| Home | Log In | Register | Our Services | My Account | Contact | Help |
You are NOT currently logged in
Register now or login to post to this thread.
That's the Wonder of Woolworths, da, da da, da, daa............. (WLW)
ringos_tar_2000
- 11 May 2004 12:22
Anyone notice the exratordinary volumes yesterday? (10/5/2004)
48 million!!!
Many more buys than sells.
That and the price held out only losing a fraction of a penny.
No Easter Eggs in sight in my local store.
May be one reason but............
Any ideas people?
48 million!!!
Many more buys than sells.
That and the price held out only losing a fraction of a penny.
No Easter Eggs in sight in my local store.
May be one reason but............
Any ideas people?
ringos_tar_2000
- 11 May 2004 23:21
- 2 of 344
Obviously not......................
Thanks
Thanks
Iain
- 11 May 2004 23:25
- 3 of 344
Just popped over Ringo.
Watching/waiting and in.Along with a few others on Traders thread.Institutions have been shrewdly adding
In from 39/40
Watching/waiting and in.Along with a few others on Traders thread.Institutions have been shrewdly adding
In from 39/40
ringos_tar_2000
- 12 May 2004 08:55
- 4 of 344
Iain
Thank you for that.
I have these on a long(very), so it is nice to know where the interest comes from.
Thank you for that.
I have these on a long(very), so it is nice to know where the interest comes from.
daves dazzlers
- 12 May 2004 21:08
- 5 of 344
ringos tar2000.
woolworth on the up, you better belive it.
bought 10000 /on friday 7th,o.39.
bought 10000 /on monday 10th,o.40,,,just for the short term looking to sell,september/november,will look to buy more,trevor turning the old boat around,i`ll say no more regards dd
woolworth on the up, you better belive it.
bought 10000 /on friday 7th,o.39.
bought 10000 /on monday 10th,o.40,,,just for the short term looking to sell,september/november,will look to buy more,trevor turning the old boat around,i`ll say no more regards dd
ringos_tar_2000
- 13 May 2004 08:02
- 6 of 344
Iain and Dave.
Both replies have really helped in a time of turbulence in the Market.
Thank you.
Both replies have really helped in a time of turbulence in the Market.
Thank you.
daves dazzlers
- 13 May 2004 19:33
- 7 of 344
ringo,,, have you bought any yet.
my self another 10000,o.41 thats it for me,,happy times a head,regards dave,ps do you hold any retail stocks. i`ve bought a few in recent times,,seems the sector back in vogue.
my self another 10000,o.41 thats it for me,,happy times a head,regards dave,ps do you hold any retail stocks. i`ve bought a few in recent times,,seems the sector back in vogue.
ringos_tar_2000
- 13 May 2004 20:05
- 8 of 344
Hi Dave
Yes, I have held a good stake for a while now!
I have been in and out of these over the last year or so and taken a little on the way from the highs and lows.
To coin another phrase;
Well Worth It!
Yes, I have held a good stake for a while now!
I have been in and out of these over the last year or so and taken a little on the way from the highs and lows.
To coin another phrase;
Well Worth It!
ringos_tar_2000
- 13 May 2004 20:08
- 9 of 344
Noticed over the last two days that someone unloads 5 million at the end of the days trading!!!!!!!!
daves dazzlers
- 13 May 2004 20:30
- 10 of 344
nice one ringo,have you noticed the stores much more busy,i no the manager of my local store we talked about different prommos to get people in.there latest seems to be working,daily papers,no titles named are offering free dvd films if you bring the coupons in store{kiddys cartoons} they give you the films free,sounds easy ,and its working,in his store 50% of the people buy other things eg cds/dvds/toys/etc on average each basket 9 pound ,its true i stayed in his store for 1 hour tuesday,and seen it for my self.its amazing people think they get something for nowt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,as if. retail is all about average basket,seems there average basket is on the up,,,,,,,,happy days regards dave.
Jules
- 13 May 2004 22:44
- 11 of 344
ringos_tar_2000
Are you sure they are sells??? Not everything is as you see it:-)
Are you sure they are sells??? Not everything is as you see it:-)
ringos_tar_2000
- 14 May 2004 07:40
- 12 of 344
Jules
Not really sure, I am going by the Moneyam guide.
Not really sure, I am going by the Moneyam guide.
ringos_tar_2000
- 14 May 2004 10:30
- 13 of 344
Some thing is afoot.
10 million bought in 2 minutes at 09.39...........
Other big buys......
10 million bought in 2 minutes at 09.39...........
Other big buys......
daves dazzlers
- 14 May 2004 14:29
- 14 of 344
slow ,slow quick,quick, slow,they keep buying dont they,,ringo how much you in for,are you ,are you buy,sell,hold.dave
daves dazzlers
- 18 May 2004 12:19
- 15 of 344
share price still going up,,neck and neck regarding buyers/sellers,,,,,,,,,,,,,,i may review my target sell price. any thoughts on what level the current run may hit {0.50} wish.
stockbunny
- 18 May 2004 14:58
- 16 of 344
It did reach around 48p if I remember rightly - check a chart over the last
6 mths approx. - did read some time back there was a target price by the
broker of 52p (that would be nice!) I bought in April 2003 at 34p and it
does dip up and down a bit but has much more going for it than the current
price suggests.
Remember it also owns EUK (entertainment UK) which distributes DVD's etc
to other retailers for sale, so even if Woolies (the shop) is not selling
as many as it could, if Tesco are, indirectly Woolies (the group) are still
making money on that sale!
6 mths approx. - did read some time back there was a target price by the
broker of 52p (that would be nice!) I bought in April 2003 at 34p and it
does dip up and down a bit but has much more going for it than the current
price suggests.
Remember it also owns EUK (entertainment UK) which distributes DVD's etc
to other retailers for sale, so even if Woolies (the shop) is not selling
as many as it could, if Tesco are, indirectly Woolies (the group) are still
making money on that sale!
daves dazzlers
- 18 May 2004 15:47
- 17 of 344
cheers bunny,,` i`ve going short i was going to sell at 44,may stall for 46 ish.three buys of late 39/40/41 , regards dd
daves dazzlers
- 23 May 2004 19:28
- 18 of 344
looks like its getting followers again,,could be a intresting week,,,my local is busy,,,, an i`am not talking about the pub ..
seawallwalker
- 24 May 2004 13:28
- 19 of 344
Woolworth always looks like going to the Promised Land.
It did go to 48p, shows 50p as the high but it probably only went there for a very short time.
The 48 p was because of takeover hype.
Trading statement due Thursday.
Expect news that they ran out of Easter Eggs and Mars Bars.
It did go to 48p, shows 50p as the high but it probably only went there for a very short time.
The 48 p was because of takeover hype.
Trading statement due Thursday.
Expect news that they ran out of Easter Eggs and Mars Bars.
seawallwalker
- 24 May 2004 13:33
- 20 of 344
Sweet-toothed shopper buys 10,000 chocolate bars
LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) - A woman with an apparently insatiable sweet tooth stunned staff at a British shop when she bought more than 10,000 chocolate bars and had them loaded into her chauffeur-driven limousine.
The woman asked staff at a north London Woolworths branch for every single Mars bar in stock -- 10,656 of them packed in 220 boxes -- and paid for them in cash with 50 pound notes, a Woolworths spokesman said on Wednesday.
The total bill was 2,131 pounds ($3,828).
"It was very, very strange but nobody thought to ask her why she wanted so many," the spokesman said.
"It would usually take us a month to shift that number of chocolate bars," he added. "Perhaps she has a sweet tooth."
LONDON, May 5 (Reuters) - A woman with an apparently insatiable sweet tooth stunned staff at a British shop when she bought more than 10,000 chocolate bars and had them loaded into her chauffeur-driven limousine.
The woman asked staff at a north London Woolworths branch for every single Mars bar in stock -- 10,656 of them packed in 220 boxes -- and paid for them in cash with 50 pound notes, a Woolworths spokesman said on Wednesday.
The total bill was 2,131 pounds ($3,828).
"It was very, very strange but nobody thought to ask her why she wanted so many," the spokesman said.
"It would usually take us a month to shift that number of chocolate bars," he added. "Perhaps she has a sweet tooth."
seawallwalker
- 24 May 2004 13:44
- 21 of 344
sockbunny your secret is out!!!!!!!!!!!
But what DID you do with them?
But what DID you do with them?
stockbunny
- 24 May 2004 17:09
- 22 of 344
No not me - I usually wipe out the stock of Bounty bars and
of course they also sell Thorntons (well some anyway) and then there's
a brand of marzipan (sheer heaven) that you can't get except in Woolies,
and the pick-and-mix nought and Raspberry Ruffles...Oh Man you
haven't LIVED until you have had a raspberry ruffle and then there's.....
.........................(lol).................................
of course they also sell Thorntons (well some anyway) and then there's
a brand of marzipan (sheer heaven) that you can't get except in Woolies,
and the pick-and-mix nought and Raspberry Ruffles...Oh Man you
haven't LIVED until you have had a raspberry ruffle and then there's.....
.........................(lol).................................
daves dazzlers
- 24 May 2004 17:39
- 23 of 344
i was wondering who`s buying all the confectionery..
seawallwalker
- 27 May 2004 07:35
- 24 of 344
27 May 2004
Trading Statement for First Quarter 13 weeks to 1 May 2004
At the Woolworths Group plc Annual General Meeting to be held at 11.00am this morning, the Group Chairman, Gerald Corbett will provide an update on key strategic initiatives and trading in the first quarter of the current financial year.
In the 13 weeks to 1 May 2004, total Group sales increased 6.5 per cent to 576.6 million. Underlying retail sales (Mainchain, Woolworths big W and MVC) for the 13 week period grew 1.6 per cent versus the same period last year after adjusting for the agency treatment of electronic top-up sales for mobile phones and the outsourcing of the in-store cafoperation. Entertainment third party sales (Entertainment UK and VCI) grew 45.0 per cent.
Group retail like-for-like sales increased by 1.0 per cent. Within this, the Mainchain was up 1.0 per cent, Woolworths big W increased by 0.9 per cent and MVC was up 1.2 per cent. The gross margin has continued to show solid year on year improvement. The overall sales and margin performance reflects the successful execution of the Easter trading strategy.
The store refit programme is on schedule, with a further twelve stores having been converted already this year. These stores are showing similar sales and margin improvements to the first ten.
Good progress is being made in working through the future of the Woolworths big W properties. There has been a high level of interest in the sites and the smaller out-of-town proposition continues to be refined. A further update will be given with the pre-close statement on 21 July 2004.
Commenting on the first quarter's trading performance Gerald Corbett said, "The Group's recovery programme continues to progress and the current financial year has begun as planned."
For further information contact:
Christopher Rogers, Finance Director 020 7706 5883
Nicole Lander, Head of Corporate Affairs 020 7706 5653
Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Communications 020 7353 4200
stockbunny
- 27 May 2004 15:08
- 25 of 344
All progressing nicely, but it is increasingly looking like a
long haul on the share price, very disappointing tiny rise today.
long haul on the share price, very disappointing tiny rise today.
seawallwalker
- 27 May 2004 16:23
- 26 of 344
Have another look, it hit 47p for a moment.
Bid rumours?
Bid rumours?
seawallwalker
- 27 May 2004 17:12
- 27 of 344
Looks like they went up in sympathy with Marks & Spencers. This story surfaced at 16.45, but I am sure the rumours were rife before the close which explains the rapid rise late in the session.
Here it is:-
Philip Green confirms considering Marks & Spencer bid
MoneyAM
Revival Acquisitions Ltd, a company owned by Philip Green and members of his family, confirmed that it is considering a possible offer for Marks & Spencer PLC.
Revival said it intends to approach the board of Marks & Spencer in the next few days with its proposal and to seek a recommendation.
Any proposal would involve a mixture of cash and shares in a new company which would seek a listing.
Now that is confirmed, I daresay the price for WLW.L will drop back to it's previous levels.
Could be a selling followed by a buying opportunity, that is if it does not drop back too quickly.
Here it is:-
Philip Green confirms considering Marks & Spencer bid
MoneyAM
Revival Acquisitions Ltd, a company owned by Philip Green and members of his family, confirmed that it is considering a possible offer for Marks & Spencer PLC.
Revival said it intends to approach the board of Marks & Spencer in the next few days with its proposal and to seek a recommendation.
Any proposal would involve a mixture of cash and shares in a new company which would seek a listing.
Now that is confirmed, I daresay the price for WLW.L will drop back to it's previous levels.
Could be a selling followed by a buying opportunity, that is if it does not drop back too quickly.
Iain
- 27 May 2004 21:25
- 28 of 344
Phillip and his friends have deep pockets.MKS is not the done deal as yet.Sure it will be.
WLW offers a fast track intro to the retail biz.With lots of branches.A matter of time.Have we got that lomg?
WLW offers a fast track intro to the retail biz.With lots of branches.A matter of time.Have we got that lomg?
stockbunny
- 28 May 2004 09:37
- 29 of 344
There's a fair few ? marked trades going on this AM - in reasonable quantities
just for your information..
just for your information..
daves dazzlers
- 28 May 2004 12:24
- 30 of 344
any recent buyers made a killing,,,bar me?
seawallwalker
- 28 May 2004 16:21
- 31 of 344
Well done Dave.
I am sure many did and will continue to do so, if the price is right.
A clever strategy by Mr Green in any event, from which some of of may have reaped some benefit whether we are MKS, WLW or MAT share holders.
I am sure many did and will continue to do so, if the price is right.
A clever strategy by Mr Green in any event, from which some of of may have reaped some benefit whether we are MKS, WLW or MAT share holders.
stockbunny
- 28 May 2004 16:41
- 32 of 344
Or mad enough to hold all three! (lol)
daves dazzlers
- 28 May 2004 17:18
- 33 of 344
i `am on to a winner with matalan ,,this is a winner can`t really say to much about this one yet.i no a man ,who no`s a man sort of thing ,,{insider}. every one no`s the rummor,, a bit of a smoke screen .bought heavy in feb myself and three others,,this is my largest buy out of all my holding ever, but i am not worried at all.
seawallwalker
- 28 May 2004 18:30
- 34 of 344
Funny, I have the same info from the same man probably, with B&B, but that was last year and still nothing has happened except the price has fallen through the floor.
MAT is most likely a target of GUS who have shown interest of late of aquisitions.
Rumours always abound that WLW is secretly being stalked by Wal-Mart, or is it Tesco or is it Mr Green........the lists are endless.
Stockbunny you must be filthy rich if you have all 3!
MAT is most likely a target of GUS who have shown interest of late of aquisitions.
Rumours always abound that WLW is secretly being stalked by Wal-Mart, or is it Tesco or is it Mr Green........the lists are endless.
Stockbunny you must be filthy rich if you have all 3!
daves dazzlers
- 28 May 2004 18:34
- 35 of 344
seawalker i payed 1.59 in feb this year,,plus i no jamie wants to offload and take is money and play.
seawallwalker
- 28 May 2004 21:47
- 36 of 344
seawallwalker
- 28 May 2004 21:48
- 37 of 344
Dave. Have a drink on me!
daves dazzlers
- 28 May 2004 23:27
- 38 of 344
seawallwalker,,how long have you held matalan,,,and what price did you pay.
cheers i`ll have a bitter.what was the key issue that made you choose matalan.
cheers i`ll have a bitter.what was the key issue that made you choose matalan.
stockbunny
- 31 May 2004 15:35
- 39 of 344
Seawallwalker - Sorry to disappoint but rich I certainly am not.
It's all a question of the size of your holding of shares - a small
holding in 3 companies can be the same cost as a large holding in
just one company. OK so small holdings wont make you rich, but it
spreads risk a little more and can bring results, just more of them
in smaller parcels....lol
It's all a question of the size of your holding of shares - a small
holding in 3 companies can be the same cost as a large holding in
just one company. OK so small holdings wont make you rich, but it
spreads risk a little more and can bring results, just more of them
in smaller parcels....lol
daves dazzlers
- 07 Jun 2004 16:09
- 40 of 344
i should of hung around o.5o on the horizon,,,still well under valued at this price still.
seawallwalker
- 07 Jun 2004 16:45
- 41 of 344
Shares go up, shares go down!
Dave, never look back!
You made a profit, and you were happy with that!
Over the past 12 months I have made 3 profits from these shares, and always sold before they hit the peak!
I did the same as you this time and on every other occassion, but over 12 months I made just under 5k, from 20k invested in wlw. 25% return is outstanding in my book! (And that without the divi!) Maybe not in other peoples eyes, but the market has been hard over the past 6 months so I am happy.
The divi is good from wlw, so if there is another opportunity to buy in at 40 to 42p or so, I will do the same again.
If there is not, then I will wait for things to settle at it's new level and buy in at what I believe will be the lowest point for the price according to the time of the year.
As usual I say this as is, i.e. in my opinion, and do your own research, and remember that like endowment policies, the returns from shares, may not be as much as you put in.
In respect of Matalan, I think the recent surge in price answers that question.
Dave, never look back!
You made a profit, and you were happy with that!
Over the past 12 months I have made 3 profits from these shares, and always sold before they hit the peak!
I did the same as you this time and on every other occassion, but over 12 months I made just under 5k, from 20k invested in wlw. 25% return is outstanding in my book! (And that without the divi!) Maybe not in other peoples eyes, but the market has been hard over the past 6 months so I am happy.
The divi is good from wlw, so if there is another opportunity to buy in at 40 to 42p or so, I will do the same again.
If there is not, then I will wait for things to settle at it's new level and buy in at what I believe will be the lowest point for the price according to the time of the year.
As usual I say this as is, i.e. in my opinion, and do your own research, and remember that like endowment policies, the returns from shares, may not be as much as you put in.
In respect of Matalan, I think the recent surge in price answers that question.
daves dazzlers
- 07 Jun 2004 19:13
- 42 of 344
seawallwalker,,to right.trevor bish jones no`s his stuff but like your self,i`dd buy again a great yo,,yo share to have,,,.levels of 38/41 great entry price,,be lucky.dave.
matalan i bought these at 1.59 feb/current 1.99 = 25% up to now,i wont sell for under 2.40,,,just luck at ,,eps,says it all,,no wonder there snaping to buy.
matalan i bought these at 1.59 feb/current 1.99 = 25% up to now,i wont sell for under 2.40,,,just luck at ,,eps,says it all,,no wonder there snaping to buy.
stockbunny
- 08 Jun 2004 15:24
- 43 of 344
When it comes to shares (or anything else in life) you should do
what feels right to you - Seawalker you're right, it's not worth
looking back, hindsight is a great thing but is never available when
a decision needs to be made....
See WLW hit 47p today (and I missed it!) never mind another opportunity
will come along for me - and the hedge is now trimmed after my endeavours
with the shears rather than the computer stock-watch screen!!
MTN (Matalan) has slowed up now on the gains
hopefully another head of steam will arrive shortly...
Be lucky guys!!
what feels right to you - Seawalker you're right, it's not worth
looking back, hindsight is a great thing but is never available when
a decision needs to be made....
