Oil price drags on the FTSE 100 as airlines takeoff – London Report December 8, 2015 OPEC’S failure on Friday to agree to curb oil production weighed yesterday on the FTSE 100 index. The cartel failed to reach agreement despite a global supply glut and the strength of the dollar, which is leading to the collapse of global oil prices, with the resulting uncertainty hitting stock markets. The FTSE 100 closed [...]
Primark sales up but Associated British Foods warns strong pound will weigh on earnings February 23, 2015 Associated British Foods (ABF), the owner of the Primark clothing chain, warned investors today that a strong pound would likely lead to a “marginal decline” in adjusted earnings per share for the full year. Sales at its Primark division are expected to grow thanks to strong Christmas sales and expansion into Europe – [...]
It’s a tale of two Christmasses for Primark owner Associated January 15, 2015 CHRISTMAS was sweet and sour for Primark owner Associated British Foods, with the discount clothing chain reporting a 15 per cent jump in sales over the festive period. However, ABF forecast a slight decline in full-year profits after reporting a three per cent rise in group revenues for the last quarter at constant currency rates. [...]
Black Friday 2015 UK: Will this be the last deals day of chaos? How smart tech will turn the sales event into a great shopping experience November 17, 2015 Last year shoppers in the UK spent £810m on Black Friday. Predictions are that the UK will see the first ever £1bn shopping day this year, when it lands on 27 November. The build-up is hugely hyped, alongside secrecy on the parts of many retailers about their killer offers. But what about the chaos that [...]
Bank to announce rates decision as China woes weigh – London Report September 6, 2015 THE BANK of England will be centre of attention on Thursday when it provides a simultaneous release of its monetary policy decision and minutes from its monetary policy committee (MPC) meeting. The MPC is almost certain to keep interest rates unchanged at 0.5 per cent, with worries about China and oil price declines meaning other [...]
Glencore pulls FTSE up on back of debt scheme – London Report September 8, 2015 BRITAIN’S top share index rose yesterday, led into positive territory by Glencore after the mining and commodities trading firm announced a plan to cut billions of dollars in debt in the face of weakening metals prices. The FTSE 100 was up 31.60 points, or 0.5 per cent, at 6,074.52 points at the close, rallying after [...]
Reiss to ramp up expansion overseas after doubling full-year profits October 19, 2015 Family-owned fashion retailer Reiss has said it plans to ramp up expansion overseas next year by adding 40 new stores, after it revealed record sales and profits. The upmarket high street brand, a favourite with royals and celebrities including the Duchess of Cambridge and Olivia Palermo, said strong growth through its website and existing stores help drive a [...]
Black Friday 2015 UK: After Asda pulled out of the big deals day, will it fade to grey? November 11, 2015 Asda’s decision to opt-out of the US-imported shopping holiday begs one question: Could this be Britain’s last Black Friday? With high-street retailers like Primark and Oasis also deciding to pull out of the Black Friday race, this is a huge sign that perhaps this one-day shopping bonanza could be abandoned by the majority of the [...]
Best of the Brokers for 09 July 2015 July 8, 2015 To appear in Best of the Brokers, email your research to notes@cityam.com ASSOCIATED BRITISH FOODS Panmure Gordon reiterated its “sell” rating on the food group, noting that while there is a positive investment case to be made based upon sustained roll out of Primark, the current valuation already implies double digit growth for the next [...]
Primark sales soar 15pc but Associated British Foods warns lower sugar prices will hit profits January 15, 2015 Primark will not do enough to offset the fall in sugar prices and currency headwinds for parent company Associated British Foods, which is expecting a "marginal decline" in adjusted earnings per share for the year. Total revenues at ABF grew three per cent for the 16 weeks to 3 January, with Primark providing the bulk [...]