.7 120.7
Financial instruments included in equity (Note 21.3) (1.5) 0.8 (0.7)
Other items
Balance as at 30 June 2015 119.1 0.8 119.9

NOTE 22 - NON-CONTROLLING INTERESTS

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Balance as at 1 January 6.7 9.5 9.5
Net income attributable to non-controlling interests 1.7 4.6 2.2
Dividends paid to non-controlling interests (3.5) (6.3) (6.4)
Exchange rate adjustment on foreign entities (0.0) 1.4 1.9
Other changes (0.8) (2.5) 0.2
Balance at period end 4.0 6.7 7.4

NOTE 23 - EXPOSURE TO MARKET RISKS

The Hermès Group's results are exposed to the risks and uncertainties described in the 2015 Reference Document. The assessment of these risks did not change during the first half of 2016 and no new risk had been identified as of the publication date of this report. The main risks remain the exposure to currency fluctuations, and the changing economic situation in certain areas of the world. The group's currency exposure management policy is based on the management principles described in the 2015 Reference document.

The net financial instruments position on the balance sheet is shown below:

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Derivative financial instrument assets 60.9 39.0 51.9
Derivative financial instrument liabilities (68.5) (37.1) (88.9)
Net position of the derivative financial instruments (7.6) 2.0 (37.0)

The ineffective portion of cash flow hedges recorded in net income was -€32.1 million (including +€0.1 million from overhedging), compared with -€49.2 million (including -€11.5 million from overhedging) as at 31 December 2015 and -€26.6 million (including -€4.1 million from overhedging) as at 30 June 2015 (see Note 8). The impact of the effective portion of the hedges recorded in equity is shown in Note 21.

On 30 June 2016, the valuation methods used for financial instruments remain unchanged compared to 31 December 2015, as described on page 208 of the 2015 Reference Document.

Note 24 - Provisions

in million of euros
30 June
2015
31 Dec.
2015
Accruals Reversals (1) Currency impact Other and
reclassifi
cations
30 June
2016
Current provisions 38.6 58.8 6.4 (5.7) 0.9 0.4 60.9
Non-current provisions 2.6 2.6 0.4 (0.5) (0.0) 0.1 2.6
Total 41.2 61.4 6.8 (6.1) 0.9 0.5 63.5

(1) Including €4.3 million of used reversals and €1.8 million of unused reversals.

As at 30 June 2016, the provisions involve provisions for returns (€16.3 million) as well as other risks concerning legal, financial and tax matters not specified in terms of their amount or due date (€47.2 million). No other class of provision is individually significant.

NOTE 25 - EMPLOYEES

The geographical breakdown of the total number of employees is as follows :

30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
France 7,683 7,461 7,164
Europe (excl. France) 1,326 1,308 1,288
Rest of the world 3,501 3,475 3,405
Total 12,510 12,244 11,857

Total personnel costs amounted to €489 million in the first half of 2016 compared with €484 million in the first half of 2015.

NOTE 26 - POST-EMPLOYMENT AND OTHER EMPLOYEE BENEFIT OBLIGATIONS

Hermès group employees are eligible for post-employment benefits awarded either through defined contribution plans or through defined benefit plans. A description of these plans as well as the main assumptions used to assess pension benefit obligations are presented in Note 25 of the consolidated financial statements, on pages 212 et seq. of the 2015 Reference Document.

26.1 - Cost of defined benefit plans recognised in the statement of income

The total expense recognised in respect of defined benefit plans is broken down as follows:

in million of euros
Defined
benefit
pension
plans
Other
defined
benefit
plans
First half
of 2016
2015
financial
year
First half
of 2015
Service costs 7.8 0.8 8.6 14.1 7.5
Interest costs 1.0 0.1 1.1 3.0 0.9
Financial income on assets (1.0)
(Gains)/loss resulting from change in plan 0.4
Change in the scope of consolidation
Net actuarial (gains) / losses recognised
during the period
0.6
Administrative expenses 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.1
Cost of defined benefit plans 8.9 0.9 9.9 17.3 8.5

26.2 - Change in obligations recognised in statement of financial position

The change in defined benefit pension obligations is broken down as follows:

in million of euros
Defined
benefit
pension
plans
Other
defined
benefit
plans
First half
of 2016
2015
financial
year
First half
of 2015
Provisions as at 1 January 149.0 10.8 159.8 128.9 128.9
Foreign currency adjustments 4.5 0.0 4.5 4.5 2.6
Cost according to income statement 8.9 0.9 9.9 17.3 8.5
Benefits/contributions paid (1.5) (0.4) (1.9) (5.1) (1.5)
Actuarial gains and losses / Limits on plan assets 12.7
Change in the scope of consolidation 1.1
Other 0.4
Provisions of end of period 160.9 11.4 172.3 159.8 138.4

NOTE 27 - TRADE PAYABLES AND OTHER LIABILITIES

in million of euros
30 June 2016 31 Dec. 2015 30 June 2015
Suppliers 353.6 402.5 311.8
Amounts payable relating to fixed assets 20.6 37.8 39.3
Trade and other payables 374.1 440.3 351.1
Current tax liabilities 133.0 115.0 116.6
Other current liabilities 436.3 471.1 423.0
Other non-current liabilities 62.9 62.0 80.7
Trade payables and other liabilities 1,006.4 1,088.4 971.5

NOTE 28 - SHARE-BASED PAYMENTS

28.1 - New plans of the period

In compliance with the authorisations granted by the Combined General Meeting of the shareholders on 31 May 2016, in its 15th resolution, the Executive Management on that same date decided to carry out the allocations of free shares described below.

