Challenges remain in M&S resurgence, says Third Bridge14 Jan 2022 06:59
Third Bridge has warned that Marks & Spencer (MKS) still faces structural changes despite its resurgent growth.
Group sales were 8.5% ahead of pre-pandemic levels at £3.3bn in the 13 weeks to 1 January thanks to record trading through Christmas and growth across all parts of the business. This led management to guide for profit before tax of ‘at least £500m’ in a trading update.
Back in 2020, the high-street stalwart was ‘struggling to find its mojo’, said analyst Ross Hindle, but ‘a well-executed restructuring has seen the group outperform peers over the past 12 months’, with its partnership with Ocado swiftly becoming the jewel in the crown.
However, Hindle warned that despite the positive performance, ‘M&S is still plagued by structural challenges, especially in its clothing and home division’.
‘To complete its resurgence, M&S needs to slim down its bloated clothing ranges, trim its high [inventory] count, and resolve its non-premium store locations,’ he said.
Shares in Marks & Spencer dropped 7.9%, or 20p, to 233p on Thursday.