Watches of Switzerland shares plunge 32% after guidance cut

Watches of Switzerland shares plummeted 32% by 11 a.m. London time on Thursday after the luxury watch retailer cut its guidance for the 2024 fiscal year.

“Despite a positive start to the early part of Q3 FY24, WOSG then experienced a volatile trading performance in the run-up to and beyond Christmas, as the challenging macro-economic conditions impacted consumer spending in the luxury retail sector,” the company said in a trading update.

“We now expect these challenging conditions to remain for the balance of our fiscal year.”

The company now expects revenue of £1.53-1.55 billion ($1.94-1.97 billion), down from its previous guidance of £1.65-1.7 billion. Constant currency revenue growth — which excludes fluctuations in currency — was revised sharply downwards from 8-11% to 2-3%, while EBIT (earnings before interest and tax) margin is now projected at 8.7-8.9%.

The company said that demand for its key brands remains strong in the U.S., where sales continue to grow by double digits, but the U.K. was “more challenged” and impacted a broad range of luxury watch brands and non-branded jewellery.

“The festive period was particularly volatile this year for the luxury sector, with consumers allocating spend to other categories such as fashion, beauty, hospitality and travel. Whilst we are disappointed with this trend, we are encouraged by our market share gains in both the U.S. and U.K.,” Watches of Switzerland CEO Brian Duffy said in a statement.

“We remain confident in the markets in which we operate, our model and the delivery of our Long Range Plan announced to the market in November 2023.”

Stock still a “buy,” analysts say

The British-headquartered retailer in November outlined plans to more than double sales and profits by the 2028 fiscal year, as Duffy said there were opportunities in the pre-owned market, particularly in certified pre-owned Rolex watches.

Despite the market panic, analysts at both Jefferies and Investec reiterated their “buy” ratings on Watches of Switzerland stock in flash notes on Thursday.

Jefferies equity analysts said they took “some comfort in the U.S. operations having continued to grow at a double-digit rate.”

“Today’s unwelcome developments do not detract from WOSG’s ongoing ability to grow share in its two key end markets,” they said.

“However, the extent of the adjustments to the guidance range will be painful to navigate in the near term.”

Investec analysts noted that management reiterated its confidence in the five-year long range plan announced in November.

“Delivery of this is not reflected in valuation, but the market is likely to focus on short term trading in the near term,” they added.