MoPh Markets

Major Retailers Report Rise in Sales Over Christmas Period: Morning Roundup

The first Morning Roundup of 2023 begins with trading updates from Next, Greggs and B&M. Investors have been heavily waiting to assess how retail stocks performed over the Christmas periods, with some analysts expecting potential raises to guidance.

Next

  • Next announced in its trading statement that sales in the Christmas period were better than expected.
  • In the nine weeks to 30 December full price sales were up 4.8% versus the prior year, and was £66m better than its previous guidance for the period.
  • Therefore, Next increased their full year profit before tax guidance by £20m to £860m, up 4.5% year-on-year.
  • The retailer did state that they remain cautious in its outlook for the year ahead and its initial guidance expects full price sales to be down 1.5%.

Greggs

  • Greggs announced its Q4 trading update on Thursday, with total sales for the FY22 up 23% to £1.5b.
  • Like-for-like sales were up 18.2% in Q4 and 17.8% in FY22.
  • The group anticipates full year outcome to be in line with its previous expectations, remaining confident in delivering another year of good progress in 2023.
  • Greggs also added that is plant-based foods are “contributing more significantly” to Greggs’ range.

B&M

  • B&M provided its Q3 trading update on Thursday, announcing revenue grew 12.3% year-on-year to £1.57bn.
  • Total B&M UK fascia revenue was up 10.3% and one year like-for-like revenue increased 6.4%.
  • The variety retailer also performed well in France, with revenue up 24.9% YoY and saw momentum n Heron Foods, with revenue up 22.5%.
  • As a result, FY23 group adjusted EBITDA is now expected to be in the range of £560m to £580m, ahead of previous estimates of £557m.

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