What is the main topic?

The article discusses Vistry's decision to adopt a leaner operational model while maintaining its 2024 earnings forecast amid uncertain market conditions.

How has Vistry's stock been affected?

Vistry's stock rose by 10% following positive UK inflation data, despite a 38% slump earlier in 2024.

What changes did Vistry make to its operations?

Vistry streamlined its operations by reducing its divisions from six to three to improve decision-making.

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Home > Finance > Vistry opts for leaner model as it flags uncertain outlook

Finance

Vistry opts for leaner model as it flags uncertain outlook

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®

Posted on January 15, 2025

2 min read

Last updated: January 27, 2026

Graph illustrating Vistry's financial outlook amidst uncertain market conditions - Global Banking & Finance Review — This image depicts a financial graph related to Vistry's profit warnings and market conditions. It highlights the challenges faced by the UK housing sector, including affordability and economic issues, which are central to the article's analysis.

Vistry Adopts Leaner Model, Warns of Uncertain Outlook

By Aby Jose Koilparambil and Chandini Monnappa

(Reuters) - UK housebuilder Vistry kept its 2024 earnings forecast on Wednesday after issuing three profit warnings since October, and said it would reduce its operating divisions from six to three.

The company cautioned that market conditions remained uncertain as the housing sector navigates affordability and broader economic issues.

While the pace of recovery of the British housing sector has been in doubt due to slower-than-expected interest rate cuts, tax rises and higher labour costs, a surprise fall in December inflation and banks resisting mortgage rate hikes are expected to benefit the sector.

Vistry shares were up as much as 10% to 566.50 pence by 1055 GMT on Wednesday, as housing stocks benefited from UK's inflation data.

Vistry's stock slumped about 38% in 2024.

"It is a relief rally (for Vistry)... the whole sector is up on better inflation data, and the restructuring brings decision-making under better control," Aynsley Lammin of Investec said.

In October and November, Vistry warned of lower annual profits from cost overruns in its South Division, which it said would have a 165 million pound ($201.7 million) impact. It issued another profit warning in December.

The company on Wednesday said it had streamlined its operational structure, reducing its divisions from six to three.

The Kent, England-based company said it expects adjusted pre-tax profit of about 250 million pounds and annual revenue of around 4.4 billion pounds, surpassing market expectations of 4.05 billion pounds.

Vistry's net debt position at year-end stood at 180 million pounds, 20 million pounds lower than its forecast, while completions rose 7% to 17,200 homes.

On Tuesday, peer Persimmon forecast 2024 earnings at upper end of market view, buoyed by improved sales and pricing strength.

($1 = 0.8181 pounds) (This story has been corrected to remove the references to cost cuts in paragraph 1)

(Reporting by Aby Jose Koilparambil and Chandini Monnappa in Bengaluru; Editing by Sherry Jacob-Phillips and Jan Harvey)

Vistry opts for leaner model as it flags uncertain outlook

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