Stock Movers Ocado Slides, WH Smith Dips, Jet2 Jumps
Nov 19, 2025
Chloe Millais, a Bloomberg reporter known for her insightful market analysis, joins the discussion on recent stock movements. She reveals how Ocado's stock plummeted after Kroger announced the closure of three automated facilities, raising doubts about its tech strategy. The analysis of WH Smith highlights a turbulent leadership change following an accounting review by Deloitte, which found profit overstatements. On a bright note, Jet2's shares surged after announcing a strong earnings report and a reassuring buyback, promising stability to its investors.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Kroger's Setback For Ocado
- Kroger's closure of three Ocado-powered automated warehouses sparked the largest-ever one-day drop in Ocado shares.
- The move undermines Ocado's pitch to be the "Tesla of grocery" and questions returns from its robotics strategy.
US Footprint Doesn't Calm Investors
- Ocado still operates five US locations with Kroger but investor confidence has weakened sharply.
- The Kroger decision is a massive setback for Ocado's long-term automation ambitions and investor case.
WH Smith's Accounting Fallout
- WH Smith discovered an overstatement in North American profits earlier this year and then revised the figure after a Deloitte review.
- CEO Carl Cowling resigned after the probe and leadership in North America is under review.