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Halfords,,it not just the AA who do recovery`s (HFD)     

daves dazzlers - 27 Apr 2005 14:07

Its come along way since these were a pair of old boots,just bought today mid 280s,spent a few pounds in there of late,so why not!

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

babykitcat - 27 Apr 2005 21:03 - 2 of 314

very wise choice they wont stay here very long IMO look at the graph back 300+ soon

babykitcat - 04 May 2005 16:15 - 3 of 314

just caught it at 269.9 gone long with an expiry in DECEMBER should make a nice xmas present

fancyfootwork - 16 May 2005 10:40 - 4 of 314

Looks to me like some positive signals coming off this one now - a good time to get in.

However, with all the negativity surrounding the retail sector, does anyone have any feel / insight that suggests HFD may be able to buck the trend?

(Apart from the fact that I seem to have spent a small fortune in there recently!)
ffw

daves dazzlers - 16 May 2005 13:48 - 5 of 314

Fancyfootwork,who knows what the future brings long term but best of luck .. Its a specialist outlet and lets face it not much competition about,and the price of the items they stock,are high ticket value things.

eg,,tents/cycles/washers/racks/audio equipment/alloy wheels/roof boxes/trailers/etc..


were else can a young saxo driver pimp up his ride,,

i can see them from here,,them bloody neon lights.

babykitcat - 16 May 2005 18:40 - 6 of 314

lol

daves dazzlers - 18 Jun 2005 00:19 - 7 of 314

Serious point,,i know its not my style,

Broker upgrade citigroup from 3.20 to 3.40.

babykitcat - 20 Jun 2005 02:12 - 8 of 314

just if any 1 is interested i brought a bike from my local HFD on friday (awsome service) but also did any 1 know that HFD are exempt from the sunday trading laws!!!!

daves dazzlers - 20 Jun 2005 07:28 - 9 of 314

I,didnt know that kitkat,my local hfd is now multi-level format.Also bought bikes from there .

babykitcat - 20 Jun 2005 09:55 - 10 of 314

yes something to do with emergency spares they sell.....when i went he informed me that how busy they are selling bikes and they can not keep up with it all

daves dazzlers - 14 Jul 2005 15:25 - 11 of 314

These bikes are really starting to move now.

daves dazzlers - 21 Aug 2005 22:10 - 12 of 314

Strong move last week,happy with that.

queen1 - 05 Sep 2008 10:28 - 13 of 314

Three years without a post - what an exciting share! But defensive I feel in these troubled times so I've tested the water this morning.

queen1 - 02 Oct 2008 12:14 - 14 of 314

Pretty positive given the current climate:

Halfords Group Plc said it was confident its half-year results would be in line with expectations, despite like-for-like sales falling in the second quarter.

The retailer, which runs around 450 stores selling spark plugs, car radios and bicycles, said on Thursday quarterly group sales dropped 1.1 percent on a like-for-like basis, though including new stores sales were up 1.5 percent.

The retailer, which accounts for one in three of the bikes sold in Britain, said strong demand for car maintenance and leisure products and commuters switching to bikes to avoid soaring petrol prices were helping it beat a consumer downturn.

'The group's market-leading positions, well-structured balance sheet and strong cash flow see it well positioned in these challenging conditions and I remain encouraged by our prospects for the remainder of the year,' Chief Executive David Wild said in a statement.

Halfords, founded as a local hardware store in Birmingham in 1892, said the defensive characteristics of its car maintenance segment and margin management strategies would likely result in gross margins being ahead of internal expectations.

hangon - 02 Oct 2008 18:17 - 15 of 314

Not the way I see it, sure they have a massive stock, but their prices are quite high, usually greater than "accessory shops" who supply oils/filters and spark-plugs.
However, the majority of folks do not DIY anymore and maybe this reflects their high prices. Don't know about bikes, but round here there is Action Bikes (Franchise?) and I imagine they ahve to better Halfords prices.
Still the figures speak for themselves - and I suppose the story is expected to remain good, although I suspect fewer folk will buy (new) bikes and maybe stick with their car so don't need a Radio . . . . but what do I know?
Certainly it's the first place I go for car parts . . . just that I'm amazed by the prices!

goldfinger - 12 Mar 2009 15:42 - 16 of 314

Taken a long stake here.

Reckon this is one of the better quality retail trades around...



Trending up nicely with channel in place.

goldfinger - 13 Mar 2009 08:40 - 17 of 314

Way too cheap this one with a forward P/E of just 9 going into 2010 and one of the better retailers around at the moment..

Brokers like it...

Halfords Group PLC

FORECASTS
2009 2010

Date Rec Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p) Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p)

Investec Securities
12-03-09 HOLD 90.47 30.89 15.75 90.47 31.08 16.00

Seymour Pierce
12-03-09 BUY 91.00 30.40 16.00 95.00 31.70 17.00

Oriel Securities
11-03-09 HOLD 91.50 31.00 16.50 94.40 31.90 18.00

KBC Peel Hunt Ltd
10-03-09 BUY 90.19 30.79 15.70 91.84 31.35 16.00

Singer Capital Markets Ltd
09-03-09 FAIR 92.00 31.40 15.70 93.00 31.60 15.80

Blue Oar Securities
06-03-09 BUY 90.40 30.40 15.75 95.10 32.50 16.50

Charles Stanley
06-03-09 ACCU

W H Ireland Ltd
05-03-09 BUY 90.20 30.50 16.00 88.90 29.80 17.00

Eden Group
05-03-09 BUY

Teathers
04-03-09 HOLD 87.57 29.36 15.80 83.69 28.44 16.50

Arden Partners
02-03-09 BUY 88.00 29.70 15.10 88.40 29.80 15.10

Pali International
20-02-09 None 91.00 30.60 15.90 92.00 30.70 16.70

Shore Capital
09-02-09 BUY 91.00 31.10 15.80 92.00 31.70 16.50

Numis Securities Ltd
15-01-09 HOLD 87.60 29.30 15.20 86.90 29.60 15.50

2009 2010
Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p) Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p)

Consensus 90.72 30.71 15.82 91.39 31.09 16.44

1 Month Change -0.06 -0.13 0.01 0.86 0.45 0.06
3 Month Change -0.02 -0.14 0.09 0.47 0.28 0.14


GROWTH
2008 (A) 2009 (E) 2010 (E)

Norm. EPS 11.28% 4.16% 1.24%
DPS 8.78% 11.02% 3.92%

INVESTMENT RATIOS

2008 (A) 2009 (E) 2010 (E)

EBITDA 122.80m 123.30m 121.75m

EBIT 101.40m m m

Dividend Yield 5.12% 5.68% 5.90%

Dividend Cover 2.07x 1.94x 1.89x

PER 9.45x 9.07x 8.96x

PEG 0.84f 2.18f 7.24f

Net Asset Value PS -16.38p p p

goldfinger - 13 Mar 2009 12:43 - 18 of 314

Lovely uptrend channel in place and a break above resistance at 280p will see these moving up nicely....

skinny - 29 Jul 2009 07:13 - 19 of 314

Halfords Interim Management Statement





TIDMHFD

RNS Number : 4314W
Halfords Group PLC
29 July 2009

?


Halfords Group Plc
Interim Management Statement
29 July 2009


SOLID TRADING PERFORMANCE WITH STRONG SALES GROWTH IN CORE CATEGORIES


Halfords Group plc, the UKs leading automotive and leisure products retailer,
announces its Interim Management Statement1 for the 13 weeks to 3 July 2009
ahead of todays Annual General Meeting.
Group sales in the quarter increased by 3.1% compared to the 13-week period to
27 June 2008 with like-for-like sales2 growth of 1.3%. Adjusting for the impact
of Easter, sales increased by 1.9% representing like-for-like sales growth of
0.1%3.


This sales performance demonstrates an improving trajectory and was underpinned
by strong multi channel growth, with Reserve and Collect revenues 55% higher
than last year. The Leisure category made an excellent start to the season,
benefiting from a period of fine dry weather and planned promotional activity.
The quarter saw strong like-for-like performances in Cycling, which continues to
benefit from growth in premium cycles and the success of the Government's
Cycle2Work scheme and in Camping and Travel Equipment. An element of this
performance reflects sales pull through from the second quarter, with purchases,
for example in outdoor leisure, generally being made once for the summer.


Car Maintenance traded positively, in line with recent trends. We continue to
drive value in this category through product innovation and a strong wefit
performance, where the number of jobs performed was more than 50% higher than
the first quarter of FY095. Car Enhancement sales, especially of in-car
technology devices, continued to decline significantly though in line with
expectations.


Gross margins have continued their accretive trend as a result of management's
trading strategies and a positive mix benefit, increasing, year on year, at a
rate similar to that experienced in the second half of FY09. Our guidance is for
full year gross margin accretion at approximately 100 bps, which reflects the
annualisation of the significant mix effect experienced in the third quarter of
FY09.


Investment discipline has been maintained, with costs, capital expenditure and
working capital remaining under tight control. We are confident that the
benefits from the strategic initiatives taken in the second half of FY09 will be
realised in full.


The difficult conditions in the property market are limiting the availability of
quality sites. This will result in a reduced level of store openings4 and a
lower contribution to sales growth and is likely to restrict development
opportunities. We now estimate landlord contributions to be c. GBP1m for the
current year, compared with GBP2.7m last year.


David Wild, Chief Executive Officer, commented:


"This performance represents a solid start to the year and at this early stage
is ahead of our internal plan. The trading of our core categories of Car
Maintenance and Cycling, where we continue to grow market share, together with a
good start to the season in Camping, is pleasing. As demonstrated by the
continued accretion of gross margin and ongoing cost management we remain in
control of the direction of the business. We remain cautious about the impact of
the macro economic environment, particularly in the second half of the year and
in our overseas territories where sales remain challenging. Nevertheless, we are
confident that Halfords will both continue to consolidate share and is well
positioned to deliver earnings growth for the year."






Notes:
1. Except for the trading activities described above, there has been no significant
change to the financial condition of the Group.
2. Like-for-like sales represent revenues from stores trading for greater than 365
days. Where appropriate, revenues denominated in foreign currencies have been
translated at constant rates of exchange.
3. LFL in the 13 weeks to 27 June 2008 was -1.1%, 0.2% adjusting for the absence of
a full Easter during the quarter.
4. In line with the guidance given at the Preliminary results, we anticipate
opening between 10 and 15 stores within the UK and Eire during the financial
year ending 2 April 2010.
5. The financial year FY09, relates to the 53 weeks ended 3 April 2009.





skinny - 14 Aug 2009 12:59 - 20 of 314

New 12 month high today.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 08 Oct 2009 07:08 - 21 of 314

Trading Statement

skinny - 05 Nov 2009 12:58 - 22 of 314

Spike @424 earlier - interims on the 19th.

skinny - 19 Nov 2009 07:41 - 23 of 314

Half Yearly Report (Halfords)





TIDMHFD

RNS Number : 7220C
Halfords Group PLC
19 November 2009

?
19 November 2009


Halfords Group plc ("halfords")
STRONG FIRST HALF DELIVERY DRIVES REVENUE, EARNINGS AND DIVIDEND GROWTH


Halfords, the UK's leading automotive and leisure products retailer, announces
its Interim results for the 26 weeks to 2 October 2009.


Financial Highlights1:
* Revenue GBP425.1m up 3.8% (2008: GBP409.6m), with like-for-like2 sales increase
of 1.7%
* Gross profit percentage improves by 190 basis points to 53.3% (2008: 51.4%)
* Operating profit GBP62.0m up 12.9% (2008: GBP54.9m)
* Profit before tax GBP60.9m up 24.0% (2008: GBP49.1m)
* Basic earnings per share 20.6p up 23.4% (2008: 16.7p)
* Interim dividend 6.00p up 20.0% (2008: 5.00p)
* Operating cash flow of GBP112.3m reduces net debt to GBP106.0m, 0.78x EBITDA4
(2008: GBP174.0m, 1.38x)



Business Highlights:
* Excellent performance in Leisure with market share growth and record camping
season.
* Continued growth in car maintenance supported by 180,000 additional "wefit"
transactions.
* Multi-channel sales increase by over 50% to 5.2% of sales.
* Gross and operating margin expansion continues, reflecting trading strategies
and cost management.
* Group to deliver GBP4m from operating efficiencies, significantly mitigating
underlying cost inflation.
* Lease secured on new core 320,000 sq ft distribution centre to secure further
efficiencies from mid 2010.
* Disciplined approach to working capital, operating costs and capital expenditure
contributes to a significant and sustainable reduction in operating net debt.
* Seven new stores opened in the period.



skinny - 18 Feb 2010 08:20 - 24 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&SiHalfords Expands into Car Servicing & Repair via Nationwide Acquisition

Highlights

Halfords acquisition of the entire issued share capital of Nationwide, creates the largest UK operator with a specialised focus on the car parts, servicing and repair market.

Nationwide provides servicing, MOTs and repairs for both the consumer and fleet markets, and from its 224 centres, is the only national operator that offers dealership quality service at lower prices.

Nationwide's highly experienced and successful management team will join the enlarged Group.

The Group intends to open at least 200 additional centres in the coming years. This doubling of scale provides a strong growth opportunity, requires low capital investment and generates working capital inflows. The expansion programme will be funded from the Group's net cash flow.

