Broker snap: Margin growth the key at Compass
24th Jul 2009 10:57
Swiss bank UBS is mystified by the adverse reaction to yesterday's trading statement from catering group Compass, and reckons fears over revenue growth are misplaced. Echoing a view expressed yesterday by broker Charles Stanley, UBS believes that margin improvement will enable Compass to hit its pr
Read moreFriday tips round-up: Kingfisher, Colt Telecom, Capita
24th Jul 2009 06:44
Kingfisher issued its second-quarter trading update yesterday, topping most analysts' expectations. With the Office for National Statistics also saying yesterday that retail sales rose in June, the group should be feeling confident about the rest of the year. Kingfisher probably deserves a small pr
Read moreLondon close: US surge extends Footsie's winning streak
23rd Jul 2009 16:32
Footsie's winning streak extended to nine days as US markets surged ahead on better than expected June home sales and forecast-busting results from a number of US household names. Trading had been quiet up until mid-afternoon, but as soon as the US markets started to pick up buyers returned in earn
Read moreBroker tips: Compass, Yell, PartyGaming
23rd Jul 2009 13:11
The share price of caterer Compass Group was looking decidedly soggy Thursday morning after a disappointing interim management statement but broker Charles Stanley reckons the share price fall makes the case for purchasing the shares even more compelling. "The share price has reacted adversely to t
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Compass hit by sales slow down
23rd Jul 2009 12:50
Contract caterer Compass Group slumped after a disappointing interim management statement but broker Charles Stanley reckons the share price fall makes the case for purchasing the shares even more compelling. "The share price has reacted adversely to the Q3 update but we believe that the only disa
Read moreBroker snap: Compass should be pointing north
23rd Jul 2009 12:47
The share price of caterer Compass Group was looking decidedly soggy Thursday morning after a disappointing interim management statement but broker Charles Stanley reckons the share price fall makes the case for purchasing the shares even more compelling. "The share price has reacted adversely to t
Read moreLondon midday: OfWat report dilutes equity strength
23rd Jul 2009 11:54
The Footsie's eight day winning streak is in danger of coming to an end today as utility companies weigh down the blue-chip index after water regulator Ofwat outlined proposals for lower water bills. The water regulator's draft proposals would see the average annual water bill fall by £14 to £330 b
Read moreCompass Q3 margins improve as sales deteriorate
23rd Jul 2009 07:30
Catering giant Compass said operating profit, margins and free cash flow continued to grow in the third quarter while revenue growth slowed. The group, which provides catering for schools and offices, said continued cost cuts and the weaker pound helped it through 'more challenging economic conditi
Read moreThursday preview: Kingfisher, Capita, Compass
22nd Jul 2009 16:10
Thursday looks like being the busiest day of the week with three FTSE 100 companies making announcements plus updates from some second liners recently demoted from the blue-chip index. B&Q owner Kingfisher said at the beginning of June that favourable weather had boosted outdoor seasonal product sa
Read moreSunday tips round-up: SSE, Compass, Tate & Lyle
24th May 2009 10:17
Shares in Scottish & Southern Energy are not going to leap and make you rich. There is likely to be a slow progression in its share price. There is one reason and one reason alone to hold the shares - and that is for a steady income stream and because of its commitment to a progressive dividend, S
Read moreThursday tips round-up: FirstGroup, Compass, Land Securities
14th May 2009 06:02
Worsening trends in employment mean that FirstGroup's UK rail business is not out of the woods - but merely in a better position than the rail operations of unprotected peers, such as National Express. However, at 365p, up 5¾p, or less than nine times earnings, and yielding 5.1 per cent, First is wo
Read moreDevro non-exec takes a meaty stake
13th May 2009 17:07
Stuart Paterson, a non-executive director at Devro has beefed up his holding in the sausage skin manufacturer, soon after the company issued a bullish trading update. He bought 20,000 shares at 91.8p a time, and now has 50,000. Last week Devro said that it has performed in line with expectations s
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Profit rise points Compass higher
13th May 2009 13:44
Caterer Compass is bucking the general downward trend after it reported a stronger-than-expected 41% rise in half-year profits thanks to new contract wins and cost cuts. Another food related stock, Unilever, whose range includes Pot Noodles and Persil, is boosted by a positive note from Charles Sta
Read moreLondon open: Footsie slips on big results day
13th May 2009 08:40
It's a big day for company announcements, but investors seem unimpressed so far with Footsie off a few points despite good numbers from J Sainsbury, Compass and L&G. Strong demand for its 'basics' range has helped supermarket giant J Sainsbury deliver better than expected full year profit. Underlyi
Read moreCompass profit jumps 41%
13th May 2009 07:32
Catering giant Compass Group reported a stronger-than-expected 41% rise in half-year profits thanks to new contract wins and cost cuts. The group said it made 'significant progress in a challenging environment' as it reported underlying operating profit of £455m in the six months ended 31 March 20
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