Michael Kors Owner Sees $100 Million Revenue Hit From Coronavirus

NEW YORK, United States — Michael Kors owner Capri Holdings Ltd cut its full-year forecasts on Wednesday, citing a $100 million hit to revenue from the coronavirus outbreak in China as it closed 150 stores in one of the most important markets for luxury fashion labels.

A rapidly growing upper-middle class has made China a critical market for luxury goods makers but uncertainty over the epidemic, which has killed more than 490 people, has forced many businesses to shut stores and factories.

"While this global health emergency is expected to be temporary, the duration and intensity of the disruption is uncertain, including potential broader impact outside of China," Capri, which also owns Versace and Jimmy Choo, said in a statement.

The company, which has 225 stores in mainland China, cut its revenue forecast to $5.65 billion from $5.8 billion. It also lowered it full-year profit forecast to $4.45 to $4.50 per share from a prior outlook of $4.95 per share.

Capri said most of its stores that are still open are operating with reduced hours and experiencing significant declines in customer traffic.

Capri's total revenue in the third quarter ended December 28 rose 9.2 percent to $1.57 billion beating analysts' average estimate of $1.54 billion, according to IBES data from Refinitiv.

Excluding items, the company earned $1.66 per share, beating the estimate of $1.59 per share.

By Uday Sampath; editors: Arun Koyyur and Saumyadeb Chakrabarty.