Analyst Views: What did you make of Moneysupermarket’s trading update? January 14, 2014 STEVE LIECHTI | INVESTEC SECURITIESNo particular recovery is suggested. If anything the messaging on Money feels slightly better given some account switching, but insurance growth still feels disappointing given SEO issues – Moneysupermarket still looks to be down in the rankings on our analysis. RODDY DAVIDSON | WESTHOUSE SECURITIESWe believe its current valuation remains undemanding [...]
Rise in British job postings but global earnings slide at Page January 14, 2014 RECRUITMENT firm Page Group said yesterday that conditions for the global labour market are showing signs of recovery after its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) division posted the first rise in reported quarterly growth since 2012. The region, which is its largest division making up around 40 per cent of the group, said profit [...]
Gala Coral’s losses widen January 14, 2014 BINGO hall and casino operator Gala Coral yesterday reported its turnover for the full year ending 28 September 2013 was six per cent ahead of the previous year, with growth in all of its businesses aside from its Gala Retail bingo division. Overall Gala’s losses widened to £218.7m during the financial year, up from £123.2m [...]
Expansion lifts full-year sales at Wagamama January 14, 2014 WAGAMAMA, the Japanese-inspired noodle chain, said yesterday that sales jumped 13.5 per cent last year as the company ramped up its expansion plans in the UK. The private equity-owned group posted sales of £141.2m in the year to 28 April compared with £124.4m the previous year, driven by 14 new restaurant openings. Pre-tax profits edged [...]
Spirit Pub Company planning to start buying more pubs this year January 14, 2014 SPIRIT Pub Company, the firm behind brands such as Chef & Brewer, Flaming Grill and Fayre & Square, yesterday reported a seven per cent rise in sales during the 20 weeks to 4 January due to strong trading over the Christmas period. The firm said it is continuing with work to grow its own managed [...]
Boston Globe digital chief to lead web ventures for Johnston Press January 14, 2014 REGIONAL newspaper group Johnston Press has appointed Boston Globe vice president of digital products Jeff Moriarty as chief digital and product officer, starting in April. Moriarty will lead Johnston’s digital strategy which has seen audience growth of up to 45 per cent annually reaching 13.7m unique visitors last month. “Our digital revenues have grown by [...]
Balfour Beatty trading in line as it pulls out of Network Rail bid January 14, 2014 INFRASTRUCTURE group Balfour Beatty yesterday said it is trading in line with expectations, as the company confirmed that it is no longer bidding for Network Rail’s track renewal work. The FTSE 250-quoted firm’s existing contract with the operator of Britain’s rail tracks runs out at the end of the first quarter of 2014. Balfour Beatty [...]
Lindt benefits from UK taste for posh choc January 14, 2014 SWISS luxury chocolate maker Lindt & Sprungli enjoyed sales growth of more than eight per cent last year. The bean-to-bar chocolate manufacturer, famous for its Lindt bunnies and Lindor truffles, said increased production and its new Hello brand had boosted annual turnover to SFr2.88bn (£1.9bn). Lindt’s UK and North America businesses both grew sales in [...]
Moss Bros to beat forecasts after surge in its Christmas revenues January 14, 2014 SUIT specialist Moss Bros said yesterday it expected to post a full-year profit ahead of market expectations after a surge in sales over the Christmas period. The firm, which sells and hires out formal clothing, said sales at stores open over a year jumped 12.9 per cent ahead of the same period a year ago for [...]
Mecom expects 2013 profit beat January 14, 2014 MECOM Group’s trading update pleased investors yesterday, as shares in the company rose by over 22 per cent to 115p. The publishing group said results for 2013 are expected to exceed predictions, with full year earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (Ebitda) estimated at approximately €87m (£72.3m). “The 2013 ongoing Ebitda and earnings per [...]