See WLW hit 47p today (and I missed it!) never mind another opportunity
will come along for me - and the hedge is now trimmed after my endeavours
with the shears rather than the computer stock-watch screen!!
MTN (Matalan) has slowed up now on the gains
hopefully another head of steam will arrive shortly...
Be lucky guys!!
daves dazzlers
- 08 Jun 2004 23:49
- 44 of 344
to right bunny,to right.
seawallwalker
- 16 Jun 2004 12:01
- 45 of 344
Heading towards the 50p mark bit by bit.
daves dazzlers
- 16 Jun 2004 13:43
- 46 of 344
lucky for the people who still holding these.50 for sure,my be abit more to.lol
stockbunny
- 24 Jun 2004 14:41
- 47 of 344
We're up a whole penny today guys and gals - don't spend it all at once!!
stockbunny
- 24 Jun 2004 15:06
- 48 of 344
Now up 1.25p....
daves dazzlers
- 24 Jun 2004 15:23
- 49 of 344
bunny ,50 pence is a fair value what do you think. just look at the eps,,,its got lots of growing to do.this is a real winner,i dont think the low share price will be seen for a long time to come.lol
stockbunny
- 24 Jun 2004 15:28
- 50 of 344
50p looks reasonable, but as always it's a case of watch and see.
It could hit 50p and run straight through it or it could run out of
steam at 48/49p! Who knows? This is partly why I don't like to use
'stop/sell' just in case it does run straight through a price target
and keep going upwards. However that said, Yes, I've had to hold with
some shares longer then I wanted to because I have missed a high due to
not having a stop/sell on....swings and roundabouts my friend, swings and
roundabouts....lol
It could hit 50p and run straight through it or it could run out of
steam at 48/49p! Who knows? This is partly why I don't like to use
'stop/sell' just in case it does run straight through a price target
and keep going upwards. However that said, Yes, I've had to hold with
some shares longer then I wanted to because I have missed a high due to
not having a stop/sell on....swings and roundabouts my friend, swings and
roundabouts....lol
Oakapples142
- 24 Jun 2004 16:07
- 51 of 344
Rather like both Matalan and Peacocks which provided me a good profit, I have in the recent past noticed reorganisation in my local Woolies, stock display and positioning improved and staff training noticeably better. It was these factors that decided me to buy at 42p and is the kind of DYOR that I am finding profitable. Advancement through 50p looks on the cards to me.
stockbunny
- 24 Jun 2004 16:27
- 52 of 344
Agreed Oakapples - I love retail shares because you can actually
walk into 'the company' and make your mind up from a far better
informed position than you may have with less accessible companies.
Be Lucky!!
walk into 'the company' and make your mind up from a far better
informed position than you may have with less accessible companies.
Be Lucky!!
daves dazzlers
- 24 Jun 2004 16:54
- 53 of 344
2nd that bunny,.good luck apples,i`am a recent seller,45 1/4 be lucky.
stockbunny
- 09 Jul 2004 11:52
- 54 of 344
Hot off the press - looks good news people!!!
Woolworths Group PLC
09 July 2004
FORMATION OF NEW JOINT VENTURE
Woolworths Group plc ('Woolworths Group') has today agreed terms for the
formation of a joint venture company with BBC Worldwide Ltd ('BBC Worldwide'),
the consumer commercial arm of the BBC, which will participate in video and
music publishing and TV/video production.
The new venture '2 entertain Limited' will combine the current video and music
publishing and TV/video production businesses of the Woolworths Group
subsidiary, VCI plc, with the video publishing business of BBC Worldwide. BBC
Worldwide is to retain video publishing rights in Music, Educational and
Children's programming. A UK sales and distribution arrangement for BBC
Children's video titles has been agreed with the new venture.
Completion of the transaction is now conditional on certain regulatory and
financing clearances.
On completion, Richard Green, who is currently Managing Director of VCI will be
appointed as Chief Executive of 2 entertain Limited. He will report to a
supervisory board consisting of three representatives from each of the parties
to the joint venture. The three representatives from Woolworths Group will
include Christopher Rogers and Trevor Bish-Jones (Woolworths Group Finance
Director and Chief Executive respectively) and the three representatives from
BBC Worldwide will be Rupert Gavin and David King (Chief Executive and Finance
Director of BBC Worldwide respectively) and Chris Weller (Managing Director,
Consumer Publishing BBC Worldwide). Chris Weller will be the first Chairman of
the Supervisory Board and Executive Chairman of the management team. The equity
split between the joint venture parties is 40% Woolworths Group, and 60% BBC
Worldwide
The combination of the existing strong licence portfolio of VCI, the current BBC
video catalogue and the opportunity to invest in worldwide video rights for new
BBC programming offers the venture a broad base of repertoire sources. The
venture will be well placed to compete in the buoyant DVD market and will enjoy
a strong presence in the market for popular British programmes.
In the year to 31 December 2003, the contribution of VCI plc to the Woolworths
Group profit before interest, tax and exceptional items was 16.2m and its
turnover was 95.0m. On a proforma basis in the year to 31 March 2004 the
turnover and profit of the relevant elements of the video publishing business of
BBC Worldwide were 81.6m and 23.6m respectively. Turnover in the joint
venture vehicle is expected to be in the region of 180.0m by the close of its
first full year of trading. The value of the net assets relating to VCI plc
being transferred into the new joint venture will be approximately 3.0m, and
the combined net assets of 2 entertain Limited post completion will be
approximately 9.0m.
Commenting on the deal Christopher Rogers, Chairman of VCI and Finance Director
of the Woolworths Group, said:
'This is a very exciting development for Woolworths. In creating this joint
venture, we are bringing together two of the most successful players in the home
entertainment market. 2 entertain will be a more broadly based company with a
stronger portfolio of product, providing the opportunity to better capitalise on
the good growth prospects in the home entertainment market, both in the UK and
overseas.'
Rupert Gavin, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide, said:
'This is good news for the British video industry, for British talent and for
video buyers. The strength of the major TV and film studios can make it
difficult for British production companies to ensure their video properties and
talent get enough access to markets. By combining the scale and expertise of
two successful British distributors in a partnership, we can drive sales
opportunities more strongly and, in the process, also ensure there is greater
consumer choice. '
- Ends -
Woolworths Group PLC
09 July 2004
FORMATION OF NEW JOINT VENTURE
Woolworths Group plc ('Woolworths Group') has today agreed terms for the
formation of a joint venture company with BBC Worldwide Ltd ('BBC Worldwide'),
the consumer commercial arm of the BBC, which will participate in video and
music publishing and TV/video production.
The new venture '2 entertain Limited' will combine the current video and music
publishing and TV/video production businesses of the Woolworths Group
subsidiary, VCI plc, with the video publishing business of BBC Worldwide. BBC
Worldwide is to retain video publishing rights in Music, Educational and
Children's programming. A UK sales and distribution arrangement for BBC
Children's video titles has been agreed with the new venture.
Completion of the transaction is now conditional on certain regulatory and
financing clearances.
On completion, Richard Green, who is currently Managing Director of VCI will be
appointed as Chief Executive of 2 entertain Limited. He will report to a
supervisory board consisting of three representatives from each of the parties
to the joint venture. The three representatives from Woolworths Group will
include Christopher Rogers and Trevor Bish-Jones (Woolworths Group Finance
Director and Chief Executive respectively) and the three representatives from
BBC Worldwide will be Rupert Gavin and David King (Chief Executive and Finance
Director of BBC Worldwide respectively) and Chris Weller (Managing Director,
Consumer Publishing BBC Worldwide). Chris Weller will be the first Chairman of
the Supervisory Board and Executive Chairman of the management team. The equity
split between the joint venture parties is 40% Woolworths Group, and 60% BBC
Worldwide
The combination of the existing strong licence portfolio of VCI, the current BBC
video catalogue and the opportunity to invest in worldwide video rights for new
BBC programming offers the venture a broad base of repertoire sources. The
venture will be well placed to compete in the buoyant DVD market and will enjoy
a strong presence in the market for popular British programmes.
In the year to 31 December 2003, the contribution of VCI plc to the Woolworths
Group profit before interest, tax and exceptional items was 16.2m and its
turnover was 95.0m. On a proforma basis in the year to 31 March 2004 the
turnover and profit of the relevant elements of the video publishing business of
BBC Worldwide were 81.6m and 23.6m respectively. Turnover in the joint
venture vehicle is expected to be in the region of 180.0m by the close of its
first full year of trading. The value of the net assets relating to VCI plc
being transferred into the new joint venture will be approximately 3.0m, and
the combined net assets of 2 entertain Limited post completion will be
approximately 9.0m.
Commenting on the deal Christopher Rogers, Chairman of VCI and Finance Director
of the Woolworths Group, said:
'This is a very exciting development for Woolworths. In creating this joint
venture, we are bringing together two of the most successful players in the home
entertainment market. 2 entertain will be a more broadly based company with a
stronger portfolio of product, providing the opportunity to better capitalise on
the good growth prospects in the home entertainment market, both in the UK and
overseas.'
Rupert Gavin, Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide, said:
'This is good news for the British video industry, for British talent and for
video buyers. The strength of the major TV and film studios can make it
difficult for British production companies to ensure their video properties and
talent get enough access to markets. By combining the scale and expertise of
two successful British distributors in a partnership, we can drive sales
opportunities more strongly and, in the process, also ensure there is greater
consumer choice. '
- Ends -
stockbunny
- 11 Jul 2004 10:25
- 55 of 344
The joint venture got a mention on channel 4's financial ceefax pages
yesterday - hopefully a couple of the weekend papers may have picked it up
too so that might bring in some renewed interest from private investors...
yesterday - hopefully a couple of the weekend papers may have picked it up
too so that might bring in some renewed interest from private investors...
Melnibone - 11 Jul 2004 17:09 - 56 of 344
Edit.
Posted on wrong thread.
Deleted and transferred to the Monday Investors' traders thread.
Melnibone.
Posted on wrong thread.
Deleted and transferred to the Monday Investors' traders thread.
Melnibone.
Melnibone - 11 Jul 2004 18:15 - 57 of 344
Sorry, I've just realised that I've posted this on the wrong thread.
Will transfer it to the Monday investors' trader thread.
Melnibone.
Will transfer it to the Monday investors' trader thread.
Melnibone.
daves dazzlers
- 05 Sep 2004 16:41
- 58 of 344
looks like the bishop`s turned the corner,,,well & truly.
stockbunny
- 06 Sep 2004 13:48
- 59 of 344
Moving in the right direction today - now if it can keep that up
all week that would be impressive.
all week that would be impressive.
daves dazzlers
- 06 Sep 2004 14:06
- 60 of 344
no doubt bunny this will be moving northwards, but i dont have any,,dam funds.
stockbunny
- 06 Sep 2004 14:11
- 61 of 344
I didn't realise you had sold out on it - still holding mine,
oh well you could always sell some MTN.....;>)
oh well you could always sell some MTN.....;>)
daves dazzlers
- 06 Sep 2004 14:33
- 62 of 344
bunny post 29,,where have you been,your mtn has been on your mind thats it.
any idears what your next buy will be ,as for selling mtn ,,,,,,,,,no chance i no what i want 2.30.
any idears what your next buy will be ,as for selling mtn ,,,,,,,,,no chance i no what i want 2.30.
stockbunny
- 06 Sep 2004 14:55
- 63 of 344
I've got to sit down and think on that Dave, not sure right now where
I want to put the MTN proceeds, will keep you posted.
I want to put the MTN proceeds, will keep you posted.
daves dazzlers
- 06 Sep 2004 16:07
- 64 of 344
right oh,good luck.
daves dazzlers
- 07 Sep 2004 11:54
- 65 of 344
nice and heavy today for you holders,i mite be looking again soon at this one.
hope the price stays flat,but i can`t see it .
hope the price stays flat,but i can`t see it .
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 07:54
- 66 of 344
Once the 10/10 refits are out of the way there may be a change upward, but for the next 6 months, more of the same I think.
daves dazzlers
- 08 Sep 2004 07:57
- 67 of 344
well thats a shock seawall ,,my be a good chance of a cheap buy .
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 07:59
- 68 of 344
I am usually wrong.............
daves dazzlers
- 08 Sep 2004 08:01
- 69 of 344
strange one this wlw,just look at there position ,brand name. i think they my be just selling the wrong stuff ?.
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 08:08
- 70 of 344
Possibly.
Years ago things were different, but that was before Kingfisher interferred.
The range is somewhat different now, and I personnaly feel they do not do much outside of DVD's and the like.
Nowadays they tend to be seasonal other than that, so over a long period of years they can see what they have done and how things are going.
What else can they do though?
Most of there stores are in places where the punters walk into and out of, apart from the Big W. That limits what they can sell that's portable. they may do well to sell online like Argos.
I like the shares, but did not bother this time as the price did not go low enough for a buy in.
May buy in for the christamas results, which will show a profit and may be more exciting but that would be a short holding.
You seem to be doing well with other areas, whereas I am sitting on Oil & Gas mainly at the moment.
Years ago things were different, but that was before Kingfisher interferred.
The range is somewhat different now, and I personnaly feel they do not do much outside of DVD's and the like.
Nowadays they tend to be seasonal other than that, so over a long period of years they can see what they have done and how things are going.
What else can they do though?
Most of there stores are in places where the punters walk into and out of, apart from the Big W. That limits what they can sell that's portable. they may do well to sell online like Argos.
I like the shares, but did not bother this time as the price did not go low enough for a buy in.
May buy in for the christamas results, which will show a profit and may be more exciting but that would be a short holding.
You seem to be doing well with other areas, whereas I am sitting on Oil & Gas mainly at the moment.
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 08:20
- 71 of 344
8 September 2004
Woolworths Group plc
Interim Results Announcement
For the 26 weeks ended 31 July 2004
Financial Performance
- First half loss (before tax and goodwill amortisation) reduced by
5.7% to 32.9m (H1 2003: 34.9m), which includes 3.5m of costs
associated with the 10/10 refit programme
- First half loss before tax reduced by 5.5% to 34.4m (H1 2003:
36.4m)
- Group sales up by 5.9% to 1,110.8m (H1 2003: 1,049.4m)
- Like-for-like sales at Woolworths Mainchain up 0.5% and by 0.4% at
Woolworths big W
- Woolworths gross margin improved by 60 basis points
- 8.3% increase in interim dividend to 0.39p per share (H1 2003:
0.36p)
- Significant increase in capital expenditure to 39.8m (H1 2003:
23.8m) driven by investment in 10/10 stores and the accelerated
rollout of the Kingstore till system
- Net debt for the period down to 131.8m (H1 2003: 142.9m)
Operational Highlights
- 40 stores trading in the 10/10 format, representing approximately
8% of Mainchain space
- Kingstore system in 550 stores by half-year; rollout complete by
mid October
- Continued product and range development driving margin growth
- Christmas planning well advanced, with set up three weeks earlier
than last year
- Review of big W sites making good progress
- EUK contract renewed with Tesco and WH Smith signed as new third
party customer
- VCI/BBC Worldwide Joint Venture announced
Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief Executive of Woolworths Group plc commented:
"In the first six months of this financial year, the Group has
continued to make progress, with better systems, better buying and
cost control underpinning the improvement in our margin. We are well
placed to continue to deliver an improved performance over the key
Christmas trading period and have a successful store investment
programme in place which will drive growth in the business over the
medium term".
For further information contact:
Christopher Rogers, Finance Director
020 7706 5883
Nicole Lander, Corporate Affairs
020 7706 5653
Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Communications
020 7353 4200
Alexia Latham, Tulchan Communications
020 7353 4200
To download the full Interim Results Announcement in Adobe PDF or
Microsoft Word visit:
http://www.woolworthsgroupplc.com/investors/reports_results.htm
Our website address is:
http://www.woolworthsgroupplc.com
The key words for me are "..over the medium term" I am not excited!
Woolworths Group plc
Interim Results Announcement
For the 26 weeks ended 31 July 2004
Financial Performance
- First half loss (before tax and goodwill amortisation) reduced by
5.7% to 32.9m (H1 2003: 34.9m), which includes 3.5m of costs
associated with the 10/10 refit programme
- First half loss before tax reduced by 5.5% to 34.4m (H1 2003:
36.4m)
- Group sales up by 5.9% to 1,110.8m (H1 2003: 1,049.4m)
- Like-for-like sales at Woolworths Mainchain up 0.5% and by 0.4% at
Woolworths big W
- Woolworths gross margin improved by 60 basis points
- 8.3% increase in interim dividend to 0.39p per share (H1 2003:
0.36p)
- Significant increase in capital expenditure to 39.8m (H1 2003:
23.8m) driven by investment in 10/10 stores and the accelerated
rollout of the Kingstore till system
- Net debt for the period down to 131.8m (H1 2003: 142.9m)
Operational Highlights
- 40 stores trading in the 10/10 format, representing approximately
8% of Mainchain space
- Kingstore system in 550 stores by half-year; rollout complete by
mid October
- Continued product and range development driving margin growth
- Christmas planning well advanced, with set up three weeks earlier
than last year
- Review of big W sites making good progress
- EUK contract renewed with Tesco and WH Smith signed as new third
party customer
- VCI/BBC Worldwide Joint Venture announced
Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief Executive of Woolworths Group plc commented:
"In the first six months of this financial year, the Group has
continued to make progress, with better systems, better buying and
cost control underpinning the improvement in our margin. We are well
placed to continue to deliver an improved performance over the key
Christmas trading period and have a successful store investment
programme in place which will drive growth in the business over the
medium term".
For further information contact:
Christopher Rogers, Finance Director
020 7706 5883
Nicole Lander, Corporate Affairs
020 7706 5653
Kate Inverarity, Tulchan Communications
020 7353 4200
Alexia Latham, Tulchan Communications
020 7353 4200
To download the full Interim Results Announcement in Adobe PDF or
Microsoft Word visit:
http://www.woolworthsgroupplc.com/investors/reports_results.htm
Our website address is:
http://www.woolworthsgroupplc.com
The key words for me are "..over the medium term" I am not excited!
daves dazzlers
- 08 Sep 2004 08:23
- 72 of 344
watch you dont blow yourself up sitting on them to!!!!!!!!!.yer i am doing not to bad,looking for a decent return on eid,cash,,next fingers crossed.looking to buy in to some others,but i have not got all my selections sorted yet,a lot depends on the final price of mtn,so that my give me time to narrow my choice.
very slow today.
very slow today.
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 08:32
- 73 of 344
Well, Next has been a good performer.
5 on the sahes over 12 months is exellent, if you bought enough, the beers are on you.
MTN looks good for 260p again, if the rumours hardenb up a bit, but what about BFP?
Road to no where just now.
5 on the sahes over 12 months is exellent, if you bought enough, the beers are on you.
MTN looks good for 260p again, if the rumours hardenb up a bit, but what about BFP?