Further growth opportunities are anticipated from cross-marketing of the Group's complementary customer base. Cost and purchasing synergies are also anticipated.

Nationwide's EBITDA has grown by 70% over the past four years and in the year ended 31 December 2009 is expected to be 10.1m from revenues of 97.0m.

The re-branded Halfords Autocentre business is anticipated to double EBIT to c.20m in its third year of ownership and is expected to increase earnings per share by c.6% in its first full financial year within the Group.


The acquisition, completed on a debt-free basis, has been funded from the Group's existing

skinny - 25 Feb 2010 09:59 - 25 of 314

New high today.

skinny - 23 Mar 2010 07:25 - 26 of 314

Interim Management Statement.

Revenue performance was led by margin enriching Car Maintenance product and service sales, which delivered like-for-like growth of 13%. This reflects the benefit from the prolonged winter weather together with a record quarter of fitting participation of Bulbs, Blades and Batteries. Conversely, in its lowest participation period, the Leisure category has traded below internal expectations, with Cycle revenues, only increasing by 1.9% on a like-for-like basis. As expected, the Satellite Navigation market remains challenging with revenues continuing to decline sharply year on year.

skinny - 26 Apr 2010 11:18 - 27 of 314

Up again today.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 10 Jun 2010 16:11 - 28 of 314

Final Results.

Financial Highlights

On a comparable 52-week basis3, excluding non-recurring items, the Group's performance is summarised:

Revenue 831.6m, 4.6% increase with underlying, Easter adjusted, like-for-like sales increasing by 0.7%

Gross margin per cent increased by 230bps year on year to 54.4%

Operating profit119.7m up 17.5%, representing 14.4% of sales (2009: 12.8%)

Profit before tax 117.1m up 26.7%

Basic earnings per share 39.7p up 24.8%

Operating cash flow4 at 179.6m, (FY09: 114.2m), 125% of EBITDA

Recommended final dividend 14.00p, making a total of 20.00p per ordinary share (2009:15.90p), up 25.8%

Net debt, after funding the acquisition of Nationwide, at 155.5m (2009: 173.9m) represents 1.0x EBITDA



Business Highlights
Continued strong sales and market share growth in car maintenance and cycling

Margin gains reflect successful ongoing implementation of active trading strategies

Service differentiation continues, with strong growth in wefit and werepair jobs, increasing by 40% to 2.1m

Multi-channel revenue grew by 34% and accounts for 6% of total revenue

Successful delivery of cost saving initiatives with 6m annualised cost reductions crystalising in 2010

Acquisition and successful integration of Nationwide Autocentres, the UK's leading independent car servicing and repair operator

skinny - 27 Jul 2010 07:07 - 29 of 314

Interim Management Statement.

Halfords Group

Group revenues increased by 9.6% year on year, reflecting the acquisition of Nationwide Autocentres in February 2010. Within the Group's trading divisions, like-for-like sales2 after adjusting for the impact of Easter, for Halfords Retail3 and Autocentres were -2.1% and flat respectively. At the Group level, this represented a like-for-like revenue decline of -1.9%.



Halfords Retail

Similar to many hard-lines retailers, Halfords experienced a sluggish start to the spring season reflecting poor weather in April and consumer nervousness ahead of the General Election and subsequent emergency Budget. Furthermore, with the World Cup being held in June, a decision was taken to delay the start of our Summer Leisure promotional campaign to mid July.

skinny - 07 Oct 2010 07:07 - 30 of 314

Trading Statement.

Revenues

Group revenues for the half-year increased by 7.6% year on year, reflecting the acquisition of Nationwide Autocentres in February 2010. Within the Group's trading divisions, like-for-like sales2 for Halfords Retail3 and Autocentres decreased by 4.5% and 0.8% respectively. At the Group level, this represented a like-for-like decline of 4.1%.


During the second quarter, Group sales increased by 5.5% over the equivalent period last year. This period saw the successful conclusion of an 18-month programme to transition the Group's existing distribution centres to a more efficient and cost effective configuration, with the impact to sales during the transition period estimated to be c. 1.4% across the second quarter. On an underlying basis, excluding the estimated impact of disruption to sales, like-for-like sales declined by 4.9% in Halfords Retail. Autocentres delivered a like-for-like revenue decline of 1.5%.


First Half Profit Before Tax.

Group profit before tax for the first half is expected to be in the range of 67-69 million which represents, at the mid-point, year-on-year profit growth of 12%. Throughout the first half our focus remained on managing the controllable elements of the business where actions taken to manage gross margins, reduce costs and increase efficiency have delivered the benefits we expected.

skinny - 18 Nov 2010 07:15 - 31 of 314

Half Yearly Report.

Financial Highlights
On a comparable 26-week basis the Group's performance is summarised:

Revenue 456.3m, 7.3% increase with like-for-like sales2 decreasing by 4.9%

Operating profit 69.1m up 11.5%, representing 15.1% of sales (2009: 14.6%)

Profit before tax 68.7m up 12.8%

Basic earnings per share 24.1p up 17.0%

Net debt at 109.8m (2009: 106.0m) represents 0.7x pro-forma EBITDA

Interim dividend 8.00p (2009: 6.00p), up 33.3%



Business Highlights

Sales and market share growth in Car Maintenance, Premium Cycling and Outdoor Leisure

Service differentiation continues, with strong growth in wefit and werepair jobs

Multi-channel accounts for c.9% of total revenue after further strong growth

Retail gross margin gains reflect increased service penetration & active trading strategies

Successful delivery of infrastructure initiatives, reducing annualised costs by 8m per annum

Autocentre development plan on track, rebranding of all centres to be completed early 2011

Successful refinancing of Group's maturing debt arrangements.

goldfinger - 10 Dec 2010 11:46 - 32 of 314

I like the look of the HFD (halfords) chart. should be a benificiary of car owners bodding up their own cars come next spring and the cuts bite. also should be making a lot of money out of thier auto centres and sledges with all this snowy weather.

p.php?pid=legacydaily&epic=L^HFD&type=4&

The Other Kevin - 10 Dec 2010 12:41 - 33 of 314

Attractive dividend, too

skinny - 13 Jan 2011 07:13 - 34 of 314

Interim Management Statement.

Halfords Group

In the quarter Group4 revenuesincreased by 3.5% as a result of our Autocentres acquisition in February 2010. Within the trading divisions, Retail revenues decreased by 6.6% Like-for-Like (LfL) and Autocentres revenues increased by 1.6% LfL.


As previously stated we reinvested first half margin gains in stronger promotions in the quarter. For the full year, we retain our guidance that gross margins will be broadly flat. Group pre-tax profit in the quarter was slightly less than anticipated and for the full year is expected to be at the lower end of the market range5 6.


Halfords Retail


Car maintenance sales were strong, growing by +12% LfL as we helped customers cope with difficult winter
conditions

Fitting levels of Bulbs, Blades and Batteries grew by 29% to a record 26% of car maintenance sales

Cycle sales were -16% LfL as fewer children's cycles were given as presents and premium bikes were affected by
the temporary slow-down in Cycle-to-Work sales

Strategic initiatives delivered targeted cost savings and productivity benefits

Our new distribution centre operated efficiently ensuring optimum levels of product availability



Halfords Autocentres



Retail customer numbers increased by 3.1%

Average retail customer transaction values increased by 1.4%

151 centres re-branded as "Halfords Autocentres" and 7 new centres opened

goldfinger - 07 Feb 2011 01:17 - 35 of 314

Looks good for a short term trade does halfords.

halfords10.JPG

skinny - 04 May 2011 15:18 - 36 of 314

Excellent run for the past 7 sessions.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 03 Jun 2011 07:04 - 37 of 314

3 June 2011

Halfords Group plc

Non-recurring charge relating to lease guarantees

Halfords Group plc, the UK's leading retailer of automotive and leisure products and leading operator in garage servicing and auto repair, announces that;

Following the decision by Focus DIY to enter into administration and the subsequent announcement of the closure of stores, Halfords will recognise a non-recurring expense of GBP7.5m in the year ended 1 April 2011. This non-recurring expense relates to the creation of a provision for the potential liabilities arising from guarantees provided by Halfords prior to July 1989. An estimate of the potential liability relating to these guarantees was previously disclosed as a contingent liability. The guarantees were provided to landlords of properties leased by Payless DIY (now part of Focus DIY) when both Halfords and Payless DIY were under the ownership of the Ward White Group. It is anticipated that the cash outflow relating to the guarantees will be incurred over the next three years. The Group is taking mitigating actions to reduce these liabilities.

skinny - 09 Jun 2011 09:38 - 38 of 314

Final Results.

Financial highlights
Group revenue up 4.6%, following the first full year of the Autocentres integration

Underlying profit before tax up 7.2% driven by improved gross margin and strong cost control

Underlying earnings per share up 8.8% at 43.2p (FY10 39.7p)

Total dividend up 10% to 22.0p (FY10 20.0p).

Continued strong cash generation with net debt down 52.3m to 103.2m

75m share buyback programme underway; c.20.7m of cash returned to date



Business Highlights
Resilient performance in Car Maintenance across the year

Strong growth in wefit jobs, a record 1.91m jobs during year

Significant growth in Halfords.com, now 9% of retail sales

Autocentres rebranded and relaunched with positive sales uplift

Substantial infrastructure progress through colleague scheduling and new DC

Completed exit from Central Europe to focus on UK/ROI opportunities



skinny - 09 Jun 2011 11:40 - 39 of 314

Just closed an intraday short +20.

skinny - 21 Jul 2011 07:12 - 40 of 314

Interim Mangement Statement.

HIGHLIGHTS

-- Cycling LfL sales up 11.5% driven by premium and new entry-level bikes

-- Wefit 3Bs penetration increases to 22.4%, and Audio fit sales up 38%

-- Retail online sales up 9.2% with 86.7% collected in store

-- Autocentres sales growth continues, +7.4% with LfL sales up 2.1%

RETAIL

Conditions for the UK consumer remain difficult. Within this environment Halfords cycle sales have grown strongly, particularly in our premium brands; Boardman, Voodoo and Carrera, the latter benefiting from promotional activity in preparation for a new range launch in July. Our new Trax Bikes are successfully delivering our entry-level cycle strategy. Within Car Maintenance the growth in penetration of our fitting services continues, and in Car Enhancement we are growing market share. Product promotional activity has also proved popular and supported the delivery of gross profit.

As referenced at the Preliminary Results announcement, appropriate investments are being made in margin to maximise profits. This, together with the mix effect from the strong sales of lower margin premium and Trax ranges (notwithstanding that it is still early in the financial year), is anticipated to deliver a gross margin reduction of at least 100bps for the full year.

AUTOCENTRES

Despite the challenging environment for the garage sector, Halfords Autocentres' revenues have continued on a positive and improving trend since relaunch. Halfords brand is gaining traction in car servicing as we help motorists with quality service at affordable prices. We are investing further in marketing to drive even greater awareness.

CAPITAL RETURN AND DIVIDEND

The company remains in a sound financial position. To date we have purchased 8.4 million shares for GBP32.4 million at an average price of 385.9 pence per share through our share buyback programme that commenced on 7 April 2011. The final dividend of 14 pence per share will, subject to shareholder approval at the AGM on 2 August 2011, be paid on 5 August 2011.

skinny - 25 Jul 2011 14:14 - 41 of 314

340 firmly broken.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&SiChart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 03 Aug 2011 11:29 - 42 of 314

AGM Statement.

skinny - 11 Aug 2011 12:30 - 43 of 314

RNS Number : 1953M

Halfords Group PLC

11 August 2011

11 august 2011

Bill Duffy to Lead Halfords Autocentres

Halfords announces the appointment of Bill Duffy as CEO of Halfords Autocentres from 12 September 2011.

Bill has been Chief Operating Officer at Halfords Autocentres (previously Nationwide Autocentres) since February 2006. He has huge experience of the automotive market and garage-servicing sector from his thirty years in the industry and is well qualified to lead the operation through the next phase of its growth.

In his new role as Chief Executive, Bill will continue to grow Halfords Autocentres' market share by offering motorists dealership quality service at affordable prices. He will also oversee the expansion of the chain to 400 Autocentres over the next 5 years.

Duncan Wilkes will leave the business, following a handover to Bill, after five and a half years as CEO having decided to look for new challenges. Duncan led the MBO of the Nationwide business with Phoenix in 2006, managed the growth which followed, the sale to Halfords and its rebranding as Halfords Autocentres which was completed in March.

David Wild, Halfords Group Chief Executive commented:

"Duncan has been a fantastic colleague. I'd like to thank him for his immense contribution to the growth and development of our Autocentres business through its transition from a private company to Halfords ownership. We wish him well with his next projects.

"I'd like to welcome Bill to his new role. He and I have already been working closely together in his capacity as COO. He knows the business inside out and has the ideal experience and leadership qualities to drive the next phase of the growth strategy."

skinny - 08 Sep 2011 08:13 - 44 of 314

280.2 touched earlier - yield @7.68%

skinny - 09 Sep 2011 12:06 - 45 of 314

New lows today 274.3 atm. yield 8%.

skinny - 12 Sep 2011 09:00 - 46 of 314

269.1 atm - yield 8.09%

skinny - 23 Sep 2011 12:17 - 47 of 314

Strong today - maybe perceived as 'safe'. yield 7.17% at current levels.

skinny - 05 Oct 2011 14:29 - 48 of 314

Trading statement tomorrow and struggling today !

skinny - 06 Oct 2011 07:07 - 49 of 314

Trading Statement.

