Persimmon to pay dividend on sales rise August 24, 2010 HOUSEBUILDER Persimmon resumed interim dividend payments on the back of a return to pre-tax profit yesterday, while the chief executive remained confident the firm can ride out turbulence in the market. “We are 95 per cent sold up on our targets for the year, so I’m reasonably happy about our position,” said chief executive Mike [...]
CRH shares tumble on economic woes August 24, 2010 IRISH building giant CRH warned core earnings would fall 10 per cent this year as the US economic recovery falters, sending shares in the leading asphalt producer in the United States plummeting yesterday. CRH, which splits its revenue between the United States and Europe, said as recently as last month it expected earnings in its [...]
Outlook is still gloomy August 24, 2010 FOR?the most part, investors don’t like surprises. But Persimmon’s decision to reinstate its dividend at 3p, which came as something of a bolt from the blue, will be welcomed by shareholders. Although analysts were prepared for the housebuilder to swing back into the black, most thought the dividend would make a comeback at a later [...]
Champions League money soars higher August 24, 2010 CHAMPIONS League revenue has rocketed once again, ensuring the richest teams in the world continue to get even richer. Liverpool, who were humiliatingly knocked out of the tournament in the group stages this year, received €28.6m (£23.4m) in prize money and TV revenue. When they stunned the footballing world in 2005 by coming from three [...]
IoD and CBI slam weak key skills as GCSE passes surge August 24, 2010 RADICAL changes to the current education system are needed to stop underachievement amongst GCSE students, warned industry bodies yesterday, saying that poor literacy and numeracy skills could impede future business growth. Despite record pass rates for the 23rd year in a row with nearly seven in ten grades a C or above, the Institute of [...]
Promethean shares hit record low as margins shrink and outlook dims August 24, 2010 Promethean World yesterday saw its shares tumble to an all-time low after a disappointing trading update. The interactive education technology firm posted a surge in profit, but lower margins and a lacklustre outlook sent investors running for cover. The firm, which supplies interactive white boards and learning software to schools, said its gross margins declined [...]
Burger King hikes profit but warns on jobs August 24, 2010 BURGER King reported higher-than-expected quarterly profit as it kept a tight rein on expenses yesterday. Yet the fast-food chain, which counts the infamous Whopper beefburger among its products, said business would remain under pressure in the new year because of lingering unemployment and government austerity programmes in several European countries. Burger King is more vulnerable [...]
CITY VIEWS: DO YOU THINK GCSE EXAMS ARE GETTING EASIER? August 24, 2010 DAVID MARSHALL | CORK, BAYS AND FISHER “I now view schools as politicised agencies. Education has changed, and governments use exams to make themselves look good. Students are taught to get a good grade, and are no longer prepared for life outside of the parameters of the exams.” VAIBHAV TIWARI | EPARTNERS “I am here [...]
Good trading helps Punch cut net debt August 24, 2010 Punch Taverns, the country’s largest pubs group, said yesterday it expected full-year earnings to be slightly ahead of its previous expectations – reflecting a pub improvement programme, a good World Cup and sunny summer weather. The company, which runs more than 7,100 pubs, said sales at pubs it directly manages, which have been open for [...]
Aer Lingus swings to profit and vows to retain its independence August 24, 2010 IRISH airline Aer Lingus swung to profit in the second quarter after cost cuts more than offset the revenue hit from a volcanic ash cloud, and vowed to defend its independence by cutting costs further into next year. Aer Lingus has cut unprofitable US routes, reduced staff and fuel costs to survive in Ryanair’s shadow [...]