Wednesday preview: Thomas Cook and United Utilities
It looks like the holiday is already over for the new head of Thomas Cook, Harriet Green, who joined the firm from electronics outfit Premier Farnell in July.
It looks like the holiday is already over for the new head of Thomas Cook, Harriet Green, who joined the firm from electronics outfit Premier Farnell in July.
Peel Hunt analyst Nicholas Batram predicts underlying pre-tax profits of £154m for the year to September 30th - that's around half of last year's £304m.
On top of this the City expects exceptional items to push the firm into the red.
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"Of much greater interest will be what [Green] has to say in terms of the turnaround strategy," Batram said in a note.
"The company has said that the results of a detailed strategic review will not be revealed until the spring but we do expect some colour."
As the rain continues to fall, United Utilities presents its half yearly figures.
Revenue is expected to be around five per cent higher at £835m as a result of allowed regulatory price rises offset by customer switching and lower commercial volumes.
Pre-tax profits, like Severn Trent before it, are seen coming in broadly flat at £188m (up two per cent). The dividend is expected to grow seven per cent to 11.4p, according to analysts at Charles Stanley.
INTERIMS
Advanced Computer Software Group, Assura Group Ltd., Creston, Daisy Group, Telford Homes, United Utilities Group, VP
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