Q2 HIGHLIGHTS

Cycling LFL sales up 5.7%

Wefit penetration of bulbs, wiper blades and batteries (3Bs) increases to 22.1% compared to 20.2% in Q2 last year

Online sales penetration 8.4%

Autocentre sales growth of +10.6% with LFLs +3.1%

mitzy - 06 Oct 2011 08:58 - 50 of 314

Great results.

HARRYCAT - 19 Oct 2011 17:09 - 51 of 314

I assume divi mid dec '11? Not seen how much yet though.

skinny - 19 Oct 2011 17:13 - 52 of 314

Interims on 10th November(provisional) and ex dividend 21st December. 8p last year.

skinny - 10 Nov 2011 07:03 - 53 of 314

Half Yearly Report.

Highlights

Underlying* Group revenue down 0.1%

As predicted, Retail gross margin declined in our drive to maximise cash returns

Cycling sales continued to outperform, boosted by the launch of the new Carrera range in July and strong sales of accessories

In the Car Maintenance category, sales of the Halfords range of wefit services were particularly strong

Full-year management guidance on Retail gross margin and operating costs remains unchanged

Autocentres like-for-like revenues up 2.7%, with a gross margin improvement of 36 basis points

Material cash generation and a well-funded balance sheet facilitate both the share buyback programme and maintenance of a strong dividend

skinny - 23 Nov 2011 09:33 - 54 of 314

UBS have a sell 270 - ex dividend 21st December 8p.

skinny - 25 Nov 2011 13:20 - 55 of 314

These have been on my radar for years - current yield @6.89 (ex dividend 21st December 8p) however, I think it could be time to consider a short - any views?


Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 08 Dec 2011 15:03 - 56 of 314

4 week low hit today @308.50 ex dividend on the 21st 8p (yield currently) 7.1%

skinny - 20 Dec 2011 12:20 - 57 of 314

Ex dividend Tomorrow 8p (7.4%).

skinny - 12 Jan 2012 07:07 - 58 of 314

Interim Management Statement.

Third-Quarter FY12 Interim Management Statement

An Encouraging Underlying Performance

Halfords Group plc, the UK's leading retailer of automotive and leisure products and leading independent operator in garage servicing and auto repair, today updates the market on its trading performance for the 13 and 39-week periods to 30 December 2011:


13 Weeks 39 Weeks
YOY change YOY change
----------------------------- ----------- -----------

TOTAL REVENUE
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Halfords Group -2.1% -1.1%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
UK/ROI Retail -4.4% -2.3%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Halfords Autocentres +18.7% +12.0%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------

LIKE-FOR-LIKE (LFL) REVENUE
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Total UK/ROI Retail -4.8% -2.9%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Car Maintenance -12.8% -7.0%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Car Enhancement -12.8% -10.8%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Leisure +9.7% +5.6%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------
Halfords Autocentres +10.9% +5.3%
----------------------------- ----------- -----------

skinny - 12 Jan 2012 15:18 - 59 of 314

Excellent bullish engulfing candle.


Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 25 Jan 2012 13:26 - 60 of 314

Strong today.

skinny - 25 Jan 2012 15:36 - 61 of 314

Barclays upgrades to Overweight TP 450.00p

dreamcatcher - 07 Feb 2012 20:17 - 62 of 314

car parts to bicycles retailer, Halfords , ticked up 2.3 to 329.7p as Panmure Gordon upped its rating to “buy” from “hold

skinny - 05 Apr 2012 07:05 - 63 of 314

Pre-Close Trading Statement

Key Points For The Quarter

· Cycling LFL revenues increased by +5.7% (Q4 FY11: +8.7%), driven by strong performances in Premium and Children's Bikes
· Retail fitting revenues rose +28.1% as we build on Halfords' unique customer offer. The demand amongst motorists for 'Do It For Me' services continues to grow
· The decline in Car Enhancement revenue worsened, with accelerated falls in both higher-margin Performance Styling and Car Cleaning products
· At 8.0% of total Retail, a disappointing online revenue performance reflected declines in both Sat Nav and Child Safety
· Autocentres' revenue continued to grow strongly, driven by an enhanced recognition of the value offered by the Halfords brand

dreamcatcher - 27 May 2012 19:38 - 64 of 314

Thursday May 31 =

- Halfords is hoping that a summer dominated by the Olympics and, one hopes, a sackful of gold medals at the velodrome, will encourage Britain to get cycling. Over the past year, the retailers' bicycles and cycling accessories have only partially offset a pretty dire car market, especially the collapse in sales of satnavs. Analysts are forecasting pre-tax profit of £91m, down from £126m the year before on sales of £750m. The generous dividend of 22p is expected to be held.

dreamcatcher - 31 May 2012 07:13 - 65 of 314

Halfords Group plc

Preliminary Results Financial Year 2012



http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=4379878

skinny - 31 May 2012 08:06 - 66 of 314

I bet a few people are a bit miffed at the recent extensive buyback!

"The tough economic environment, which particularly impacted motorists, led to a subdued performance in Retail sales and margins in FY12, leading to a decline in Profit Before Tax."

"Retail sales in FY13 have been very disappointing so far. In particular we have not seen the usual seasonal demand for Cycling and Outdoor Leisure products. We believe some of these sales are deferred rather than cancelled, and we expect a stronger performance from these categories as the year progresses. Autocentres continues to grow."

skinny - 31 May 2012 10:55 - 67 of 314

250p now gone - for the brave the yield is pushing 9% at these levels.

skinny - 31 May 2012 11:00 - 68 of 314

I know it means diddly squat, but of the 7 broker updates today there is 1 sell, 4 buys, 1 hold and 1 fair value.

skinny - 31 May 2012 15:39 - 69 of 314

Not pretty!

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=hfd&Si

2517GEORGE - 20 Jun 2012 11:19 - 70 of 314

Barclays and Panmure (posts 61 & 62) have a great deal of egg on their faces, not to mention losses for their clients. However with 14p divi (ex divi 4th July) these look a short term buying opportunity to me @ around 245p. Any thoughts out there?
2517

skinny - 20 Jun 2012 11:46 - 71 of 314

George - just goes to show the use of broker notes.

These are on my list - TP @230 - as you say Ex dividend soon and a yield @8.95%.

Stan - 20 Jun 2012 11:51 - 72 of 314

I don't know what their geographic coverage is George, but if it's just the UK then despite the Olympics boost the recovery in SP after the Ex divi day drop could take quite a wile.. assuming it does recover that is. Might be a case of earned income gain but capital lose, short term at least. Just my two penny worth.

2517GEORGE - 20 Jun 2012 12:50 - 73 of 314

Thanks skinny, Stan, much appreciated. I have bought HFD @<246p with the view that there will be buying for the divi in which case a capital gain may result, but if not then the divi is well worth having, notwithstanding the fall in the sp on ex divi date. I'm still kicking myself over VOD they were 170p ish prior to going ex divi (6.47p, I think) they dropped to 164 and look at them since.
2517

skinny - 25 Jun 2012 15:39 - 74 of 314

Take your pick.

Morgan Stanley Downgrades Underweight Tp reduced from 285p to 125p.


Barclays Capital reiterates its Overweight Tp 385p


2517GEORGE - 25 Jun 2012 15:47 - 75 of 314

Kicked off nicely for me last week, with the downgrade from MS outweighing the overweight from BC, the sp has dropped a fair bit today.
2517

skinny - 25 Jun 2012 16:10 - 76 of 314

12 month low is 233.50p.

Balerboy - 25 Jun 2012 18:13 - 77 of 314

I know why it's dropped.........I, like 2517 bought in at 250 for the rise to div date....sorry chaps.,.

Balerboy - 25 Jun 2012 18:13 - 78 of 314

.

skinny - 26 Jun 2012 08:55 - 79 of 314

Just bought in @229.75p

2517GEORGE - 26 Jun 2012 10:26 - 80 of 314

skinny, you haven't bought enough, they're still going lower. BB time for you to buy more, (lots more) to average down.
2517

Balerboy - 26 Jun 2012 12:25 - 81 of 314

as you say if sp doesn't rise pre div, 14p pretty good and stay in. will see where bottom is for now.,.

2517GEORGE - 26 Jun 2012 12:31 - 82 of 314

BB, I was thinking of the same strategy for FGP, they go ex-divi 16.5p I believe, a week after HFD. I guess it's all down to timing and skinny's was far better than ours this time.
2517

Balerboy - 26 Jun 2012 13:11 - 83 of 314

thanks for the tip, and yes skinny is a canny player.,.

2517GEORGE - 26 Jun 2012 13:21 - 84 of 314

BB, that wasn't a tip, just a strategy that I was thinking about, with the drop in HFD I hope to get my timing better if I do decide to go ahead.
2517

Balerboy - 26 Jun 2012 13:33 - 85 of 314

just used it for short typing, i have also looked forward to that div date and saw it listed. didn't expect hfd to drop so close to div date......don't think any of us did. BB

2517GEORGE - 29 Jun 2012 16:02 - 87 of 314

HFD -- strategy was right, execution too soon
FGP -- strategy was right, execution too late.

Timing eh! That was Jimmy Jones wasn't it?
2517

Balerboy - 29 Jun 2012 16:14 - 88 of 314

Kicking myself too george but seeing as FGP has until the 11th before ex div have dipped toe in.....not very far. Hopefully a bit more to come next week.,.

2517GEORGE - 29 Jun 2012 16:16 - 89 of 314

I would have thought so BB, but then again that's what I thought about HFD. Good luck with FGP. I'm not in, yet.
2517

Balerboy - 29 Jun 2012 16:20 - 90 of 314

tell me, why 2571 is it your inside leg measurement.,.

2517GEORGE - 29 Jun 2012 16:23 - 91 of 314

I didn't realise you were numerically dyslexic BB.
2517

Balerboy - 29 Jun 2012 16:58 - 92 of 314

twit.......ok 2517 lol was expecting bigger things.,.

Balerboy - 04 Jul 2012 08:21 - 93 of 314

Well 5217 "thats another fine mess you got me in to" Saddled with these for a while now, timing all wrong.,.

hlyeo98 - 04 Jul 2012 08:35 - 94 of 314

Halfords has dropped drastically, heard sales will be affected again soon as weather is wet and nobody buying bicycles and outdoors gears. SELL now at 220p

HARRYCAT - 04 Jul 2012 08:45 - 95 of 314

.

Balerboy - 04 Jul 2012 08:48 - 96 of 314

thanks harry, needed to see that.,.

HARRYCAT - 04 Jul 2012 08:56 - 97 of 314

Yep, sorry about that! Not a share I hold atm, but was interested to see how things were doing! I'm afraid even turning the chart upside down doesn't help things much!

2517GEORGE - 04 Jul 2012 09:14 - 98 of 314

Yes HFD are now ex-divi and have dropped further than the dividend they are paying, this is not unusual and hopefully over the coming days/weeks will recover somewhat. Of course trading and consumer sentiment weigh on all retail stocks atm. In the short time I have had an interest in these I notice that volume is never much to write home about.
BB the strategy is (I believe) right I missed VOD and didn't buy FGP (+10p ish) since I highlighted them. Maybe it's just HFD.
2517

splat - 04 Jul 2012 12:31 - 99 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si
longer term chart - support here or to fresh all-time lows?
Doesn't look pretty.

hlyeo98 - 04 Jul 2012 17:13 - 100 of 314

Panmure Gordon and Barclays both downgrades Halfords.

2517GEORGE - 05 Jul 2012 17:06 - 101 of 314

Decided to bite the bullet and take the hit, so HFD fortunes could improve now.
2517

hlyeo98 - 05 Jul 2012 18:59 - 102 of 314

You are certainly a brave man.

hlyeo98 - 05 Jul 2012 19:02 - 103 of 314

The Tour de France may be in full flow, but that didn't stop Halfords ending up at the back of the pack yesterday. The bike seller came close to finishing at its lowest-ever share price last night as fears continued to grow that the recent terrible weather means its upcoming update could be a shocker.

Bicycles and tents don't tend to be much in demand when the rain is pouring do, so the fact that last month was the wettest June on record does not exactly bode well for the group's first-quarter statement in a fortnight.

Yesterday, Kate Calvert from Seymour Pierce added to the gloom by drastically lowering her expectations. The scribbler cut her pre-tax profit forecast for the year by 15 per cent, warning she did "not expect pretty first-quarter sales numbers" and saying that, as well as the torrid weather, Halfords was also being hit by rivals' discounting.

Balerboy - 05 Jul 2012 19:38 - 104 of 314

Ahrrre but da weather be changing for july and august and september then an indian summer till december. plenty of time to make up the short fall.,.

2517GEORGE - 05 Jul 2012 19:49 - 105 of 314

hlyeo98, no not brave just hopefully knowing when to cut loose and limit the loss.
2517

Balerboy - 13 Jul 2012 21:04 - 106 of 314

Finished dropping i think and now a steady climb back to.........250p hopefully fgp and tesco going to do the same..........dream

hlyeo98 - 13 Jul 2012 23:57 - 107 of 314

To me, this still looks fragile at 192p.