Road to no where just now.
daves dazzlers
- 08 Sep 2004 08:52
- 74 of 344
dont talk to me about bfp,i am in for 1.06 remember,its a fair price,but its still a loss.i mite have to take a hit.i will keep you posted on that one.i see my umbro sales are up,i forgot all about today!!!!!!!!!
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 08:54
- 75 of 344
We all have to take the odd hit, to keep going.
They may recover, they get taken over.
I am into RTO for the same result, but I will wait till the dust settles to see what happens.
BFP I hold a few, but I did pare these down just before the last drop.
Some you win..........
They may recover, they get taken over.
I am into RTO for the same result, but I will wait till the dust settles to see what happens.
BFP I hold a few, but I did pare these down just before the last drop.
Some you win..........
Oakapples142
- 08 Sep 2004 09:36
- 76 of 344
Would`nt you know it. I got out this morning along with a large amount of others and the SP goes up - guess I`ll be back in soon as thats "The Wonder of Woolies"!
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 10:57
- 77 of 344
The rang will be 39p to 49p over the next 6 months imho, so don't despair.
It's a waiting game to get in at the right price.
Anything below 42p is right, but do what you think is right.
The interims rwally don't do a lot for me, but there is a real promise of 'Jam tomorrow' here if you can wait.
It's a waiting game to get in at the right price.
Anything below 42p is right, but do what you think is right.
The interims rwally don't do a lot for me, but there is a real promise of 'Jam tomorrow' here if you can wait.
daves dazzlers
- 08 Sep 2004 14:59
- 78 of 344
its going well now sw.
stockbunny
- 08 Sep 2004 15:38
- 79 of 344
Less of the wonder of woolies more the slow crawl of woolies LOL
up a bit more now - everybody 1....2.....3....PUSH!!!!
(Well gotta get it moving somehow!)
up a bit more now - everybody 1....2.....3....PUSH!!!!
(Well gotta get it moving somehow!)
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 15:45
- 80 of 344
As I said, I am usually wrong!
seawallwalker
- 08 Sep 2004 15:46
- 81 of 344
It bothered me that they would not say as all other retails eem to have done that August was not too good.
Declining to comment means is was not good in my book.
Declining to comment means is was not good in my book.
daves dazzlers
- 10 Sep 2004 13:51
- 82 of 344
going great today,sadly i am not in but good luck you holders . 50 pence mite not be to far away,,as for 39/41 range,,,,thats gone for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stockbunny
- 10 Sep 2004 14:15
- 83 of 344
I hope you're right Dave, another run at 40p I could do without.
daves dazzlers
- 10 Sep 2004 14:22
- 84 of 344
i would not mind,but my coins have run dry,you will br ok wiyh that 45 looks cheap,christmas sales at these stores account for 25% of yearly sales and they will do really well.
daves dazzlers
- 27 Oct 2004 16:32
- 85 of 344
post 81 is very near now and christmas not far away.
seawallwalker
- 27 Oct 2004 17:19
- 86 of 344
its as near give or take as 40p.
Actually I think 42.75p is the new bottom, been there twice and bounced off again.
Christmas looks promising.
If you hold then well done.
Most of my cash is tied now till they hit the next gusher.
Luck sb
Actually I think 42.75p is the new bottom, been there twice and bounced off again.
Christmas looks promising.
If you hold then well done.
Most of my cash is tied now till they hit the next gusher.
Luck sb
daves dazzlers
- 27 Oct 2004 20:37
- 87 of 344
Sw,i dont hold any wlw but i think i saw it at 46 so going well.
stockbunny
- 11 Nov 2004 16:03
- 88 of 344
Currently UP a WHOLE PENNY!!!!
Can I stand the pressure, excitement and anticipation of possibly
sometime soon hitting 47p a share???
;>)
Can I stand the pressure, excitement and anticipation of possibly
sometime soon hitting 47p a share???
;>)
babykitcat
- 12 Nov 2004 01:02
- 89 of 344
hopefully xmas should be good but i wont hold my breath as i feel people are to busy fretting about the price of oil to spend there dosh W?HAT DO YOU THINK?
daves dazzlers
- 12 Nov 2004 07:50
- 90 of 344
Old retail stocks,come of age in december 25% is it of sales in one month,new format stores,with a bright future,,then again is the home shopper deserting the high street,,surly not at christmas !!
stockbunny
- 12 Nov 2004 11:39
- 91 of 344
BabyKitCat
Can't see the average Mum struggling to get all the Christmas
selection boxes she needs and all the toys and struggle home to
hide them away before the kids get home from school worrying a great
deal about the price of oil somehow - it's a question of perspective
and for most people who don't trade shares etc, that doesn't go beyond
filling stockings and stomachs this time of year. So personally NO
I can't see the vast majority of the Woolies customer base being
bothered at all about the price of oil.
What bothers me is the extent of the price cutting and offers - have they
got it right (will sales volumes offset the low margins?) or will they
be working incredibly hard and not actually making a lot?
Can't see the average Mum struggling to get all the Christmas
selection boxes she needs and all the toys and struggle home to
hide them away before the kids get home from school worrying a great
deal about the price of oil somehow - it's a question of perspective
and for most people who don't trade shares etc, that doesn't go beyond
filling stockings and stomachs this time of year. So personally NO
I can't see the vast majority of the Woolies customer base being
bothered at all about the price of oil.
What bothers me is the extent of the price cutting and offers - have they
got it right (will sales volumes offset the low margins?) or will they
be working incredibly hard and not actually making a lot?
stockbunny
- 12 Nov 2004 16:16
- 92 of 344
Analysis visit today must have gone well - up to 47p!
Note for the diary - Xmas trading update due Jan 15th
Note for the diary - Xmas trading update due Jan 15th
seawallwalker
- 12 Nov 2004 16:36
- 93 of 344
stockbunny I think you have given this a really good revieew above.
The price is healthy at the moment seems back in favour.
I would have bought in a while ago at 42 and a few buts but like dave, had everything tied so not I have missed this bus.
I will try to join in agin sometime I am sure as this has done me proud since I started trading.
Good luck and health to your enemies enemies.
The price is healthy at the moment seems back in favour.
I would have bought in a while ago at 42 and a few buts but like dave, had everything tied so not I have missed this bus.
I will try to join in agin sometime I am sure as this has done me proud since I started trading.
Good luck and health to your enemies enemies.
stockbunny
- 12 Nov 2004 16:45
- 94 of 344
Good to hear from you SeaWallWalker - Be Lucky!!
:>)
:>)
babykitcat
- 14 Nov 2004 12:43
- 95 of 344
STOCKBUNNY :-)
im in at 43 so will have to see how xmas bears up traded this stock a few times in the past 2 years and made a few here n there.
but like u say will the price cuts have the opposite effect on the results, its alright getting the customers through the door but it aint no good if if you slash the profit margin down and theres no extra customers to support it.
im in at 43 so will have to see how xmas bears up traded this stock a few times in the past 2 years and made a few here n there.
but like u say will the price cuts have the opposite effect on the results, its alright getting the customers through the door but it aint no good if if you slash the profit margin down and theres no extra customers to support it.
optomistic
- 14 Nov 2004 14:37
- 96 of 344
I think it was a 40 million loss at half time, this sort of loss is usual as the profits are made in the run up to christmas. Everyone on the high street seems to be selling the same christmassy stuff as WLW. If they are cutting the prices, that 40 million will take a lot of making up and then there is the nett profit to be made.
I do not hold WLW but am interested in the investment logic here. Am I on the wrong track with my thinking?
opto
I do not hold WLW but am interested in the investment logic here. Am I on the wrong track with my thinking?
opto
daves dazzlers
- 14 Nov 2004 14:42
- 97 of 344
My view yes opto,i like wlw for what is,not a holder at the moment,but would like a dabble 42ish,but in know hurry.
seawallwalker
- 15 Nov 2004 07:44
- 98 of 344
optomistic I have channel traded WLW on occasion and done well out of them.
This year post finals, I have not bought in.
Why?
I have been a little concerned that things did not look right, but I could not put a finger on it till the interims.
They refused to answer whether or not, like other retailers, the summer had put a dampener on recent trading.
I could not understand why that was not answered yes or no, even after it had been researched.
I stayed out, and it seemed for a while that many others had too.
Previous highs, post reports, have not yet been reached although there is a chance they will on the run up the Christmmas, as usual they will not be sustained especiallypre trading statement and interims.
It seems now, the market may have forgotten the absence of answers.
I would come in now if the price was right, but would sell prior to the finals, just in case!
I agree the defict is a big one to make up, and I agree that many other retailers are doing the same tricks and WLW to shift stock.
Depends on the public as to what happens, but I feel those who buy every year from them will continue to do so.
Those who have deserted the likes of WH Smith are not likely to return in such a short time of, new to them, strategy.
In the short term WLW should be alright but the spring could well bring a watershed.
All imho, dyor etc.
This year post finals, I have not bought in.
Why?
I have been a little concerned that things did not look right, but I could not put a finger on it till the interims.
They refused to answer whether or not, like other retailers, the summer had put a dampener on recent trading.
I could not understand why that was not answered yes or no, even after it had been researched.
I stayed out, and it seemed for a while that many others had too.
Previous highs, post reports, have not yet been reached although there is a chance they will on the run up the Christmmas, as usual they will not be sustained especiallypre trading statement and interims.
It seems now, the market may have forgotten the absence of answers.
I would come in now if the price was right, but would sell prior to the finals, just in case!
I agree the defict is a big one to make up, and I agree that many other retailers are doing the same tricks and WLW to shift stock.
Depends on the public as to what happens, but I feel those who buy every year from them will continue to do so.
Those who have deserted the likes of WH Smith are not likely to return in such a short time of, new to them, strategy.
In the short term WLW should be alright but the spring could well bring a watershed.
All imho, dyor etc.
Oakapples142
- 16 Dec 2004 16:48
- 99 of 344
Hello Stockbunny see you made a post in the Traders Room but I cant get in (too young)!
What do you feel about 6 times more buys than sells to-day and a drop in SP I tried to help to-day by buying a CD by Maroon 5 !
stockbunny
- 17 Dec 2004 11:05
- 100 of 344
Morning OakApples!
A wave of concern appears to be flowing through many of the retailers
that possibly wont be put to rest until post-Christmas when the figures
come in. Some situations are odd (I also hold FCCN for my sins, and that
is going up today...why?...goodness knows!) but other like WLW are having
a rough ride - it's a case of buckle up and sit tight for January.
:>)
A wave of concern appears to be flowing through many of the retailers
that possibly wont be put to rest until post-Christmas when the figures
come in. Some situations are odd (I also hold FCCN for my sins, and that
is going up today...why?...goodness knows!) but other like WLW are having
a rough ride - it's a case of buckle up and sit tight for January.
:>)
seawallwalker
- 17 Dec 2004 12:17
- 101 of 344
It's a buy at these prices imo.
I sincerly hope this price holds or falls to 36p while cash is injected into my account.
I sincerly hope this price holds or falls to 36p while cash is injected into my account.
stockbunny
- 17 Dec 2004 14:40
- 102 of 344
Errr could we go for the 'hold' option if that's OK with you
SeaWallWalker - a drop to 36p will not make the bunny smile!
;>)
SeaWallWalker - a drop to 36p will not make the bunny smile!
;>)
seawallwalker
- 17 Dec 2004 14:58
- 103 of 344
Yes but............ 36p to 48 p when the Jnauary Trading statement comes out saying they have had a record Christmas?
stockbunny
- 17 Dec 2004 15:03
- 104 of 344
LOL nice idea but I've been in for a while - got in at 34p, so would
prefer to see it hold at 43p or so and then head up from there
on a good trading update in Jan! (Infernal Optimist you see!)
:>)
prefer to see it hold at 43p or so and then head up from there
on a good trading update in Jan! (Infernal Optimist you see!)
:>)
seawallwalker
- 17 Dec 2004 15:06
- 105 of 344
I know, with me it's wishful thinking and annoyance that I have all my cash in the sb account tied at present.
If only they can hold it down at this price I would be happy.
Had to do the same with HNR at their low early this week, and that low went lower by the time I bought, so I am hoping for a bit of deja vous.
If only they can hold it down at this price I would be happy.
Had to do the same with HNR at their low early this week, and that low went lower by the time I bought, so I am hoping for a bit of deja vous.
stockbunny
- 17 Dec 2004 15:08
- 106 of 344
A touch of deja vous never hurt anyone! :>)
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 08:16
- 107 of 344
Bit worried about this one, but not too much!
The High Street was empty yesteray compared to normal Mondays.
Woolies was brisk but not packed. Debenhams had staff wandering round doing not much, M&S I went in and came out empty handed, (unusually), WH Smith was very busy.
Well I did the whole length and the really busy place was...................................
The Post Office!
Queues outside the door.
Where do I get some shares?
The High Street was empty yesteray compared to normal Mondays.
Woolies was brisk but not packed. Debenhams had staff wandering round doing not much, M&S I went in and came out empty handed, (unusually), WH Smith was very busy.
Well I did the whole length and the really busy place was...................................
The Post Office!
Queues outside the door.
Where do I get some shares?
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 08:48
- 108 of 344
1.25p down on yesterday.
If it can drop another 2p for tomorrow, I am in business!!
If it can drop another 2p for tomorrow, I am in business!!
stockbunny
- 21 Dec 2004 10:13
- 109 of 344
SWW - Yes come January and the updates from the retailers lets
hope it was a better trading period then it appears to have been,
I have also heard reports of shops quiet or people browsing and
then wandering off to window shop elsewhere.
I take it you have seen the broker downgrade this morning on WLW?
haven't checked prices yet but chances are you might now have
the price you wanted.
hope it was a better trading period then it appears to have been,
I have also heard reports of shops quiet or people browsing and
then wandering off to window shop elsewhere.
I take it you have seen the broker downgrade this morning on WLW?
haven't checked prices yet but chances are you might now have
the price you wanted.
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 12:03
- 110 of 344
Didn't see that, I'll pop next door and have a look see........
Oakapples142
- 21 Dec 2004 12:03
- 111 of 344
Our Woolies reasonably busy but most shoppers in John Lewis and judging by the numbers of JLP bags seen in the High Street buying. One problem for me is the 3 for 2 deals in Woolies this must surely affect margins and make estimates unrealistic to a degree.
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 12:10
- 112 of 344
JP MORGAN
Downgrade Neutral from Overweight Woolworths, removes from Analyst Focus List, cuts target to 47 pence from 57, reduces estimates
Oakapples142 I tend to agree on that.
Obviously for WLW though 3 for 2 is better than bogof. The most of these deals are worked out with the maufacturers so the costing load is spread anyway.
I like a bargain, and buy one get one free is appealing, but why did I want 3 Easter Eggs for 2 children?
Well that's history, I ended up giving the paper boy and easter egg............
..........for Christmas!
Everybody is doing it but a 10p downgrade is not good.
I may see sub 40 pence at this rate!
Downgrade Neutral from Overweight Woolworths, removes from Analyst Focus List, cuts target to 47 pence from 57, reduces estimates
Oakapples142 I tend to agree on that.
Obviously for WLW though 3 for 2 is better than bogof. The most of these deals are worked out with the maufacturers so the costing load is spread anyway.
I like a bargain, and buy one get one free is appealing, but why did I want 3 Easter Eggs for 2 children?
Well that's history, I ended up giving the paper boy and easter egg............
..........for Christmas!
Everybody is doing it but a 10p downgrade is not good.
I may see sub 40 pence at this rate!
Oakapples142
- 21 Dec 2004 12:18
- 113 of 344
SWW - thanks for that - not too many smiles on this BB but you have just given me one. Tel JP MORGAN that I for one would be happy with 47p !! Do you know I cannot remember one occasion when an alalyst has done me any favours
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 12:26
- 114 of 344
Actually now you mention it, nor do I me...............
As I like to channel trade this and anticipate buying in tomorrow, I want it as low as poss.
Sub 40p would be nice but realistically I do not see that price again so Iwill be happy with current levels.
Been here had the trading scares before and it always bounces.
As I like to channel trade this and anticipate buying in tomorrow, I want it as low as poss.
Sub 40p would be nice but realistically I do not see that price again so Iwill be happy with current levels.
Been here had the trading scares before and it always bounces.
daves dazzlers
- 21 Dec 2004 13:57
- 115 of 344
38,and the ball is in play.
stockbunny
- 21 Dec 2004 14:11
- 116 of 344
Just for OakApples......A smile
:>)
SWW - don't you jinx my profit! LOL! ;>)
Afternoon Dave - are you considering coming on board again?
:>)
SWW - don't you jinx my profit! LOL! ;>)
Afternoon Dave - are you considering coming on board again?
daves dazzlers
- 21 Dec 2004 14:14
- 117 of 344
Mybe bunny yes,just waiting to sell my pet short from yesterday.
stockbunny
- 21 Dec 2004 14:18
- 118 of 344
Well I know if I sold my cat short she'd be livid!
;>)
;>)
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 14:29
- 119 of 344
38p would be irresistable.
mmmmm.............
mmmmm.............
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 14:32
- 120 of 344
dave dont hang around too long on that PET, remember that nothing has been confirmed so it could go suddenly long by a big way, if I said a pound better overnight, you would proably call it in now, and if the conracts have not been awarded to those indicated and Iraq take sympathy on PET you could get into big trouble even with a little gamble.
as always make your own decision, but the confirmation one way or the other must be due about now!
as always make your own decision, but the confirmation one way or the other must be due about now!
Oakapples142
- 21 Dec 2004 15:05
- 121 of 344
Thanks Stockbunny - and you (< :>) - little else to smile about on this BB although SWW seems to be enjoying it ! Had my bit of fun today with Sibir Energy in at 195p out at 210p so at least I made a bob or two and I am smiling.
Have a great Christmas - I am off to Woolies to spend to-days profits and help turn them around !!
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 15:07
- 122 of 344
Yeah oakapples - you have convicned me, I'm in tomorrow!
Something will turn up!
Something will turn up!
stockbunny
- 21 Dec 2004 15:14
- 123 of 344
Well done OakApples! It all helps make the tills ring!
Have a good Christmas!
Well done on Sibir!
SWW - its' worth keeping an eye on things, low volumes can bring
curious price moves and some opportunities sometimes. :>)
Have a good Christmas!
Well done on Sibir!
SWW - its' worth keeping an eye on things, low volumes can bring
curious price moves and some opportunities sometimes. :>)
daves dazzlers
- 21 Dec 2004 15:21
- 124 of 344
My be 38 !!
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 15:27
- 125 of 344
stockbunny I agree and I will.
This week is critical and every day news can make things go weary.
This week is critical and every day news can make things go weary.
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 15:50
- 126 of 344
Woolworths downgraded
MoneyAM
Woolworths Group has been downgraded by JP Morgan and removed from its Analyst Focus List.
The broker has changed its stance to 'neutral' from 'overweight'.
Last week's TNS data worried JP Morgan, with Woolworth's showing a 20% year-on-year fall in sales, accelerating the negative trend of recent months.
JP Morgan highlighted the biggest gainer in the survey was Tesco, with a 14% year-on-year gain, implying almost 1bn of extra non-food sales for the full year. JP Morgan fears this is eating into Woolworth's core products more than expected.
