Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Wickes productivity gains boost FY performance, cost headwinds ahead
Full year results from building supplies company Wickes LON:WIX are out today, with revenues down around 0.3% from a year ago. However productivity gains of £22m have allowed the company to mitigate increased costs, in turn delivering a slightly improved pre-tax profit of £41.1m.
The consumer environment especially for large purchases remains challenging, but management note that ongoing cost control measures will not mitigate the impact of rising business rates and the increase in the national minimum wage.
- UK Stock Market News: AG Barr, Close Brothers, ASOS
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- UK Stock Market News: DFS, Halma, Babcock
#2. No word on car loan provisions from Close Brothers
Close Brothers LON:CBG have published interim results which critically make no provision for the ongoing FCA investigation into motor financing on the basis that no legal or constructive obligation exists to do so at this point. As a result, operating profits have rebounded sharply from the position a year ago after significant provisions were made for the failed lending arm Novitas, although profitability still sits meaningfully lower than was posted for H1 FY22.
Impairment charges reduced dramatically and the company continues to withhold dividend payments as it looks to reinforce the capital provision ahead of the FCA determination.
#3. DFS full year guidance revised lower
Interim numbers are also out from DFS LON:DFS covering the six months to 24th December. Gross sales were down 5.6% although margins ticked 2.2% higher resulting in an increase in underlying pre-tax profits. Management do note however that the market is proving more volatile and challenging than had been expected, with order volumes down 10% rather than the forecast 5% decline.
Market share does however continue to improve although the outlook remains tough, with volumes again pressed in the early part of H2. FY guidance has been updated as a result with revenues set to be around 6% lower than previously forecast.