HARRYCAT - 14 Jul 2012 08:07 - 108 of 314

A chart - Not for the sensitive souls amongst us!

dreamcatcher - 18 Jul 2012 18:34 - 109 of 314

Thursday -

Halfords, the car parts and cycles seller, announces its first quarter interim management statement with the company seeking to restore its reputation after the profit warning at the end of May. "An indication that trading has stabilised could see the stock recover some of the lost ground," Northland Capital Partners suggests. Panmure Gordon reckons the results are certain to disappoint given the recent poor weather, it is merely a matter of how much disappointment there is likely to be. It is forecasting LFL sales on the retail side to be down 7% year-on-year

skinny - 19 Jul 2012 07:01 - 110 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points for the Quarter

Retail
· A weak start to the quarter with revenue LfL of -12.4% for the first 8 weeks followed by an improvement in the following 5 weeks (LfL: +0.9%)
· A solid performance in Car Maintenance with 3Bs fitting penetration at 27.0% (Q1 FY12: 22.4%) contributing to a 26.9% growth in Retail service revenues
· Car Enhancement remains in decline but an encouraging positive LfL performance in Car Audio
· Cycling and other Leisure revenues materially impacted by the unseasonal weather conditions with Cycling revenues down 9.6%
· Good progress in online revenues (+13.0%) with the new fulfilment proposition enhancing the multi-channel offer
· Q1 gross margins and costs in line with our expectations

Autocentres
· Pleasing performance with further strong growth in revenue and market share
· Tyre fitting now represents in excess of 10% of Autocentre revenues

Group
· Further progress in delivering the long-term strategy; encouraging feedback from the 3 "laboratory" stores
· Group remains cash generative with a strong balance sheet
· The Board intends to declare at the time of the half-year results an unchanged interim dividend of 8p per share, payable in January 2013
· David Wild steps down as Group CEO. Dennis Millard becomes interim Executive Chairman. Search underway for replacement CEO (see separate announcement)

Guidance for the Full Year

Whilst still early in the year, given the uncertain trading environment our planning assumptions now reflect continuing negative Retail LfLs in the remainder of the first half, with second-half Retail LfLs likely to be flat to mid-single-digit negative. Previous guidance on Retail margins and costs and on Autocentres' profit growth is broadly unchanged. Under these scenarios, FY13 Group Profit Before Tax for the year would range between £62m and £70m and healthy underlying cash flows would continue to be generated whilst making progress implementing our strategic priorities.

dreamcatcher - 19 Jul 2012 07:12 - 111 of 314

ouch again.

skinny - 19 Jul 2012 07:15 - 112 of 314

And bye bye CEO. Halfords announces David Wild to step down as CEO.

dreamcatcher - 19 Jul 2012 07:15 - 113 of 314

A weak start to the quarter with revenue LfL of -12.4% - Panmure Gordon thought -7%. Again not going to be pretty at 8.00am

Balerboy - 19 Jul 2012 08:28 - 114 of 314

up 10% this am, keep going.,.

skinny - 19 Jul 2012 10:05 - 115 of 314

There are a few broker "recommendations" out today here

One of the better ones is an upgrade to buy from Seymour Pierce TP raised from 220p to 260p.

2517GEORGE - 19 Jul 2012 10:29 - 116 of 314

Just got back from a 4 day break, this has picked up since last week. Good luck bb. I sold @ 205 ish for my sins.
2517

Balerboy - 19 Jul 2012 11:56 - 117 of 314

Hope it's coming right 7152.......come on halfords "get on yr bike".,.

skinny - 19 Jul 2012 12:04 - 118 of 314

George/BB - I got stopped out @209 after the post dividend fall.

Assuming "they" are correct and the summer returns next week, maybe sales of bikes and outdoor equipment may pick up. And of course there is the "Bradley Wiggins" effect, if he wins the Tour.

dreamcatcher - 19 Jul 2012 22:15 - 119 of 314

..Halfords chief David Wild departs as sales fall

By Nathalie Thomas | Telegraph – 3 hours ago
....Email
Share0Print.....
Struggling bike and car parts retailer Halfords has cast adrift its chief executive, David Wild, after issuing its ninth-profit warning in two years.

Mr Wild joined Halfords from Wal-Mart in 2008 but agreed to resign after he was summoned to a crunch meeting with the retailer’s board on Wednesday night.

Halfords’ chairman, Dennis Millard, said the board felt it was the “right time” for a change in leadership as the retailer presses ahead with a new strategy.

But analysts suggested Mr Wild failed to adequately address crucial areas such as product ranges, competition from online retailers and poor customer service during his tenure.

News of his departure came as Halfords, which has more than 460 stores, issued yet another profit warning. It blamed the poor weather for a 5.6pc slump in like-for-like revenue during the first quarter as the rain dampened appetite for bikes and other outdoor products.

Despite the bleak update, Halfords shares staged their biggest one-day gain in more than two years, rising 8.4 - 4.3pc - to 205.8p.

Mr Millard left with a £645,400 pay-off - the equivalent of one year’s salary and benefits.

Philip Dorgan, an analyst with Panmure Gordon, said Mr Wild’s resignation would be viewed “positively”. “Many market commentators regard Halford’s problems as being in execution, rather than structural,” he said.

John Stevenson of Peel Hunt said it was “no surprise” Mr Wild had been cast adrift after such a poor run over the past two years.

“They have too many stores and those stores are over-spaced,” Mr Stevenson said, adding that he did not believe Thursday’s profit warning would be the retailer’s last.

Dennis Millard, Halfords chairman, will become executive chairman while Egon Zehnder, the recruitment company, searches for a replacement chief executive.

Sources said Mr Millard is looking for a candidate with more services experience as Halfords tries to move away from traditional retailing and focus more heavily on areas such as car repairs.

Mr Wild said: “I have enjoyed my time at Halfords and feel we have accomplished a great deal during my tenure as CEO.”

..

skinny - 02 Aug 2012 10:32 - 120 of 314

_61971719_tv015503682.jpg

I've taken another stab here @204, purely as a speculative punt on the "wiggo" effect on bike & accessory sales before the next figures. I realise that Halfords don't sell the calibre of bike used, but nevertheless, there is bound to be a rise in youngsters taking an interest.

UK bike sales benefit from 'Wiggins effect'

Visa Europe reports that sales of bikes and accessories in the final week of the Tour rose by 6.3 per cent compared to the previous week, and rose 5.1 per cent compared to the same week last year. Although Visa does not mention it in its report, part of the uplift could also be attributed to a long-awaited change to fairer weather in the UK.

London 2012: Bradley Wiggins effect intensifies crowd's love of cycling



Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Balerboy - 02 Aug 2012 10:34 - 121 of 314

could do with a boost here skinny, hope your right.,.

2517GEORGE - 02 Aug 2012 10:49 - 122 of 314

Skinny, bb, as you know I sold out at a loss here but wish you both good luck. I see FGP are doing nicely as well.

I am re-thinking another of my strategies which I will share with you : From now on I'm going to buy what I normally disgard and sell what I normally buy, should be profitable ha! ha!

2517

skinny - 02 Aug 2012 10:52 - 123 of 314

George - I know that feeling all too well! :-)

Balerboy - 02 Aug 2012 13:27 - 124 of 314

me too 5127......lol

Balerboy - 06 Aug 2012 14:01 - 125 of 314

214p George and climbing, think i'll give a mini gibby..... yyyeeeehhhaaa.,.

HARRYCAT - 06 Aug 2012 14:26 - 126 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Chart for you Bb. This one won't upset you! ;o) [Although recent broker forecasts might @ 205p].

2517GEORGE - 06 Aug 2012 18:16 - 127 of 314

Hey relay bob, you don't have to rub it in. Hope it does well for you.
2517

skinny - 09 Aug 2012 11:52 - 128 of 314

Although not directly relevant to HFD, this is nevertheless quite interesting :-

?m=02&d=20120808&t=2&i=640081434&w=&fh=&Squeezed by debt crisis, Greeks ditch cars for bikes

(Reuters) - Greece's dire economic plight has forced thousands of businesses to close, thrown one in five out of work and eroded the living standards of millions. But for bicycle-maker Giorgos Vogiatzis, it's not all bad news.

The crisis has put cash-strapped Greeks on their bikes - once snubbed as a sign of poverty or just plain risky - and Greek manufacturers are shifting into fast gear.

Balerboy - 09 Aug 2012 19:59 - 129 of 314

This is looking like a profit coming on......... yyeeha

Balerboy - 14 Aug 2012 12:42 - 130 of 314

Going north still today.... not long now.,.

2517GEORGE - 14 Aug 2012 12:48 - 131 of 314

Hey well done BB, holding your nerve looks to be paying off. Nice one on FGP too.
2517

skinny - 15 Aug 2012 15:12 - 132 of 314

Turned out nice again.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Balerboy - 16 Aug 2012 19:17 - 133 of 314

still climbing £2.80 comin

skinny - 16 Aug 2012 20:57 - 134 of 314

Not bad - I'm up @18% since the 2nd.

Balerboy - 17 Aug 2012 09:44 - 135 of 314

6p to go for my entry then hope it stays north a bit longer.,.

Balerboy - 07 Sep 2012 08:48 - 136 of 314

on a roll this morning.,.

skinny - 07 Sep 2012 08:53 - 137 of 314

Yes - 253.30 (ish) and then that gap. Update early next month I believe.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 10 Sep 2012 11:21 - 138 of 314

253.30 just been breached.

skinny - 14 Sep 2012 12:12 - 139 of 314

Still going well - Trading statement due on October 4th.

Balerboy - 14 Sep 2012 19:48 - 140 of 314

Rock on or should that be Ride on :)

Balerboy - 17 Sep 2012 14:28 - 141 of 314

+11p and div so far.... roll on xmas.,.

skinny - 21 Sep 2012 10:49 - 142 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=Intra&Code=HFD&Size=

Just noticed that HFD hit 270 during the auction - so hopefully may close that gap today or Monday.

dreamcatcher - 29 Sep 2012 09:38 - 143 of 314

We should have a pre-close announcement from Halfords , the cycle, car parts and motor maintenance firm, on Thursday. And it's a share I'm particularly interested in, having been bullish about it a couple of years ago but getting it badly wrong -- the company has suffered from the economic downturn and the shares have crumbled. They reached a low of just 189p this year, but have come back a bit to 260p today.

Is it still a good company, fundamentally? I think it is, though there is an earnings fall of more than 25% forecast for the full year to March 2013. The current dividend forecast suggests a yield of over 7%, but that will only be barely covered by earnings -- so either earnings need to substantially recover, or the dividend will surely face a cut (and there isn't any net cash on the books to really justify maintaining a high payout if it can't be covered).

The interim figures themselves are due in 8 November

dreamcatcher - 03 Oct 2012 18:33 - 144 of 314

..Halfords to appoint Davies as CEO

By Jamie Dunkley | Telegraph – 33 minutes ago
....Email
Share0Print.....Companies:...KKR . ..RELATED QUOTES.
.Symbol Price Change
KR5.F 11.52 +0.38

......
Struggling bike and car parts retailer Halfords is set to appoint former Pets at Home boss Matt Davies as its new chief executive.

Mr Davies is expected to be named as the company’s new boss today alongside an update on the company’s first half trading. Analysts expect Halfords to post a 5pc fall in like-for-like sales with first-half profits coming in at £35.8m.

The appointment of Mr Davies, which was first reported in Retail Week , is likely to be welcomed in the City due to his track record at Pets at Home where he built sales and profits ahead of the company’s £995m sale to private equity group KKR (Frankfurt: A1C10P - news) in 2010.

Halfords has been on the lookout for a new chief executive since parting company with David Wild in July.

Mr Wild joined Halfords from Wal-Mart in 2008 but agreed to resign after he was summoned to a meeting with the retailer’s board.

At the time, Halfords chairman Dennis Millard said the board felt it was the “right time” for a change in leadership as the retailer pressed ahead with a new strategy.

Mr Wild’s departure came as Halfords, which has more than 460 stores, issued yet another profit warning. It blamed the poor weather for a 5.6pc slump in like-for-like revenues during the first quarter as the rain dampened appetite for bikes and other outdoor products.

Analysts suggested Mr Wild failed to adequately address crucial areas such as product ranges, competition from online retailers and poor customer service during his tenure.

A spokesman for Halfords declined to comment on Mr Davies’ appointment.

Mr Davies joined Pets at Home as finance director in August 2001 before taking the top job in March 2004.

He twice helped sell the company, first to UK private equity house Bridgepoint and later to its American rival KKR, netting up to 15pc of the company’s equity along with the rest of the management team.

