We expect signs of slowing sales, which reflect weak volumes and decelerating inflation. For Coles, we forecast 3Q24e Supermarket comp sales growth of 4.3%. We estimate Woolworths Food comps to rise by 1.5% and for Endeavour Retail we forecast comp sales to increase by 0.7%. While the differential in growth rates will be of interest, the bigger concern for the retailers is the continued weakness in volumes. Inflation is set to slow from here and comp sales growth could be even weaker in 4Q24e, which is a challenge for the retailers given cost growth remains far higher.

Coles reported FY21 EBIT of $1,873 million, up 6%. The second-half EBIT was flat. Coles Supermarkets had a much stronger 4Q21 sales result and stabilised market share. While the sales outlook is improving, we note that cost growth was elevated in FY21, and higher costs will be a handbrake on any further margin expansion.