Fidessa Chairman increases holding by 10,000 shares

31st Jul 2012 16:39

The Chairman of trading systems developer Fidessa Group, John Hamer, topped up his holding in the firm with the purchase of 10,000 shares on the same day the company reported that its top line growth for the first half came in below forecasts. Hamer, who joined the firm in 1983, purchased the shares at 1,408.55p each, handing over a total of £140,855. He now owns 85,131 shares in the company, equal to 0.23% of the issued share capital. The company blamed the slowdown of growth on falling sales in Europe, which it said dampened revenues at the group level. Revenues rose 3% during the six months to June 30th from £137m to £141.3m, short of Peel Hunt's £144m estimate. At constant currency, growth would have been 2%. Asian revenues jumped by 18% and accounted for 17% of total revenue, whilst the Americas grew by 10% (37% of group revenue) and Europe decreased by 6% (46% of group revenue). Pre-tax profits increased by 4% from £20.9m to £21.7m. The group raised its interim dividend by 4% from 12p per share to 12.5p per share.Following the results, Jefferies maintained its hold recommendation and 1,510p target on the stock, Merchant Securities kept its buy rating, while Investec put its target price under review and maintained its sell rating.Top Director BuysFidessa Group (FDSA) Director name: Mr John HamerAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 1,408.55p Value: £140,855Tissue Regenix Group (TRX) Director name: Mr John Andrew SamuelAmount purchased: 290,000 @ 10.25p Value: £29,725Caledonia Investments (CLDN) Director name: Mr Robert B WoodsAmount purchased: 2,000 @ 1,424.00p Value: £28,480Sportingbet (SBT) Director name: Mr Peter DicksAmount purchased: 62,096 @ 32.21p Value: £20,001Sportingbet (SBT) Director name: Mr Brian HarrisAmount purchased: 62,096 @ 32.21p Value: £20,001Aberdeen All Asia Inv Trust (ABAA) Director name: Sir Andrew Rae BurnsAmount purchased: 42 @ 30,300.00p Value: £12,726Dods (Group) (DODS) Director name: Sir Sir William WellsAmount purchased: 195,000 @ 6.50p Value: £12,675Hogg Robinson Group (HRG) Director name: Mr David RadcliffeAmount purchased: 20,000 @ 58.55p Value: £11,710Top Director SellsVirgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr George R. ZoffingerAmount sold: 50,000 @ 1,733.98p Value: £866,990Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Stephen LewisAmount sold: 72,800 @ 420.00p Value: £305,760Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Justin James ApthorpAmount sold: 59,800 @ 420.00p Value: £251,160RPC Group (RPC) Director name: Mr Ron MarshAmount sold: 51,848 @ 412.50p Value: £213,873Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Nigel AlldrittAmount sold: 50,000 @ 420.00p Value: £210,000Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Stephen LewisAmount sold: 40,030 @ 420.00p Value: £168,126Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Nigel AlldrittAmount sold: 38,620 @ 420.00p Value: £162,204Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Justin James ApthorpAmount sold: 37,500 @ 420.00p Value: £157,500Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Nigel AlldrittAmount sold: 37,500 @ 420.00p Value: £157,500Majestic Wine (MJW) Director name: Mr Stephen LewisAmount sold: 27,300 @ 420.00p Value: £114,660NR