0847 GMT - Swatch Group's geographic footprint will continue to weigh on its performance, AlphaValue analyst Jie Zhang writes in a research note. The watch industry experienced a challenging year in 2024 due to reduced consumer appetite, a subdued consumer environment in China and declining prices in the secondary market, Zhang says. Global uncertainties, particularly around the recovery path of the Chinese market, are likely to result in another difficult year for the watch industry, she says. The Swiss watchmaker is highly exposed to China, which accounts for around 33% of group sales, and has relatively low presence in the Americas, the analyst says. AlphaValue downgrades the rating on the stock to sell from add. Shares are down 1.5% at 172.40 Swiss francs. (andrea.figueras@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

March 03, 2025 03:49 ET (08:49 GMT)

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