CVS Group plc
CVS Group shares fell 7.2% after results, with the likely pressure point being a softer second half: like-for-like growth was 2.1% for the year, and management said the final quarter was affected by weak U.K. consumer confidence and extreme weather. The company expects to perform in line with market consensus, but gave limited detail on the new year beyond August performance returning to 3%–4% like-for-like growth.
Key takeaways
- Revenue rose 5.9% to £712.8 million, with growth across all three divisions.
- Adjusted EBITDA increased 5.1% to £141.5 million; management said margins were maintained despite inflationary pressures.
- Adjusted EPS grew 6.9% to 85.6p, partly benefiting from a lower average share count after buybacks.
- Like-for-like growth was 2.1% in the second half, versus a stronger first half; management said August returned to 3%–4% growth after weather also affected July.
- CVS completed six Australian acquisitions covering 14 sites for £43.3 million in the year, and has since signed contracts for further Australian deals and its first U.K. acquisition in some time.