Johann Rupert’s Richemont profit in 2026 tops $4 billion on booming Cartier jewellery sales

Richemont, the Swiss luxury group controlled by South African billionaire Johann Rupert, posted more than $4 billion in annual profit after strong Cartier jewellery demand lifted sales to $26 billion in 2026. 

The owner of Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels reported a 27% surge in net profit to €3.48 billion ($4.04 billion) for the year ended March 31, while annual sales climbed to €22.4 billion ($26 billion). Richemont said resilient global demand for high-end jewellery helped offset foreign exchange volatility and softer watch sales. The results reinforce Richemont’s standing among the world’s leading luxury groups as global consumers continue favoring premium jewellery despite economic uncertainty in several markets.

Jewellery strength drives performance

Richemont’s Jewellery Maisons remained the group’s standout growth engine, delivering double-digit growth throughout the year. Sales in the division rose 8%, or 14% at constant exchange rates, while maintaining a strong operating margin of 30.5%. The performance underscores continued global appetite for high-end jewellery, particularly in the Americas, where the group sustained double-digit growth across the period.

By contrast, the Specialist Watchmakers division posted a 4% decline in sales, although it returned to growth in the second half of the year, ending broadly flat on a constant currency basis. Richemont’s “Other” business segment recorded a €96 million ($111.38 million) operating loss, while group operating margin narrowed to 20% from 20.9% a year earlier due to higher raw material costs and weaker trading currencies.

Americas fuel luxury sales expansion

Richemont recorded growth across all business areas, regions and distribution channels at constant exchange rates.

The Americas remained the group’s strongest-performing market, helping counter softer consumer spending in parts of Asia and ongoing currency pressures affecting European luxury companies. Operating margin narrowed slightly to 20% from 20.9% a year earlier due to rising raw material costs and weaker trading currencies.

The company generated €4.88 billion ($5.66 billion) in operating cash flow during the year and closed March with a net cash position of €8.5 billion ($9.86 billion).

Dividend rises after profit surge

Following the earnings increase, Richemont proposed an ordinary dividend of CHF3.3 ($4.2) per share, up 10% from the previous year, alongside a special dividend of CHF1 ($1.27) per share. 

Diluted earnings per share rose 27% to €5.909 ($6.85), while headline earnings per share slipped 3% to €6.132 ($7.11). Richemont said investments in craftsmanship, manufacturing capacity, retail expansion and heritage preservation remain central to its long-term strategy.

Johann Rupert strengthens luxury fortune

Founded in Switzerland and listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Richemont controls several of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands.

Johann Rupert remains the group’s dominant shareholder through family holdings controlling 10.18% of capital and 51% of voting rights.

According to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Rupert’s Richemont stake is worth approximately $12.6 billion, reinforcing his position as South Africa’s richest person with a net worth of about $18.6 billion. Despite ongoing macroeconomic uncertainty and foreign exchange volatility, Richemont’s focus on high-margin jewellery and global brand strength continues supporting long-term growth across the luxury market.