By Shanima A
(Reuters) -British e-commerce firm THG is looking to demerge its technology services arm as it seeks to shore up its balance sheet with its cash-generative nutrition and beauty businesses.
THG’s shares, which initially rose on Tuesday, were 3.1% lower by 0756 GMT as it forecast its full year core earnings would be at the lower end of market expectations.
After several profit warnings due to inflation and a cost-of-living crisis, THG has seen an upturn in demand in its beauty business this year, which is aiding its expected revenue growth.
THG, which was valued at $7 billion when it listed on the London Stock Exchange in 2020, undertook a restructuring as part of a strategic review of its loss-making operations last year.
If it goes ahead with demerging THG Ingenuity, the company would consist of THG Beauty and THG Nutrition. It owns online brands Lookfantastic and Myprotein.
Analysts at brokerages Jefferies and JPMorgan said the potential demerger could unlock value for shareholders.
THG also said it would apply to transfer its listing to the new regime created for commercial companies, which it expects would improve passive investment flows and liquidity.
Britain in July overhauled its rule for companies listed on the LSE, aiming to attract a wider range by reducing red tape.
“We welcome the output to simplify the listing regime, and expect the Group to be eligible for inclusion in the FTSE UK Index Series,” said THG’s founder and CEO Matthew Moulding.
Soon after its listing, Moulding sparked speculation of a take-private deal by saying he regretted taking THG public.
On Tuesday THG reported first-half core earnings of 48.8 million pounds ($64.46 million).
Analysts expect annual core earnings between 133.8 million pounds to 156.5 million pounds. THG reported earnings of 114.1 million pounds last year.
($1 = 0.7571 pounds)
(Reporting by Radhika Anilkumar and Shanima A in Bengaluru; Editing by Rashmi Aich and Alexander Smith)
