Swiss watch exports to the U.S. plunged again in... – 2025-11-28

Tariff volatility hammered Swiss watch exports to the U.S., underscoring acute sell-in swings and market risk even as a tariff rollback to 15% may arrive by early December. Fendi initiated a deep cost reset and management overhaul amid demand softness, while Kering’s rally faces valuation scrutiny and Giorgio Armani doubled down on Latin America with a renovated São Paulo flagship.

Key News for Today

Swiss watch exports to the U.S. plunged again in October as tariff whiplash hit sell-in, with a potential cut to 15% pending a trade deal timeline.

Why it matters: The U.S. is a top market for Swiss watches and tariff-induced volatility is disrupting inventory planning, pricing, and quarterly sell-in.

Impact: A sustained higher tariff depresses exports and could shift shipments toward markets like the UAE and Singapore, while a rollback to 15% could normalize U.S. flows and stabilize brand revenues.

What to follow: Exact implementation date for the tariff reduction to 15%, subsequent U.S. import data, and brand-level pricing or allocation changes.

Fendi enacts an austerity plan with executive departures, retail pruning in France, and office downsizing to reset costs ahead of a new creative cycle.

Why it matters: A top-team shake-up and cost cuts signal a strategic reset to address sales softness and prepare for Maria Grazia Chiuri’s unified creative direction.

Impact: Short-term disruption and brand perception risk could be offset by improved cost efficiency and a clearer product strategy if the next bags resonate.

What to follow: Timing and scope of further store rationalizations, launch cadence and reception of new hero products, and early 2025 sell-through trends in Europe and China.

Kering’s 27% share rally faces mixed valuation signals: DCF near fair value but PE well above adjusted fair multiple, flagging potential multiple risk.

Why it matters: Valuation pressure can influence investor sentiment and the group’s flexibility to fund brand turnarounds and marketing investment.

Impact: If earnings don’t accelerate, an elevated PE could compress, weighing on shares and raising the bar for Gucci and portfolio recovery.

What to follow: Q4 trading update, Gucci’s margin and growth trajectory, and any portfolio moves that could recalibrate growth and valuation multiples.

Giorgio Armani reopens a renovated São Paulo boutique, reinforcing a broader Latin America push alongside branded real estate projects.

Why it matters: A refreshed flagship elevates client experience and supports brand heat in a region projected for steady luxury growth.

Impact: Near-term revenue uplift is modest, but enhanced visibility and made-to-measure services can build higher-value clienteling and market share over time.

What to follow: Traffic and conversion at the São Paulo boutique, pipeline of additional LATAM store investments, and progress on Armani-branded residential projects.

Daily Analysis – 2025-11-28

Key News for Today

Swiss watch exports to the U.S. plunged again in October as tariff whiplash hit sell-in, with a potential cut to 15% pending a trade deal timeline.

Fendi enacts an austerity plan with executive departures, retail pruning in France, and office downsizing to reset costs ahead of a new creative cycle.

Kering’s 27% share rally faces mixed valuation signals: DCF near fair value but PE well above adjusted fair multiple, flagging potential multiple risk.

Giorgio Armani reopens a renovated São Paulo boutique, reinforcing a broader Latin America push alongside branded real estate projects.

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