We have tracked profit warnings from UK-registered companies since 1999, giving us powerful insight into business, capital and economy.
UK-listed companies issued 84 profit warnings in Q3 2024, an 11% increase from the same quarter in 2023, and the highest quarterly total for two years.
Unusually, the latest rise in warnings wasn't triggered by a sudden economic downturn, a one-off event, or a sudden increase in costs or supply chain disruption. Instead, it reflects a pause in corporate spending, with a record 38% of profit warnings attributed to order or contract delays and cancellations.
Uncertainty has been a defining feature of the business environment for several years. However, this sentiment seemed to intensify over the summer. This leaves the potential for a rebound in spending if confidence improves. Nevertheless, this rise in warnings – after last quarter’s sharp decline – underscores the ongoing forecasting challenges for the UK economy.
