S.Africa's Woolworths shares tumble 7% as retailer flags over 20% drop in FY profit
Adds share price and details on costs in paragraphs 1-2
May 30 (Reuters) -South African retailer Woolworths WHLJ.J said it expected annual earnings to be more than 20% lower than the prior year, as consumers cut down on discretionary spending, sending its shares to their lowest level in nearly two years on Thursday.
At 1523 GMT, shares in the upmarket food, fashion and beauty products retailer were down 7.25% at 55.74 rand, a level last hit in August 2022.
Retailers such as Woolworths have been grappling with challenging trading conditions at a time cash-strapped customers are reining in spending amid high interest rates and living costs.
Woolworths, which also operates in Australia, said trading conditions in the second half to date have been tougher than expected for its apparel businesses, "with further deterioration in footfall and discretionary spend in both geographies".
Woolworths said whilst costs remained well controlled across the group, "the impact of a weaker top-line environment is resulting in continued negative operational leverage in our apparel businesses".
Operating leverage is a measure of how revenue growth translates into growth in profit after deducting operating expenses.
Woolworths said its Country Road Group business in Australia was being further impacted by inflated import costs due to a weaker currency, coupled with higher fixed costs.
The company, however, said its food business continued to prove its resilience, with strong trade and market share gains.
Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil in Bengaluru and Nqobile Dludla in Johannesburg; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee, Rashmi Aich and Emelia Sithole-Matarise
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