..

skinny - 04 Oct 2012 07:02 - 145 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points for the Second Quarter

Retail

· Cycling: strong performance fuelled by active trading, better weather and Tour de France & Olympic successes

· Car Maintenance: solid performance across all main categories and a further increase in 3Bs fitting penetration

· Car Enhancement: growth in Audio and Car Cleaning partially offset the Sat Nav decline

· Travel Solutions: reduced Camping demand and a focus on maximising cash margins in Child Travel
· Enhanced multichannel offer and customer fulfilment delivered a 30.0% uplift in online sales

Autocentres

· Strongest LfL performance since acquisition in February 2010

· Better-than-expected increase in tyre participation
· Good pipeline of new centres for opening this year

Group & Outlook

· Group profit before tax for the first half is expected to be £40m-£42m reflecting the strong Q2 sales performance and an acceleration of operating-cost investment

· First-half net debt is expected to be c.£115m, reflecting robust working capital and cash management

· Full-year guidance and second-half planning assumptions of flat to mid-single-digit negative Retail LfLs remain unchanged; however, given the Q2 performance, FY13 PBT would now be in the upper half of the previously-stated range of £62-70m

· As previously indicated, the intention is to declare an unchanged interim dividend of 8p per share, payable in Jan 2013

· Matt Davies is appointed Chief Executive with immediate effect; see separate announcement

skinny - 04 Oct 2012 08:07 - 146 of 314

Turned out nice again!

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Balerboy - 04 Oct 2012 08:10 - 147 of 314

wish i'd held on to these now, very nice.,.

Stan - 04 Oct 2012 08:13 - 148 of 314

Thats quite a jump chaps, is it genuine though, I mean is the chart correct?

skinny - 04 Oct 2012 08:18 - 149 of 314

Yes - thank you Bradley :-)

Chris Carson - 04 Oct 2012 08:23 - 150 of 314

Brilliant, well done skinny :O)

skinny - 04 Oct 2012 08:24 - 151 of 314

Cheers Chris - I've just closed for the best part of a pound a share.

Chris Carson - 04 Oct 2012 08:26 - 152 of 314

Give us a shout when you go short :O)

Stan - 04 Oct 2012 08:27 - 153 of 314

Thats all right then -): just checking as you know some charts on here do go haywire sometimes, Well done all.

2517GEORGE - 04 Oct 2012 08:54 - 154 of 314

Cracking results, well done skinny.
2517

skinny - 10 Oct 2012 15:27 - 155 of 314

Hmmmm!

Balerboy - 10 Oct 2012 15:34 - 156 of 314

know the feeling skinny: hmmmm

skinny - 25 Oct 2012 12:16 - 157 of 314

Up again today - interims on 08th Nov.

dreamcatcher - 30 Oct 2012 19:45 - 158 of 314

Halfords is continuing its recovery, with the share price having nearly doubled since July to hit a new 12-month high of 358.7p today. The retailer of auto parts and cycles, and operator of Halfords Autocentres, suffered during the economic slump and profits fell this year.

And though earnings per share is expected to fall again in the year to March 2013, latest forecasts suggest a full-year dividend of around 3%, and earnings should start to recover in 2014.

skinny - 30 Oct 2012 21:26 - 159 of 314

Hmmmm

Balerboy - 30 Oct 2012 22:15 - 160 of 314

lol skinny, take it you didn't get back in......nor me.,.

skinny - 07 Nov 2012 13:22 - 161 of 314

Interims tomorrow :-

442273-Royalty-Free-RF-Clip-Art-Illustra

skinny - 07 Nov 2012 16:41 - 162 of 314

It looks like MAM has the wrong date - Interims announced on the 21st!

dreamcatcher - 18 Nov 2012 22:04 - 163 of 314

Wednesday November 21 =

The City will get the chance this week to hear from the new chief executive of Halfords for the first time when the car parts and bicycle retailer posts interim results. Matt Davies, the former boss of Pets at Home, is likely to focus on improving Halfords’ customer service and its multi-channel offer. In terms of financial performance, like-for-like sales rose 5.6pc in the most recent quarter as the retailer enjoyed a welcome post-Olympics boost. Philip Dorgan, analyst at Panmure Gordon, said: “We believe that, with a proper focus on service, Halfords can unlock the potential within its fragmented markets.”

skinny - 21 Nov 2012 07:18 - 164 of 314

Half Yearly Report part 1

Half Yearly Report part 2

Key Points For The Half:

· Retail delivered a robust revenue performance in Q2 following a difficult Q1
· Autocentres produced a double-digit increase in operating profit led by further strong top-line growth
· Free cash flow up 47% to £59.5m with continued focus on investment priorities and cash management
· Net debt reduced by 23% to £107.9m
· Interim dividend of 8p per share maintained
· Good progress made in the delivery of strategic initiatives
· Matt Davies joined as Chief Executive in October

skinny - 21 Nov 2012 09:21 - 165 of 314

UK retailer Halfords first half profit slumps

(Reuters) - British bicycles-to-car-parts group Halfords (HFD.L) posted a 23 percent slump in first half profit as a better second quarter sales performance failed to offset a poor start to the year.

The firm, which trades from over 460 Halfords stores in the UK and Ireland as well as over 260 Autocentres, said on Wednesday it made a pretax profit before one off items of 41.9 million pounds ($66.7 million) in the 26 weeks to September 28.

That was in line with company guidance of 40-42 million pounds issued last month but down from 54.7 million pounds made in the same period last year.

skinny - 21 Nov 2012 16:14 - 166 of 314

Just closed for +15 intraday - I'm not prepared to hold these atm.

Chris Carson - 21 Nov 2012 16:15 - 167 of 314

I'm short skinny.

skinny - 21 Nov 2012 16:18 - 168 of 314

I was tempted to short yesterday after the recent run and before results today - but didn't!

I went long on the turn this morning and have just closed, but gut feeling is short longer term - but wtfdik.

HARRYCAT - 12 Dec 2012 08:40 - 169 of 314



Ex-divi next wed, 19th Dec (8p)

skinny - 15 Jan 2013 07:01 - 170 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points for the 15-week Period
· Cycling: an initially weak market for Older-Kids' and Adult-Mainstream Cycles that improved in the final weeks of the period, partially offset by a strong increase in Premium Cycle and Cycle Repairs sales
· Car Maintenance: a strong performance with parts sales up 13.2% and 3Bs fitting penetration, via our unique wefit offer, up 11%pts to a record 39.5%. Mild and wet-weather conditions affected the demand for winter products
· Car Enhancement: improved marketing and stronger range execution supported growth in both Audio and Sat-Nav
· Travel Solutions: reduced sales of Child Car Seats, given our focus on cash returns
· Online Retail: a record 10.9% of Retail revenues reached as customers took advantage of Halfords' fulfilment offer
· Autocentres: another strong revenue performance as management continued to invest for the future

Financial Position

There has been no material change in the Group's financial position which remains sound.

Planning Assumptions

We do not anticipate a material improvement in short-term trading conditions. Given the Retail revenue performance in the period our plans would indicate Group Profit Before Tax for the year ended 29 March 2013 in the range of £68-72m, a modest upgrade to our prior assumptions. We will continue to exit old inventory as we invest for the next financial year.

skinny - 25 Feb 2013 13:41 - 171 of 314

That gap is getting closer.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 09 Apr 2013 14:09 - 172 of 314

Q4 Pre-Close Statement tomorrow.

skinny - 10 Apr 2013 07:03 - 173 of 314

Pre-Close Statement

Key Points for the 11-week Period
The prolonged winter period resulted in a year-on-year change in the sales mix in the period, benefitting Car Maintenance whilst having a marked dampening effect on our outdoor-focused categories, such as Cycling and Travel Solutions.

· Cycling: a delayed start to the season, though Premium Cycle sales were resilient and online parts, accessory and clothing sales increased by 26.5% ahead of the full-scale online launch this year
· Car Maintenance: a strong performance with 3Bs parts sales up 26.3% and fitting penetration up 10.6% pts to 39.4%, benefitting from the strategic wefit focus
· Car Enhancement: Sat Nav sales flat with growth in Audio not enough to offset the decline in Car Cleaning
· Travel Solutions: reduced demand for outdoor products were partly mitigated by winter-related accessory sales such as snow chains and shovels
· Online Retail: a 13.4% increase in sales reflected a 24.7% increase in Sat Nav revenues
· Autocentres: 12 centres opened in the period but fleet sales remain under pressure

FY13 Expectations
The Board anticipates Group Profit Before Tax for the year ended 29 March 2013 to remain in line with prior assumptions within the range of £68-72m. The Group's financial position is sound; as previously highlighted, we have focused on exiting old inventory as we invest for the new financial year.

skinny - 10 Apr 2013 08:31 - 174 of 314

N+1 Singer Buy 321.75 316.10 390.00 390.00 Reiterates

Investec Buy 319.05 385.00 385.00 Reiterates

skinny - 10 Apr 2013 09:51 - 175 of 314

Espirito Santo Execution Noble Buy 322.30 316.10 350.00 350.00 Retains

skinny - 10 Apr 2013 12:13 - 176 of 314

Looking for 330p good volume and RSI on the up.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 10 Apr 2013 14:43 - 177 of 314

And there is 330p

skinny - 01 May 2013 09:39 - 178 of 314

Ticking up quiet nicely.

Latest broker recommendation :-

Barclays Capital Overweight 349.55 375.00 375.00 Reiterates

skinny - 07 May 2013 10:23 - 179 of 314

Tick tick.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 08 May 2013 07:48 - 180 of 314

JP Morgan Cazenove Overweight 369.00 369.00 243.00 405.00 Upgrades

skinny - 08 May 2013 08:41 - 181 of 314

Just closed half @389 +60.

skinny - 14 May 2013 12:49 - 182 of 314

N+1 Singer Buy 396.80 390.00 440.00 Reiterates

skinny - 23 May 2013 07:08 - 183 of 314

Final Results

Key Points For The Year
· Group revenues up 1.0%
· Successful implementation of areas of strategic focus, particularly Car Maintenance and Online fulfilment
· Broadly-flat Retail gross margin and a decline in the Autocentres gross margin reflecting tyre mix
· Retail operating costs up 5.3% with investment in colleagues and strategic initiatives
· Decline in profit before tax and non-recurring items of 21.9%, in line with expectations
· 23 new Autocentres opened as investment for long-term growth continues
· Free cashflow of £71.8m and net debt down 20.5%
· Final dividend of 9.1 pence proposed

Getting Into Gear 2016
· Existing three-pillared strategic framework robust, recognising the many strengths of Halfords
· Autocentres strategy remains unchanged; growth of 20-30 new centres per year to continue
· Re-positioning of Retail business: focus on sales growth to support ongoing sustainable profitability
· The three-year Retail plan contains the following five elements:
- Service Revolution: a step change in customer service
- The H Factor: reasserting Halfords authoritative category propositions
- Stores Fit To Shop: upgrading the Halfords store estate
- 21st Century Infrastructure: developing necessary IT and supply-chain capabilities
- Click With The Digital Future: creating a service-led digital proposition
· The plan includes c.£100m of Retail capital investment over three years, underpinned by a significant increase in both operating costs and stock
· Group sales target of £1bn in FY16

skinny - 23 May 2013 08:06 - 184 of 314

Plop!

doodlebug4 - 23 May 2013 14:52 - 185 of 314

That's a big plop - sorry for holders of this one.

skinny - 24 May 2013 08:27 - 186 of 314

Deutsche Bank Sell 313.10 310.00 300.00 Downgrades

Exane BNP Paribas Neutral 313.10 380.00 340.00 Retains

4PetesSake - 28 May 2013 05:00 - 187 of 314

This could be out of favour for a few more days and see further falls, however it will eventually be cheap enough to have people piling back in.

skinny - 29 May 2013 09:23 - 188 of 314

Espirito Santo Execution Noble Neutral 301.70 350.00 305.00 Downgrades

skinny - 31 May 2013 15:26 - 189 of 314

Missed this earlier!

UBS Buy 331.00p 280.00p 375.00p Upgrade

skinny - 29 Jun 2013 08:15 - 190 of 314

3 Jul Ex-Dividend Date 9.1p.

10 Jul Q1 Interim Management Statement

HARRYCAT - 01 Jul 2013 11:58 - 191 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

I wonder if the Tour de France will have the usual effect of temporarily boosting sales this year?

skinny - 03 Jul 2013 14:41 - 192 of 314

Holding up rather well today taking the dividend into account.

skinny - 10 Jul 2013 07:02 - 193 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points
· Cycling: all areas up on the year with Cycle Repair increasing 32.1%. A broader offer of Parts, Accessories & Clothing launched online
· Car Maintenance: parts sales up 16.7% driven by the fitting proposition
· Car Enhancement: Car Cleaning sales up strongly, with Technology sales down 3.5%
· Travel Solutions: better Camping sales offset by a further decline in sales of Child Car Seats
· Online Retail: sales up 15.5%, with Cycling making up over half of online revenues. Sat Nav online sales up 9.4%
· Autocentres: total sales up 7.8% with seven centres opened in the period; fleet LfL sales remained in decline

Financial Position
The Group's financial position remains sound.

skinny - 10 Jul 2013 08:08 - 194 of 314

Yum Yum.

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 10 Jul 2013 08:42 - 195 of 314

Closed for the dividend and the +41.

N+1 Singer Buy 350.20 318.20 380.00 380.00 Retains

goldfinger - 10 Jul 2013 08:45 - 196 of 314

Trully amazing update.

Skinny when is the ex day? any idea?.

goldfinger - 10 Jul 2013 08:47 - 197 of 314

This British chap whos doing well at the Tour de France should help going forward.

