London close: Market jumps 125 points
2nd Dec 2010 16:33
Blue chips staged an impressive late rally to finish more than 100 points higher for the second day running. There was no big bond repurchase programme today from the European Central Bank, but a decision to extend the current one for three months was enough to get buyers in a lather again. "We ex
Read moreTechMARK movers: C&W's Bahamas deal
2nd Dec 2010 14:49
Cable & Wireless Communications is acquiring a 51% stake in mobile phone network operator Bahamas Telecommunications Company subject to due diligence and final contract terms. CWC shares, which have been heading lower for more than two months, have been pushed higher by the news. The deal should c
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: TUI tops the list as profit grows
2nd Dec 2010 14:37
TUI Travel leads the risers Thursday after it increased underlying pre-tax profit by 4% to £337m during the year to September. Profit growth was driven by integration synergies, the recovery of scheduled flying losses in Germany and the strategic venture in Canada. Sage Group, the blue chip accoun
Read moreBroker tips: Sage, Alliance Pharma, JJB Sports
2nd Dec 2010 12:47
Sage's subscription revenue growth has led Nomura to expect solid execution next year from the blue chip accountancy software firm. Sage reported "robust subscription revenues growing at 3%" in the second half versus the broker's expectation of 1%. Nomura notes that a growth of around 4% is achieva
Read moreBroker snap: Good medium-term growth expected for Sage
2nd Dec 2010 12:05
Sage's subscription revenue growth has led Nomura to expect solid execution next year from the blue chip accountancy software firm. Sage reported "robust subscription revenues growing at 3%" in the second half versus the broker's expectation of 1%. Nomura notes that a growth of around 4% is achieva
Read moreThursday tips round-up: Sage, BG, Thomas Cook
2nd Dec 2010 06:32
There are definite signs that the market may be running out of patience with Sage Group. The company, one of our most established software groups, has paid a dividend since its 1989 stock market float. But the emphasis in recent years has been on acquisitions to add to a pedestrian rate of growth, a
Read moreLondon close: Triple digit gains for FTSE 100
1st Dec 2010 16:56
Footsie was posting triple-digit gains at trading's close as markets across the globe roared in approval at talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis. Shares here got an extra boost from news that activity in the manufacturing sector hit levels not seen
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie jumps 120 points
1st Dec 2010 14:17
After a strong morning session leading shares kicked on some more over the lunch time period, as worries over the eurozone debt situation subside. Talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis has buoyed European markets, with banks bouncing back more than
Read moreFTSE 100 movers: Cost cutting helps Sage
1st Dec 2010 13:20
Accountancy software provider Sage is the best performer in the Footsie following its full year figures. Sage reported a 14% increase in underlying pre-tax profit thanks to cost-cutting. Profit before tax, adjusted for foreign exchange movements, rose to £355.7m in the year to September 2010, from
Read moreTechMARK movers: Sage pushes ahead
1st Dec 2010 13:05
Strong full year figures from accountancy software provider Sage have pushed its share price up by more than 5%. Sage reported a 14% increase in underlying pre-tax profit thanks to cost-cutting. The main focus of those cuts was North America. Revenue was flat at £1.44bn but there was some organic
Read moreLondon midday: Shares keep climbing
1st Dec 2010 12:04
The leading share index looks to be heading towards triple-digit gains now as worries over the eurozone debt situation subside. Strong economic data and well-received company news here is also helping. Talk that the European Central Bank may take more measures to deal with the debt crisis has buoye
Read moreLondon open: Bright start for blue chips
1st Dec 2010 08:31
London has shrugged off yesterday's dull showing on Wall Street and is posting decent gains in the first hour. Prudential is leading the way after chief executive Tidjane Thiam made Asia the cornerstone of a plan to drive the life insurance group's profits strongly forward over the next two years.
Read moreLondon pre-open: Stocks set to open higher
1st Dec 2010 07:35
Undeterred by a soft showing on Wall Street last night UK stocks are set to open higher, with the Footsie expected to open up some 37 points firmer. Sage, the blue chip accountancy software firm, has posted a 14% increase in full-year underlying pre-tax profit thanks to the cost-cutting drive, most
Read moreSage sales grow in second half
1st Dec 2010 07:03
Sage, the blue chip accountancy software firm, has posted a 14% increase in full-year underlying pre-tax profit thanks to a cost-cutting drive, mostly in North America. Profit before tax, with foreign exchange impacts neutralised, for the year ended 30 September rose to £355.7m from £311.1m in 2009
Read moreWednesday preview: Thomas Cook, Sage, Manufacturing
30th Nov 2010 17:01
Business software giant Sage Group and travel company Thomas Cook provide the company focus midweek. With the cold weather truly upon us the market may well be in just the mood to get its teeth into a trading update from holiday firm Thomas Cook . The company recently announced its long awaited mo
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