Sainsbury’s share price has ticked higher following the release of its first-half figures, despite pre-tax profit slumping by 92% to £9 million, as total one-off costs of £229 clobbered earnings.
Sainsbury’s share price steady as profit meets expectations
Stripping out exceptional items, underlying profit dropped by 14.6% to £238 million – in line with guidance. The group had to endure higher marketing costs as well as the phasing out of cost savings. Its joint venture with British Land continues to reap rewards however, as retail-free cash flow increased by 13%. Net debt was trimmed and the interim dividend was nudged higher. In mid-morning trading, Sainsbury’s share price was up 0.20% to 205.9p.
Sainsbury’s changes tact after Asda tie-up failure
The company’s failed merger attempt with Asda cost the firm financially, but so did the opportunity cost. The move would have led to synergies, and would have helped bolster its position in the industry. As a part of its change in strategy, the group will focus on digitally-led products and services for Sainsbury’s and Argos customers. E-commerce is becoming a bigger part of the entire retail sector and Sainsbury’s need to stay relevant. Fast track delivery and collection is still growing, which is encouraging as the firm is keeping up with consumer trends.
Stores revamp as mortgages dropped
Sainsbury’s revealed plans to close stores in late September. The group is planning to close down underperforming stores, as well as open new ones in more desirable locations. The firm intends to shut 30-40 convenience stores, while at the same time, it will open 110 new outlets. As far as Argos goes, 80 news stores will be added but between 60 and 70 shops will be closed. The group announced it will halt mortgage sales as it intends to get back to basics. The update echoed Tesco’s announcement in May that it will stop offering mortgages. Sainsbury’s, like its competitors, has undergone restructuring and this in a continuation of the scheme.
The store closures will cost the company £230-£270 million, but on a positive note, the firm now aims to reduce debt over the next three years by at least £750 million, while the previous target was £600 million. In the same update, the supermarket group posted its second-quarter sales figures.
Like-for-like sales excluding fuel dropped by 0.2%. The underwhelming revenue numbers are help to explain why the supermarket will undergo a restructuring plan.
Aldi and Lidl continue to impress
Kantar revealed its latest research figures on the UK supermarket sector in the middle of last month. The report claimed that Sainsbury’s outperformed in the 12-week period until early October, as sales edged up by 0.6%. Morrisons underperformed as sales slipped by 1.8%, while Asda and Tesco saw sales slip too. The deep discounters Aldi and Lidl keep growing at an impressive rate, after sales jumped by 7.3% and 8 2% respectively. The German stores have shaken up the British supermarket sector, prompting the likes of Sainsbury’s to stay lean, otherwise they run the risk of falling behind.
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