Gym Group shares down on increased debt predictions after year of site openings January 15, 2019 Gym Group shares were down five per cent this morning as it announced increased net debt in a trading update, despite growing profits and revenues. The listed fitness chain said it expected year-end debt to be £46m, up 22.6 per cent year-on-year from £37.5m, after the £20.6m acquisition of Easy Gym and investment in 17 [...]
Big Yellow quarterly revenue grows amid ‘aggressive’ expansion plan January 15, 2019 Big Yellow saw its revenues rise in the third quarter as it ploughs ahead with its plan to open a raft of new sites. The self-storage company said revenue for the three months to the end of December was up 7.1 per cent on the same period last year to £31.5m. Its closing occupancy was [...]
Dignity rises as profits beat expectations despite tough year January 15, 2019 Dignity’s problems are not terminal it seems as the company beat market expectations to rake in a £79m profit. The group rose 2.1 per cent as the markets opened this morning, bringing it to 735p, but well below its 1,880p price on this day last year. Read more: Dignity shares slide after regulator proposes funeral competition [...]
Games Workshop enjoys record year as business remains ‘in great shape’ January 15, 2019 Miniature wargaming manufacturer Games Workshop struck a positive tone this morning after posting record sales, despite a slowdown in growth during the half-year to December. The figures Sales in the six months to 2 December 2018 hit £125m, rising from £110m during the same period in the previous year. Meanwhile, operating and pre-tax profits rose from £38.1m [...]
Boohoo shares drop despite retailer lifting 2019 guidance after strong sales growth January 15, 2019 Boohoo had no cause for tears this morning as it revealed rocketing revenue helped it end 2018 on a high, raising guidance for its full-year sales. Sales grew 44 per cent year on year to £328.2m in the four months to the end of December, up from £228.2m in the same period in 2017. Read [...]
Profiting from the retail revolution: What’s hot and what’s not? January 15, 2019 It turns out that so-called Super Thursday wasn’t so super after all. Despite being lauded as a day when retailers boast strong figures from the festive period, last Thursday proved to be a mixed basket of results. With consumers feeling the pinch and Brexit-sized uncertainty looming large over the high street, it’s not surprising that [...]
Lululemon ups fourth quarter forecasts on strong online and China demand January 14, 2019 Clothing retailer Lululemon Athletica boosted its profit and revenue forecasts for the last quarter of its financial year today, driven by online growth and demand from China. The Canadian retailer, which is known for its upscale yoga and athletic wear, said its upgrade was based on a strong holiday season and success “around the globe”. [...]
Pret A Manger and Krispy Creme owner Jab Holdings’ chairman Bart Becht announced retirement January 14, 2019 Bart Becht has resigned as chairman of Jab Holdings, which owns businesses including Keurig Dr Pepper and Pret A Manger. The company, which also owns the Douwe Egberts coffee brand and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, will continue to be run by chief executive Olivier Goudet and senior partner Peter Harf, who will be joined by three new [...]
Shares in Debenhams dive as woes show no sign of abating January 14, 2019 The falling share price of embattled department store chain Debenhams showed no sign of a let up this afternoon as its stock value plunged a further 12 per cent. The retailer’s share price plummeted amid reports that as many as 90 of its high street stores could be up for closure, putting 10,000 jobs at [...]
Patisserie Valerie non-exec director James Horler resigns with immediate effect January 14, 2019 Patisserie Valerie’s non-executive director James Horler has become the latest senior figure to resign from his position at the beleaguered cake chain. According to a statement from the firm on the London Stock Exchange this afternoon, Horler has resigned “with immediate effect in order to focus on his role as chief executive officer at another [...]