BEST OF THE BROKERS December 22, 2010 FIRST GROUP Morgan Stanley rates the transport group “equalweight” with a target price of 420p. The broker has raised its target price from 385p following a review of the transport sector, in which it has also boosted target prices for rivals Go-Ahead, National Express and Stagecoach. It predicts a modest outlook for the industry in [...]
The City is back but under new management December 21, 2010 BRITAIN’S financial landscape has been transformed since we last shone a light on the City’s most powerful figures two years ago. The City A.M./CityJet Power Hundred 2011 list ranks the most influential figures in UK finance as we head into the new year. It should be no surprise that it is very different from 2009. [...]
Henson targets Wales recall December 20, 2010 SARACENS newboy Gavin Henson claims he’s back in rugby for good and hopes to cap his comeback to the sport by being part of Wales’ 2011 Six Nations campaign. Henson, 28, is set to make his first appearance for his new club in the Premiership Boxing Day clash against Wasps at Wembley, 21 months on [...]
Sports Direct profits surge in cold snap December 16, 2010 SPORTS Direct said the recent cold snap had been a “net positive” as winter products flew off its shelves, boosting its shares to a three-year high. Britain’s largest sports retailer said while other chains had been hit by the freezing temperatures, the temperatures had given it a lift, The company posted a 40 per cent [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: HAS SPORTS DIRECT TURNED THE CORNER? December 16, 2010 KATHARINE WYNNE| INVESTEC We place our forecasts and our price target under review, but continue to view a valuation which is more expensive than both Next [hold] and Debenhams [buy] on a lease adjusted basis as unjustified given the continuing concerns over corporate governance and the unresolved future financing arrangements. JONATHAN PRITCHARD| ORIEL SECURITIES The [...]
Kauto to be Kempton Star again December 16, 2010 IF the weather forecast is to be believed, then tomorrow’s Ascot meeting looks highly unlikely to go ahead. However, they have been wrong before and for that reason I’ll give you a couple of horses to look out for just in case. Firstly, MILLE CHIEF looks terrific each-way value at 7/1 with Paddy Power in [...]
Sports Direct revenue rises as debt drops December 16, 2010 Sports Direct has reported an 8.3 per cent rise in revenue to £819.9m in the half-year. UK Retail revenues were up 9.9 per cent to £644.3m, in the figures which cover the period to 21 October Meanwhile international retail revenues were up 4.6 per cent to £66.5m. The group has reduced net debt by 25.1 [...]
England’s Aussie mentality makes them dangerous December 15, 2010 WEAK, lacking the stomach for a fight and content simply to lose with a smile on their faces – all insults directed at England’s cricketers before the last Ashes series. But the man who ripped into James Anderson’s personality ahead of the 2009 contest, Justin Langer, accepts there has been a sea change in the way [...]
THE TIPSTER December 13, 2010 WTI crude oil rallied some 150 points yesterday morning to highs around $89.40 on the back of relief over China not raising rates and positive demand forecasts. The technical picture is showing signs of crude topping out around this level and it may well be worth taking the short side of the market for this [...]
Ashton: Late dad inspired wonder try November 14, 2010 ENGLAND (35) vs AUSTRALIA (18) ENGLAND hero Chris Ashton has dedicated his match-winning performance against Australia to his late father Kevin, who persuaded him not to turn his back on the sport little more than a year ago. Ashton’s pair of tries – the second a 90m virtuoso effort – crowned an exhilarating 35-18 triumph [...]