JP Morgan said it thinks the stock certainly looks cheap and the broker sees risks to the upside if sales and margin targets can be met over Christmas, though it still feels downside risks are strong.
MoneyAM
Woolworths Group has been downgraded by JP Morgan and removed from its Analyst Focus List.
The broker has changed its stance to 'neutral' from 'overweight'.
Last week's TNS data worried JP Morgan, with Woolworth's showing a 20% year-on-year fall in sales, accelerating the negative trend of recent months.
JP Morgan highlighted the biggest gainer in the survey was Tesco, with a 14% year-on-year gain, implying almost 1bn of extra non-food sales for the full year. JP Morgan fears this is eating into Woolworth's core products more than expected.
JP Morgan said it thinks the stock certainly looks cheap and the broker sees risks to the upside if sales and margin targets can be met over Christmas, though it still feels downside risks are strong.
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 15:51
- 127 of 344
Maybe I'll leave it till it drop under 40p.
babykitcat
- 21 Dec 2004 15:56
- 128 of 344
good idea i got in at 43 a month or so ago OOPS (noticed theres been alot of buys)
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 16:03
- 129 of 344
There always is, stock goes the opposite way.
never could work that out!
never could work that out!
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 18:28
- 130 of 344
Well now it is said you should never take much notice of charts.
Me I take a bit from this one and say, the downward trend will continue sub 40p.
Looks very like 36 to 38p to me although there a slight upturn in relative strength which may prevet that. Depends on where support kicks in at these levels.
Now watch me be wrong!
Needless to say I am not buying tomorrow unless I see those prices.
Note though, WLW is still a strong buy imho, the trading statemnt will show all.
I am now off to Footfall to see what they say...............
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 18:34
- 131 of 344
Someone did the work for me............. here it is.
Starts
The number of people out shopping in the U.K. last week was 8.1 percent more than in the previous seven days, FootFall said. SPSL estimated the week-on-week increase at 6.5 percent.
According to FootFall director David Smyth, the year-on-year decline in traffic wasn't surprising because the same week last year was the last full business week before Christmas.
``This year, there are still five full days of trading left to go before Christmas, plus the schools in most parts of the country have just broken up,'' Smyth said.
`No Need to Panic'
Starts
The number of people out shopping in the U.K. last week was 8.1 percent more than in the previous seven days, FootFall said. SPSL estimated the week-on-week increase at 6.5 percent.
According to FootFall director David Smyth, the year-on-year decline in traffic wasn't surprising because the same week last year was the last full business week before Christmas.
``This year, there are still five full days of trading left to go before Christmas, plus the schools in most parts of the country have just broken up,'' Smyth said.
`No Need to Panic'
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 18:39
- 132 of 344
This helps to gloss the item to a little more quality.
Hey, my mates on ADVFN are doing a great job, all this is from poster Aceuk - Nice one and well researched Ace
UK retailers hold their nerve in "late" Christmas
Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:20 PM GMT
By Trevor Datson, European Retail Correspondent
LONDON, Dec 21 (Reuters) - This may not prove the best ever Christmas on the British high street, but reports of the demise of UK retail may yet prove a little premature.
As the most important week of the retail calendar reaches its peak, British media reports have painted a picture of an industry in crisis, with cut-throat price wars sabotaging what should be the most profitable time of the year.
"Sales: it's all-out war" screamed a recent front page headline in the Daily Mail newspaper, which followed up with a chilling message for the big high-street chains.
"With shoppers spending 400 million pounds ($779 million) less this year on presents, some high street chains slashed prices by up to half in a frenzied attempt to get goods moving," the paper said.
Hey, my mates on ADVFN are doing a great job, all this is from poster Aceuk - Nice one and well researched Ace
UK retailers hold their nerve in "late" Christmas
Tue Dec 21, 2004 12:20 PM GMT
By Trevor Datson, European Retail Correspondent
LONDON, Dec 21 (Reuters) - This may not prove the best ever Christmas on the British high street, but reports of the demise of UK retail may yet prove a little premature.
As the most important week of the retail calendar reaches its peak, British media reports have painted a picture of an industry in crisis, with cut-throat price wars sabotaging what should be the most profitable time of the year.
"Sales: it's all-out war" screamed a recent front page headline in the Daily Mail newspaper, which followed up with a chilling message for the big high-street chains.
"With shoppers spending 400 million pounds ($779 million) less this year on presents, some high street chains slashed prices by up to half in a frenzied attempt to get goods moving," the paper said.
seawallwalker
- 21 Dec 2004 18:51
- 133 of 344
Well, theres some stuff to help me make up my mind. Do you know when I first bought 53k of them, I did it with no research and sat on them for 3 months before I made a few grand in a few days, so I suppose timing is not of the essence in the case of Woolworths shares.
Mind you also, if you buy just before an announcement like the January 14th Trading Statement, you could be on the same winner.
Lets see what happens tomorrow.
Good night, sleep tight.
Mind you also, if you buy just before an announcement like the January 14th Trading Statement, you could be on the same winner.
Lets see what happens tomorrow.
Good night, sleep tight.
seawallwalker
- 22 Dec 2004 10:50
- 134 of 344
High buys, small sells.
Thats the pattern of recent trading repeated today.
Okay, I'm in.
I look to sell after the 14th January 2005 or not as the case may be.
I still suspect they had a bad August but never mind!
One thing is certain with a 1.50p divi and any price range you cant really go too wrong.
Whatever everything comes to he(she) who waits.
Hello bunny!
we can talk about a mutual stock again!
;-)
Thats the pattern of recent trading repeated today.
Okay, I'm in.
I look to sell after the 14th January 2005 or not as the case may be.
I still suspect they had a bad August but never mind!
One thing is certain with a 1.50p divi and any price range you cant really go too wrong.
Whatever everything comes to he(she) who waits.
Hello bunny!
we can talk about a mutual stock again!
;-)
Oakapples142
- 22 Dec 2004 11:10
- 135 of 344
It is down to me remember - true to my word with SBE profits (I should have stayed in !!) I purchased the Maroon 5 CD in Woolies
Oakapples142
- 22 Dec 2004 11:10
- 136 of 344
Perhaps I should not have spoken - yet again it goes red and with buys many many times more than sells (as usual),
seawallwalker
- 22 Dec 2004 11:30
- 137 of 344
oakapples I just had to do it.
I am in with 2 lots for just under 41p so I am happy.
In truth I do not se under 40p, (says me hopefully).
We cab have a bit of fun with this till the 14th january and maybe after.
The 10/10 format will make a difference plus I need to get some new mugs so I will pop in there today.
With all this going for it, all should be fine.
I am in with 2 lots for just under 41p so I am happy.
In truth I do not se under 40p, (says me hopefully).
We cab have a bit of fun with this till the 14th january and maybe after.
The 10/10 format will make a difference plus I need to get some new mugs so I will pop in there today.
With all this going for it, all should be fine.
Oakapples142
- 22 Dec 2004 11:37
- 138 of 344
Good for you SWW - I am going to stay in if only to read your posts - Have a great Christmas
babykitcat
- 22 Dec 2004 14:29
- 139 of 344
good look SWW i reckon it could go well but then again who am i to say
seawallwalker
- 22 Dec 2004 15:55
- 140 of 344
Thats it, bought 6 mugs and look, the share price goes up!
Gawd Bless Us.
Merry Christmas Ev'ry One!
Gawd Bless Us.
Merry Christmas Ev'ry One!
Oakapples142
- 22 Dec 2004 16:14
- 141 of 344
Well done SWW - bet you didn`t get 3 for 2 thats why the SP is up. I too have just been out and return to find I have no red but only blue in my stocks - think I will go out again !!
Merry Christmas
Merry Christmas
seawallwalker
- 22 Dec 2004 17:35
- 142 of 344
From ADVFN, looks like I got in just right!!!
Starts
Britons flock to shops in last-minute Xmas spree
Wed Dec 22, 2004 01:27 PM GMT
By Trevor Datson
LONDON, Dec 22 (Reuters) - British shoppers are staging a last-minute dash to the high streets that could help retailers make up for ground lost during a sluggish build-up to Christmas, figures showed on Wednesday.
With just three days left of the crucial holiday shopping season, retail information group FootFall said shopper numbers in Britain's malls and high streets on Tuesday were up 31 percent on the previous Tuesday.
There were also 20 percent more present-hunters on the prowl than on the same day last year, although the figures are not strictly comparable since Dec. 21, 2003, was a Sunday with its restricted trading hours.
"The week-on-week increase...is to be expected at this time of year, but even so is a good indicator that people are flocking to the shops," FootFall's David Smyth said, adding that there was more reason for good cheer among retailers.
"More significant is the fact that Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 this year were 9.4 percent up on the same dates last year -- the final weekend before Christmas 2003. This week is showing all the signs of being very good for retailers," Smyth said.
Some retailers make up to half of their annual turnover in the Christmas quarter, and electricals chains like Dixons (DXNS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Kesa (KESA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) are especially sensitive to December and January sales.
STAND OFF ON MAIN ST.
This pre-Christmas selling season has been seen as a stand-off between streetwise consumers waiting for retailers to lose their nerve and start their seasonal sales early, and retailers trying to hold firm in the hope of moving as much of their stock as possible at full price.
The result so far has been a stalemate, with some disounting but no sign of panic spreading among top high-street names such as Marks & Spencer (MKS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) , Boots (BOOT.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Debenhams.
Increased shopper numbers do not necessarily translate directly into higher spending, and high interest rates, flat house prices and a reluctance among consumers to increase household debt will all take their toll.
But the latest figures could be a sign that the shoppers have blinked first.
"It could well be evidence of a late boom," said Richard Perks, retail analyst at Mintel International.
"The fact that Christmas is two days later (five straight shopping days in the run-up to Dec. 25 instead of three) does make a big difference, and it does make it more difficult to judge what's happening. I do think people are cautious but I also think that December sales will be up overall," Perks said.
One significant factor could be that Tuesday was the last day Internet retailers like Amazon (AMZN.O: Quote, Profile, Research) were accepting orders for Christmas delivery, Smyth said.
"It's probably right to assume that those people who were going to order on line, but have not managed it to date, will be looking to buy on the traditional high street over the coming few days," he said."
Starts
Britons flock to shops in last-minute Xmas spree
Wed Dec 22, 2004 01:27 PM GMT
By Trevor Datson
LONDON, Dec 22 (Reuters) - British shoppers are staging a last-minute dash to the high streets that could help retailers make up for ground lost during a sluggish build-up to Christmas, figures showed on Wednesday.
With just three days left of the crucial holiday shopping season, retail information group FootFall said shopper numbers in Britain's malls and high streets on Tuesday were up 31 percent on the previous Tuesday.
There were also 20 percent more present-hunters on the prowl than on the same day last year, although the figures are not strictly comparable since Dec. 21, 2003, was a Sunday with its restricted trading hours.
"The week-on-week increase...is to be expected at this time of year, but even so is a good indicator that people are flocking to the shops," FootFall's David Smyth said, adding that there was more reason for good cheer among retailers.
"More significant is the fact that Dec. 20 and Dec. 21 this year were 9.4 percent up on the same dates last year -- the final weekend before Christmas 2003. This week is showing all the signs of being very good for retailers," Smyth said.
Some retailers make up to half of their annual turnover in the Christmas quarter, and electricals chains like Dixons (DXNS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Kesa (KESA.L: Quote, Profile, Research) are especially sensitive to December and January sales.
STAND OFF ON MAIN ST.
This pre-Christmas selling season has been seen as a stand-off between streetwise consumers waiting for retailers to lose their nerve and start their seasonal sales early, and retailers trying to hold firm in the hope of moving as much of their stock as possible at full price.
The result so far has been a stalemate, with some disounting but no sign of panic spreading among top high-street names such as Marks & Spencer (MKS.L: Quote, Profile, Research) , Boots (BOOT.L: Quote, Profile, Research) and Debenhams.
Increased shopper numbers do not necessarily translate directly into higher spending, and high interest rates, flat house prices and a reluctance among consumers to increase household debt will all take their toll.
But the latest figures could be a sign that the shoppers have blinked first.
"It could well be evidence of a late boom," said Richard Perks, retail analyst at Mintel International.
"The fact that Christmas is two days later (five straight shopping days in the run-up to Dec. 25 instead of three) does make a big difference, and it does make it more difficult to judge what's happening. I do think people are cautious but I also think that December sales will be up overall," Perks said.
One significant factor could be that Tuesday was the last day Internet retailers like Amazon (AMZN.O: Quote, Profile, Research) were accepting orders for Christmas delivery, Smyth said.
"It's probably right to assume that those people who were going to order on line, but have not managed it to date, will be looking to buy on the traditional high street over the coming few days," he said."
stockbunny
- 23 Dec 2004 09:25
- 143 of 344
SWW - (best Dell Boy voice) "You know it makes sense"
;>)
;>)
seawallwalker
- 29 Dec 2004 11:43
- 144 of 344
Whoo.............below 40p!
Must say the press has been aweful over the Christmas period.
With the FSE demanding that retailers tell all, it may be an interesting period.
I mustr say footfall could have a lot to answer for if they have given duff info out. Looks like speculation with hedge betting thorn in just for good measure.
UK Retail - First full day of sales disappoints
AFX
Monday 27th Dec 2004 versus Saturday 27th Dec 2003 (year-on-year) DOWN 5.9%.
Natasha Burton, marketing manager at FootFall comments: "The year-on-year decrease for this first full day of sales when compared with the first full day of sales in 2003 is a little disappointing after early anecdotal evidence suggested that this could have been a recording breaking day.
Unless they were serious bargain hunters, some potential shoppers may have been dissuaded from going to the shops fearing extra traffic and crowds, preferring to spend the time with their families, or enjoying the presents they had already received.
Lets not also forget that today, Tuesday, is also a holiday, giving shoppers the opportunity to spread their bargain hunting over the two days. I think it will be necessary to look at the cumulative figure of both days to see the true picture.
Although shopper volumes are lower, final retail trading figures will reveal whether these sales day shoppers were seriously out to spend instead of just browsing she concludes.
Must say the press has been aweful over the Christmas period.
With the FSE demanding that retailers tell all, it may be an interesting period.
I mustr say footfall could have a lot to answer for if they have given duff info out. Looks like speculation with hedge betting thorn in just for good measure.
UK Retail - First full day of sales disappoints
AFX
Monday 27th Dec 2004 versus Saturday 27th Dec 2003 (year-on-year) DOWN 5.9%.
Natasha Burton, marketing manager at FootFall comments: "The year-on-year decrease for this first full day of sales when compared with the first full day of sales in 2003 is a little disappointing after early anecdotal evidence suggested that this could have been a recording breaking day.
Unless they were serious bargain hunters, some potential shoppers may have been dissuaded from going to the shops fearing extra traffic and crowds, preferring to spend the time with their families, or enjoying the presents they had already received.
Lets not also forget that today, Tuesday, is also a holiday, giving shoppers the opportunity to spread their bargain hunting over the two days. I think it will be necessary to look at the cumulative figure of both days to see the true picture.
Although shopper volumes are lower, final retail trading figures will reveal whether these sales day shoppers were seriously out to spend instead of just browsing she concludes.
daves dazzlers
- 29 Dec 2004 12:38
- 145 of 344
Afternoon all, wlw mybe dead in the water now,been to my local store and i no the manager well,they have had a visit on boxing day from the suits,not a good story in there store..
I even had some free dvd`s for the kids off him,,spider`man,the ultimate villain showdown & power-rangers,the movie,retail at 9.99,sale price 2.99 each.
ps ,they also had 20 time computers set ups to sell,,sale price 599,,none sold up to now , been in store 6 weeks he said.
I even had some free dvd`s for the kids off him,,spider`man,the ultimate villain showdown & power-rangers,the movie,retail at 9.99,sale price 2.99 each.
ps ,they also had 20 time computers set ups to sell,,sale price 599,,none sold up to now , been in store 6 weeks he said.
seawallwalker
- 29 Dec 2004 18:26
- 146 of 344
Tell,him 599 is way over the top just now.
Knock them out at 399 and they may sell.
Leave electronics to PC World and Co.
That explains that!
The Company really should stick to basics.
Looks like WLW is in for a rough ride then, how far down before rebound I wonder?
Knock them out at 399 and they may sell.
Leave electronics to PC World and Co.
That explains that!
The Company really should stick to basics.
Looks like WLW is in for a rough ride then, how far down before rebound I wonder?
Oakapples142
- 30 Dec 2004 08:45
- 147 of 344
Agree SWW - Or better still John Lewis who will match (and normally better) any price and give you a better guarantee
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 07:34
- 148 of 344
Woolworths Group PLC
04 January 2005
Woolworths Group Plc
Post-Christmas Trading Statement
4 January 2005
Woolworths Group plc is today providing an update on its trading performance
over the Christmas period and for the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales in Woolworths Mainchain
were flat against last year. This followed a weak November in which sales of
entertainment products and toys were disappointing. In entertainment, there was
a shortage of electronic games hardware and key DVD releases underperformed
market expectations. In toys, the overall market was difficult and the sales
uplift in the Mainchain did not fully reflect the increase in space given to the
category.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales at Woolworths big W
declined by 8.0% and at MVC by 4.7%. The performance at Woolworths big W
reflects the impact of the phased exit from a number of non-core categories in
preparation for the disposal or cut down of a number of sites. MVC was impacted
by an unusually high number of competitor openings in over two thirds of its
catchments.
In the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005, total Group sales, including share of joint
ventures, rose by 2.9%, with the Entertainment Wholesale and Publishing
businesses up by 31.6% and the Retail fascias down by 3.3%. Like-for-like sales
in the Mainchain were down by 1.5%, Woolworths big W was down by 4.1% and MVC
was down by 5.3%.
The gross margin for the combined Mainchain and Woolworths big W businesses has
continued to improve and subject to the year-end store stock counts, it is
anticipated that for the year as a whole it will be approximately 30 basis
points ahead of last year.
Despite the weak retail sales, the Group maintained a tight control over costs
and stock. As a consequence, it is anticipated that at the year-end, seasonal
stocks will be at a comparable level to last year. Throughout the year, the
Company has performed well operationally and has delivered a high level of
in-store availability together with improved levels of customer service.
At the 58 refurbished 10/10 stores, sales and margins continue to perform ahead
of the rest of the Mainchain. This performance, combined with second year growth
and reduced capital expenditure per store continues to evidence a sound
investment case.
Good progress continues to be made with the restructuring of Woolworths big W.
Contracts have been exchanged for the complete disposal of seven sites subject
to receipt of landlord approval. Interest has been shown in the excess space in
a number of the remaining stores and two stores were cut down in October and
traded through Christmas. The net exceptional cost of the big W restructuring is
not anticipated to exceed the guidance given last March, although it will be
spread across two financial years and the cash impact is expected to be
substantially lower. A more detailed update will be given within the preliminary
results announcement.
