French luxury goods firm Hermes has said profits rose in 2008, shrugging off concerns about the impact of the global economic downturn.
Shares gained 3.1% in Paris as its profit of 290m euros ($395m; £273m) was higher than analysts had forecast and the company increased its dividend.
Hermes generated revenues of 1.76bn euros last year, up 8.6% from 2007.
It said sales so far in 2009 were "slightly" higher thanks to the stronger dollar and yen.
Asian boost
Hermes, famous for its handbags and silk ties, proposed a dividend of 1.03 euros, up from 1 euro the previous year.
It said all regions had registered growth except for Japan, which is traditionally one of the largest markets for luxury goods. Same-store sales in Japan fell 3% last year.
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