LONDON, May 6 (Reuters) - Danish jewellery maker Pandora
cut its annual profit margin guidance on Tuesday due
to a decline in the U.S. dollar and said it is preparing for
various scenarios related to U.S. tariffs that could add tens of
millions of dollars to its costs.
Pandora, whose biggest market is the U.S., said it now
expected a margin on earnings before interest and tax (EBIT) of
around 24% this year, having previously targeted around 24.5%.
It stuck to its guidance of 7-8% organic growth for the year.
Pandora is among the European companies most at risk from
the possibility U.S. President Donald Trump reinstates steep
so-called "reciprocal" tariffs, including a 37% tariff on
Thailand where the jeweller's two factories are located.
These tariffs were implemented, then paused for 90 days to
allow for negotiations. A 10% blanket tariff on imports from all
countries remains in place.
Pandora said that, if the current level of tariffs remains
in place, there would be a cost impact of 250 million Danish
crowns ($38.00 million) this year, and 300 million Danish crowns
annually thereafter.
If the 37% tariff on Thailand resumes, Pandora expects an
impact of 500 million Danish crowns this year, and 900 million
Danish crowns annually thereafter.
"In both scenarios, Pandora will consider further price
increases," the company said, the latest in a string of brands
and retailers to warn of higher U.S. prices for their goods.
Pandora's first-quarter revenue matched analysts'
expectations, and the charm bracelet maker said it would
continue to invest in marketing while acknowledging an
"uncertain" economic backdrop.
Revenue for the first quarter was 7.347 billion Danish
crowns ($1.12 billion), slightly above analysts' median forecast
of 7.310 billion, while Pandora delivered organic growth of 7%.
"We are pleased with how we've started the year, especially
given the very high volatility in the world around us," Pandora
CEO Alexander Lacik said in a statement.
($1 = 6.5802 Danish crowns)
($1 = 6.5782 Danish crowns)