Entertainment UK has performed well over the Christmas period and despite the
pressure on its gross margin the increased volume from new customers will result
in its profits for the year being marginally ahead of last year.
2entertain, our joint venture with BBC Worldwide, has enjoyed a particularly
strong Christmas with three titles ('Little Britain-Complete First Series', '
That Peter Kay Thing' and 'Jeremy Clarkson-Hot Metal') all being in the top 20
DVD chart in the week before Christmas. As a consequence, the full year profit
contribution to the Woolworths Group from video and music publishing will be
ahead of last year.
The Board anticipates that the Group profit for the year, before tax,
exceptional items and goodwill, will be similar to last year.
Commenting on the Christmas trading performance Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief
Executive said:
'Although we are disappointed with the sales performance in our Retail business,
we have made good progress on improving the gross margin and remain confident
about the potential of Woolworths and our Entertainment businesses. Woolworths
has responded well to investment in systems and stores, which has resulted in a
better store environment, an improved product offering and has made us
significantly stronger operationally. Using our strong positive cash flow we are
confident that continued investment in our stores will underpin future growth.'
The Group intends to announce its preliminary results for the year to 29 January
2005 on the 23 March 2005.
04 January 2005
Woolworths Group Plc
Post-Christmas Trading Statement
4 January 2005
Woolworths Group plc is today providing an update on its trading performance
over the Christmas period and for the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales in Woolworths Mainchain
were flat against last year. This followed a weak November in which sales of
entertainment products and toys were disappointing. In entertainment, there was
a shortage of electronic games hardware and key DVD releases underperformed
market expectations. In toys, the overall market was difficult and the sales
uplift in the Mainchain did not fully reflect the increase in space given to the
category.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales at Woolworths big W
declined by 8.0% and at MVC by 4.7%. The performance at Woolworths big W
reflects the impact of the phased exit from a number of non-core categories in
preparation for the disposal or cut down of a number of sites. MVC was impacted
by an unusually high number of competitor openings in over two thirds of its
catchments.
In the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005, total Group sales, including share of joint
ventures, rose by 2.9%, with the Entertainment Wholesale and Publishing
businesses up by 31.6% and the Retail fascias down by 3.3%. Like-for-like sales
in the Mainchain were down by 1.5%, Woolworths big W was down by 4.1% and MVC
was down by 5.3%.
The gross margin for the combined Mainchain and Woolworths big W businesses has
continued to improve and subject to the year-end store stock counts, it is
anticipated that for the year as a whole it will be approximately 30 basis
points ahead of last year.
Despite the weak retail sales, the Group maintained a tight control over costs
and stock. As a consequence, it is anticipated that at the year-end, seasonal
stocks will be at a comparable level to last year. Throughout the year, the
Company has performed well operationally and has delivered a high level of
in-store availability together with improved levels of customer service.
At the 58 refurbished 10/10 stores, sales and margins continue to perform ahead
of the rest of the Mainchain. This performance, combined with second year growth
and reduced capital expenditure per store continues to evidence a sound
investment case.
Good progress continues to be made with the restructuring of Woolworths big W.
Contracts have been exchanged for the complete disposal of seven sites subject
to receipt of landlord approval. Interest has been shown in the excess space in
a number of the remaining stores and two stores were cut down in October and
traded through Christmas. The net exceptional cost of the big W restructuring is
not anticipated to exceed the guidance given last March, although it will be
spread across two financial years and the cash impact is expected to be
substantially lower. A more detailed update will be given within the preliminary
results announcement.
Entertainment UK has performed well over the Christmas period and despite the
pressure on its gross margin the increased volume from new customers will result
in its profits for the year being marginally ahead of last year.
2entertain, our joint venture with BBC Worldwide, has enjoyed a particularly
strong Christmas with three titles ('Little Britain-Complete First Series', '
That Peter Kay Thing' and 'Jeremy Clarkson-Hot Metal') all being in the top 20
DVD chart in the week before Christmas. As a consequence, the full year profit
contribution to the Woolworths Group from video and music publishing will be
ahead of last year.
The Board anticipates that the Group profit for the year, before tax,
exceptional items and goodwill, will be similar to last year.
Commenting on the Christmas trading performance Trevor Bish-Jones, Chief
Executive said:
'Although we are disappointed with the sales performance in our Retail business,
we have made good progress on improving the gross margin and remain confident
about the potential of Woolworths and our Entertainment businesses. Woolworths
has responded well to investment in systems and stores, which has resulted in a
better store environment, an improved product offering and has made us
significantly stronger operationally. Using our strong positive cash flow we are
confident that continued investment in our stores will underpin future growth.'
The Group intends to announce its preliminary results for the year to 29 January
2005 on the 23 March 2005.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 07:34
- 149 of 344
Woolworth struggles
MoneyAM
Woolworths Group expects its full-year group profit before tax to be similar to last year.
The group reported a difficult Christmas trading period.
In the four weeks to January 1st 2005, like-for-like sales in its Woolworths mainchain stores were flat against last year, following a weak November in which the company said sales of entertainment products and toys were 'disappointing.'
During the same period like-for-like sales at its home entertainment retail business MVC fell by 4.7%, which the company attributed to 'an unusually high number of competitor openings.'
MoneyAM
Woolworths Group expects its full-year group profit before tax to be similar to last year.
The group reported a difficult Christmas trading period.
In the four weeks to January 1st 2005, like-for-like sales in its Woolworths mainchain stores were flat against last year, following a weak November in which the company said sales of entertainment products and toys were 'disappointing.'
During the same period like-for-like sales at its home entertainment retail business MVC fell by 4.7%, which the company attributed to 'an unusually high number of competitor openings.'
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 07:40
- 150 of 344
Now this will be interesting to see what happens during the week!
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 08:08
- 151 of 344
36
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 08:09
- 152 of 344
Or less.......
This is without doubt a profits warning, WLW depend on Christmas for the rest of the year so they would seem to be in trouble.
Who next?
This is without doubt a profits warning, WLW depend on Christmas for the rest of the year so they would seem to be in trouble.
Who next?
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 08:22
- 153 of 344
Dave I think this will hold around 37 - 39p now till the trading statement which will rehash this.
That will be the day I see it going sub 35p for most of the spring and summer.
If they fail to hold up then, it will be a very difficult year for Woolworths with everything being pinned on next Christmas.
Probably not the best time to invest in them!
All imho etc.
That will be the day I see it going sub 35p for most of the spring and summer.
If they fail to hold up then, it will be a very difficult year for Woolworths with everything being pinned on next Christmas.
Probably not the best time to invest in them!
All imho etc.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 08:29
- 154 of 344
Pick your own off the floor,and not from the shelf,could be a nice pay day in the future,still no position yet.
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 10:20
- 155 of 344
This trading update according to the forward diary on text should have come on the 14th - I wish it had frankly, as other retailers would have also given
out figures by then and it could have been put into a better perspective.
As it is these were - I think - the first announced following the Xmas
period and frankly that ain't a good move unless you're going to report
something more positive - at least it's recovered a bit from earlier
when it dipped to 36 odd pence.....Bit like the Titanic now, just holding
on to the wreckage....
:>(
out figures by then and it could have been put into a better perspective.
As it is these were - I think - the first announced following the Xmas
period and frankly that ain't a good move unless you're going to report
something more positive - at least it's recovered a bit from earlier
when it dipped to 36 odd pence.....Bit like the Titanic now, just holding
on to the wreckage....
:>(
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 10:57
- 156 of 344
KBC Peel Hunt says buy Woolworths (WLW.L) (on weakness).
Panmure says hold Woolworths (WLW.L) (reducing the target price to 40p from 45p).
Panmure says hold Woolworths (WLW.L) (reducing the target price to 40p from 45p).
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 11:05
- 157 of 344
Cheers SWW - and a happy new year to you - here's to a profitable 2005!!
The sun certainly isn't shining in Woolies Winter Wonderland today.
The sun certainly isn't shining in Woolies Winter Wonderland today.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 11:08
- 158 of 344
I would agree with that sw,{on weakness}.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 11:09
- 159 of 344
By: Gavin Lumsden, Editor in Chief
07:41 Tue 04 January 2005
Woolworths shares slide 3p to 37p following the poor Christmas trading statement.
Confirming fears of a bad Christmas for many retailers Woolworths (WLW) said like for like sales at the main chain were flat in the 4 weeks to 1 January, fell 8% at Big W and fell 4.7% at MVC.
In the 48 weeks to 1 January total sales gained 2.9% helped by the entertainment wholesale and publishing business. However, like for likes at the main chain fell 1.5%, Big W was down 4.1% and MVC slid 5.3%.
Seymour Pierce notes that gross margins improved by 30 basis points but says this is well below the 150 point improvement that management was seeking. Seymour Pierce says its decision before Christmas to cut 2005 pre-tax profit forecast to 68 million looks justified. For 2006 the broker has cut forecasts from 89 million to 76 million. It has maintained its underperform stance on the stock.
'A poor performance from the group, though we are sure that Woolworths will not be the last to disappoint,' it says.
07:41 Tue 04 January 2005
Woolworths shares slide 3p to 37p following the poor Christmas trading statement.
Confirming fears of a bad Christmas for many retailers Woolworths (WLW) said like for like sales at the main chain were flat in the 4 weeks to 1 January, fell 8% at Big W and fell 4.7% at MVC.
In the 48 weeks to 1 January total sales gained 2.9% helped by the entertainment wholesale and publishing business. However, like for likes at the main chain fell 1.5%, Big W was down 4.1% and MVC slid 5.3%.
Seymour Pierce notes that gross margins improved by 30 basis points but says this is well below the 150 point improvement that management was seeking. Seymour Pierce says its decision before Christmas to cut 2005 pre-tax profit forecast to 68 million looks justified. For 2006 the broker has cut forecasts from 89 million to 76 million. It has maintained its underperform stance on the stock.
'A poor performance from the group, though we are sure that Woolworths will not be the last to disappoint,' it says.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 11:10
- 160 of 344
Begining to look like 35p may be on the cards imo.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 11:10
- 161 of 344
but not today..........
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 11:11
- 162 of 344
Come on wlw,come to your uncle dave!!
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 11:15
- 163 of 344
lol
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 11:16
- 164 of 344
Morning Dave and don't jinx my tiny profit young man! ;>)
As it stands now there's about enough in my WLW pot left to
get me a pot of Pick-n-Mix
:>)
As it stands now there's about enough in my WLW pot left to
get me a pot of Pick-n-Mix
:>)
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 11:25
- 165 of 344
Morning bunny,sorry to here that,young man theres hope for us 40 year olds yet then,missed it early on that 36,i feel it will be here again,,anybody want a buy a time pc 599,but i can get it for 299,i now a man at woolworths,,and theres a camera.
I have been to see my guy at wlw,this morning,still 18 left.
I have been to see my guy at wlw,this morning,still 18 left.
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 11:38
- 166 of 344
Price has recovered a fraction - guess people are getting in
on a gamble. In all honesty apart from MVC the figs. for WLW
were basically flat, so the initial drop was I feel a tad over
done.
on a gamble. In all honesty apart from MVC the figs. for WLW
were basically flat, so the initial drop was I feel a tad over
done.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 11:41
- 167 of 344
I am still looking at 36 & mybe lock it away until 45,and take a divi.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 11:43
- 168 of 344
As always............... overdone.
Difficult to make a judgement initally between a market adjustment and a free fall but some people, (dave), likes a gamble and a cheap computer.
The chart does look like an upward trend from now on unless there is a mass exodus.
The next crunch will be in March then.
Reduced dividend I wonder?
Difficult to make a judgement initally between a market adjustment and a free fall but some people, (dave), likes a gamble and a cheap computer.
The chart does look like an upward trend from now on unless there is a mass exodus.
The next crunch will be in March then.
Reduced dividend I wonder?
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 11:44
- 169 of 344
Hope not SWW - that's one of the positives with this one
the yield is fair currently, so hopefully no drop.
the yield is fair currently, so hopefully no drop.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 11:59
- 170 of 344
Sw,i never said i wanted a tiny pc there out of date before they boxed them.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 13:04
- 171 of 344
It's all right dave, I not selling them!
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 13:18
- 172 of 344
I see its found a level,whats your view on the volume,it will smash through 100 million trades.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 13:19
- 173 of 344
Seems 38 is all it can snuffle.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 13:22
- 174 of 344
That'll do for now dave.
100 mil?
no not today.
100 mil?
no not today.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 13:25
- 175 of 344
Heres another one............
No wonder at Woolies
Published: 12:34 Tuesday 04 January 2005
By: Douglas Bence, Companies Correspondent
A disappointing Christmas trading statement from Woolworths is the first big clue that Britains high streets ended the year not with a cheer, but a whimper.
Woolworth (WLW) chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones said there were fewer shoppers last month than in December 2003, buying decisions were made later than ever and customers were more than usually stimulated by special promotions.
Bish-Jones is convinced the Woolworth experience was mirrored elsewhere in the high street and believes it did a lot better than some of its competitors. The shares fell 2.25p to 38%, a drop of 5.59%.
He says Woolworths is in better shape than it was two years ago, operational systems are working and margins have improved. There are no problems with unsold seasonal stocks, with levels around the same as 2004.
The grim news is no surprise coming after a weak November when Woolworths sales of entertainment products and toys were below expectations.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales in Woolworths Mainchain were flat against last year.
Christmas sales of entertainment products were held up by a shortage of electronic games hardware and Bish-Jones says key DVD releases like Shrek 2, Harry Potter and Spiderman underperformed. DVDs from the Little Britain team, Peter Kay and Jeremy Clarkson were all in the top 20.
Woolworths increased its focus on toys, but although it improved market share, Bish-Jones says not by enough to justify the extra retail space.
Parents seem to be moving away from toys and opting for iPods, digital cameras and mobile phones, he says.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales at Woolworths' big W declined 8%, reflecting the phased exit from non-core categories as the company prepares to dispose of a number of sites. Contracts have been exchanged on seven.
For the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005, group sales rose 2.9%. While the entertainment, wholesale and publishing businesses rose 31.6%; the retail fascias side was down 3.3%.
At the 58 refurbished 10/10 stores, sales and margins were ahead of the rest of Mainchain where like-for-like sales were down 1.5%. Woolworths big W was down 4.1% and the game cube side, MVC, down 5.3%.
Bish-Jones says profit for the year to 29 January, before tax, exceptional items and goodwill, will be similar to last year. It will be announced on 23 March. The analyst consensus figure averages between 76-7 million within the range 68 million to 82 million.
Citywire Verdict:
Although the poor Christmas was widely anticipated, Seymour Pierce says that the gross margin improvement of 30 basis points was well below the forecast 150 basis points. Seymour Pierce cut its forecast for the year from 89 million to 76 million and now thinks the bottom of the range, 68 million, is about right. It expects the shares to under perform, but says Woolworths will not be the last to disappoint.
No wonder at Woolies
Published: 12:34 Tuesday 04 January 2005
By: Douglas Bence, Companies Correspondent
A disappointing Christmas trading statement from Woolworths is the first big clue that Britains high streets ended the year not with a cheer, but a whimper.
Woolworth (WLW) chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones said there were fewer shoppers last month than in December 2003, buying decisions were made later than ever and customers were more than usually stimulated by special promotions.
Bish-Jones is convinced the Woolworth experience was mirrored elsewhere in the high street and believes it did a lot better than some of its competitors. The shares fell 2.25p to 38%, a drop of 5.59%.
He says Woolworths is in better shape than it was two years ago, operational systems are working and margins have improved. There are no problems with unsold seasonal stocks, with levels around the same as 2004.
The grim news is no surprise coming after a weak November when Woolworths sales of entertainment products and toys were below expectations.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales in Woolworths Mainchain were flat against last year.
Christmas sales of entertainment products were held up by a shortage of electronic games hardware and Bish-Jones says key DVD releases like Shrek 2, Harry Potter and Spiderman underperformed. DVDs from the Little Britain team, Peter Kay and Jeremy Clarkson were all in the top 20.
Woolworths increased its focus on toys, but although it improved market share, Bish-Jones says not by enough to justify the extra retail space.
Parents seem to be moving away from toys and opting for iPods, digital cameras and mobile phones, he says.
In the four weeks to 1 January 2005, like-for-like sales at Woolworths' big W declined 8%, reflecting the phased exit from non-core categories as the company prepares to dispose of a number of sites. Contracts have been exchanged on seven.
For the 48 weeks to 1 January 2005, group sales rose 2.9%. While the entertainment, wholesale and publishing businesses rose 31.6%; the retail fascias side was down 3.3%.
At the 58 refurbished 10/10 stores, sales and margins were ahead of the rest of Mainchain where like-for-like sales were down 1.5%. Woolworths big W was down 4.1% and the game cube side, MVC, down 5.3%.
Bish-Jones says profit for the year to 29 January, before tax, exceptional items and goodwill, will be similar to last year. It will be announced on 23 March. The analyst consensus figure averages between 76-7 million within the range 68 million to 82 million.
Citywire Verdict:
Although the poor Christmas was widely anticipated, Seymour Pierce says that the gross margin improvement of 30 basis points was well below the forecast 150 basis points. Seymour Pierce cut its forecast for the year from 89 million to 76 million and now thinks the bottom of the range, 68 million, is about right. It expects the shares to under perform, but says Woolworths will not be the last to disappoint.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 13:27
- 176 of 344
And another.............
All to help you make your minds up.
Shoppers out in force but not at Woolies
Guy Dresser, This is Money
4 January 2005
SHOPPERS returned to the High Street in the last few trading days of 2004, helping to ease fears that retailers were set for a dire December.
But Woolworths today confirmed fears that it had had a tough Christmas. The group revealed that in the four weeks to January 1, like-for-like sales in its main stores were flat against last year. This followed a weak November in which sales of entertainment products and toys were disappointing.
The company blamed a shortage of electronic games hardware for the lower-than-expected figures. It also said that key DVD releases had done much worse than expected. In toys, the overall market was difficult and the sales uplift in the Woolworths Mainchain did not fully reflect the increase in space given to them.
Chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones admitted that the sales performance had disappointed him, but added: 'We have made good progress on improving the gross margin and remain confident about the potential of Woolworths and our Entertainment businesses. Using our strong positive cash flow we are confident that continued investment in our stores will underpin future growth.'
New statistics from retail research body Footfall today showed the number of shoppers visiting stores in the six days to December 31 was up 7% on the previous year. The increase came despite a 5.9% fall in shoppers last Monday, the first proper day of the post-Christmas sales.
While the number of people entering stores does not automatically translate into sales, retailers will be relieved to see a rise in shopper numbers. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that the crucial Christmas period when retailers hope to make most of their annual profit has been tough. Many were forced into heavy discounting and pre-Christmas sales days to boost turnover.
John Lewis, the unquoted department stores group, last week revealed an 11% increase in sales during the first three days of its discounting clearance. And the next few weeks will see other listed companies update the market with details of their December trading performance.
