Mothercare’s online expectations

MOTHERCA RE’s UK sales are expected to show a modest improvement on Thursday as online growth offsets an ongoing weak performance at its stores.

The group, which also owns the Early Learning Centre, is forecast by analysts at N+1 Singer to report a 5% drop in likefor-like sales in the second quarter of the year, compared to a near 7% drop in the first quarter.

Final results from housebuilder Bellway tomorrow should confirm a sharp rise in profits as it benefits from a shift towards more traditional family homes.

The Newcastle-based group saw profits leap 69% to £40.6 million in the six months to January 31 and analysts expect this trend to have continued at the fullyear stage, pencilling in a hike from £67.2 million to £100m.

Trading updates are due from both Ladbrokes and William Hill, but attention will be focused on William Hill’s takeover plans for online gaming firm Sport- Panmure Gordon analysts believe better-thanexpected football results and a £6.6 million gross win from Euro 2012 will help William Hill offset a poor horse racing season in its third quarter.

Rival Ladbrokes will likely reveal a similar trend

Home shopping firm N Brown will reveal if womenswear sales picked up after a weather-impacted first quarter when it reports interims tomorrow.

Cash-and-carry chain Booker reports interim results on Thursday after a robust first half.

Nicola Mallard, analyst at Investec Securities, expects first-half profits excluding Makro to rise by more than 10% to £46.8m, while Panmure Gordon pencils in profits of £48m.

There are hopes the OFT may rule on the Makro deal this month, which would enable Booker to start moving ahead with turnaround plans for the acquired business, which has 30 sites and more than a million customers.