Premier Foods' new boss rolls up his sleeves
11th Aug 2011 10:57
The man tasked with turning around the fortunes of Premier Foods will begin work two weeks early. The manufacturer of household brands such as Hovis Bread, Branston Pickle and Sharwoods announced in July that Mike Clarke would take over from the current chief executive Robert Schofield. Clarke has
Read moreFTSE 250 Movers: Premier Foods bites back
8th Aug 2011 12:28
Food manufacturer Premier Foods clawed back some of the losses it sustained on Friday when it announced a 29% drop in trading profits from ongoing operations. For the half year ended 25 June, the company saw profits fall 29% to £69m, down from £94m, in the corresponding quarter a year earlier. Ne
Read moreLondon midday: Stocks tumble as jitters grip markets
8th Aug 2011 12:14
London's leading share index has given up a short-lived rally and is posting triple-digit losses as nerves over the global economic situation grip the markets again. Mining giants such as Rio Tinto and ENRC are out of favour, though precious metal miners such as Randgold Resources and Fresnillo are
Read moreLondon open: Volatile start for FTSE 100, Lloyds and RBS rally
8th Aug 2011 08:29
Stocks have recovered from earlier falls on what could be a jittery day following last week's slide, with falling mining shares signalling continued nervousness over global economic prospects. Mining giants such as Rio Tinto and ENRC are out of favour today, though precious metal miners such as Ran
Read moreHigh input costs eat into Premier Foods profits
5th Aug 2011 08:09
Food manufacturer Premier Foods reported a 29% drop in trading profits from ongoing operations, hurt by higher raw material costs and partly from a temporary pricing dispute with its major customer, sending its shares lower. For the half year ended 25 June, the company saw profits fall 29% to £69m
Read moreFTSE 250 Movers: Dixons likely to report weak first quarter
25th Jul 2011 13:43
As the risks mount up at Dixons Retail, UBS downgrades the electricals retailer from "neutral" to "sell", saying that trading is "set to remain tougher for longer". The Swiss broker thinks that Dixons, which owns PC World and Currys, is likely to report a weak first quarter "given the tough World
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Kraft's exec takes helm at Premier Foods
14th Jul 2011 15:12
Premier Foods unveiled industry veteran Mike Clarke as its new head honcho, which pleased the investors as shares shot up 10%. Premier Foods, which has lost about 15% of its value since the company's announcement of a profit fall, was the top flyer on the index. Clarke, currently President of Kraft
Read morePremier Foods makes Krafty choice for CEO
14th Jul 2011 08:53
Shares in foods group Premier Foods were marked up in early trading on Thursday as the Hovis bread and Sharwood ready-meals maker unveiled industry veteran Mike Clarke as its new head honcho. Clarke, currently President of Kraft Foods Europe, will take over as chief executive of Premier Foods at th
Read moreLondon close: FTSE 100 back above 6,000
4th Jul 2011 16:56
The top share index finished well clear of the 6,000 point mark as the rally following the Greek parliament's vote in favour of austerity measures continued. Property group British Land was among the top risers. Panmure Gordon has been casting its eye over the company and notes that it offers "an a
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: Food producers lead gains
4th Jul 2011 15:28
The FTSE 250 index climbed higher as overall sentiment remained positive in London after the top share index breached the psychologically important 6,000 points level earlier in the day. Food producers led the gains on the mid-cap stock index with Premier Foods and Ocado Group being among the top ri
Read moreLondon close: Stocks near 6,000 as rally continues
1st Jul 2011 16:27
London's leading share index made a valiant incursion towards the 6,000 point mark heading into the weekend, but fell just short. The gains capped a good week for the FTSE 100 following the Greek parliament's vote in favour of austerity measures that could mend its wrecked finances. Today's stando
Read moreFTSE 250 movers: M&A news rules market sentiment
1st Jul 2011 15:39
Merger activity once again ruled market sentiment with water and waste management group Northumbrian Water and defence group QinetiQ coming into focus. Northumbrian Water confirmed that it received an offer proposal from Hong Kong infrastructure group Cheung Kong. The statement comes after Cheung
Read moreBroker tips: Premier Foods, Glencore, Rockhopper
1st Jul 2011 13:02
After yesterday's profits warning, Panmure Gordon has slashed its full-year profit estimate for the current year and lowered its target price on Hovis bread and Branston pickle maker Premier Foods. Panmure Gordon notes that the company regards the causes of its £35-40m downgrade in profits guidance
Read moreBroker snap: Premier Foods still in a pickle
1st Jul 2011 12:58
After yesterday's profits warning from Premier Foods, Panmure Gordon has slashed its full-year profit estimate for the current year and lowered its target price for the Hovis bread and Branston pickle maker. Panmure Gordon notes that the company regards the causes of its £35-40m downgrade in profit
Read moreLondon midday: FTSE 100 inching towards 6,000 points
1st Jul 2011 12:21
The 6,000 point mark is in sight now as the top share index adds to yesterday's gains. That said, there is little in the way of excitement with yesterday's flood of company results slowing to a trickle. Pub group Greene King, which yesterday reported a big rise in profits but also reported volati
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