Lost track of it cos of the Tennis over last week or so.

skinny - 10 Jul 2013 08:50 - 198 of 314

Last Wednesday 9.1p - see post 190.

goldfinger - 10 Jul 2013 09:00 - 199 of 314

Cheers Skinny.

goldfinger - 11 Jul 2013 08:24 - 200 of 314

Jul 2013 Halfords Group PLC HFD N+1 Singer Buy 366.00 354.50 380.00 425.00 Retains

TARGET SP 425p

goldfinger - 12 Jul 2013 08:09 - 201 of 314

Halfords: Price target upgrades
11th July 2013, 13:23

Analysts at HSBC and N+1 Singer have increased their price targets on Halfords [LON:HFD] in response to the company's first quarter interim management statement, published on Wednesday.

HSBC reaffirmed its ‘neutral’ recommendation and increased its price target to 380 pence per share (from 340 pence), while N+1 Singer stuck with its bullish ‘buy’ call and raised its price target to 425 pence a share (previously 380 pence).

N+1 Singer said: “’Getting into Gear 2016’ was one of the more impressive strategic updates we have seen for some time and tackles the key issues head on. There can be no doubting Matt Davies’s passion and ambition to succeed.

“Expectations and forecasts were rebased after the prelims but upgrade momentum is now returning after a strong Q1.

“The route map for the turnaround is transparent and our analysis of potential share gains in core categories suggest that management’s £1bn sales target in FY’16 is very achievable.”

Separately, Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded its recommendation to ‘hold’ from ‘sell’, in a note to investors yesterday, believing the results highlighted impressive underlying performance.

Broker Forecasts consensus data shows that 36 per cent of brokers rate the shares as a ‘buy’, 50 per cent as a ‘hold’ and 14 per cent as a ‘sell’.

At 1:14pm: Halfords Group share price was up 5.25 pence at 359.75 pence.

skinny - 22 Jul 2013 07:10 - 202 of 314

Froome Froome! Tour de France: Chris Froome wins 100th edition of race

skinny - 05 Sep 2013 12:22 - 203 of 314

Interim results 7th November.

Chris Carson - 05 Sep 2013 15:42 - 204 of 314

Aye in yesterday on a SB skinny @ 367.7

Chris Carson - 09 Sep 2013 11:13 - 205 of 314

Stop to 382.7 to lock in + 15

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 08:12 - 206 of 314

Stop moved to 387.7 to lock in + 20

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 08:18 - 207 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si


Powered by IST's
Deltastream

skinny - 10 Sep 2013 08:24 - 208 of 314

I'd move your stop again Chris :-)

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 08:31 - 209 of 314

Think your right skinny volume is scary, got to break 400 at sometime though, week on Tuesday? :O)

skinny - 10 Sep 2013 08:33 - 210 of 314

408 is the 12 month high - so hopefully a test there soon.

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 08:34 - 211 of 314

Aye, fingers crossed.

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 08:44 - 212 of 314

Stop to 394.7 to lock in + 27

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 09:52 - 213 of 314

Stop to 398.7 to lock in 31

skinny - 10 Sep 2013 14:23 - 214 of 314

New 1 year high earlier @409p.

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 15:54 - 215 of 314

That'll do for now, out the spreads @405.5 + 37.8

skinny - 10 Sep 2013 16:13 - 216 of 314

Nice one Chris.

Chris Carson - 10 Sep 2013 16:35 - 217 of 314

Cheers skinny.

skinny - 20 Sep 2013 07:14 - 218 of 314

Citigroup Buy 395.70 395.70 325.00 465.00 Upgrades

Chris Carson - 20 Sep 2013 07:55 - 219 of 314

Noticed NT went short @ 409 target 350 stop 420 interesting to see who will be right :O)

skinny - 20 Sep 2013 09:37 - 220 of 314

Halfords upgraded by Citigroup
20th September 2013, 09:09

Citi’s analysts appear to be seeing some sense behind Halfords [LON:HFD] strategic changes, such as focusing on the more profitable areas such as car maintenance and cycling, and now believe the company is on track to deliver growth, albeit recognising that internal targets are focused on 2016 and beyond.

The broker has therefore increased its price target to 465 pence a share (from 325 pence) and upgraded its recommendation to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’.

“We have previously been Neutral on this stock as we believe that some of Halfords’ core categories are not sources of growth and that it will take time, capital expenditure and operating cost investments in order to overcome Halfords’ structural issues,” the broker said.

“These investments were announced at the strategic update in May. It is now clear that Halfords aim is to concentrate on growing Car Maintenance and Cycling categories, focusing on the highly profitable service element of the customer proposition.”

Of course, not all brokerage houses agree and it should come as no great surprise to note that only 31 per cent of brokers rate the shares as a ‘buy’, while 46 per cent rate them as a ‘hold’ and 23 per cent as a ‘sell’, according to Broker Forecasts consensus data.

minkob - 20 Sep 2013 18:36 - 221 of 314

I dont know how Halfords makes its money. Every time I go into one of several near me there is hardly anyone in. Do they make most of their money on line?. If so then they could save a fortune by closing low performing branches.

skinny - 23 Sep 2013 10:58 - 222 of 314

Neutral 396.80 399.50 400.00 400.00 Reiterates

Chris Carson - 23 Sep 2013 11:07 - 223 of 314

Oh shit limit short triggered on the spreads @ 396.0 (Dec) dangerous play leading up to results.

Chris Carson - 27 Sep 2013 17:22 - 224 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Chris Carson - 27 Sep 2013 17:24 - 225 of 314

Still above 50DMA, so short not a done deal just yet?

skinny - 27 Sep 2013 21:30 - 226 of 314

Looks like a bearish engulfing candle......

Chris Carson - 04 Oct 2013 13:59 - 227 of 314

Stop to entry for risk free trade.

Chris Carson - 08 Oct 2013 08:36 - 228 of 314

Stop to 386.0 to lock in + 10

Chris Carson - 10 Oct 2013 09:27 - 229 of 314

Out for now @ 377.0 + 21

skinny - 07 Nov 2013 07:07 - 230 of 314

Half Yearly Report

Key Points For The Half:
· Strong Q1 for Retail followed by +6.6% LFL growth in Q2 despite the tough prior-year comparator
· Focus areas of Cycling and Car Maintenance performed particularly well
· Retail management team strengthened, including the addition of Emma Fox as Commercial Director
· The Getting Into Gear programme in Retail progressing well, including: the launch of new recruitment process and colleague training programme, a new Halfords.com website and a number of store refurbishments
· Autocentres performance driven by both market and operational challenges; new Autocentres CEO to be appointed
· Interim dividend of 5.2 pence per share, in line with prior guidance

skinny - 08 Nov 2013 07:57 - 231 of 314

JP Morgan Cazenove Overweight 0.00 405.00 440.00 Reiterates

N+1 Singer Buy 0.00 - 540.00 Retains

dreamcatcher - 10 Nov 2013 18:22 - 232 of 314

Buy Halfords, the Sunday Telegraph’s Questor column advised. The shares jumped almost 15% when the car maintenance and bikes group beat profit forecasts but there could be further to go in its retail revival. The post-Olympic cycling boom and warm summer prompted more cycle sales than expected and Halfords is overhauling its stores and marketing to tap into cities’ push to improve infrastructure for those on two wheels. Questor said buy at 303.5p in October 2012 and, with the group’s revival taking hold, it repeated the advice with the shares currently trading at 476.5p.


http://sharecast.com/news/sunday-share-tips-talktalk-fyffes-halfords/21282650.html

HARRYCAT - 27 Nov 2013 09:02 - 233 of 314

Ex-divi wed 18th Dec (5.2p)

skinny - 23 Dec 2013 10:34 - 234 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Up 4.3% today,

TS on 16 Jan.

skinny - 16 Jan 2014 07:08 - 235 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points for the 15-week Period
· Cycling: significant growth across the board including an excellent performance from Accessories and Children's bikes
· Car Maintenance: strong sales of Workshop tools partially offset by subdued demand for parts and winter products. Fitting of parts reached record levels despite the mild weather conditions
· Car Enhancement: improved year-on-year Car Cleaning performance outweighed by an increased decline in Sat Nav
· Travel Solutions: seasonal and kids' offers resonated well, accompanied by growth in Travel Equipment
· Online Retail: sales grew by 13.8%, with online representing a record 11.7% of total Retail sales
· Autocentres: improved LfL performance with a further four centres opened; new MD of Autocentres appointed

Financial Position and Outlook
There has been no material change in the Group's financial position which remains sound.

Whilst the mix of sales in the period towards Cycling will have adversely influenced the Retail gross-margin performance, our expectations and all guidance for the full year remain unchanged.

skinny - 16 Jan 2014 08:32 - 236 of 314

Investec Buy 484.55 520.00 520.00 Reiterates

skinny - 17 Jan 2014 07:09 - 237 of 314

JP Morgan Cazenove Neutral 0.00 460.00 460.00 Reiterates

Deutsche Bank Sell 0.00 410.00 410.00 Reiterates

Citigroup Buy 492.50 492.50 545.00 550.00 Reiterates

skinny - 22 May 2014 07:12 - 238 of 314

Annual Financial Report

Financial Highlights
· Group revenues up 7.9% (Q4 LFL: Retail: +9.9%; Autocentres +4.3%)
· Cycling LFL growth of 19.4% (Q4 Cycling LFL: +41.6%)
· Online Retail growth of +17.7% (Q4:+27.5%);
· Retail costs and margins in line with guidance
· Basic earnings per share up 4.0%
· Capital expenditure up 61.7% to £30.4m, supporting the first year of the Retail Getting Into Gear strategy
· Free cashflow of £39.5m, after a one-off tax settlement of £21.0m; Net Debt to EBITDA at 1.0:1

Business Highlights
· A year of Cycling underpinned by a major cycle-range refresh and an increased presence in the Parts, Accessories and Clothing market
· Strong results emanating from our Service Revolution, with a significant rise in customer-feedback scores
· 27 stores trading in the refreshed format as our Stores Fit To Shop rollout continued
· A new Retail website launched in November 2013 with a material increase in conversion
· New leadership for Autocentres focusing on colleagues and the customer experience

skinny - 22 May 2014 11:11 - 239 of 314

Investec Buy 485.35 520.00 520.00 Retains

Cantor Fitzgerald Buy 485.35 500.00 500.00 Upgrades

goldfinger - 27 May 2014 08:46 - 240 of 314

Breakup on the cards????????

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

skinny - 28 May 2014 07:32 - 241 of 314

N+1 Singer Buy 493.90 480.00 540.00 600.00 Retains

goldfinger - 06 Jun 2014 09:23 - 242 of 314

Halfords HFD

Yep break out looks very positive this time.

halfords%2012.JPG

Balerboy - 06 Jun 2014 20:06 - 243 of 314

What about the falling macd?

cynic - 11 Jun 2014 11:51 - 244 of 314

what about a sudden drop of 23p to 487.5?
i don't have any position in these, but just noticed this and no obvious news
general malaise?

skinny - 26 Jun 2014 09:03 - 245 of 314

I bought back into these yesterday.

Ex dividend next week 2nd July 9.1p.

Trading Update - 10 July.

Chris Carson - 26 Jun 2014 12:20 - 246 of 314

Good call on these skinny, I followed you in @ 471.30 on the spreads . Cheers!

skinny - 26 Jun 2014 12:24 - 247 of 314

It all helps Chris!

skinny - 27 Jun 2014 08:22 - 248 of 314

N+1 Singer Buy 484.00 - - Retains

Chris Carson - 03 Jul 2014 10:42 - 249 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si


Good recovery after going ex divi yesterday.

skinny - 03 Jul 2014 10:45 - 250 of 314

Yes - wish I'd held on now.

Chris Carson - 03 Jul 2014 10:49 - 251 of 314

Could do with the volume pumping up skinny.

skinny - 03 Jul 2014 10:52 - 252 of 314

Trading Update on the 10th - decisions, decisions.....

skinny - 10 Jul 2014 07:02 - 253 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Key Points For The Quarter
· Cycling: strong growth in all areas with Premium Bike sales increasing by 35.1%
· Car Maintenance: a good Workshop performance offset by a tough comparative in parts sales
· Car Enhancement: Car Cleaning sales up 16.2% mitigating declines in both Sat Nav and Audio
· Travel Solutions: compelling offers in roof boxes and roof bars resonated well with customers
· Online Retail: sales up 13.1% driven by a strong performance in Cycling
· Autocentres: positive momentum continued with new management focusing on the customer experience

Financial Position and Outlook
The Group's financial position remains sound. All guidance for the full year remains unchanged.

Chris Carson - 10 Jul 2014 08:08 - 254 of 314

Stop to 491.3 to lock in + 20

skinny - 10 Jul 2014 08:19 - 255 of 314

Oriel Securities Buy 486.15 491.90 550.00 550.00 Reiterates

Cantor Fitzgerald Buy 486.15 491.90 500.00 500.00 Upgrades

Deutsche Bank Hold 486.15 491.90 430.00 430.00 Reiterates

N+1 Singer Buy 495.75 491.90 600.00 600.00 Retains

Investec Buy 481.20 491.90 520.00 520.00 Retains

skinny - 14 Jul 2014 10:53 - 256 of 314

Buy shares of Halfords to capitalise on the UK's retail recovery and the growing craze for cycling, Questor advised in the Sunday Telegraph. The shares have risen about 60% since Questor recommended them in early October 2013 but have gone sideways in the past month. The Tour de France has boosted cycle sales and the company has consolidated its position in the bike market by buying out the successful Boardman cycle brand last month. Its car maintenance business is also improving.

