Aston Martin downgrades FY profit outlook, cites tariff disruption

(Sharecast News) - Aston Martin Lagonda downgraded its full-year profit outlook on Wednesday as it pointed to disruption from US tariffs. In its results for the six months to 30 June, the luxury car maker said it now expects full-year adjusted earnings before interest and tax to improve towards breakeven.

Aston Martin still expects to deliver "modest" wholesale volume growth in FY 2025 compared with the prior year, while the gross margin is expected to be broadly in line.

"Whilst the impact of the recently announced US tariffs on the global economy remains uncertain, several factors have been reflected in a slight revision to some of the group's FY 2025 guidance," it said.

"These include the impact from foreign exchange rates movements, increased investment in software and infotainment enhancements and the group's decisive action to support its dealers in China to reduce stock levels prior to future market improvements."

For the first half, Aston Martin posted a pre-tax loss of £140.8m versus a loss of £216.7m in the same period a year earlier, while adjusted EBIT declined 22% to £121.5m. Revenue was 25% lower at £454.4m and total wholesale volumes dipped 4% to 1,922.

Chief executive Adrian Hallmark said: "The evolving and disruptive U.S. tariff situation was unhelpful to our operations in Q2. In response, we adjusted production and limited imports through April and May while awaiting confirmation of a trade agreement between the UK and the US, leveraging existing inventory held by our US dealers in that period.

"We resumed shipments to the US in June in anticipation of a finalised agreement which came into effect on 30 June 2025. We continue to actively engage the UK government to urge them to improve the quota mechanism to ensure fair access for the whole UK car industry to the 10% rate on an ongoing basis."