Member Info for mulledwine

53 - 55

Outlook The Group has reported good like-for-like revenue growth of 7 per cent in the third quarter and although the full year like-for-like and reported revenue growth is expected to be positive, fourth quarter revenue will be lower than the Board's expectations. Despite this revenue growth, Headline PBIT is expected to be slightly below that of the prior year as detailed above. Since the Group's performance was weighted to the second half of the year and especially the fourth quarter, the cost reductions that have been implemented will have minimal impact on this financial year, but will improve profitability on future revenue.

Insight The Insight division had a good third quarter growth in revenue, which exceeded the preceding second quarter as well as quarter three of the prior year. This growth has been achieved by the addition of new clients in the first half of the year, such as the BBC and others, which cannot currently be named. In the Period, the division established Vitaris, a new healthcare research consultancy, targeting new and existing health clients. This new product offering was launched later than expected and accordingly the contribution to the current financial year will be below original expectations. This business is expected to be margin accretive in the next financial year. Although the Insight division's performance to date has shown positive revenue growth, the Board expects a revenue decline for the ICM business in the fourth quarter caused by a shortfall in new business and a delay of projects into the new financial year. This is disappointing considering the improving performance of the Insight division and the new client wins earlier in the year. The necessary actions are being taken to align operating costs to the lower expected level of sales for the remainder of this, and future financial years. However, the savings generated from actions already underway will have minimal impact in the current financial year and the revenue decline will have a direct impact on fourth quarter profitability.

Interim Management Statement Creston plc ('Creston' or the 'Group') (LSE: CRE), the Insight and Communications Group, announces its interim management statement for the period 1 October 2011 to date. Trading update For the three months to 31 December 2011 (the 'Period'), the Group reported revenue growth of over 22 per cent compared to the same period last year. Like-for-like1 revenue growth for the third quarter was 7 per cent, compared to the same period in the prior year. Year to date, like-for-like revenue growth of 5 per cent has been achieved. Despite this revenue growth, the Board's expectation for Headline2 PBIT3 for the full year is lowered to be slightly below that of the prior year. The anticipated reduction in Headline PBIT is as a result of a shortfall in fourth quarter new business, the costs associated with staffing-up to service the expected increase in revenue, client projects being delayed until the new financial year and operating losses associated with the start-up ventures in the year. Appropriate actions have begun to align operating costs to the lower expected sales levels, the effects of which will predominantly be realised from the start of the new financial year.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201201270700152733W

Brewin Dolphin upgrades PayPoint from hold to add, target price raised from 500p to 650p.

Looks like a red day for HRN - pity - sign of the times and changing desires of the kids

Our new category initiatives for 2012 include: · Scalextric "Star Wars" products based on the Lucasfilm series of movies, the first of which will be released in 3D format in February 2012. Hornby holds global rights to slot racing products related to "Star Wars". · A comprehensive range of pre-school products at keen price points based on the new TV Series "Olly the Little White Van", launched under the Corgi brand. The range includes die cast vehicles, playsets, jigsaw puzzles and remote control vehicles. Hornby holds global rights to toy products related to "Olly the Little White Van". The producer of the series is at an advanced stage in negotiations for transmission rights in a number of overseas markets. · A newly tooled range of collectable Corgi die cast toys designed to hit the key £1.99 retail price point. The products are designed around the UK/European vehicles that children see every day on the roads of UK/ Europe, a market not currently served by our die cast competitors. · A recently signed distribution agreement with Reeves International (USA) to distribute their range of Breyer Horses in the UK. This range of collectable horses fits perfectly with our distribution profile and brings Hornby into the arena of girl and adult female collectables, alongside our traditional male directed ranges. A flagship launch product for this range will be the "War Horse" collectable which will be available for shipping in the UK in February 2012. · A global distribution agreement with fantasy war gaming specialist Mantic Games. Hornby will distribute Mantic's "Kings of War" product range under our highly complementary Humbrol brand. In doing so we will enter the lucrative fantasy war gaming market, and provide a further vehicle for sales of our Humbrol paint ranges. · Last but by no means least, we have entered into a global license agreement with Mind Candy for its global kids entertainment brand 'Moshi Monsters'. Drawing on our London 2012 collectable experience, Hornby has secured global rights to produce and distribute collectable pin badges and die cast vehicles based on the Moshi Monsters characters. Our activity in developing these new categories has been recognised at the London Toy Fair by Hornby gaining 3 Best New Toy Awards; for our London 2012 Pictogram range, the Corgi Toys range and our Micro Scalextric Star Wars set.

