Pace bosses invest after share slump

A round-up of the biggest director deals today so far.

Directors at Pace took advantage of a sharp fall in the set-top box maker's share price yesterday to add to their stakes in the company.

The shares fell sharply after figures for 2010 showed that hefty one-off costs cut profits growth to a minimum. The BSkyB supplier also said that a US customer had deferred a major order until next year when the next generation of equipment will be available.

MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

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

Sign up

Of the four directors, McTighe has the biggest stake at 60,000 shares, equivalent to 0.2% of the company.

Pace's 2010 revenues were up by 17.4% to £1.33bn, with organic revenues growing 9.7%. Operating profits rose by 32% to £92m, though pre-tax profits rose only slightly to £71m after one-off costs of £19m relating to its acquisitions last year and the closure of its European free-to-air business.

Despite the setback, Pace is confident of the company's prospects.

"The board expects 2011 revenue growth of a similar level to that achieved in 2010," the company said.

Top Director Buys

Capital & Counties Properties (CAPC) Director name: Mr Andrew J M HuntleyAmount purchased: 26,000 @ 151.67p Value: £39,434

Capital & Counties Properties (CAPC) Director name: Mr Andrew J M HuntleyAmount purchased: 25,000 @ 149.30p Value: £37,325

Pace (PIC) Director name: Mr David McKinneyAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 184.30p Value: £18,430

Pace (PIC) Director name: Mr Michael McTigheAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 184.05p Value: £18,405

Pace (PIC) Director name: Mr Neil GaydonAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 183.70p Value: £18,370

Pace (PIC) Director name: Mr Stuart Andrew HallAmount purchased: 10,000 @ 183.70p Value: £18,370

Johnson Matthey (JMAT) Director name: Mr Alan M FergusonAmount purchased: 626 @ 1,902.90p Value: £11,912

Top Director Sells

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 17,477 @ 1,732.60p Value: £302,807

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 12,988 @ 1,731.98p Value: £224,950

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 7,810 @ 1,729.50p Value: £135,074

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 6,700 @ 1,730.74p Value: £115,960

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 6,090 @ 1,730.12p Value: £105,364

Genus (GNS) Director name: Mr Richard WoodAmount sold: 15,000 @ 965.00p Value: £144,750

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 4,750 @ 1,733.22p Value: £82,328

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 4,000 @ 1,731.36p Value: £69,254

Virgin Media Inc. (VMED) Director name: Mr Neil BerkettAmount sold: 900 @ 1,728.89p Value: £15,560

MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.