Richard Hyman, chairman of Verdict Research, said he plans to stick with his prediction that the public will have spent a record 75.8bn over the Christmas period - a rise of 3.9% on last year on the back of cheaper gifts and wage growth.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=396774&in_page_id=2
All to help you make your minds up.
Shoppers out in force but not at Woolies
Guy Dresser, This is Money
4 January 2005
SHOPPERS returned to the High Street in the last few trading days of 2004, helping to ease fears that retailers were set for a dire December.
But Woolworths today confirmed fears that it had had a tough Christmas. The group revealed that in the four weeks to January 1, like-for-like sales in its main stores were flat against last year. This followed a weak November in which sales of entertainment products and toys were disappointing.
The company blamed a shortage of electronic games hardware for the lower-than-expected figures. It also said that key DVD releases had done much worse than expected. In toys, the overall market was difficult and the sales uplift in the Woolworths Mainchain did not fully reflect the increase in space given to them.
Chief executive Trevor Bish-Jones admitted that the sales performance had disappointed him, but added: 'We have made good progress on improving the gross margin and remain confident about the potential of Woolworths and our Entertainment businesses. Using our strong positive cash flow we are confident that continued investment in our stores will underpin future growth.'
New statistics from retail research body Footfall today showed the number of shoppers visiting stores in the six days to December 31 was up 7% on the previous year. The increase came despite a 5.9% fall in shoppers last Monday, the first proper day of the post-Christmas sales.
While the number of people entering stores does not automatically translate into sales, retailers will be relieved to see a rise in shopper numbers. Anecdotal evidence, however, suggests that the crucial Christmas period when retailers hope to make most of their annual profit has been tough. Many were forced into heavy discounting and pre-Christmas sales days to boost turnover.
John Lewis, the unquoted department stores group, last week revealed an 11% increase in sales during the first three days of its discounting clearance. And the next few weeks will see other listed companies update the market with details of their December trading performance.
Richard Hyman, chairman of Verdict Research, said he plans to stick with his prediction that the public will have spent a record 75.8bn over the Christmas period - a rise of 3.9% on last year on the back of cheaper gifts and wage growth.
http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/news/article.html?in_article_id=396774&in_page_id=2
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 13:31
- 177 of 344
Sw.ive done the leg work
stockbunny
- 04 Jan 2005 13:47
- 178 of 344
Thanks for the updates - be interesting when the others start to report
on their Xmas periods - so who do we think is likely to post the
worse figs?
on their Xmas periods - so who do we think is likely to post the
worse figs?
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 15:05
- 179 of 344
Well its over 38 to buy at the mo.
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 17:21
- 180 of 344
Well thats some volume at woolworths today!!!if one the tills took that amount.
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 17:35
- 181 of 344
cripes, I did not think it would get there 125 mil!
dave, are you sure you can be quiet for 3 minutes tomorrow?
I have a feeling that would be a first!
dave, are you sure you can be quiet for 3 minutes tomorrow?
I have a feeling that would be a first!
seawallwalker
- 04 Jan 2005 17:44
- 182 of 344
Worst figures have to be Sainsbury.
My local store was like a normal day this year on the run up to Christmas.
M & S will be close behind, they had nothing worth buying for me or my family, and they must be desparate to do a half price sale so soon after their pre Christmas sale.
Next looked very busy yet again before and after.......... don't know what the appeal is there though!
My local store was like a normal day this year on the run up to Christmas.
M & S will be close behind, they had nothing worth buying for me or my family, and they must be desparate to do a half price sale so soon after their pre Christmas sale.
Next looked very busy yet again before and after.......... don't know what the appeal is there though!
daves dazzlers
- 04 Jan 2005 19:24
- 183 of 344
Sw,its the thrill of the retail sector,,my tills are full up and its been a great day.
daves dazzlers
- 06 Jan 2005 08:44
- 184 of 344
Still a watching and a waiting.
daves dazzlers
- 07 Jan 2005 17:51
- 185 of 344
Still a watching but not going to jump on the woolworths wagon yet.
seawallwalker
- 07 Jan 2005 18:33
- 186 of 344
Nor am I having liquidated before the drop, thanbk you footfall for the good info..
I will go on your 36 or less quote.
I have bought into UK's answer to Walmart. AKA Tesco. Long term hold and forget!
I will go on your 36 or less quote.
I have bought into UK's answer to Walmart. AKA Tesco. Long term hold and forget!
stockbunny
- 09 Jan 2005 10:53
- 187 of 344
Good luck on Tesco SWW!!
:>)
:>)
seawallwalker
- 09 Jan 2005 13:46
- 188 of 344
Its only a short term long hld, I really want back in these, but with a trading statement this week from tesco, I expect a climb otherwise I would not bither.
Not sure wether to wait till after divi on wlw, to see how it looks then. There is a lot of support for WLW that is for sure or they would have dropped further.
I see my local brach is half price eveything at the moment.
Clear the sheleves and start again.
Good idea.
Not sure wether to wait till after divi on wlw, to see how it looks then. There is a lot of support for WLW that is for sure or they would have dropped further.
I see my local brach is half price eveything at the moment.
Clear the sheleves and start again.
Good idea.
seawallwalker
- 23 Jan 2005 18:49
- 189 of 344
Sunday Express
Woolworths has been forced to cut jobs after tough trading in what has been described as the worst Christmas in a decade
Oh dear 35p may be too high then?
Lets hope not.
Woolworths has been forced to cut jobs after tough trading in what has been described as the worst Christmas in a decade
Oh dear 35p may be too high then?
Lets hope not.
daves dazzlers
- 27 Jan 2005 15:41
- 190 of 344
Going like a chad valley train set today,,choo choo.
stockbunny
- 27 Jan 2005 16:07
- 191 of 344
Hmmmmmm I'm getting bored holding WLW now.....contemplating
bailing out :>(
bailing out :>(
stockbunny
- 27 Jan 2005 16:16
- 192 of 344
Ok OK what's occurring?????
Now up 2p....
Is it like the car, you know whenever you get so pi**ed off with it
you say you're going to sell it, it stops playing up????
Now up 2p....
Is it like the car, you know whenever you get so pi**ed off with it
you say you're going to sell it, it stops playing up????
babykitcat
- 27 Jan 2005 16:19
- 193 of 344
take over with a bit of luck ONLY JOKING WE WISH notice there are more sell than buys
stockbunny
- 27 Jan 2005 16:23
- 194 of 344
It's all too bizarre!!
:>)
:>)
daves dazzlers
- 27 Jan 2005 16:27
- 195 of 344
Are woolworths a target,i dont think so,talk on 20pence a few days ago.
stockbunny
- 27 Jan 2005 16:43
- 196 of 344
20 PENCE!!!!!!
:>(
:>(
seawallwalker
- 27 Jan 2005 16:52
- 197 of 344
Yes.
20 pence.
They are always a target though, so hold on tight!
Maybe someone is stalking them and there are lose rumours.
Something will show up if that's the case.
20 pence.
They are always a target though, so hold on tight!
Maybe someone is stalking them and there are lose rumours.
Something will show up if that's the case.
babykitcat
- 27 Jan 2005 16:59
- 198 of 344
WOULD BE NICE AS THE RETIAL SECTION IS VERY VULNERABLE AT THIS TIME BUT SOME HOW I THINK MR GREEN HAS SENCE!! ONLY TIME WILL TELL BUT YES THEY HAVE BEEN RISING WITH NO NEWS POSTED
daves dazzlers
- 27 Jan 2005 17:05
- 199 of 344
And good volume dont have a position on wlw but more than watchful,goodluck all.
babykitcat
- 28 Jan 2005 00:12
- 200 of 344
ok looks good just found this dated TODAY 28/1/05........
But the sessions speculative focus was provided by Woolworths, which rallied to its best level since this months downbeat Christmas trading statement, up 1p at 39p on brisk turnover in 75.7 million shares, or 5 per cent of its outstanding equity. Dealers attributed most of the volume to Goldman Sachs, although it was not clear whether the US investment bank was acting on behalf of its proprietary desk or a client.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8211-1459833,00.html
But the sessions speculative focus was provided by Woolworths, which rallied to its best level since this months downbeat Christmas trading statement, up 1p at 39p on brisk turnover in 75.7 million shares, or 5 per cent of its outstanding equity. Dealers attributed most of the volume to Goldman Sachs, although it was not clear whether the US investment bank was acting on behalf of its proprietary desk or a client.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8211-1459833,00.html
seawallwalker
- 28 Jan 2005 07:34
- 201 of 344
Certainly does.
Watch it go on the strength of that.
All imho etc........
Watch it go on the strength of that.
All imho etc........
daves dazzlers
- 28 Jan 2005 07:53
- 202 of 344
Go on fill your boots & take the offer if there is one.
stockbunny
- 28 Jan 2005 09:56
- 203 of 344
Thanks for the update babykitcat - volumes still high today
and some of the trades are big numbers, not just the usual small
or private investor type numbers - who knows......
and some of the trades are big numbers, not just the usual small
or private investor type numbers - who knows......
babykitcat
- 28 Jan 2005 10:20
- 204 of 344
going 2 stick with this i was going 2 get out @ 42 and the way its going could be monday after we see papers on sat/sun but im now going to stick with it for next week at least.
knowing me i will pull out and then whooooosh up it goes.
may be i can pull out now and take a cut of every 1's profits as it goes up LOL
knowing me i will pull out and then whooooosh up it goes.
may be i can pull out now and take a cut of every 1's profits as it goes up LOL
babykitcat
- 28 Jan 2005 10:26
- 205 of 344
daily mail!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOLWORTHS (rumours that a private equity group - possibly Apax - is stakebuilding before launching a full-scale cash offer in the region of 60p a share)
will be VERY interesting to see what happen later on TODAY or MONDAY
WOOLWORTHS (rumours that a private equity group - possibly Apax - is stakebuilding before launching a full-scale cash offer in the region of 60p a share)
will be VERY interesting to see what happen later on TODAY or MONDAY
stockbunny
- 28 Jan 2005 10:49
- 206 of 344
Thanks for the update babykitcat - I wish the sceptic in me
would accept such a high offer was possible, but sadly it's
just not willing to. Not to say a bid might not come in, but
at that price.......I'm still in for now, but not too long now
been holding these for longer then is ideal anyway partly in the hope
of a bid and that was when they still had the more attractive BigW
stores to barter with.
would accept such a high offer was possible, but sadly it's
just not willing to. Not to say a bid might not come in, but
at that price.......I'm still in for now, but not too long now
been holding these for longer then is ideal anyway partly in the hope
of a bid and that was when they still had the more attractive BigW
stores to barter with.
babykitcat
- 28 Jan 2005 11:03
- 207 of 344
cant remember the last time the shares even hit anywere near 50p let alone 60p
stockbunny
- 28 Jan 2005 11:17
- 208 of 344
It hasn't happened in my memory either - has hit 47-48p before
it's one where it may possibly pay to have your own target
price or watch it very carefully cos if these rumours fade it
could drop very quickly....
it's one where it may possibly pay to have your own target
price or watch it very carefully cos if these rumours fade it
could drop very quickly....
stockbunny
- 28 Jan 2005 11:24
- 209 of 344
I keep a record of closing mid-prices babykitcat
Looking back I bought in May '03
Sept '03 - it had a spell of hitting 45p
As far as 48.75p in the October '03
Fell back in the Nov '03
Touched 47.5p in Jan '04 & fell back over next 2 months.
June '04 - holding well at 45-46p
and fell back again
Sept '04 - back up to those levels again
and as you know has been falling back until recently
So I assume the 48p markers were either shortlived or 2002
Looking back I bought in May '03
Sept '03 - it had a spell of hitting 45p
As far as 48.75p in the October '03
Fell back in the Nov '03
Touched 47.5p in Jan '04 & fell back over next 2 months.
June '04 - holding well at 45-46p
and fell back again
Sept '04 - back up to those levels again
and as you know has been falling back until recently
So I assume the 48p markers were either shortlived or 2002
daves dazzlers
- 28 Jan 2005 13:43
- 210 of 344
It all off its m & s there after.
Only joking.
Only joking.
stockbunny
- 28 Jan 2005 14:28
- 211 of 344
That'll do now David!
Or I'll be after you with the soda syphon!
;>)
Or I'll be after you with the soda syphon!
;>)
seawallwalker
- 30 Jan 2005 16:34
- 212 of 344
Well, here the back up to the above.
60p is an okay price, I would expect a 40% premium on the price. Also if it is set that high it may eliminate any other interest and prevent an aucton..
Watch it go tomorrow then!
Apax sizing up Woolworths bid - report
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - Private Equity group Apax Partners is considering a leveraged buyout of UK retailer Woolworth, The Business newspaper reported without citing sources.
The private equity group is running a slide-rule over the company -- which reported flat Christmas trading at its main stores -- but has yet to decide whether to table a bid, the paper added.
Apax refused to comment on market speculation last week that it was planning to table a 60 pence per share bid for the business, valuing it at roughly 700 mln stg.
etain.lavelle@afxnews.com
el/bam
60p is an okay price, I would expect a 40% premium on the price. Also if it is set that high it may eliminate any other interest and prevent an aucton..
Watch it go tomorrow then!
Apax sizing up Woolworths bid - report
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - Private Equity group Apax Partners is considering a leveraged buyout of UK retailer Woolworth, The Business newspaper reported without citing sources.
The private equity group is running a slide-rule over the company -- which reported flat Christmas trading at its main stores -- but has yet to decide whether to table a bid, the paper added.
Apax refused to comment on market speculation last week that it was planning to table a 60 pence per share bid for the business, valuing it at roughly 700 mln stg.
etain.lavelle@afxnews.com
el/bam
Iain
- 30 Jan 2005 16:50
- 213 of 344
Still in.Added at recent 38
eddieshare
- 30 Jan 2005 23:26
- 214 of 344
Apax sizing up Woolworths bid - report
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - Private Equity group Apax Partners is considering a leveraged buyout of UK retailer Woolworth, The Business newspaper reported without citing sources.
The private equity group is running a slide-rule over the company -- which reported flat Christmas trading at its main stores -- but has yet to decide whether to table a bid, the paper added.
Apax refused to comment on market speculation last week that it was planning to table a 60 pence per share bid for the business, valuing it at roughly 700 mln stg.
etain.lavelle@afxnews.com
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - Private Equity group Apax Partners is considering a leveraged buyout of UK retailer Woolworth, The Business newspaper reported without citing sources.
The private equity group is running a slide-rule over the company -- which reported flat Christmas trading at its main stores -- but has yet to decide whether to table a bid, the paper added.
Apax refused to comment on market speculation last week that it was planning to table a 60 pence per share bid for the business, valuing it at roughly 700 mln stg.
etain.lavelle@afxnews.com
daves dazzlers
- 31 Jan 2005 08:55
- 215 of 344
Bish bang.
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 09:09
- 216 of 344
lol
Iain
- 31 Jan 2005 09:14
- 217 of 344
"Nice"
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 09:15
- 218 of 344
Market was slow to catch onto this one.
How unusual!
How unusual!
babykitcat
- 31 Jan 2005 09:18
- 219 of 344
keer ching
stockbunny
- 31 Jan 2005 09:32
- 220 of 344
Stop loss set at 50p a share just triggered - I'm happy a tidy
little profit! Those still in - BE LuckY!!!!!!
little profit! Those still in - BE LuckY!!!!!!
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 09:43
- 221 of 344
Nice one stockbunny.
Good idea to do that as nothing is really confirmed is it?
Good idea to do that as nothing is really confirmed is it?
stockbunny
- 31 Jan 2005 09:53
- 222 of 344
No and that's what worried me to be honest, but it's always
a gamble...later today it could rocket further, I just feel you
have to set a figure that you personally are happy with, when it
hits that, you take the money and run and think no more of it.
:>)
a gamble...later today it could rocket further, I just feel you
have to set a figure that you personally are happy with, when it
hits that, you take the money and run and think no more of it.
:>)
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 10:48
- 223 of 344
Dead right imo.
I assume you either put your s/l at 50p when it went over or edged it up as it went up?
For now you did right it's dropping back.
I assume you either put your s/l at 50p when it went over or edged it up as it went up?
For now you did right it's dropping back.
sandrew64
- 31 Jan 2005 11:06
- 224 of 344
That was a nice little earner. I too bailed, but at 49p....not as quick as the bunny!
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 11:10
- 225 of 344
The confirmed interest by Apax is at a very early stage.
Good stuff sandrew64.
Good stuff sandrew64.
daves dazzlers
- 31 Jan 2005 11:34
- 226 of 344
Never did get to buy at 36 **** fill your bags.
stockbunny
- 31 Jan 2005 16:24
- 227 of 344
SWW - yes I watched it for a while upped the stoploss from 49p to 50p
as it increased :>)
as it increased :>)
daves dazzlers
- 31 Jan 2005 16:29
- 228 of 344
You old fox bunny,nice,
mail on the way.
mail on the way.
stockbunny
- 31 Jan 2005 16:30
- 229 of 344
LOL Dave!
seawallwalker
- 31 Jan 2005 17:07
- 230 of 344
whats a fox bunny?
Hmmmm............
Way to go!
Hmmmm............
Way to go!
daves dazzlers
- 01 Feb 2005 08:49
- 231 of 344
Heavy going early doors!
seawallwalker
- 02 Feb 2005 14:12
- 232 of 344
35p back on the cards then?
Just goes to show what a great stop loss that was stockbunny!
Just goes to show what a great stop loss that was stockbunny!
stockbunny
- 02 Feb 2005 14:54
- 233 of 344
Thanks SWW - it's always a gamble, sometimes it pays off and other
times it doesn't. Why the fall in price by the way?
I'm not up to speed on this one now...Has the interest gone?
times it doesn't. Why the fall in price by the way?
I'm not up to speed on this one now...Has the interest gone?
seawallwalker
- 02 Feb 2005 15:11
- 234 of 344
Nothing known here.
Everything is still go and the word is there may be a bidding war.
If it drops much more, I may have to re enter
Everything is still go and the word is there may be a bidding war.
If it drops much more, I may have to re enter
stockbunny
- 02 Feb 2005 15:14
- 235 of 344
Could be profit taking I suppose - possibly people taking the
money and running now convinced that they wont get the figs.
being banded about in the press (Daily Mail yesterday reckoned 60p
min. would be required by WLW share holders) I can see your point,
if it drops very low....
money and running now convinced that they wont get the figs.
being banded about in the press (Daily Mail yesterday reckoned 60p
min. would be required by WLW share holders) I can see your point,
if it drops very low....
sandrew64
- 02 Feb 2005 16:40
- 236 of 344
How low are we thinking?
stockbunny
- 02 Feb 2005 16:50
- 237 of 344
I stress right now I'm not personally entertaining going back
into WLW - frankly I'm too worried the whole thing could go
nowhere - but remember I'm a BFP holder who's had to settle for
95p a share in the end! That's the only concern with these situations
if they drop too low and WLW also have a pension deficit like BFP, then
the bid price can drop further then first thought - BFP was thought to
be worth 110p a share but didn't actually get anywhere near.
