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.



Pandora’s 2024 Operating Profit Growth Now Seen at Upper End of Guided Range

Pandora said it now expects full-year organic operating profit growth of between 11% and 12%. (Getty Images for Pandora Jewellery)
Pandora said it now expects full-year organic operating profit growth of between 11% and 12%. (Getty Images for Pandora Jewellery)
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Pandora’s 2024 Operating Profit Growth Now Seen at Upper End of Guided Range

Pandora said it now expects full-year organic operating profit growth of between 11% and 12%. (Getty Images for Pandora Jewellery)
Pandora said it now expects full-year organic operating profit growth of between 11% and 12%. (Getty Images for Pandora Jewellery)

Denmark's Pandora , the world's biggest jewellery maker, said on Wednesday it now expects operating profit growth this year at the upper end of its forecasted range while it reported quarterly operating profit a tad below forecasts.

"We are very pleased with our strong results this quarter, particularly in the context of the current macroeconomic backdrop," CEO Alexander Lacik said in a statement.

Operating profit rose to 980 million Danish crowns ($140.87 million) in the third quarter from 920 million a year earlier, slightly below the forecast of 991 million in a company-compiled poll.

Pandora said it now expects full-year organic operating profit growth of between 11% and 12% compared to its previously guided range of 9-12%. The company also raised its outlook in May and August.

It still expects an operating margin this year of around 25%.