HOW WELL IS JD SPORTS PERFORMING IN WHAT CONTINUES TO BE A CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT FOR RETAILERS?
KEITH BOWMAN HARGREAVES LANSDOWN
The figures are at the higher end of expectations and the dividend hike is encouraging, though recent sales are a little disappointing. But JD Sports seems to have avoided the worst of the retail shakeout due to its young customer base, so it will be given the benefit of the doubt for the time being.
CHARLIE MENEGATOS ACCENDO MARKETS
The group’s near-meteoric share price recovery will be a source of considerable delight to shareholders who stuck with the group through the dark days of the recession. Given management’s track record of delivering on expectations this year, few would bet against further progress.
MATTHEW MCEACHRAN SINGER CAPITAL MARKETS
These figures demonstrate another credible performance in challenging conditions. However, with trade having slowed, we do not anticipate any further changes to market estimates at this stage. Looking forward JD ought to be a beneficiary of England’s participation in next year’s World Cup, albeit not to the same degree as Sports Direct or JJB Sports.