Deutsche Bank downgrades Wetherspoons to ‘sell’.


Deutsche Bank downgraded its stance on shares of pub group JD Wetherspoon to ‘sell’ from ‘neutral’ on Wednesday, slashing the price target to 450p from 600p following interim results.

  • Wetherspoon (J.D.)
  • 26 March 2025 14:05:32
JD Wetherspoon

Source: Sharecast

The bank pointed to the impact of changes related to the government's budget last October, which involved an increase in national insurance contributions and increases in the minimum wage and national living wage, which come into effect in April.

The national living wage is due to rise by 7%, while the national minimum wage is set to rise by 16%.

The bank said the changes were an "exogenous event", comparable to major events such as the UK smoking ban and the global financial crisis.

"Current sales momentum…implies a material shortfall versus the 7% cost growth we forecast for the sector," DB said.

"Similarly, supermarkets are passing less on to consumers (via price) owing to higher labour productivity.

"We would continue to avoid labour-intensive businesses with thin operating margins."

In the same note, Deutsche Bank said it was also remaining cautious on ‘sell’ rated Greggs.

At 1355 GMT, JDW shares were down 1.1% at 563.56p.


ISIN: GB00B63QSB39
Exchange: London Stock Exchange
Sell:
1,817.00 p
Buy:
1,819.00 p
Change: -39.00 ( -2.10 %)
Date:
Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Compare our accounts

If you're looking to grow your money over the longer term (5+ years), we have a range of investment choices to help.

Halifax is not responsible for the content and accuracy of the Markets News articles. We may not share the views of the author. Understand the risks, please remember the value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invest. We don't provide advice so if you are in any doubt about buying and selling shares or making your own investment decisions we recommend you seek advice from a suitably qualified Financial Advisor. Past performance is not a guide to future performance.