Marks Electrical, the online electrical retailer, now expects full-year profit to beat market forecasts after a stronger-than-expected first half.
The board expects adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA), a measure of underlying profit, of at least £3.75 million for the year to March 2027.
Revenue is expected to come in broadly in line with forecasts.
The upgrade therefore comes from the cost side rather than the till.
Tighter operations, lower fixed costs and better product margins all contributed.
The update lands ahead of the company's peak trading season in the run-up to Christmas.
Chief executive Mark Smithson said the business was still facing significant cost inflation, particularly on fuel.
Interim results for the six months to 30 September are due in November.
New finance chief
Marks Electrical has also named Philip Luke De Villanueva as chief financial officer, joining the board on 1 December.
He currently runs the finance function for the enterprise markets division of Gamma Communications, the business telecoms group.
Before that he spent almost 10 years at Balfour Beatty, the construction group, rising to a senior finance role covering its construction and defence operations in the south.
Tom Pallatt steps down from the board today.
Helen Flear, who chairs the audit committee, will oversee the finance function until De Villanueva arrives.
Smithson said De Villanueva's listed-company experience in planning, governance, deals and finance transformation would help as the business develops.
A washing machine seller beating profit forecasts on flat sales is a reminder that the dull stuff, done well, still works.
