EVENTS:   Best Equity Short Ideas Conference Call 12 - Zach Shannon/Corto Capital Advisors & Craig Huber/Huber Research Partners & Thomas Beevers /Forensic Alpha & Ed Steele/Iron Blue Financials & Bill Campbell/Paragon Intel - 12 Nov 25   Will AI Deflate the World? Macro Lessons from Three Industrial Revolutions and China - Manoj Pradhan/Talking Heads Macro - 13 Nov 25     ROADSHOWS: Forest Products Sector Equity and Commodity Research With Expertise in Distressed Debt - Kevin Mason /ERA Research   •   London   12 - 14 Nov 25       Buyside to Buyside Forum and Expert Calls across TMT, Consumer, Healthcare and Fintech - Andrew Peters /Revelare Partners   •   London   17 - 19 Nov 25       Fundamental US Healthcare Short Ideas - Dr Elliot Favus /Favus Institutional Research   •   London   17 - 19 Nov 25      

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SPAR (SPP SJ) SJ

Consumer Staples

Primaresearch

SPP’s problematic implementation of its ERP system has significantly impacted the business, causing lost sales of R1.6bn and foregoing trading profit of R720m in FY23. Shamil Ismail is concerned that there may be longer-term consequences from this episode. Channel checks with store owners suggest SPP will be under increased pressure to sharpen its pricing to maintain loyalty levels, which could impact margins. He also sees challenges in offloading the Polish business, additional impairments from recent acquisitions in Ireland, refinancing risks in Mar 24 and has concerns regarding the company's new board.

Edition: 176

- 22 December, 2023