Once-high-flying Retailer ASOS Falls after FTSE 250 Relegation

FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
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Once-high-flying Retailer ASOS Falls after FTSE 250 Relegation

FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Smartphone with an ASOS app and a keyboard are seen in front of a displayed ASOS logo in this illustration picture taken October 13, 2020. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

ASOS, the British online fashion pioneer valued at more than 7 billion pounds ($8.8 billion) just over two years ago, has been relegated from the FTSE 250 index of mid-sized companies, illustrating the sharp decline in its fortunes.

It shares fell 3% to a 12-year low of 333 pence in early deals on Thursday, giving it a market value of about 400 million pounds, following the quarterly reshuffle by FTSE Russell. It will move to the FTSE SmallCap index on June 16.

The company, like rival Boohoo, grew rapidly as 20-somethings around the world snapped up its fast fashion, and demand surged again during the pandemic when high street rivals were closed.

But it has been hit by supply chain issues, high product returns, increased competition and a cost-of-living squeeze. Earlier this month it posted a first-half loss of 87.4 million pounds.

British Land was the only company relegated from the FTSE 100 index in the June quarterly review, FTSE Russell said. It will be replaced by engineering group IMI.



Under Armour Raises Annual Profit Forecast on Cost-savings Plan

FILE PHOTO: Products are displayed in an Under Armour store in New York City, US, November 4, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Products are displayed in an Under Armour store in New York City, US, November 4, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
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Under Armour Raises Annual Profit Forecast on Cost-savings Plan

FILE PHOTO: Products are displayed in an Under Armour store in New York City, US, November 4, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo
FILE PHOTO: Products are displayed in an Under Armour store in New York City, US, November 4, 2019. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/File Photo

Sportswear maker Under Armour raised its annual profit forecast on Thursday, betting on its cost-saving strategy and efforts to sell more clothing and shoes at full price.

Shares of the company rose 6.3% in premarket trading.

Following several quarters of poor results, Under Armour founder Kevin Plank returned as CEO to reset the business and has been reducing headcount and cutting down on inventory of some products.

The company is also aiming to cut back on promotions and sell apparel and footwear at full prices.
It now expects annual adjusted per-share profit of between 24 cents and 27 cents, compared with its prior forecast of 19 cents to 21 cents.