A half-year report from pubs group JD Wetherspoon PLC (LSE:JDW) will, if we are lucky, have some details on current trading in between the ranting from chairman Tim Martin.
According to the company's most recent trading statement, in the 25 weeks to 16 January 2022, like-for-like sales decreased by 11.7% and total sales by 13.3%, compared to the similar period in the financial year 2020 so Martin has plenty to be apoplectic about.
Sales in the second quarter were affected by the ‘Plan B’ restrictions announced by the government in December so the opinion-peddling founder of ‘Spoons will probably be happy that these restrictions ended on 27 January even if he might suggest in his subtle and delicate manner that they should not have been introduced in the first place.
Investors will be keen to see how much business picked up once the restrictions were lifted.
The ending of previous lockdowns has seen the release of pent-up demand but there is a danger that as the British public gets used to drinking at home – Martin has a view about that as well, you’ll be surprised to hear – and as beer prices rise, the expected pick-up might not be as hearty as publicans hoped.
Significant announcements expected on Friday 18 March:
Trading announcement: Investec PLC (LSE:INVP) (Investec PLC (LSE:INVP))
Finals: ContourGlobal PLC (LSE:GLO) (ContourGlobal PLC (LSE:GLO)), Eurocell PLC (LSE:ECEL) (Eurocell PLC (LSE:ECEL)), S4 Capital PLC (LSE:SFOR) (S4 Capital PLC (LSE:SFOR))
Interims: J D Wetherspoon plc
AGMs: Caracal Gold PLC (LSE:GCAT) (Caracal Gold PLC (LSE:GCAT)), Chenavari Toro Income Fund Ltd (LSE:TORG) (Chenavari Toro Income Fund Ltd (LSE:TORG))
Economic announcement: GFK Consumer Confidence