Games Workshop Group has said that it will pay a dividend of 16p per share. The firm also revealed that pre-tax profits for the year to June 3rd are likely to be ahead of current market expectations, having previously told investors that trading during the first four months was in line with expectations. Investors welcomed the news, sending the share price 3.11 per cent higher at 580p.
PLUS Markets Group has confirmed talks with ICAP saying that these discussions may lead to the disposal of its subsidiary company PLUS Stock Exchange. The subsidiary would be sold for a nominal amount given the fact it is loss making. The firm reiterated that such a move would be in the best interests of shareholders.
Optos, a retinal imaging company, reported a $28.2m year-on-year rise in revenue to $86.2m for the six months ended March 31st. Gross profit was up $13.7m at $49.8m, while profit after tax before exceptional items fell $0.2m to $4.3m. Pre-tax profit for the period was $3.9m and basic earnings per share were 5.6c. Debt levels rose $17.8m to $48.2m.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Johnston Press has said total advertising revenue for the 18 weeks to May 7th were down 9.1%, but within this saw an improvement from the first quarter decline of 9.6% to a slower decline of 8.0% for the second quarter to date. While there was a year-on-year decline in classified print advertising revenues of 11.5% for the first 18 weeks of 2012, the position has improved from a decline of 12.4% in the first quarter to an 8.9% decline for the second quarter to date. Digital revenues were up 13.9% in the 18 week period, driven by online display, online employment, and the Find it directory. Circulation revenue continued to be resilient, down 2.0% year on year for the 18 week period, with a slowing in the rate of decline of weekly circulation numbers. Net debt was £363.3m at the end of April.
The company also announced that it has signed a deal with Motors.co.uk through which it will launch a new local, online motors platform which will be integrated within each of Johnston's local websites and will carry the local website brand.
NR
-
Zoopla: UK property supply hits eight-year high ahead of general electionNews More homeowners are putting their properties up for sale but many are relisting after failing to find a buyer last year - is now a good time to buy?
-
What’s happening to the NatWest share sell-off? Impact of general election 2024 explainedThe UK government has held shares in NatWest Group since the 2008 Financial Crisis. But a plan to sell off a large chunk of them appears to have been delayed.
