ANALYST VIEWS: HOW ROSY IS THE OUTLOOK FOR GREENE KING?
MARK BRUMBY | ASTAIRE SECURITIES
“Greene King is performing strongly. There is a note of caution regarding the remainder of the year, but the group is confident it will hit targets. The economic environment is uncertain and the employment outlook in Scotland is set to worsen but Greene King, which trades at ten times earnings, offers good value.”
SIMON FRENCH | PANMURE GORDON
“We are cheered by the increased investment of rights issue proceeds but with 33 per cent of profits arising from tenanted pubs, we are mindful of regulatory risk from the appeal over the OFT decision, the coming industry report from the Business, Innovation and Skills Committee, and the EU block exemption renewal.”
NIGEL PARSON | EVOLUTION SECURITIES
“Greene King continued the sector trend yesterday, reporting strong autumn and Christmas trading with the snow just spoiling the last few weeks. However, the outlook for the second half of the year looks tougher with consumer belt tightening and 20 per cent VAT on the radar.”