Stagecoach bullish on year ahead

Bus and rail group Stagecoach said overall current trading remains good and its prospects remain positive with like-for-like revenue growth up in nearly all of its divisions.

The Scotland based group added there has been no significant change to its expected profit before tax for the year ending April 30 2013.

LFL revenue at its UK Bus regional operations during the 24 weeks ended October 14th 2012 rose 3.6%.

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The 0.9% decline in revenue at UK Bus (London) was expected as it lets go of less profitable contracts and restructures the acquired business.

"For the year as a whole UK Bus (London) is well placed to maintain revenue with contract losses being offset by some contract wins and inflationary price increases on existing contracts," Stagecoach explained in a statement.

LFL revenue at UK Rail during the period gained 7.9% while its North America operations, which includes Megabus.com and excludes the disposed Wisconsin school bus business, saw revenue growth 10.7%. Revenue at Virgin Rail rose 2.7% during the period.

CJ