Outlook The Board remains confident in the Group's strategy. We recognise that trading conditions in the UK and the rest of Europe will continue to be challenging for the foreseeable future and are likely to continue to constrain sales of our high ticket Hornby and Scalextric items. However we have taken steps to broaden our portfolio of products, resulting in lower average price points. We have also signed a number of exciting license and distribution agreements which will help to underpin the business over the coming years. At the London Toy Fair earlier this week, we showcased our major product introductions for 2012. Leading this programme is our range of London 2012 merchandise, produced for the London Games which start in July this year. Our retail listings for this event in mass market channels of distribution are very strong and these new channels represent a unique opportunity to launch mass market ranges following on from our London 2012 range.

Business Performance In the Interim Report on the first half of the financial year to 30 September 2011, we highlighted the good progress made in growing sales in our Continental European subsidiaries. This trend has continued to date. At the time of the Interim Report we indicated that sales growth in the UK had been muted. Against a background of fragile consumer confidence and cautious retail trade buying, sales in the pre-Christmas period in the UK were below the corresponding period last year. In particular, sales of high-ticket items such as our Hornby and Scalextric sets were affected adversely. Although Group sales for the financial year to date remain ahead of the same period last year, the rate of growth is below management expectations. The Company therefore expects that pre-tax profits in respect of the year to 31 March 2012 are likely to be below current market expectations. Net debt as at 31 December 2011 was £8.5 million (30 September 2011 £12.8 million, 31 December 2010 £10.3 million). Supply Chain Our supply chain is performing well and we have continued to diversify our supplier base.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201201270700122608W

Financial Matters In its 2011 half year report, the Company indicated that its cash resources were sufficient to take it into Q2 of 2012. Following a review of options, the Directors have decided, in view of the continuing uncertainty surrounding the timing of the FDA approval, to reduce operating costs by restructuring the organization in order to increase the Company's cash runway. It is expected that these measures will be implemented by the end of the first quarter of 2012 and will reduce the cash costs of operations by approximately 30 percent. In conjunction with this action, it is expected that a circular to shareholders proposing a limited placement of new shares will be distributed for their review and approval within the next 30 days.

perational Update AquaBounty Technologies, Inc. (ABTX), a biotechnology company focused on enhancing productivity in the aquaculture market, announces an update on the Company's regulatory progress, operations and financial outlook for the 2012 fiscal year. Regulatory Update As previously reported, AquaBounty completed all submissions for its New Animal Drug Application ("NADA") for AquAdvantage Salmon ("AAS") with the Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") in 2010. After public meetings on the results of their review, the FDA released documents stating that the product was safe as food, safe to the fish and safe for the environment. Since that time, the FDA has been working to complete its Environmental Assessment ("EA") for AAS to ensure that an approval of the pending NADA would have no adverse effect on the environment. The Company will update the market when the FDA completes this review and publishes the EA. Congressional Update The Company reported in June 2011 that an amendment to the Agricultural Appropriations Bill to prohibit the FDA from utilizing any of the appropriated funds for the purpose of approving "genetically engineered salmon" was introduced in the U.S House of Representatives when fewer than ten members (out of a total of 435) were in attendance. This amendment did not represent a broad consensus of opinion by U.S. lawmakers, and was viewed by many as subverting the authority of the FDA and undermining science-based regulatory policy. The Agricultural Appropriations Bill approved by the U.S. Senate did not include a provision regarding genetically engineered salmon and the House amendment was removed when the Bill went to joint conference.

