2352 GMT - Temple & Webster's annual earnings-margin guidance gives the Australian furniture retailer room to accelerate marketing efforts arising from improving consumer sentiment, Citi analyst Sam Teeger says. He tells clients in a note that the company's ability to deliver both growth and margin over its recent fiscal 1H leaves him more confident that operating leverage and AI-driven consumer interaction can support margin expansion over the long term. Teeger is unconcerned by the slower-than-expected start to the June half and is positive that Temple & Webster has the flexibility to invest in additional marketing as the macro backdrop improves. Citi lifts its target price 56% to A$21.10 and keeps a buy rating on the stock, which is down 0.6% at A$17.93. (stuart.condie@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

February 16, 2025 18:52 ET (23:52 GMT)

Copyright (c) 2025 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.