Chris Carson - 13 Sep 2014 08:49 - 257 of 314

Back on watch list, looking for a bounce of 200DMA. In a range since June. Interim results 6th November,

Chris Carson - 13 Sep 2014 09:02 - 258 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Chris Carson - 13 Sep 2014 09:06 - 259 of 314

LATEST BROKER VIEWS

Date Broker New target Recomm.
12 Sep Exane BNP... 500.00 Neutral
22 Aug Barclays... N/A Underweight
14 Jul Numis 545.00 Add
11 Jul Oriel... 550.00 Buy
11 Jul Deutsche Bank 440.00 Hold
10 Jul Investec 520.00 Buy
10 Jul N+1 Singer 600.00 Buy
10 Jul Oriel... 550.00 Buy
10 Jul Cantor... 500.00 Buy
10 Jul Deutsche Bank 430.00 Hold
Broker Recommendations for Halfords Group

skinny - 14 Sep 2014 10:18 - 260 of 314

Back on the list.

images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRcnlDi0IreYaEZsnIDjzf

Chris Carson - 15 Sep 2014 16:18 - 261 of 314

Limit Buy triggered Cap Spreads at the open (Dec contract) @ 471.0

Added (spreads) ETX Capital @ 464.0 9am, target 500 tight stop.

Chris Carson - 18 Sep 2014 17:50 - 262 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Chris Carson - 19 Sep 2014 08:14 - 263 of 314

Stop to 471.0 to lock in + 7

goldfinger - 19 Sep 2014 08:24 - 264 of 314

Gone long, first thing.

Chris Carson - 19 Sep 2014 16:17 - 265 of 314

Closed ETX trade @ 485.0 + 21

Cap Spreads (dec) stop to 476.0 to lock in + 5

skinny - 06 Nov 2014 07:13 - 266 of 314

Half Yearly Report

Financial Highlights
· Group revenues +6.8% (Q2 Retail LFL sales +5.7%)
· Cycling sales +16.0% with growth in all Cycling categories
· Car Maintenance sales +7.1% in the second quarter
· Online Retail sales +13.7%
· Basic earnings per share before non-recurring items +14.2%
· Operating cashflow of £86.1m funding the acquisition of Boardman Bikes and an increase in cash capex
· Interim dividend per share of 5.5p, up 5.8% as the Group progresses to a 30:70 interim:final weighting

Business Highlights
· Further success of the Getting Into Gear Retail strategy: 46 stores traded under a refreshed format, successful trial of five days a week delivery to store and an essential SAP upgrade completed
· The launch of Car Parts Direct, strengthening Halfords' authority within the Auto category
· A new cycle brand, 13, launched to complement a growing portfolio of performance brands
· The first steps of the rollout of Cycle Republic, a fresh cycling proposition in Britain's towns and cities
· The £14.0m acquisition of Boardman Bikes, taking one of the UK's fastest-growing cycle brands in-house

Matt Davies, Chief Executive, commented:
"This was a strong performance against particularly tough comparatives and we are pleased overall with the progress we are making under our Getting Into Gear Retail plan. A strengthened Cycling offer was underpinned by the acquisition of Boardman Bikes whilst Halfords continued to build its Auto credentials with the launch of Car Parts Direct. More Retail colleagues completed their Gear-2 training, the supply-chain and IT infrastructure improved further and refreshed stores performed in line with expectations. Autocentres delivered an improved sales performance, with new management focused on the motorist experience. I look forward to a second half where we will continue to position Halfords to deliver sustainable profit growth."

Chris Carson - 08 Jan 2015 07:18 - 267 of 314


RNS


RNS Number : 5983B

Halfords Group PLC

08 January 2015








8 January 2015



Halfords announces Matt Davies to step down as CEO



Halfords Group plc ("Halfords") announces that Matt Davies, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has resigned to take up the position of UK and ROI CEO at Tesco plc. Matt will remain as CEO of Halfords until the end of May 2015, supported by Halfords' well-established management team.



The Board has commenced a process to appoint his successor.



Trading for the 13 weeks ended 26 December 2014 continued to be strong and was in line with management's expectations. As originally planned, a full trading update for the 15 weeks to 9 January 2015 will be provided on 21 January 2015.



Commenting on behalf of the Board, Dennis Millard said: "We would like to thank Matt for his outstanding contribution to the business. Our Getting Into Gear Strategy is well underway and we have set a clear direction, built significant momentum across the organisation and are making good progress. Halfords is a strong business with leading positions in a number of large and attractive retail and service markets, led by an excellent and well established management team."



Matt Davies said: "My decision to leave has been very difficult. I have really enjoyed my time at Halfords, working with a great team of people across the business, helping to create and deliver a clear service-focused strategy. I am fully committed to driving the business over the next few months before I depart, as we continue to implement the Getting Into Gear Strategy."





Enquiries:




Halfords





Dennis Millard, Chairman

+44 (0) 207 379 5151









Andrew Findlay, Chief Financial Officer

+44 (0) 1527 513 113


Adam Phillips, Head of Investor Relations












Maitland

+44 (0) 207 379 5151


Neil Bennett







Chris Carson - 08 Jan 2015 10:14 - 268 of 314

Always happens when this scenario occurs, watching.

cynic - 08 Jan 2015 11:56 - 269 of 314

i would have thought these to be worth buying

sticky - this was one of your faves, so what's you view now? ...... stock is certainly in the right sector with its cycles

skinny - 08 Jan 2015 13:54 - 270 of 314

Just had a dabble @429.0p

cynic - 08 Jan 2015 14:05 - 271 of 314

it really is very weak indeed .... now 423.75
i'm afraid i bought in at 436, but not hugely so no great harm done

skinny - 08 Jan 2015 14:32 - 272 of 314

Well hopefully that was the bottom for now.

08 Jan 15 Investec Buy 429.05 520.00 520.00 Retains

Chart.aspx?Provider=Intra&Code=HFD&Size=

Chris Carson - 08 Jan 2015 23:48 - 273 of 314

LATEST BROKER VIEWS

Date Broker New target Recomm.
8 Jan Liberum Capital 600.00 Buy
8 Jan Investec 520.00 Buy
19 Dec Investec 520.00 Buy
18 Dec Deutsche Bank N/A Hold
11 Dec Citigroup 550.00 Buy
8 Dec Deutsche Bank 460.00 Hold
2 Dec Citigroup 550.00 Buy
2 Dec Liberum Capital 600.00 Buy
27 Nov Citigroup 550.00 Buy
26 Nov Canaccord... 550.00 Buy
Broker Recommendations for Halfords Group

Chris Carson - 09 Jan 2015 14:05 - 274 of 314

Long on the spreads @ 425.60 initial target 470.0

Chris Carson - 16 Jan 2015 18:01 - 275 of 314

Wednesday 21st Jan Interim results (Q3)

skinny - 21 Jan 2015 07:07 - 276 of 314

Interim Management Statement

Highlights for the 15-week Period
· Cycling: continued growth against a tough comparative; Children's Bikes the standout performer
· Car Maintenance: strong performance in all categories; fitting of parts reached record levels
· Car Enhancement: continued decline in Sat Nav and Audio, offset by an excellent Car Cleaning performance
· Travel Solutions: good performance driven by Travel Equipment, Child Car Seats and a new seasonal gift offering
· Online Retail: growth of 16.5%, representing a record 12.9% of total Retail sales
· Autocentres: positive momentum maintained with improved LfL performance, aided by lower-margin tyres

Chris Carson - 21 Jan 2015 08:02 - 277 of 314

Stop to 435.60 to lock in +10

Chris Carson - 21 Jan 2015 08:46 - 278 of 314

LATEST BROKER VIEWS

Date Broker New target Recomm.
21 Jan N+1 Singer 540.00 Buy
21 Jan Cantor... 500.00 Hold
20 Jan Liberum Capital 600.00 Buy

Chris Carson - 21 Jan 2015 08:52 - 279 of 314

There is always one :0)
21 Jan JP Morgan... 440.00 Neutral

cynic - 06 Feb 2015 10:03 - 280 of 314

HFD have had a good run so have banked a respectable profit but shall def keep on my watchlist for a future foray

annie38 - 12 Feb 2015 22:25 - 281 of 314

I have little doubt HFD will benefit from what could potentially be explosive growth in the use of dash-cams. TV programmes featuring these together with insurers offering 10% discounts for having the gadgets fitted will help drive sales.
Commenting almost 12 months ago Alec James, product manager at Halfords, said: “We've seen interest in dash-cams double over the past year, with a corresponding increase in sales but this may be the tip of the iceberg.

skinny - 13 Apr 2015 15:06 - 282 of 314

What a twit :- Halfords mechanic caught speeding in car in for MOT

skinny - 05 Jun 2015 07:02 - 283 of 314

Preliminary Results: Financial Year 2015

Business Highlights
· A strong broad-based sales performance; driven by new products and brands, compelling offers and improving customer service
· The Getting Into Gear strategy continues to progress well
· 46% of colleagues through Gear 2 training with customer feedback scores rising further
· 45 stores refreshed and Cycle Republic launched
· Jill McDonald joins as CEO in May 2015

Financial Highlights
· Group revenues exceeded £1bn, a year ahead of plan
· Retail LFL growth of 7.0% and Q4 +7.5%, the 11th successive quarter of growth
· Online Retail sales exceeded £100m; growth of +14.3% (Q4: +12.6%)
· Group EBITDA up 8.7% with EBITDA margin improvement
· Basic earnings per share up 13.8%
· Proposed full-year dividend per share of 16.5p up 15.4%
· Net Debt reduced to £61.8m, with Net Debt to EBITDA (52 week) at 0.6:1

skinny - 05 Jun 2015 12:43 - 284 of 314

Investec Buy 489.05 545.00 560.00 Retains

Canaccord Genuity Buy 489.05 550.00 550.00 Reiterates

N+1 Singer Buy 489.05 540.00 540.00 Retains

Liberum Capital Buy 489.05 600.00 600.00 Reiterates

Cantor Fitzgerald Hold 489.05 500.00 500.00 Reiterates

skinny - 02 Sep 2015 08:25 - 285 of 314

Trading Statement

skinny - 02 Sep 2015 09:21 - 286 of 314

Take your pick!

Canaccord Genuity Buy 469.25 640.00 640.00 Reiterates

Cantor Fitzgerald Hold 469.25 565.00 565.00 Reiterates

JP Morgan Cazenove Neutral 469.25 460.00 460.00 Reiterates

Chris Carson - 12 Nov 2015 08:12 - 287 of 314

StockMarketWire.com

Halfords Group, a UK retailer of motoring, cycling and leisure products and a leading independent operator in garage servicing and auto repair, has announced that for the for the 26 weeks to 2 October 2015 revenue was up 1.8%.

All retail categories grew except cycling, due to weak sales in July and August. Motoring performed well, especially car maintenance with sales up 6.5%.

The interim dividend per share was up 5.66p, up 2.9%. Profit in 2017 is expected to be broadly unchanged on next year, with growth thereafter.

Jill McDonald, chief executive, commented: "In the first half the motoring side of the business performed well and in-store service sales grew strongly, reflecting our focus on this key area of differentiation.

"The Cycling performance in the second quarter was disappointing and, given the seasonal mix towards cycling during the summer, this contributed to the decline in Group profitability for the period. Looking forward, there are plenty of reasons for us to remain confident that the cycling market will continue to grow over the long-term.

"Today I am announcing a new Group strategy called Moving Up A Gear. After three years of investing to stabilise the foundations, improve service levels and grow sales, Halfords is now a fundamentally strong business, operating in markets with good growth prospects.

"However the modernisation process is not yet complete. Under the new strategy we will continue to invest to move from fixing the basics to enabling sustainable growth. There are a number of significant opportunities for further improvement, which include the leveraging of customer data and analytics, relentless innovation, a better shopping experience, enhanced customer service and services, and a fulfilment infrastructure for modern times."



Story provided by StockMarketWire.com

cynic - 12 Nov 2015 08:41 - 288 of 314

this one proving to be a pain but i wonder if, like WOS, the fall is o'done

Stan - 21 Jan 2016 07:32 - 289 of 314

Trading Update http://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=5197239

skinny - 21 Jan 2016 09:54 - 290 of 314

Liberum Capital Sell 354.65 300.00 300.00 Reiterates

Peel Hunt Hold 354.65 350.00 350.00 Reiterates

Investec Buy 354.65 460.00 460.00 Reiterates

cynic - 21 Jan 2016 10:19 - 291 of 314

for my sins, i've got this in my sipp where it is (almost of course) nursing a beastly loss
while it's good to see sp bounce 10%, it remains a very long way south of its all-time highs

at least the leisure industry (cycling) is becoming ever more popular

Chris Carson - 09 Jul 2016 20:26 - 292 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si


Now at three year low where it bounced of 300p. Trading Statement Thursday so maybe worth a punt initial target 340p then 380p to close gap if not a dead cat bounce.