However....should it hit 35-36p it could, maybe be worth a go for those
who like a real gamble and can stomach the loss that could occur.
Think more then twice before doing tho' in my humble opinion.
AND DYOR especially into the things like pension deficits!
into WLW - frankly I'm too worried the whole thing could go
nowhere - but remember I'm a BFP holder who's had to settle for
95p a share in the end! That's the only concern with these situations
if they drop too low and WLW also have a pension deficit like BFP, then
the bid price can drop further then first thought - BFP was thought to
be worth 110p a share but didn't actually get anywhere near.
However....should it hit 35-36p it could, maybe be worth a go for those
who like a real gamble and can stomach the loss that could occur.
Think more then twice before doing tho' in my humble opinion.
AND DYOR especially into the things like pension deficits!
seawallwalker
- 02 Feb 2005 17:29
- 238 of 344
sb if it goes that low then realiscially the deals off and with the
end of year coming, it would be in severe poo.
I suggest staying out really.
I agree about BFP, that was a real pig.
WLW could do the same if the results are bad.
To make any on this now and be safe a holder would need to be in at 30p or so to be absolutley sure.
Forget my musings and wishful thoughts prior to this.
end of year coming, it would be in severe poo.
I suggest staying out really.
I agree about BFP, that was a real pig.
WLW could do the same if the results are bad.
To make any on this now and be safe a holder would need to be in at 30p or so to be absolutley sure.
Forget my musings and wishful thoughts prior to this.
Iain
- 02 Feb 2005 18:51
- 239 of 344
Shareholders thought 50p realistic value and took it.Me included.
WLW very seasonal and dont own freehold to stores.I wouldnt give you 60p.
Cue 70:-)
WLW very seasonal and dont own freehold to stores.I wouldnt give you 60p.
Cue 70:-)
seawallwalker
- 03 Feb 2005 07:20
- 240 of 344
Report in todays Times echoing Iain's thoughts.
It states Shareholders think 50 pence is a realisitc price hence the drop.
It looks like another BFP could come,with the bid price continually dropping.
It states Shareholders think 50 pence is a realisitc price hence the drop.
It looks like another BFP could come,with the bid price continually dropping.
gavdfc
- 08 Feb 2005 16:42
- 241 of 344
For you Woolies holders:
Woolworths Group PLC
08 February 2005
WOOLWORTHS GROUP PLC
Response to indicative proposal from Apax
The Board of Woolworths has received an indicative proposal from Apax Partners
Europe Managers Ltd to make an Offer for the Company in the range of 50-55p per
share. This indicative proposal is subject to a number of pre-conditions
including access to the Company's financial and trading information.
The Board, with its advisers, has considered this indicative proposal carefully.
It has concluded that the range indicated does not provide acceptable value or
certainty to justify entering into detailed discussions with Apax.
- Ends -
Woolworths Group PLC
08 February 2005
WOOLWORTHS GROUP PLC
Response to indicative proposal from Apax
The Board of Woolworths has received an indicative proposal from Apax Partners
Europe Managers Ltd to make an Offer for the Company in the range of 50-55p per
share. This indicative proposal is subject to a number of pre-conditions
including access to the Company's financial and trading information.
The Board, with its advisers, has considered this indicative proposal carefully.
It has concluded that the range indicated does not provide acceptable value or
certainty to justify entering into detailed discussions with Apax.
- Ends -
babykitcat
- 08 Feb 2005 16:46
- 242 of 344
LOOK LIKE WERE GOING TO SEE A BATTLE well i hope so
seawallwalker
- 08 Feb 2005 17:02
- 243 of 344
Who with though?
Lots of talk.
Maybe a couple of days and some will appear.
I think it may be doubtful though at the moment.
Now watch me be wrong!
Lots of talk.
Maybe a couple of days and some will appear.
I think it may be doubtful though at the moment.
Now watch me be wrong!
babykitcat
- 08 Feb 2005 22:22
- 244 of 344
imho when you go to buy/bid for an item/company YOUR FIRST BID IS NEVER YOUR LAST AND HIGHEST
stockbunny
- 09 Feb 2005 10:39
- 245 of 344
I admire your positive stand on this babykitcat and if you are
still in and holding WLW, I really hope you are right.
Good Luck!!
still in and holding WLW, I really hope you are right.
Good Luck!!
babykitcat
- 09 Feb 2005 10:47
- 246 of 344
possitive thought n all that!!!! THANKS RABBIT
FROM THE CAT
FROM THE CAT
stockbunny
- 09 Feb 2005 10:48
- 247 of 344
:>)
babykitcat
- 09 Feb 2005 11:15
- 248 of 344
if it hits 51 today im off the fence and back in the garden!!!!
babykitcat
- 09 Feb 2005 16:32
- 249 of 344
COME ON THE GIVE US SOME MORE RNS 16:33 DONT BE SHY
seawallwalker
- 09 Feb 2005 17:57
- 250 of 344
I put pellets down in the garden so watch out.
babykitcat
- 10 Feb 2005 01:35
- 251 of 344
WATCH IT ME MUMS A TIGER!!!
ROTFLMAO
NICE ONE SW I LIKE IT
ROTFLMAO
NICE ONE SW I LIKE IT
babykitcat
- 10 Feb 2005 01:38
- 252 of 344
HANG ON A MO 10,000,000 BUY ORDERS PUT IN AFTER 16:30 UP CAN KEEP YOUR PELLETS IM GOING TO SIT IN THE TREE UP (HIGH) COZ THATS WERE ME SHARES WILL BE TOMMO WITH ANY LOOK!!!!
sandrew64
- 10 Feb 2005 08:14
- 253 of 344
Rumour is there is a second bidder.
babykitcat
- 10 Feb 2005 09:57
- 254 of 344
thanks $$$$
daves dazzlers
- 10 Feb 2005 19:19
- 255 of 344
Hows it hanging sw with wlw now.
seawallwalker
- 11 Feb 2005 07:16
- 256 of 344
No different.
As I was not on this at the start I am not willing to jump in at this stage. It would be a bit like chasing smoke!
I hope you had a good few days away?
As I was not on this at the start I am not willing to jump in at this stage. It would be a bit like chasing smoke!
I hope you had a good few days away?
daves dazzlers
- 11 Feb 2005 07:57
- 257 of 344
Cheers sw thanks we did,but there was no tv in this cottage it was 400 years old,and no signal on the mobile nightmare.
stockbunny
- 11 Feb 2005 09:56
- 258 of 344
Sounds excellent to me - Mrs.Dazzler got you all to herself!!
:>)
:>)
proptrade
- 03 Mar 2005 13:50
- 259 of 344
what do we think guys...a bid or not in this one????
answers on a postcard
answers on a postcard
daves dazzlers
- 03 Mar 2005 14:02
- 260 of 344
Its a no no from me,would like to get back in all the same levelwise 38,
long way off yet.
long way off yet.
stockbunny
- 03 Mar 2005 14:04
- 261 of 344
It could turn out like BFP - take a long time and end up being
sold for much less then expected - I hope not, but it seems
possible..
sold for much less then expected - I hope not, but it seems
possible..
daves dazzlers
- 03 Mar 2005 14:05
- 262 of 344
Afternoon bunny.
daves dazzlers
- 03 Mar 2005 14:06
- 263 of 344
Bunny did you ever use your bookercard ??
stockbunny
- 03 Mar 2005 14:32
- 264 of 344
No didn't in the end - not one near enough to me. Mind you not
a bad thing I suppose, cos now I can't miss what I didn't use!
Afternoon Dave !!
a bad thing I suppose, cos now I can't miss what I didn't use!
Afternoon Dave !!
proptrade
- 03 Mar 2005 15:36
- 265 of 344
so WLW not a flyer then in your opinion guys. i am not so sure, i think there is a reasonable chance that of the indicative range is raised then the books may be opened. they would be classed a serious bidder if they clarified their intentions. 55+ would probably get their foot in the door...
stockbunny
- 03 Mar 2005 15:48
- 266 of 344
I was in WLW proptrade, but sold when the bid rumour began @ 50p
that was a few weeks back, I certainly wouldn't go back in now,
but as always DYOR and Good Luck whatever you decide to do!
:>)
that was a few weeks back, I certainly wouldn't go back in now,
but as always DYOR and Good Luck whatever you decide to do!
:>)
proptrade
- 18 Mar 2005 16:14
- 267 of 344
and there they go!
seawallwalker
- 18 Mar 2005 16:43
- 268 of 344
Woolworths gets new Apax takeover approach as offer deadline extended
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - High street retailer Woolworths Group PLC said it received an improved takeover proposal from Apax Partners Worldwide LLP pitched at 58.2 pence per share, up from an original indicative offer of 50-55 pence per share.
The retailer said it agreed to let Apax carry out due diligence on the understanding that any formal bid is made before the extended deadline set by the Takeover Panel.
The Takeover Panel extended the deadline from noon on March 21 to May 6.
So they will accept that imo.
Well done Bish for holding out, shame I did not!
AFX
LONDON (AFX) - High street retailer Woolworths Group PLC said it received an improved takeover proposal from Apax Partners Worldwide LLP pitched at 58.2 pence per share, up from an original indicative offer of 50-55 pence per share.
The retailer said it agreed to let Apax carry out due diligence on the understanding that any formal bid is made before the extended deadline set by the Takeover Panel.
The Takeover Panel extended the deadline from noon on March 21 to May 6.
So they will accept that imo.
Well done Bish for holding out, shame I did not!
daves dazzlers
- 18 Mar 2005 22:23
- 269 of 344
Prop it was on the cards but done my money on these last summer,,wish i could of got 36,,could of had it at 38 ****.
daves dazzlers
- 22 Mar 2005 21:03
- 270 of 344
Big day tomorrow will the bishop still be at the alter,to bless the woolworth faithful.
daves dazzlers
- 22 Mar 2005 21:04
- 271 of 344
Must do better.
babykitcat
- 22 Mar 2005 23:49
- 272 of 344
im still in tommo should be fun
daves dazzlers
- 23 Mar 2005 07:53
- 273 of 344
Looks ok to me,its a smash and grab at 58.2 pence a share.
optomistic
- 23 Mar 2005 07:58
- 274 of 344
Results announced, profit down to 9.3 mill from 66 mill, no divi!! good job a takweover is at hand or the shares would be on the floor.
daves dazzlers
- 23 Mar 2005 08:00
- 275 of 344
58.2 is a steel opto ,,run it to the ground,,and give them no choice springs to mind.
optomistic
- 23 Mar 2005 08:09
- 276 of 344
Keeping out of this one Dave, you know me, don't like risky situs.. LOL
daves dazzlers
- 23 Mar 2005 08:13
- 277 of 344
Not one for me either,mid 30s yes mid 50 no.
daves dazzlers
- 12 Apr 2005 09:14
- 278 of 344
Its a touch heavy today this one early doors.
seawallwalker
- 13 Apr 2005 22:49
- 279 of 344
Apax Partners Says Abandoning Woolworths Group Offer (
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=aStfoiIge7Uc&refer=uk
Dive, Dive Dive!!!!
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=aStfoiIge7Uc&refer=uk
Dive, Dive Dive!!!!
daves dazzlers
- 13 Apr 2005 22:54
- 280 of 344
Bloody hell sw thats made my day,will have a good look at this now.
seawallwalker
- 13 Apr 2005 22:55
- 281 of 344
35 pence tomorrow unless someone else comes in, which I doubt.
daves dazzlers
- 13 Apr 2005 22:58
- 282 of 344
Well i did want 36 before all this apex news came on the scene.
seawallwalker
- 13 Apr 2005 22:58
- 283 of 344
I would not buy for more dave, things look serious on the High Street lately........
daves dazzlers
- 13 Apr 2005 23:11
- 284 of 344
I take it the news broke after close sw.
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 00:51
- 285 of 344
Yes this evening around 9 ish I saw it.
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 06:50
- 286 of 344
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000102&sid=aStfoiIge7Uc&refer=uk
This link may help people save money if they bail this morning first thing.
It says APAX have pulled out.
Woolworth bid dropped
MoneyAM
The future of Woolworths has been questioned after venture capitalist Apax dropped its bid.
The financial group cited concerns over "key cash items".
Apax had offered 837m, or 52.8 pence for every Woolworth share, but withdrew the bid late on Wednesday after having been given access to the firm's books.
Analysts said that the decision is likely to hit Woolworths shares when the market opens in London on Thursday.
Woolworths played down concerns, saying it was a "big, profitable" company.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Woolworths chairman Gerald Corbett said that "it is very difficult dealing with venture capitalists".
"We thought our shareholders would want us to explore" the 58p a share bid, Mr Corbett explained. "We have explored it, but they've withdrawn and so it is back to business as usual."
"We are a big, profitable, cash-generative business."
Analysts were less optimistic and said that there have been concerns over Woolworths and its business model for a number of years.
Last month, Woolworths said retail conditions remain "difficult" after reporting a 1.3% fall in like-for-like sales during 2004.
Justin Urquhart-Stewart of Seven Investment Management said that Woolworths was one of a number of ailing UK retailers.
The problem facing Woolworths, he continued, was that the company did not have a very clear role to play on the High Street and consumers were unsure what exactly it offered.
Apax declined to comment on what problems there were, saying only that they related to "key cash items".
"It is significant," said Seven's Urquhart-Stewart, adding that investors will be worrying about the venture capital firm has uncovered.
"What has Apax found?"
Analysts speculated that there may have been some unseen problems or costs related to Woolworths real-estate portfolio and plans to sell of its remaining Big W stores.
Good luck.
This link may help people save money if they bail this morning first thing.
It says APAX have pulled out.
Woolworth bid dropped
MoneyAM
The future of Woolworths has been questioned after venture capitalist Apax dropped its bid.
The financial group cited concerns over "key cash items".
Apax had offered 837m, or 52.8 pence for every Woolworth share, but withdrew the bid late on Wednesday after having been given access to the firm's books.
Analysts said that the decision is likely to hit Woolworths shares when the market opens in London on Thursday.
Woolworths played down concerns, saying it was a "big, profitable" company.
Speaking to the Financial Times, Woolworths chairman Gerald Corbett said that "it is very difficult dealing with venture capitalists".
"We thought our shareholders would want us to explore" the 58p a share bid, Mr Corbett explained. "We have explored it, but they've withdrawn and so it is back to business as usual."
"We are a big, profitable, cash-generative business."
Analysts were less optimistic and said that there have been concerns over Woolworths and its business model for a number of years.
Last month, Woolworths said retail conditions remain "difficult" after reporting a 1.3% fall in like-for-like sales during 2004.
Justin Urquhart-Stewart of Seven Investment Management said that Woolworths was one of a number of ailing UK retailers.
The problem facing Woolworths, he continued, was that the company did not have a very clear role to play on the High Street and consumers were unsure what exactly it offered.
Apax declined to comment on what problems there were, saying only that they related to "key cash items".
"It is significant," said Seven's Urquhart-Stewart, adding that investors will be worrying about the venture capital firm has uncovered.
"What has Apax found?"
Analysts speculated that there may have been some unseen problems or costs related to Woolworths real-estate portfolio and plans to sell of its remaining Big W stores.
Good luck.
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 07:46
- 287 of 344
It does not bode well, over 2 million sales pre open at 40p now 39p.
Can anyone tell me how these early trades happen?
Can anyone tell me how these early trades happen?
babykitcat
- 14 Apr 2005 07:57
- 288 of 344
i would love to see share register and see how many friends/employees sold shares yesterday INSIDERTRADING YESTERDAY MY ASS so you telling me at 8pm ish apax only just decided they were not going to bid yet at these time most sensible people are at home with the family this stinks!!!!
daves dazzlers
- 14 Apr 2005 07:58
- 289 of 344
Sw,you would hope people would of cashed in well before after all its been in the up 50s for some time now,why would they still keep hold of them prior to an exchange of all the paper work.
daves dazzlers
- 14 Apr 2005 08:00
- 290 of 344
After all look at the sells on wensaday.
daves dazzlers
- 14 Apr 2005 08:10
- 291 of 344
No small position holders left in here,,lucky sods!
babykitcat
- 14 Apr 2005 08:12
- 292 of 344
come on wlw u can do it 30p
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 11:29
- 293 of 344
I agree with respect to the heavy trades yesterday even.
Tons of sells.
Tons of sells.
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 14:23
- 294 of 344
280 million changed hands today.
Most are buys.
Maybe there is a reason for that?
New lurker?
At around 40p it is not a bargain imo.
Most are buys.
Maybe there is a reason for that?
New lurker?
At around 40p it is not a bargain imo.
daves dazzlers
- 14 Apr 2005 15:15
- 295 of 344
Agree sw but 30 pence would be.Plenty of talk of 26p a week or 2 before apex came on the scene.
proptrade
- 14 Apr 2005 16:44
- 296 of 344
a lot of money lost in this stock. hedgies would have been all over it for the 3p flip (great performance annualised - eg. 55 to 58.2p roughly 5% over lets say 3 months = 20% annualised!). big gapping wounds today....
seawallwalker
- 14 Apr 2005 16:52
- 297 of 344
Hmm........
Yes prop.
Not good for anyone really.
In hope now that Trevor is allowed to get on with his recovery of the WLW business without distraction.
Dave I think 26 p will never be seen again.
A simple lowering ogf the base rate(!) will do the trick.
Its that simple.
Enter the Consevative Government.
Yes prop.
Not good for anyone really.
In hope now that Trevor is allowed to get on with his recovery of the WLW business without distraction.
Dave I think 26 p will never be seen again.
A simple lowering ogf the base rate(!) will do the trick.
Its that simple.
Enter the Consevative Government.
seawallwalker
- 15 Apr 2005 08:04
- 298 of 344
Speculators did not clean up at Woolies (Robert Cole) Times Business)
At 41p Woolies looks excellent value. Buy; Rolls-Royce shares offer sound value. Hold; SSL International's p/e ratio is 19 and dividend yield only 2 per cent.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8211-1570395,00.html
Nice positive item regarding long term prospects.
At 41p Woolies looks excellent value. Buy; Rolls-Royce shares offer sound value. Hold; SSL International's p/e ratio is 19 and dividend yield only 2 per cent.
http://business.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,8211-1570395,00.html
Nice positive item regarding long term prospects.
daves dazzlers
- 15 Apr 2005 08:29
- 299 of 344
Its still a winner for me sw long term,,touch wood and the horse shoe and the bunny foot.
I will stick to my target of 26 if it comes off great.
I will stick to my target of 26 if it comes off great.
seawallwalker
- 19 Apr 2005 15:18
- 300 of 344
Looks today like intstutions are selling out, p[robably what they bought while the negatiations were under way, so they are taking a hit.
It will affect the price, but dave...................26p????
I dont think so.
Look at around 36p and sell off in 4 years at around 90p to a pound is what I think.
The divi will be reinstated now by the way, so............ take that into account on the price.
It will affect the price, but dave...................26p????
I dont think so.
Look at around 36p and sell off in 4 years at around 90p to a pound is what I think.
