Barratt eyes higher profits November 14, 2012 BARRATT Developments yesterday said it was on track for higher profits this financial year as its focus on higher-margin sites, rather than volumes, pays off in a tough market. The UK’s largest housebuilder said market conditions had remained stable since July, but it highlighted that recent government schemes aimed at easing mortgage lending had yet [...]
Best of the Brokers November 1, 2012 BARRATT Goldman Sachs has cut its recommendation on the homebuilder to “neutral” from “buy” following recent rises in its share price. It moved its target price to 235p from 210p. N BROWN Peel Hunt has raised its target price for the fashion and homewear retailer to 375p from 340p, maintaining its “buy” recommendation. It cites [...]
Best of the Brokers October 28, 2012 BARRATT DEVELOPMENTS Rachael Applegate at Panmure Gordon has downgraded the builder to “hold”, citing the stock’s 100 per cent rise this year. She says “the rating is about right”. DEBENHAMS Matthew McEachran at N+1 Singer has increased his price target by 10 per cent to 135p, and says “buy” after a “comprehensive, confident” presentation from [...]
Barratt will pay dividend in 2013 as profit surges September 12, 2012 HOUSEBUILDER Barratt Developments yesterday posted a strong bounce in profits, up 159 per cent over the year to 30 June. Pre-tax profit increased to £110.7m, up from £42.7m over the same period in 2011. Investment in higher margin land and an increase in housing volumes flattered the numbers, as Barratt completed 12,637 properties over the [...]
Netplay ready for first dividend as advertising gamble pays off September 12, 2012 TELEVISION gambling company Netplay said yesterday it had seen a huge rise in profits thanks to a 51 per cent increase in player numbers following a large advertising campaign on ITV. Netplay, which runs an interactive freeview gaming channel, also announced its first dividend after saying recent activity had picked up. The firm said pre-tax [...]
FTSE 100 jumps on German court ruling September 12, 2012 The leading share index was up in early trading, as investors reacted positively to news that German judges ruled in favour of the Eurozone’s rescue fund. Meanwhile, holding company Chesnara led the fallers on the FTSE All-Share, down 6.87 per cent. Embattled platinum miner Lonmin shed 5.56 per cent, as strikes continued at its Marikana [...]
Housebuilder Barratt posts strong bounce in profit September 12, 2012 Housebuilder Barratt Developments posted a strong bounce in profits this morning, up 159 per cent over the year to 30 June. Investment in higher margin land and an increase in volumes helped to flatter profits over the period. Group revenues jumped 14.1 per cent to £2.3bn, with completions of 12,637 units over the year. Average [...]
Retailers report but all eyes on world economy September 9, 2012 THE GLOBAL economy will once again set the tone for the markets this week, with a crucial German ruling on the new bailout fund due on Wednesday and a potential move on QE3 by the US Federal Reserve on Thursday. Greek leaders will today meet with their creditors to outline further austerity measures. And UBS’s [...]
Barratt signs £250m Croydon deal August 20, 2012 Housebuilder Barratt Developments announced yesterday it has exchanged contracts with Greater London Authority for a £250m redevelopment on Cane Hill in Croydon. Proposals for the 83 hectare former hospital site – the size of 100 football pitches – include 650 homes of which 163 will be affordable, as well as 70,000 square feet of office, [...]
WHAT THE OTHER PAPERS SAY THIS MORNING July 30, 2012 FINANCIAL TIMES Pension Corp frees up £300m in Munich Re deal Pension Corporation, the specialist insurer that private equity entrepreneur Edi Truell set up to take on pension schemes’ risks, has offloaded £300m worth of exposure to one of the world’s biggest reinsurers. AIG boosts its annuity sales as rivals pull back American International Group [...]