(BFM Stock Exchange) – The British group revealed a disappointing performance in the first quarter and fears that the increase in American customs duties will have an increase in prices, which could affect consumer demand.

The latest publications of players in the sports item sector convinced investors. Puma has reassured investors by confirming his annual objectives. Like the eternal Adidas rival which has renewed its roadmap for 2025 after high -flying quarterly results.

And in this universe, the Distributor JD Sports produced a mixed 2024/2025 year, with an increased activity, and a profit in withdrawal.

In the past exercise closed on February 1, JD Sports which markets sports brands like Nike and Adidas, announced an increase of 8.7% over one year at 11.45 billion pounds Sterling. The net profit attributable to shareholders, on the other hand, contracted 9% over a year at 490 million pounds sterling, compared to 539 million pounds sterling a year ago.

An evolution in accordance with expectations

JD Sports also unveiled its commercial performance for the first quarter of its current exercise. The company has seen its sales increase by 3.1% in organic data but contract by 2% in comparable stores. The gross margin of the first quarter also established 48.2%.

“Overall, the results of the first quarter of the new financial financial year were in line with our expectations in a volatile market. Despite this volatility and the uncertainty surrounding the impact of American tariff changes, we are considering the future in the medium term with the certainty of being able to continue to surpass the market, improve our beneficiary margin and create a significant value for our shareholders,” said JD Sports.

Strong exposure to the United States

The company returned to the effect of customs duties on its activity and in particular in the United States where the group generates 40% of its turnover. The group has strengthened its exhibition in the United States with the acquisition in 2024 of the American chain of stores Hibbett

JD Sports fears that customs surcharge will inflate its selling prices. “The potential impacts concern consumer confidence and, in the short term, the cost of goods and services for American customers could increase to a certain extent, with a potential impact on the overall demand of consumers. We consider that this is the most important potential impact for the group,” warned JD Sports.

“About 40 % of JD sales come from the United States and many products that it sells are from Asia, which places it in the sights of customs tariffs. This means that prices will inevitably increase and that all consumers will not have the desire or the means of supporting these additional costs. Investments at AJ Bell, quoted by The Business Desk.

“The situation of customs duties should not be a surprise for the market, but the fact that JD Sports has explained it in its results clearly frightened certain investors,” continues the specialist. On the London Stock Exchange, JD Sports action still gave 7.8% this Wednesday afternoon, around 3:30 p.m.

In the medium term, the sports distributor says he is able to continue to “surpass the market, to improve [sa] beneficiary margin and to create a significant value for [ses] shareholders “.