RE: Trading Update21 Oct 2022 16:24
Unfortunately not the best day to issue an update along with the UK retail sales announcement.
Good to see FY guidance maintained, so also still on track for the Divi to match last year. Q4 now in the hands of the macro.
IT separation programme was forecast for 2 years and had a £12.1m impact in the H1 results with more expected in H2. Programme due to complete by Spring next year so the subsequent ‘saving’, in terms of reported profit and FCF, will help offset the higher energy costs after March. Also, once complete, the IT systems are leverage for the new store opening programme.