Core Viewpoint - Pets at Home experienced a share price increase despite reporting weak trading results, as the company avoided another profit warning [2] Financial Performance - Revenues for the 28 weeks ending on 9 October decreased by 1.3% to £778.3 million, while pre-tax profit fell by 29.1% to £36.2 million [2] - The retail division saw a year-on-year sales decline of 2.3%, totaling £679.9 million, with underlying pre-tax profit plummeting by 84.1% to £3.5 million [5] - Underlying pre-tax profit margins in the retail segment dropped by 260 basis points to 0.5% due to discounting, adverse product mix, and lower supplier income [5] - The veterinary services unit reported a revenue increase of 6.7% to £375.9 million, with underlying pre-tax profit rising by 8.3% to £44.9 million and margins improving by 90 basis points to 45.7% [6] Management and Strategy - The interim CEO Ian Burke emphasized the need for urgent action to return the retail business to growth and stabilize operations [7] - The company is in search of a new CEO following the departure of Lyssa McGowan, who left after the second profit warning of 2025 [7] Market Insights - Analyst Mark Crouch highlighted the disparity between the struggling retail arm and the resilient veterinary division, indicating that the retail sector requires immediate revival [8] - Concerns were raised about the increasing debt levels on the balance sheet and the potential for a structural slump in consumer demand [8]