Epsom’s French fancy May 26, 2011 WITH just over a week to go until the Investec Derby, racing’s good, bad and ugly gathered on Epsom Downs yesterday morning for the racecourse’s annual ‘Breakfast with the Stars’. The event offers up the opportunity for any horse entered in the world’s most famous race to exercise on the track and sample its undulations, [...]
Frankel to miss Derby but Cecil still favourite May 3, 2011 WORLD DOMINATION has been installed as the new favourite for the Investec Derby after trainer Henry Cecil revealed much-fancied Frankel will not run. Cecil is reluctant to step up 2000 Guineas winner Frankel to a mile and a half next month at Epsom, leaving his stablemate to take top billing. “I think the Derby would [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: WHAT STOOD OUT IN AVIVA’S RESULTS? May 17, 2011 KEVIN RYAN | INVESTEC The big attraction in a UK context is its composite business model. Cash from the non-life business essentially covers shareholders’ dividend and this places it in a very good position. The only note of caution is that it is winning significant new business in UK motor where premiums rose 60 per [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: WHAT STOOD OUT IN AVIVA’S RESULTS? May 17, 2011 KEVIN RYAN | INVESTEC The big attraction in a UK context is its composite business model. Cash from the non-life business essentially covers shareholders’ dividend and this places it in a very good position. The only note of caution is that it is winning significant new business in UK motor where premiums rose 60 per [...]
Mitie profit climbs as order book fills May 23, 2011 CONSTRUCTION and outsourcing firm Mitie said increased demand for bundled services had helped boost its full-year profit and that significant outsourcing and energy opportunities would help sustain growth. Mitie, which provides services from cleaning to engineering, said revenue for the year to 31 March was up 10 per cent to £1.89bn, with profit before tax [...]
Beach looks Treasure of a bet in William Hill’s Ballydoyle Derby June 3, 2011 Hats off to the odds compilers at William Hill for coming up with some fantastic novelty markets on this afternoon’s Investec Derby. Normally, the racing trading teams at the majority of bookmakers use occasions like these to offer odds on the ridiculous, but Hills’ Kate Miller has come up with a sensible list with some [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: CAN DIAGEO SUSTAIN ITS TREND OF RISING SALES? May 5, 2011 IAN SHACKLETON | NOMURA We believe growth of five per cent in 2011 is achievable, and could accelerate in 2012. This combined with a more aggressive attitude to building in emerging markets and in M&A continues to make Diageo shares look attractive. There was further improvement in price/mix in markets. KEITH BOWMAN | HARGREAVES LANSDOWN [...]
ANALYST VIEWS: CAN DIAGEO SUSTAIN ITS TREND OF RISING SALES? May 5, 2011 IAN SHACKLETON | NOMURA We believe growth of five per cent in 2011 is achievable, and could accelerate in 2012. This combined with a more aggressive attitude to building in emerging markets and in M&A continues to make Diageo shares look attractive. There was further improvement in price/mix in markets. KEITH BOWMAN | HARGREAVES LANSDOWN [...]
We will muddle through amid economic woes June 26, 2011 IT’S amazing how far we’ve come in a short period of time. Back in early February, financial markets were still pricing in the chances of a Bank of England rates rise in May. Now, with the release of minutes from June’s MPC meeting, a rate hike isn’t fully expected until July 2012. As a result, [...]
Classics blow for Dubai Prince April 18, 2011 HORSE RACING: Dubai Prince will miss the 2,000 Guineas and Investec Derby at Epsom after suffering a setback in training. A minor injury will keep the 14-1 Derby chance out of competition for the next few weeks but Godolphin racing manager Simon Crisford confirmed he will return later in the season.