Aston Martin Releases Profit Warning Amid American Trade Challenges and Requests Government Assistance
The automaker has blamed a profit warning to US-imposed tariffs, while simultaneously urging the UK government for greater active assistance.
This manufacturer, producing its vehicles in Warwickshire and south Wales, revised its earnings forecast on Monday, marking the second such revision in the current year. It now anticipates deeper losses than the earlier estimated £110m shortfall.
Requesting Official Support
Aston Martin voiced concerns with the UK government, informing investors that despite having engaged with officials from both the UK and US, it had positive discussions directly with the American government but needed more proactive support from UK ministers.
The company called on British authorities to safeguard the needs of niche automakers like Aston Martin, which provide numerous employment opportunities and add value to regional finances and the wider British car industry network.
International Commerce Impact
The US President has shaken the global economy with a trade war this year, heavily impacting the automotive industry through the imposition of a 25 percent duty on April 3, on top of an previous 2.5 percent charge.
During May, American and British leaders reached a agreement to cap duties on one hundred thousand UK-built vehicles annually to 10 percent. This tariff level came into force on June 30, aligning with the final day of the company's second financial quarter.
Agreement Criticism
Nonetheless, Aston Martin criticised the trade deal, stating that the introduction of a American duty quota system adds additional complications and limits the company's capacity to accurately forecast financial performance for the current fiscal year-end and possibly each quarter starting in 2026.
Additional Challenges
The carmaker also pointed to weaker demand partially because of greater likelihood for logistical challenges, particularly following a recent cyber incident at a leading British car producer.
The British car industry has been shaken this year by a cyber-attack on the country's largest automotive employer, which prompted a production freeze.
Financial Response
Stock in Aston Martin, traded on the London Stock Exchange, dropped by over 11 percent as markets opened on Monday at the start of the week before recovering some ground to stand 7 percent lower.
The group delivered 1,430 vehicles in its third quarter, missing previous guidance of being broadly similar to the 1,641 vehicles sold in the same period the previous year.
Future Initiatives
The wobble in sales coincides with Aston Martin prepares to launch its Valhalla, a rear-engine supercar priced at around $1 million, which it expects will increase profits. Shipments of the vehicle are expected to begin in the final quarter of its fiscal year, although a forecast of approximately one hundred fifty units in those final quarter was lower than earlier estimates, due to engineering delays.
The brand, famous for its roles in the 007 movie series, has started a review of its future cost and spending plans, which it indicated would likely lead to lower capital investment in engineering and development compared with previous guidance of approximately £2 billion between its 2025 and 2029 fiscal years.
The company also told shareholders that it does not anticipate to generate positive free cash flow for the latter six months of its present fiscal year.
The government was contacted for comment.