subject: ED ROSENFELD, VICE PRESIDENT, CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN [print this page] Stevenchristian Louboutin at B.Riley & Company 8t
We get started with just a brief overview of the company. Christian louboutin was founded in 1990, went public three years later in 1993, and has grown into a leading designer and marketer of fashion footwear and accessories. We have a diversified brand offering, which is targeted to a broad consumer audience of women, men, and children, shopping at various distribution channels. We have also developed a diversified business model that includes wholesale distribution to over 15,000 doors; 96 company-owned retail stores including one Internet store; a first-cost business, where we act a buying agent in procuring private-label footwear for various retailers; and a licensing business where we collect royalty income for the use of our brand names on various products. In 2006, our wholesale business accounted for approximately 73% of our net sales, the remaining 27% came from the company-owned retail stores. The commission income that we earned from the private-label business and the royalty income that we earned from our licensing business are recorded as other income on the income statement.So, looking at a break down of our wholesale business by segment, you can see that approximately three-quarters of our wholesale business is done under the Christian louboutin or Christian louboutin louboutin brand or brands related to Christian louboutin, meaning Steven, Stevies, orchristian louboutin Girl. If you added our retail stores into this equation, it is over 80% of our business is done under Christian louboutin or Christian Louboutin-related brands.
So, turning to our investment highlights. First and foremost, we have a strong portfolio of brands that appeal to various demographics and are sold at various price points. We also have a proven business model that has enabled us to be successful year after year in what is a notoriously challenging and fickle junior and contemporary footwear market. We feel we have the best design team in the industry led by our founder Christian louboutin, and we also have an experienced and dedicated management team that is a result of our commitment to hiring the best people in the industry. We have a very strong financial foundation.