The divi will be reinstated now by the way, so............ take that into account on the price.
stockbunny
- 19 Apr 2005 15:25
- 301 of 344
No - not Woolies....must be strong, no more retailers, no
adding to the portfolio, no more bargain basement buys, not until
I get rid of FCCN, must resist.......
(phew that was close, it all got very tempting for a minute)
Seriously, it's sad really I like Woolies.....oh and Dave, it's ok
you can put my foot down now - cheers me-dear
;>)
adding to the portfolio, no more bargain basement buys, not until
I get rid of FCCN, must resist.......
(phew that was close, it all got very tempting for a minute)
Seriously, it's sad really I like Woolies.....oh and Dave, it's ok
you can put my foot down now - cheers me-dear
;>)
seawallwalker
- 19 Apr 2005 15:36
- 302 of 344
It's been good to me, so I am sentimental, and will probably buy back in again, only this time keep them.
They will find the focus I think, and I bet they eventually take Tesco over in the future.
Will it be before the latest aseroid hits in 2036?
Well I can not answer that as I probably wont be around then.
Be warned, if I am, I will look like Mr Burns.
"Smithers......................."
They will find the focus I think, and I bet they eventually take Tesco over in the future.
Will it be before the latest aseroid hits in 2036?
Well I can not answer that as I probably wont be around then.
Be warned, if I am, I will look like Mr Burns.
"Smithers......................."
stockbunny
- 19 Apr 2005 15:39
- 303 of 344
LOL :>)
daves dazzlers
- 19 Apr 2005 15:39
- 304 of 344
26,
You heard it here first,fight the urge,,,,,,,,,,,,fight the urge!!
You heard it here first,fight the urge,,,,,,,,,,,,fight the urge!!
gavdfc
- 19 Apr 2005 15:48
- 305 of 344
It seems that even that Evil character now owns Woolies and didn;t take Dave's advice to fight that urge!
"On the other hand I have hoovered up 1 million shares in Woolworths (WLW) at 39p as I think the market over-reacted to the Apax bid withdrawal and I can see another stalker emerging in due course. I see that Nick Bubb disagrees with me and he is the retail guru but then he does read the Guardian so he can't get everything right."
"On the other hand I have hoovered up 1 million shares in Woolworths (WLW) at 39p as I think the market over-reacted to the Apax bid withdrawal and I can see another stalker emerging in due course. I see that Nick Bubb disagrees with me and he is the retail guru but then he does read the Guardian so he can't get everything right."
seawallwalker
- 19 Apr 2005 22:35
- 306 of 344
I think EK is right to do this at 39p.
seawallwalker
- 19 Apr 2005 22:35
- 307 of 344
I'll phone him tomorrow and say so..........
proptrade
- 20 Apr 2005 12:48
- 308 of 344
he may be right but i will wait for a few more sessions to decide.
there was a comment inm the times that somerfield was down because of hedgie margin calls in WLW. we could have told them that from this board!
there was a comment inm the times that somerfield was down because of hedgie margin calls in WLW. we could have told them that from this board!
daves dazzlers
- 20 Apr 2005 22:25
- 309 of 344
Bit slow in falling this woolworths still thursday beckons lol all.
daves dazzlers
- 26 Apr 2005 13:53
- 310 of 344
Another 10 point fall and we mite have a deal.
seawallwalker
- 27 Apr 2005 11:25
- 311 of 344
Looking a bit sick today, but then, so are many others.
35p was my target, but I am looking at dave waiting for 25p and........
Thinking.
35p was my target, but I am looking at dave waiting for 25p and........
Thinking.
stockbunny
- 27 Apr 2005 11:46
- 312 of 344
So we aren't tempted yet then SeaWallWalker! LOL
(Don't blame you)
But it is good for 40p we know that, it's just getting the
faith to go with the knowledge!
(Don't blame you)
But it is good for 40p we know that, it's just getting the
faith to go with the knowledge!
seawallwalker
- 27 Apr 2005 12:59
- 313 of 344
yes sb at the moment I have little except for what I hold.
all but one gone into the red now.......... nuts!
all but one gone into the red now.......... nuts!
stockbunny
- 27 Apr 2005 13:04
- 314 of 344
I've got 2 blue now!!!
Jessops (can you believe it! lol) and SPW
Tis a strange world......
Jessops (can you believe it! lol) and SPW
Tis a strange world......
daves dazzlers
- 27 Apr 2005 13:10
- 315 of 344
Where the floor, 26 is were i will join the woolworths express!!
pension271 - 04 May 2005 16:20 - 316 of 344
Mega purchases going through - almost 10,000,000 in short time - is there any news??
seawallwalker
- 04 May 2005 16:30
- 317 of 344
Nope........
daves dazzlers
- 08 May 2005 21:05
- 318 of 344
Only another 30% drop in the wlw sp and you can count me in.
daves dazzlers
- 16 May 2005 14:25
- 319 of 344
Still in the mid 30s this woolworths why,, i dont know !!
daves dazzlers
- 06 Jun 2005 08:55
- 320 of 344
Big week for woolworths ahead,,bull or bear you decide..
daves dazzlers
- 06 Jun 2005 08:56
- 321 of 344
Dont all growl at once..
seawallwalker
- 06 Jun 2005 10:13
- 322 of 344
35p is too expensive this year
daves dazzlers
- 06 Jun 2005 12:15
- 323 of 344
This sounds about right SW,26.
seawallwalker
- 06 Jun 2005 12:32
- 324 of 344
I think you are too low.
28p is more like it.
28p is more like it.
daves dazzlers
- 07 Jun 2005 08:02
- 325 of 344
First slip in the sp.
seawallwalker
- 07 Jun 2005 09:24
- 326 of 344
Sells outweighing buys now, need this to continue for our price.
seawallwalker
- 21 Jun 2005 16:25
- 327 of 344
Its not going there, what's the next best buy in price Dave??
daves dazzlers
- 21 Jun 2005 16:58
- 328 of 344
SW,not had a look at this of late,still sticking to the 20s,,29 max for me,not looking at this anymore,,to many eggs in my basket,,unless 26/29 comes about!
daves dazzlers
- 21 Jun 2005 16:59
- 329 of 344
Still in the oil/gas business ?
seawallwalker
- 21 Jun 2005 23:18
- 330 of 344
Yes.
I have had a nice earner this wekk on HNR.
Took profit albeit probably beore others would have done but if the price of oil drops, and who knows..... I will be seen as a genius.
If not there will come another time.
I have had a nice earner this wekk on HNR.
Took profit albeit probably beore others would have done but if the price of oil drops, and who knows..... I will be seen as a genius.
If not there will come another time.
daves dazzlers
- 22 Jun 2005 13:08
- 331 of 344
Nice one SW,thought you were still in the fuel business,still holding SEY a quid by christmas!!
I will call in on the thread again.
I will call in on the thread again.
seawallwalker
- 05 Jul 2005 07:36
- 332 of 344
Is it going down????
Woolworths Group plc
Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------
Woolworths Group plc ('Woolworths') today releases its unaudited financial
results for the year to 29 January 2005 as prepared under International
Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as part of the process for the adoption
of IFRS as its primary accounting basis for the year ending 28 January 2006.
The key changes to Woolworths' reported financial information as at 29 January
2005 under IFRS are:
recognition of all employee benefit related obligations, principally
pensions and share based payments;
recognition of lease incentives received over the entire term of the lease
rather than up to the first market rent review;
amortisation of goodwill credited back to the income statement, partly
replaced by amortisation arising on intangible assets following the
reclassification of intangible assets from goodwill;
gain arising on the formation of its music and video publishing joint
venture (2entertain Limited) now included within the income statement and
adjusted by re-crediting of the amortisation of goodwill on acquisitions;
recognition of deferred tax liabilities on temporary differences.
For the year ended 29 January 2005, the impact on profits from the adoption of
IFRS is a reduction in profit before tax, exceptional costs and goodwill
amortisation of 7.2m from 73.1m to 65.9m. Profit after tax falls from 2.2m
to 0.4m. Net assets are reduced by 71.8m from 457.3m to 385.5m at 1 February
2004 and by 95.8m from 464.8m to 369.0m at 29 January 2005.
IFRS will apply for the first time in the Woolworths financial statements for
the year ending 28 January 2006. Accordingly, financial results for the six
month period ending 30 July 2005 will be prepared and reported under IFRS.
None of the adjustments arising from IFRS relate to cash, and therefore there is
no impact on reported cash flows.
Woolworths Group plc
Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards
----------------------------------------------------------------
Woolworths Group plc ('Woolworths') today releases its unaudited financial
results for the year to 29 January 2005 as prepared under International
Financial Reporting Standards ('IFRS') as part of the process for the adoption
of IFRS as its primary accounting basis for the year ending 28 January 2006.
The key changes to Woolworths' reported financial information as at 29 January
2005 under IFRS are:
recognition of all employee benefit related obligations, principally
pensions and share based payments;
recognition of lease incentives received over the entire term of the lease
rather than up to the first market rent review;
amortisation of goodwill credited back to the income statement, partly
replaced by amortisation arising on intangible assets following the
reclassification of intangible assets from goodwill;
gain arising on the formation of its music and video publishing joint
venture (2entertain Limited) now included within the income statement and
adjusted by re-crediting of the amortisation of goodwill on acquisitions;
recognition of deferred tax liabilities on temporary differences.
For the year ended 29 January 2005, the impact on profits from the adoption of
IFRS is a reduction in profit before tax, exceptional costs and goodwill
amortisation of 7.2m from 73.1m to 65.9m. Profit after tax falls from 2.2m
to 0.4m. Net assets are reduced by 71.8m from 457.3m to 385.5m at 1 February
2004 and by 95.8m from 464.8m to 369.0m at 29 January 2005.
IFRS will apply for the first time in the Woolworths financial statements for
the year ending 28 January 2006. Accordingly, financial results for the six
month period ending 30 July 2005 will be prepared and reported under IFRS.
None of the adjustments arising from IFRS relate to cash, and therefore there is
no impact on reported cash flows.
daves dazzlers
- 05 Jul 2005 07:43
- 333 of 344
SW,i am trying to give the highstreet a wide birth at the moment,,,,,,,its not easy,,there`s always a good offer in town .
seawallwalker
- 05 Jul 2005 07:45
- 334 of 344
Actually I agree with you to stay away.
The turning point will be if the BOE lower interest rates but the effect from that will take a few months to feed through.
Otherwise who are you playing with?
The turning point will be if the BOE lower interest rates but the effect from that will take a few months to feed through.
Otherwise who are you playing with?
daves dazzlers
- 25 Jul 2005 07:41
- 335 of 344
Which way today.
seawallwalker
- 25 Jul 2005 11:46
- 336 of 344
Looks like a mark time within current price ranges, at least till the next accounts.
jules99
- 17 Aug 2005 00:49
- 337 of 344
takeover bid strategy - a very interesting read...
Should you chase the takeover targets?
In 2004 it seemed that every second high-profile firm around the world was either taking a firm over or being taken over itself. In the US, Cingular bought AT&T Wireless, for example, and, in the UK, Banco Santander bought Abbey National, and the on-off saga of Marks & Spencer (M&S) occupied column inches for weeks on end. But according to the investment bankers, we havent seen anything yet. Theres no reason to doubt their prediction. As John Plender points out in the FT, they know at first hand what is in the merger and acquisition (M&A) pipeline. And if they are right, its excellent news for investors: share prices tend to soar when bids are announced.
Take the case of Aggregate Industries. Three months ago, Sandy Cross of Williams de Broe tipped the building materials firm in MoneyWeek at 95p, saying that it looked a manageable size for a predator. He was right. This week, Switzerlands Holcim said it intends to bid $1.78bn or 138p a share for Aggregate Industries. Today, the shares are trading at around 145p - anyone who bought in November is sitting on a 53% gain.
So if this really is the start of the year of the deal, wheres the best place for investors to place their bets? There is scope for consolidation in all sorts of sectors, from telecoms equipment to travel, all over Europe, but in the UK it is the retail sector that is getting all the attention. Analysts have long been warning that British retailers were going to have a nasty end to 2004 and a worse beginning to 2005, and Christmas seems to have been every bit as poor as the pessimists feared, says Chris Brown-Humes, also in the FT. Higher interest rates, a weak housing market, record levels of personal debt, higher utility bills and increased public transport costs are all squeezing the ability and desire of households to keep spending. The result? A lot of our retailers are suffering and that could make them easy pickings for predators. Indeed, one of the only things supporting retailers share prices right now is the prospect of takeover activity.
(Article continued below)
Venture capitalists are still on the prowl, as is the Icelandic retailer Baugur, and Tesco and Asda might make a move on a rival. All of which leaves investors simply having to guess who the targets will be.
Betting on who they might be has become the latest City investment craze, says Simon Nixon on www.Breakingviews.com. But it isnt hard. M&S and JJB Sports saw their share prices rise even as they announced rubbish numbers as investors calculated this increased the likelihood of a takeover. Perhaps Philip Green will comes back and have another go at M&S.
Other possible targets include J Sainsbury, N Brown, MFI, Matalan and French Connection. But is betting on these firms wise? Debt is now cheap and plentiful, so potential bidders are awash with cash, but if the spending downturn gathers pace, that will change and takeovers will suddenly be harder to finance. And not all the dogs of the retail sector will be rescued by a bid. Some will just go bust instead. As Simon Watkins points out in The Mail on Sunday, some already have. Since Christmas, Scottish carpet maker Stoddard International has gone into administration because of tough trading at its key customer Allied Carpets, and fashion chain Pilot went into receivership as sales fell. These were both private companies, but the lesson is clear. If you are chasing takeover targets, make sure you go for firms that will survive even if they are forced to go it alone.
Woolworths is every inch a major takeover and worth following, a great opportunity if it materialises, the time is ripe once again -58p was recent target price.
Should you chase the takeover targets?
In 2004 it seemed that every second high-profile firm around the world was either taking a firm over or being taken over itself. In the US, Cingular bought AT&T Wireless, for example, and, in the UK, Banco Santander bought Abbey National, and the on-off saga of Marks & Spencer (M&S) occupied column inches for weeks on end. But according to the investment bankers, we havent seen anything yet. Theres no reason to doubt their prediction. As John Plender points out in the FT, they know at first hand what is in the merger and acquisition (M&A) pipeline. And if they are right, its excellent news for investors: share prices tend to soar when bids are announced.
Take the case of Aggregate Industries. Three months ago, Sandy Cross of Williams de Broe tipped the building materials firm in MoneyWeek at 95p, saying that it looked a manageable size for a predator. He was right. This week, Switzerlands Holcim said it intends to bid $1.78bn or 138p a share for Aggregate Industries. Today, the shares are trading at around 145p - anyone who bought in November is sitting on a 53% gain.
So if this really is the start of the year of the deal, wheres the best place for investors to place their bets? There is scope for consolidation in all sorts of sectors, from telecoms equipment to travel, all over Europe, but in the UK it is the retail sector that is getting all the attention. Analysts have long been warning that British retailers were going to have a nasty end to 2004 and a worse beginning to 2005, and Christmas seems to have been every bit as poor as the pessimists feared, says Chris Brown-Humes, also in the FT. Higher interest rates, a weak housing market, record levels of personal debt, higher utility bills and increased public transport costs are all squeezing the ability and desire of households to keep spending. The result? A lot of our retailers are suffering and that could make them easy pickings for predators. Indeed, one of the only things supporting retailers share prices right now is the prospect of takeover activity.
(Article continued below)
Venture capitalists are still on the prowl, as is the Icelandic retailer Baugur, and Tesco and Asda might make a move on a rival. All of which leaves investors simply having to guess who the targets will be.
Betting on who they might be has become the latest City investment craze, says Simon Nixon on www.Breakingviews.com. But it isnt hard. M&S and JJB Sports saw their share prices rise even as they announced rubbish numbers as investors calculated this increased the likelihood of a takeover. Perhaps Philip Green will comes back and have another go at M&S.
Other possible targets include J Sainsbury, N Brown, MFI, Matalan and French Connection. But is betting on these firms wise? Debt is now cheap and plentiful, so potential bidders are awash with cash, but if the spending downturn gathers pace, that will change and takeovers will suddenly be harder to finance. And not all the dogs of the retail sector will be rescued by a bid. Some will just go bust instead. As Simon Watkins points out in The Mail on Sunday, some already have. Since Christmas, Scottish carpet maker Stoddard International has gone into administration because of tough trading at its key customer Allied Carpets, and fashion chain Pilot went into receivership as sales fell. These were both private companies, but the lesson is clear. If you are chasing takeover targets, make sure you go for firms that will survive even if they are forced to go it alone.
Woolworths is every inch a major takeover and worth following, a great opportunity if it materialises, the time is ripe once again -58p was recent target price.
daves dazzlers
- 05 Sep 2005 07:57
- 338 of 344
Another week another negative wlw statement on the horizon,,what odds that.
jules99
- 05 Sep 2005 15:05
- 339 of 344
dave somebodymentioned an x dividend date
or did I miss it?
thanks.Jules.
or did I miss it?
thanks.Jules.
daves dazzlers
- 05 Sep 2005 15:11
- 340 of 344
Not a holder of wlw jules,to rich a price for me.
jules99
- 08 Sep 2005 00:43
- 341 of 344
statement tomorrow - hopefully lifts the share price..!!!
a rise back up to 44p would be a welcome boost for Woollies SP.
Either a sitting target for a predator, preferably Wallmart as mentioned a few back.
a rise back up to 44p would be a welcome boost for Woollies SP.
Either a sitting target for a predator, preferably Wallmart as mentioned a few back.
capetown
- 07 Nov 2005 09:06
- 342 of 344
See that wlw is back in vouge with the tipsters
Goosy - 07 Nov 2005 11:34 - 343 of 344
All thats holding back the sp at the minute is Deutche Bank unloading the residue of their 20% stake whih must be down to around 65m by now Another big chunk 19m went last week suggesting another fund is building a position at around 32p
Remember
.... even a relatively awful xmas ( sales down 3%) won`t stop woolies hitting their year end profit target which has 25m of cost savings guranteed to flow thru to the bottom line.........
Then watch the sp rise in Jan.........imho
Remember
.... even a relatively awful xmas ( sales down 3%) won`t stop woolies hitting their year end profit target which has 25m of cost savings guranteed to flow thru to the bottom line.........
Then watch the sp rise in Jan.........imho
capetown
- 07 Nov 2005 11:44
- 344 of 344
I also read that they are bringing in mobile/portable cash registars in to reduce queing time for spenders over xmas,they should do well as if we are spending less on xmas items we tend to go to wlw to save afew pence.
| About MoneyAM | Ts and Cs | Privacy Policy | Investment Warning | Content Standards | Corporate Solutions | Advertise With Us | Site Map | © 2025 MoneyAM |
Register now for FREE
Share Prices,
Stock Quotes,
Charts, Bulletin Boards, Indices, Watchlists, Portfolio, Market News, Research
or see our Premium Services including Level 2, Terminal and much more.
Follow us on Twitter