Argos owner warns over full-year profits

The owner of Argos today issued a warning over its full-year profits after first-half earnings nearly halved at the high street chain amid weak demand for televisions and tablet computers and hefty start-up costs for its same-day delivery service.
Argos has been hit by declining demand for TVs and tabletsArgos has been hit by declining demand for TVs and tablets
Argos has been hit by declining demand for TVs and tablets

Operating profits at Argos slumped 47 per cent to £6.4 million in the six months to 29 August, with like-for-like sales down 3.4 per cent.

Parent firm Home Retail Group said its DIY business Homebase enjoyed a better start to the year, with earnings up 23 per cent to £34.3m after decent summer sales and cost savings.

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This helped group underlying pre-tax profits rise 10 per cent to £34.1m in the first half, but chief executive John Walden said the overall performance was “mixed”.

Home Retail Group is hoping for a pick-up in sales at Argos over the second half, but cautioned that the “challenging” trading, costs of its Fast Track delivery service and an unpredictable Christmas were likely to see annual profits fall “slightly” short of City expectations.

The market is currently pencilling in group profits of £115m to £140m, against £132.1m the previous year.

Walden said: “We look forward to an improved sales performance for both Argos and the group in the second half.

“However, as I have previously stated, trading at Argos during this year’s important Christmas season seems less predictable than usual, as both retailers and customers determine whether to repeat last year’s unusual Black Friday patterns.”

The interim dividend, to be paid on 21 January, was held steady at 1p a share.

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