1) Democratic plan involving an overall allocation of 452,960 conditional rights to receive free shares for the benefit of the group's 11,324 employees.

This allocation is structured with two tranches, each involving 50% of the allocated rights, with respective vesting periods of 4 and 5 years. The definitive acquisition of each tranche's shares is also subject to a presence condition – the beneficiary must be present within the group's workforce at the end of the vesting period. The main allocation conditions and the hypotheses used for the calculation of the IFRS expense of the democratic plan are the following:

– share price on award date: €324.7 (average weighted price);

  • dividend rate of 1.15% per year;
  • fair value of one share: from €306.6 to €310.1;
  • discounted average turnover rate over the benefit

vesting period: from 11.5% to 14.1% for French residents and from 28.4% to 34.1% for foreign residents.

The IFRS expense (excluding employer's tax) paid during the first half of 2016 for the issuing of the plan is equal to €2.1 million.

2) Selective plan involving an overall allocation of 353,100 conditional rights to receive free shares for the benefit of certain of the group's executives. The vesting period for the rights allocated under this plan is 4 years. The transfer of ownership of all of the shares is subject to a present condition of the beneficiaries amongst the group's workforce at the end of the vesting period. Moreover, for 50% of the allocated rights, performance criteria (depending on the group results in 2016 and 2017) must be reached. For the purposes of determining

28.2 - Expense for the period

The expense incurred in the first half of 2016 for all of the free share allocation plans (undergoing acquisition) the expense posted in the first half of 2016, the performance conditions have been considered as satisfied for the 2016 and 2017 financial years.

The main allocation conditions and the hypotheses used for the calculation of the IFRS expense of the selective plan are the following:

– share price on award date: €324.7 (average weighted price);

  • dividend rate of 1.15% per year;
  • fair value of one share: €310.1;

– discounted average turnover rate over the benefit vesting period: 3.9%.

The IFRS expense (excluding employer's tax) paid during the first half of 2016 for the issuing of the plan is equal to €2.2 million.

amounted to €20.5 million, against €36.4 million at the end of 2015 and €17.7 million in the first half of 2015.

NOTE 29 - UNRECOGNISED COMMITMENTS

There was no material change in the group's unrecognised commitments during the first half of the year.

NOTE 30 - RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Transactions with related parties in the first half of 2016 are comparable to the relationships that existed in 2015. More specifically, no transaction unusual in its nature or amount was carried out during the period.

NOTE 31 - SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

No significant event occurred between 30 June 2016 and 13 September 2016, when the Executive Management authorised the condensed consolidated interim financial statements for issue.

Statutory auditors' report on the interim financial information for the first half of 2016

This is a free translation into English of the Statutory Auditors' review report issued in French and is provided solely for the convenience of English speaking readers. This report should be read in conjunction with, and construed in accordance with, French law and professional auditing standards applicable in France.

In compliance with the assignment entrusted to us by your annual general Meeting and pursuant to article L.451-1-2 III of the "Code Monétaire and Financier":

◆ the review of the accompaying condensed consolidated interim financial statements of Hermès International for the six months ended 30 June 2016;

◆ the review of the information provided in the first half management report.

These condensed consolidated interim financial statements are the responsability of the Executive Management. Our role is to express an opinion on these financial statements, based on our reviews.

1. Opinion on the financial statements

We conducted our review in accordance with professional standards applicable in France. A review of interim financial information mainly consists of making inquiries, primarly of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with professional standards applicable in France and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying condensed consolidated interim financial statements have not been prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 – Interim Financial Reporting, as adopted by the European Union.

2. Specific verification

We have also verified the information provided in the first half management report, containing comments on the condensed consolidated interim financial statements subject to our review. We have no matters to report as to its fair presentation and consistency with the condensed consolidated interim financial statements.

Paris and Neuilly-sur-Seine, 13 September 2016 The Statutory auditors

PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit Christine Bouvry

Didier Kling & Associés Christophe Bonte Didier Kling Statement by persons responsible for the interim financial report

To the best of our knowledge, the condensed consolidated financial statements for the past six months have been prepared in accordance with the applicable accounting standards and give a fair view of the assets, liabilities and financial position and results of the Company and all the undertakings included in the consolidation, and that the review of operations for the first half presents a fair view of significant events that occurred during the first six months of the year, of their impact on the financial statements, of the main related-party transactions, as well as a description of the main risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the year.

Paris, 13 September 2016 The Executive Management

Axel Dumas Henri-Louis Bauer representing Émile Hermès SARL

A PUB L ICAT ION OF THE ÉDI T IONS H erm ès ®. PAGE LAYOUT: Cursi ves.

© H erm ès. Paris 2016.

Talk to a Data Expert

Have a question? We'll get back to you promptly.