Thursday tips round-up: Compass, Oilex, Experian...
19th May 2011 06:40
There is little to complain about in Compass's first-half figures, which indicate that the world's biggest caterer is moving forward on all fronts. But it is fast approaching a point where it has to take some strategic decisions over the balance sheet. Britain and continental Europe are looking deci
Read moreLondon close: Strong finish as stocks recover
18th May 2011 16:38
Stocks rebounded sharply from the previous day's losses and remained strong at trading's close. Property giant Land Securities towered above the rest of the FTSE 100 after it posted a sharp rise in profits and net asset value in the year to 31 March and predicted continued growth as the recovery pr
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Real estate stocks on the rise
18th May 2011 14:54
Property giant Land Securities is towering above the rest of the FTSE 100 after it posted a sharp rise in profits and net asset value in the year to 31 March and predicted continued growth as the recovery proceeds. Pre-tax profits climbed to £1.227bn from £1.069bn the previous year, while the net as
Read moreLondon midday: Stocks keep gains
18th May 2011 12:10
Stocks are holding onto their gains after a strong start. Property giant Land Securities towering above the rest of the FTSE 100 after it posted a sharp rise in profits and net asset value in the year to 31 March and predicted continued growth as the recovery proceeds. Pre-tax profits climbed to £1
Read moreLondon open: Stocks rally after Wall Street recovery
18th May 2011 08:40
The top share index has rallied following the recovery on Wall Street ahead of the close last night. Property giant Land Securities towering above the rest of the FTSE 100 after it posted a sharp rise in profits and net asset value in the year to 31 March and predicted continued growth as the recov
Read moreCompass beats expectations
18th May 2011 07:30
Catering giant Compass posted a sharp rise in pre-tax profits in the six months to 31 March as it expanded in overseas markets while continuing to implement margin-boosting efficiency measures. Pre-tax profits climbed to £531m from £462m the previous year on revenues that climbed to £7.873bn from £
Read moreWednesday preview: Compass, Cineworld, BoE minutes
17th May 2011 17:59
Contract caterer Compass hopes to be turning up the heat with its interim results on Wednesday. Broker Charles Stanley forecasts pre-tax profits of £510m, up from £462m last year, and EPS of 20p, up from 18p at the interim stage in 2010. The broker has pencilled in 6p for the interim dividend, up
Read moreWeek Ahead: Vodafone, Compass, BoE minutes
13th May 2011 11:49
Vodafone has edged ahead of BP as Britain's third largest company by market value, after a good run over the last year, driven by the company's programme of selling off minority stakes in non-core businesses. On Tuesday, the telecoms giant brings out full year results, with the market expecting pro
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Intecontinental's profits impress
10th May 2011 15:14
Holiday Inn owner Intercontinental Hotels Group is a high riser after first quarter pre-tax profits before exceptional items climbed to $96m, from $68m, on revenues that were up to $396m, from $362m. Not too far behind is Imperial Tobacco after earnings grew ahead of expectations in the first half
Read morePublic sector bouncing back, says Capita
10th May 2011 08:27
Activity in the outsourcing market is picking up after a couple of quiet years, Capita said. The business process outsourcing specialist said its businesses "performed solidly" in the first four months of 2011, with the group enjoying a busy sales period leading to a record bid pipeline. There i
Read moreLondon midday: Shares seek direction as early strength evaporates
3rd May 2011 12:01
The strong performance as trading restarted following the extended weekend has fizzled out and shares are currently seeking direction. Hedge fund manager Man Group is setting the pace after it announced the launch of an AHL open-ended fund in Japan, Nomura Global Trend, which has raised $1.5 billio
Read moreLondon open: Strong start for FTSE 100
3rd May 2011 08:32
Shares have hit the ground running following the long weekend. Hedge fund manager Man Group is setting the pace after it announced the launch of an AHL open-ended fund in Japan, Nomura Global Trend, which has raised $1.5 billion. The fund began trading at the end of April 2011. Catering giant Co
Read moreLondon pre-open: London to resume on firm note
3rd May 2011 07:40
After the long week-end London is set to open modestly firmer with City sources suggesting the blue-chip index may open around 16 points up from Thursday's close of 6,070. Catering giant Compass has added to its overseas operations with the acquisition of a food service business in Sweden. It will
Read moreCompass acquires Swedish food service group
3rd May 2011 07:11
Catering giant Compass has added to its overseas operations with the acquisition of a food service business in Sweden. It will pay 16m (£1.6m) SEK for BGP Resurs, which is based in northern Sweden and serves business, industry and leisure sectors. BGP posted revenues of 26.5m SEK in 2010. "The acq
Read moreLondon close: Flat finish despite banks' advance
11th Apr 2011 16:54
The top share index was seeking direction all day Monday even as banks advanced following the publication of changes proposed for the sector by the Independent Commission on Banking (ICB). While Lloyds Banking had a grumble about the ICB's recommendation that it should have to sell more than 600 br
Read more