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201201270700142721W

Yes nice indeed Business Highlights · Policy sales increased from 339,916 to 444,189, an increase of 30.7% · Lead generation business increased the number of leads produced by 41.4% · Internal premium finance loan book facility funded £117m of new loans, an increase of 73.4% · Medical reporting business increased the number of instructions received from 35,934 to 37,431, an increase of 4.2% · The acquisitions of Quote Exchange, E-Systems and eDevelopment were successfully completed during the year, and integration into the Group remains on going.

26/01/2012 Haynes Publishing has seen a fall in both revenue and operating profit for the six months ended November 30th. Revenue fell from £15.7m to £14.3m year-on-year, while operating profit dropped by a third, from £3m to £1.9m. Pre-tax profit was £1.8m, compared to £2.7m. However, the period did see a strong generation of net funds, at £5m compared to £3.8m in the same period the previous year. The firm declared an interim dividend of 6.2p, the same amount paid at the same date in 2010.

Pre-close statement Rotala is pleased to announce the following update about trading for the year ended 30 November 2011 and prospects for the current year ending 30 November 2012. · Full results for the year ended 30 November 2011 are expected to be broadly in line with management expectations. These results will be released in March 2012. · Trading for the current year has started well and is in line with budget. Whilst, as anticipated in our half year announcement, local authority transport budgets have continued to be under pressure, we are encouraged by the developments in our commercial bus operations so far this year. Much activity is also taking place in the private bus network market at this time. In this type of business we are one of the leading operators in the country and the Company expects to continue to win appreciable new business in this area. There are also a number of other significant developments which should be drawn to the attention of shareholders:.............................. See rest of RNS

http://www.investegate.co.uk/Article.aspx?id=201201270700142711W

Earnings per Share Our reported basic EPS of 10.9 cent per share was based on a weighted average number of shares in issue over the course of the six months of 36.10 million shares. The Group had 37.211 million shares in issues prior to the Tender Offer. The number of issued shares at 31 December 2011 is 30.545 million shares. Dividend & Dividend Policy As previously indicated, the Group's dividend policy is unaffected by the return of capital to shareholders. The Board is declaring an interim dividend of 3 cent per share. The dividend will be payable on 12 March 2012 to shareholders on the company's register at the close of business on the record date of 10 February 2012. The Group has a progressive dividend policy which reflects underlying earnings growth and the continued strength of the Group's balance sheet. Outlook Notwithstanding the Group's strong performance in the six months to 31 December 2011, very significant uncertainties remain in our principal markets. Although we expect to maintain our position in those markets, we do not anticipate that those markets themselves will grow significantly in the near future. As a consequence, it's not possible to forecast future performance with any certainty. We will, however, continue to focus on the delivery of excellent service to clients and candidates and to position ourselves to take advantage of any opportunities for growth that may arise.

The economic uncertainty in Ireland and in other markets in which we operate has not abated in the six months to December 2011. As with many businesses this uncertainty and its effects on employment and on business confidence generally have given rise to very challenging trading conditions. Against this background the Group's performance in the six months to 31 December 2011 has been strong. We have concentrated our efforts on meeting the changing needs of companies and candidates while managing our own cost base carefully. We have recorded an increase in our fees from permanent placements by 16.3% over the same period last year, while we have continued to experience significant pressure on prices and margins we are pleased to report a 24.2% increase in net fees from the placement of temporary employees. I am also pleased to report the continued profitable growth in our businesses outside Ireland. The achievement of strong results and the maintenance of positive momentum in such uncertain times reflect outstanding commitment to the provision of excellent service across the whole Group. On behalf of the Board I would like to thank the management and staff of Cpl, in Ireland and overseas, for all of their continuing efforts. I would also like to extend the appreciation of the Board to our customers for their continued loyalty and support. Tender Offer During the six months to 31 December 2011 we announced a Tender Offer to return up to €20 million in surplus capital to shareholders by acquiring some of their shares in Cpl. The Board was pleased to note that the Tender Offer was fully taken up. The Group purchased 6,666,666 shares at €3 per share. All shares acquired have been cancelled, and this has given rise to a positive effect on the Group's earnings per share.