As like-for-like sales continue to fall, is the B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) share price a bargain?

B&M European Value Retail is known for its low prices, but could growing like-for-like sales make the share price the biggest bargain of the lot?

| More on:

Image source: Getty Images

When investing, your capital is at risk. The value of your investments can go down as well as up and you may get back less than you put in.

Read More

The content of this article is provided for information purposes only and is not intended to be, nor does it constitute, any form of personal advice. Investments in a currency other than sterling are exposed to currency exchange risk. Currency exchange rates are constantly changing, which may affect the value of the investment in sterling terms. You could lose money in sterling even if the stock price rises in the currency of origin. Stocks listed on overseas exchanges may be subject to additional dealing and exchange rate charges, and may have other tax implications, and may not provide the same, or any, regulatory protection as in the UK.

You’re reading a free article with opinions that may differ from The Motley Fool’s Premium Investing Services. Become a Motley Fool member today to get instant access to our top analyst recommendations, in-depth research, investing resources, and more. Learn More.

The B&M European Value Retail SA (LSE:BME) share price is moving higher after its latest results on Thursday (14 November). But the report itself was… mixed.

The company’s update included a 3.7% increase in overall revenues, operating profits down 2%, and 20 more stores during the three months ending in September 2024. However, the key metric was like-for-like sales.

Comparable sales

Like-for-like revenue growth is important for any retailer. According to B&M’s website, every 1% increase in this metric is the equivalent of opening seven new stores – but without the costs. 

In its July update, the firm reported a 5% drop in like-for-like sales, for which management blamed unusually bad summer weather. The latest report shows the decline continuing, albeit at a slower rate.

Today’s update revealed a 1.9% drop in like-for like sales, which is a clear improvement on the previous report. But while that’s a step in the right direction, ultimately it’s still a decline.

The company’s ability to generate higher revenues from its existing stores is so important. After July’s disappointment on this front, the latest result is somehow both encouraging and concerning.

Negative catalysts

In September, JP Morgan added B&M to its ‘negative catalyst watch’ list. And it’s fair to say there are some clear short-term risks with the stock. 

Most notably, cost-of-living pressures in the UK have been starting to ease. Inflation has fallen from 4% at the start of the year to 1.7% in September.

That should help alleviate some of the pressure on margins. But in an industry with no real switching costs, it creates less incentive for consumers to stick to discount retailers.

These concerns have attracted a non-trivial short interest of 3.25% in B&M. So there was a lot at stake going into the latest update. 

Where are we now?

The latest earnings report indicates that things are moving in the right direction after the July update. And the stock is responding accordingly.

I have B&M on my list of FTSE 100 shares to keep a close eye on. Even after the latest move, I think there could well be good value here, especially with the firm readying its inventory for a strong end to 2024. 

The company thinks it still has scope to increase its UK store count, as well as expanding in France. If it can do this, I would expect further growth ahead.

While things are still challenging, a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of around 11 doesn’t seem excessively demanding. And a dividend yield close to 4% is also attractive.

The key metric

While B&M thinks it has plenty of room to increase its store count, it won’t be able to do this indefinitely. And even though its new outlets have a very fast payback period, they still increase costs.

That’s why like-for-like sales growth is so important. Yes, the latest earnings report presents a mixed picture, but I still think the stock is cheap enough to be worth considering.

Should you invest, the value of your investment may rise or fall and your capital is at risk. Before investing, your individual circumstances should be assessed. Consider taking independent financial advice.

JPMorgan Chase is an advertising partner of Motley Fool Money. Stephen Wright has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended B&M European Value. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors.

More on Investing Articles

Long-term vs short-term investing concept on a staircase
Investing Articles

As Shell’s share price continues to drift lower despite strong Q3 results, should I buy more?

Shell’s share price is down 14% from its one-year traded high, despite strong recent results, leaving the shares looking undervalued…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Here are 2 of my favourite cheap shares to buy today

Harvey Jones is on the hunt for cheap shares and was surprised to discover these two big-name FTSE 100 stocks…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Where could the BT share price go in the next 12 months? Check out the latest forecasts

The BT share price has had a bumpy ride but has nevertheless attracted the attention of two famous billionaire investors.…

Read more »

Concept of two young professional men looking at a screen in a technological data centre
Investing Articles

This FTSE 250 share has surged 20% in a month. Its P/E is still just 3.3. So should I buy?

Our writer thinks this FTSE 250 stock remains enticing, with an ultra-low P/E ratio and an attractive yield. But why's…

Read more »

Person holding magnifying glass over important document, reading the small print
Investing Articles

Should I buy Aviva for its 7.8% yield now the share price is at 483p?

Despite recent share price volatility, Aviva is still cracking on as a business and pumping out chunky shareholder dividends.

Read more »

Young woman working at modern office. Technical price graph and indicator, red and green candlestick chart and stock trading computer screen background.
Investing Articles

This FTSE 100 tech share jumped 19% this morning! Here’s why

One leading tech share came roaring off the blocks in morning trading today in London. Our writer digs into the…

Read more »

Investing Articles

Should I buy Sage Group as the share price jumps 20% on FY results?

The Sage Group share price had been going through a weak spell in 2024. But a results day surge has…

Read more »

Chalkboard representation of risk versus reward on a pair of scales
Growth Shares

10,000 or 6,000? Here’s where I think the stock market is heading in 2025

Jon Smith weighs up both sides of the argument as to where the stock market could head next year, along…

Read more »