Treasury Wines reported FY23 EBITS up 11%. The second-half rose by 6%. While the profit result was decent, the sales performance was poor, particularly in the Americas. Margin targets have largely been met and the company needs to kick start revenue growth from here. We expect revenue to rebound in 2H24e. The lower Australian dollar will represent a meaningful contribution to the achievement of “high single-digit” EBITS growth in FY24e.  The key share price driver remains an unwind of tariffs in China, which may happen within the next six months.

Treasury Wines reported FY22 EBITS of $524 million, an increase of 3%. EBITS remains above FY20 levels, which is an important threshold given the loss of China earnings over this time period. The tone of management’s presentation signalled the worst of the company’s challenges are behind it and there are many layers to growth. We agree and were encouraged by the improvement in gross profit margins for FY22, particularly in the second-half.

We expect a strong year of earnings growth for Australian supermarkets in FY23e. Higher food inflation is boosting sales and gross margins are also rising. We lift our FY23e EPS forecast for the major chains. Woolworths has the strongest sales growth, followed by Metcash, then Coles based on our feedback. In the full report, we address the cycle of price inflation and outlook over the next 12 months; and the outlook for Coles and Woolworths gross profit margins and EBIT margins.

We initiate coverage on JB Hi-Fi. In our research report, we assess the sustainable earnings base. JB Hi-Fi has won market share, which has supported operating leverage. The majority of the gross margin gains in The Good Guys are likely to stick given both an improved sales mix and better bargaining with suppliers. The company also has a net cash position providing it with opportunities for growth or capital management.