Shareholders braced for gloom at M&S
Marks & Spencer shareholders were today being braced for further gloom on trading as fears grow of a wider slowdown in high street spending.
Chief executive Stuart Rose has already warned half-year profits will be down on Tuesday, but he is likely to add another dour assessment on current sales.
His comments will reflect difficult trading conditions across the sector as figures also due this week from the British Retail Consortium and KPMG are expected to show near-stagnant sales growth during October.
That will heighten fears that five interest rate rises and soaring energy bills have forced shoppers to tighten their belts in the run-up to Christmas.
Further sales disappointment at M&S could lead analysts into another round of profit downgrades for the year to March 31.
Expectations had been as high as £855m (€1.2bn) in January but City forecasts could now dip to £715m (€1bn), compared with £1.1bn (€1.6bn) in 1998.
At the half-year stage, M&S has already signalled profits of between £285m (€408m) and £295m (€422.4m) - down on the £311m (€445.3m) seen a year ago.
Mr Rose, who took over as chief executive as part of the company's response to a takeover approach by Bhs owner Philip Green, is likely to use the results to further outline his strategy for reviving the ailing retail giant.
According to the Observer newspaper, he will axe the per una due sub-brand and look to focus on core customers rather than compete in the youth market. Another report said M&S was planning a string of special sales events in the run-up to Christmas in order to clear excess stock.
Mr Rose has already renegotiated supply agreements and acquired core clothing brand per una as he looks to convince the company's army of small shareholders that he can generate more value than Mr Green's recent £9bn (€12.9bn) offer.
While the clothing strategy will face examination, analysts will also want reassurances about the faltering performance seen in M&S food halls.
Simon Proctor, of Charles Stanley stockbrokers, said: "The continued deterioration of trade within the food division is alarming.
"Clearly action is needed to re-establish the food offer and management need to give a coherent action plan for the food division."