Chris Carson - 09 Jul 2016 20:27 - 293 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Chris Carson - 09 Jul 2016 20:28 - 294 of 314

LATEST BROKER VIEWS

Date Broker New target Recomm.
8 Jul Investec 390.00 Buy
5 Jul JP Morgan... 360.00 Neutral
5 Jul Liberum Capital 290.00 Sell
2 Jun Beaufort... N/A Buy
2 Jun HSBC 480.00 Buy
2 Jun JP Morgan... 380.00 Neutral
2 Jun Citigroup 430.00 Neutral
1 Jun Haitong... 391.00 Neutral
25 May HSBC 490.00 Buy
24 May Canaccord... 405.00 Buy
Broker Recommendations for Halfords Group

dreamcatcher - 09 Jul 2016 20:40 - 295 of 314

A couple of lines in this weeks Shares mag Chris - Drizzly conditions will have been unfavourable for Halfords(HFD) cycling sales, though potentially a boom for its car maintenance categories.

Chris Carson - 09 Jul 2016 21:07 - 296 of 314

Thanks dc.

Chris Carson - 12 Jul 2016 15:11 - 297 of 314

Initial target 340p reached, can it push on?

Chris Carson - 14 Jul 2016 07:42 - 298 of 314

Key points
· Group revenue +2.1%, with Retail +1.5% and Autocentres +5.9%
· Adjusting for the timing of Easter, LFL revenue was Group 0.0%, Retail -0.2% and Autocentres +1.7%
· A robust Motoring performance, with Car Maintenance growth led by bulbs, blades, batteries and new product and service offerings
· Car Enhancement was impacted by a further decline in sat nav sales, partially offset by strong dash cam sales
· Strong performance in Travel Solutions led by double digit growth in child safety seats
· Good sales growth of premium bikes, although Cycling sales overall were impacted by both the timing of Easter and poor weather in April and late June affecting the timing of mainstream bike and PACs purchases
· Tredz performing well since acquisition
· Service-related sales grew by 15%, with growth across all services including 3B fitting and cycle repair
· 11th consecutive quarter of Autocentres LFL growth, aided by sales of tyres and enhanced opening hours, growth in online sales and improved customer satisfaction
· We will report on the 20 weeks to 19 August on 6 September after summer peak

Financial outlook
In June we outlined a net impact of £3m on profit for FY17 at a USD:GBP rate of 1.45. We now have over 75% of our FY17 purchases hedged at around 1.45. If the USD:GBP rate continues to be weaker than 1.45 it may have a small further impact later in this financial year, depending on the extent to which it can be mitigated.

All other financial guidance and the financial targets that we published on 1st June remain unchanged. Much of Halfords' sales are needs-based, we have a strong brand, are leaders in fragmented markets and have a robust balance sheet.

Jill McDonald, Chief Executive, commented:
"This was a solid performance from our motoring categories, which account for around 70% of Group sales, with continued growth in service-related sales, demonstrating Halfords' credentials as a specialist retailer. In Autocentres our sales continued to grow through improvements in the customer offer. We had good sales growth of premium bikes but Cycling sales across the quarter were impacted by both the timing of Easter and poor weather, particularly in April. We look forward to the peak summer cycling season, including our exciting new ranges from Laura Trott and Sir Bradley Wiggins launched ahead of the Olympics. While the recent decision to leave the EU does create uncertainty, we are well-positioned as a business and focused on delivering sustainable long-term growth."

Reporting Calendar
On 6 September 2016 Halfords will report on the sales for the 20 weeks to 19 August 2016, which covers the summer cycling season. In future years Halfords will report on an initial trading period of 20 weeks, rather than a first quarter of 13 weeks, in order to include the summer cycling sales and to spread market updates more evenly through the year.

On 10 November 2016 we will report on the interim results for the 26 weeks ending 30 September 2016.

On 19 January 2017 we will report on the 15 weeks to 13 January 2017, which includes the peak Christmas trading period.

Chris Carson - 14 Jul 2016 08:59 - 299 of 314

If SP can close above 330p hope springs eternal. Weather hopefully will improve between now and 19th August re cycling sales.

Chris Carson - 29 Aug 2016 14:23 - 300 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si


Next target for the bulls prior to Trading Statement 6th September.

cynic - 29 Aug 2016 14:30 - 301 of 314

decent extended summer weather and olympic success may have helped the cause

Chris Carson - 31 Aug 2016 17:52 - 302 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si

Not looking great.

Chris Carson - 01 Sep 2016 12:52 - 303 of 314

Chart.aspx?Provider=EODIntra&Code=HFD&Si


Or is it? Bounced off support previous resistance @ 340p. Trading Statement will need to be a good un. Place your bets.

dreamcatcher - 01 Sep 2016 18:50 - 304 of 314

Perhaps it will be good, with the couple of months good weather we have had. ( Don't know about Scotland's weather? :-)) )Board members have re-invested shares as well.

Chris Carson - 01 Sep 2016 23:17 - 305 of 314

Yep noted that re board members dc. Weather in Scotland LOL!! Fortunately for me spent most of back end of July and beginning of August in England. Fine people though. I have been promoted, no longer an English Bastard just a Scouse Bastard now LOL!!!

dreamcatcher - 02 Sep 2016 06:03 - 306 of 314

:-))

dreamcatcher - 02 Sep 2016 16:53 - 307 of 314

Another non exec has re-invested.

dreamcatcher - 05 Sep 2016 16:47 - 308 of 314

Proactive investor -

Investors to home in on Halfords and housing

16:07 05 Sep 2016

Warm summer may have boosted sales at car and bike accessory retailer

Car outside Halfords

Analysts reckon Halfords's car maintenance sales should have been steady




Investors will hope customers at Halfords PLC (LON:HFD) have spent the summer on their bikes ahead of a trading update tomorrow.

Numis Securities reckons the cycle and car accessory chain should report a strong, potentially double-digit performance from the cycling arm, which also may have benefited from increased popularity of the sport during the Olympics.

This would help to make up for a lacklustre showing from the bike business during the spring, which took a hit from the late timing of Easter and wet and cold weather in April and June.

The group’s car maintenance business should have turned in a relatively steady performance, while sales of car enhancement products are likely to have softened given some tough comparisons with a year ago.

“Halfords remains a mature retailer with a somewhat defensible position but limited growth opportunities – we see a discount multiple to the sector as appropriate,” Numis analysts said in a note.

Chris Carson - 06 Sep 2016 07:29 - 309 of 314

Key points
· Group revenue +4.8%, with Retail +4.8% and Autocentres +4.6%
· Strong service-related sales growth of 13.9%
· Robust Motoring sales against strong comparatives
· Car Maintenance growth driven by bulbs, blades and batteries and new motorcycle ranges
· In Car Enhancement, dash cam sales growth remains strong, but was offset by the continuing decline in sat nav sales
· Travel Solutions delivered good growth across the category, particularly child safety seats and roof boxes
· Strong Cycling sales during late July and August, helped by new ranges and a deeper promotion, which more than offset the slower sales earlier in the year. Premium bikes in strong growth throughout the year to date
· Total cycling sales across the Group grew by 11%, reflecting Cycle Republic store openings and the addition of Tredz, which continued to perform well since acquisition. Improved parts, accessories and clothing ('PACs') performance with Group sales up 6%
· Continued progress in Autocentres led by growth in servicing and tyres

Financial outlook
All guidance for the full year remains unchanged.

Jill McDonald, Chief Executive, commented:
"I am pleased to report a solid year-to-date trading performance, with Group sales up 4.8% and service-related sales in double-digit growth as we continue to strengthen Halfords' position as the first choice for customers' journeys. Motoring sales were robust, driven by car and motorcycle parts, roof boxes and child seats. Good growth in Cycling sales during the peak summer period was supported by new ranges, strong promotional activity, good weather and the success of Halfords' Olympic cycling heroes. We continue to make good progress on our strategic initiatives; we can now match 25% of our Retail sales to specific customers compared to only 3% last year and in recent weeks we have successfully piloted contactless payments and also launched the new Cycle Republic website."

Chris Carson - 06 Sep 2016 18:55 - 310 of 314

Halfords shares keep pedalling north
By Lee Wild | Tue, 6th September 2016 - 14:23
Share this
Halfords shares keep pedalling north A year ago, Halfords (HFD) had a stinker. Persistent rain and stiff competition hit the bikes business, teasing a profits warning from the car parts and cycles chain. Pedal forward 12 months, and the combination of a great end to the British summer and our most successful Olympics ever has been a massive boost to second-quarter sales. Halfords' Alps-like climb may not be over.
There wasn't a massive amount to cheer at the first-quarter results in July, when sales at the cycles business were hit by heavy rain in April and late June. It's why management has decided not to report these numbers in future. First hint we'll get of how well things have gone next year will be results for the 20 weeks, to allow inclusion of summer cycling sales.

This time, much was pinned on new ranges from Laura Trott and Sir Bradley Wiggins, and their gold medals in Rio would have put a smile on the faces of Halfords' PR team. Like-for-like sales at the cycling division jumped by 12.5% in the seven weeks to 19 August, offsetting the 4% drop in first-quarter to give a 20-week improvement of 1.9%.

graph 1

Opening more Cycle Republic stores and the acquisition of Welsh bike sellers Tredz and Wheelies in May helped, with total cycling sales up 11% for the 20 weeks.

That meant a sharp uptick at the core retail business. Quarterly like-for-like sales there jumped by 5% following a 1.2% slip at the start of this financial year. That's much better than forecast and means the increase of 1.1% for the 20 weeks is in line with expectations. Overall group LFL revenue rose 1.2%.

Of course, the motoring business is the big fish here, chipping in around three-quarters of operating profit. Growth was steady versus the first quarter, up by 0.6% again, driven, says chief executive Jill McDonald, by car and motorcycle parts, roof boxes and child seats. That offset a further drop in sales of satnavs and wiper blades.

Halfords shares slumped from a high of 562p in August 2015 to less than 300p briefly during early July. But they're up over a quarter since, and now sit just 6% below their price before the Brexit vote.

However, even now the shares trade on a forward price/earnings ratio of 11.7 times, a discount to both peers and the long-run sector average of around 14. "The shares look fair value given a slightly cautious outlook for FY 2018 but income investors might be cheered by the cycling recovery," says Scott Ransley at broker Stifel.

But while analysts seem broadly happy with Halfords shares where they are, the dividend is well-covered by forecast earnings and could well continue to generate buying interest.

This article is for information and discussion purposes only and does not form a recommendation to invest or otherwise. The value of an investment may fall. The investments referred to in this article may not be suitable for all investors, and if in doubt, an investor should seek advice from a qualified investment adviser.

skinny - 19 Jan 2017 16:46 - 311 of 314

Trading Statement

Strong sales growth, investment in TyresOnTheDrive.com, special dividend

Key points
· Group revenue +11.4%, with Retail LFL +7.0% and Autocentres LFL -0.6%
- Growth in all Retail categories as we continue to execute our "Moving up a Gear" strategy
- Strong LFL service-related sales growth of +13.7% and Group online sales LFL of +16.3%
- Promotional activity as planned and similar year-on-year, gross margin in line with expectations
- In Motoring, continued growth in fitting services alongside strong performances in batteries, dashcams and child seats
- In Cycling, sales growth in both bikes and PACs4 helped by new ranges. Cycle Republic and Tredz continued to grow strongly
- In Autocentres, we continued to enhance our customer proposition through extended opening hours and new technician pay grading, reflected by improving customer metrics
- Further strategic progress with the first "Store of the Future" concept store opened in Derby, continued improvements in customer data and the Dayforce IT project roll-out, to improve the efficiency of shop colleagues
· Operating agreement signed with TyresOnTheDrive.com alongside a minority investment
· Special dividend of 10 pence per share to be paid in February 2017

Financial outlook and guidance
There is no change to our expectation of Group Profit Before Tax for the current financial year, which is in line with market consensus. We anticipate that, following the investment in TyresOnTheDrive.com ("TOTD") and the special dividend announced today, net debt to EBITDA will be circa 0.8 times at the end of this financial year. We have developed detailed plans in response to the increase in costs from adverse FX movement and we are confident that we will be able to fully mitigate the impact over time.

Investment in TyresOnTheDrive.com
Halfords today announces that it has entered into an operating agreement with TOTD, a UK mobile tyre fitting business, to develop opportunities together to leverage each others' capability and expertise. The agreement includes projects to deliver certain sales and cost synergies and the opportunity for Halfords to trial a broader mobile delivery proposition for its motoring services. In parallel with the agreement, Halfords has acquired a minority stake in TOTD for up to £8m.

Capital structure and special dividend
Having expanded the Group's capabilities in both motoring and cycling in recent months, through the Tredz, Wheelies and TOTD investments, the Board does not expect to undertake further acquisitions in the near future. Accordingly the Board has approved a special dividend of 10 pence per share, totalling approximately £20m, as part of our progress towards our previously stated net debt target of 1 times EBITDA. This special dividend will be paid on 17 February 2017 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 27 January 2017.

Jill McDonald, Chief Executive, commented:
"I am very pleased with the strong sales performance across our business in the important third quarter of the year. We continue to make good progress implementing our "Moving up a Gear" strategy which will enable us to capitalise on the long term growth opportunities in our markets. We benefited from growth in new ranges, our unique "wefit" services and great execution by our colleagues over the busy peak period."

Stan - 10 Jan 2019 08:30 - 312 of 314

Trading statement https://www.moneyam.com/action/news/showArticle?id=6271895

Down -22%

skinny - 10 Jan 2019 09:01 - 313 of 314

Liberum Capital Buy 225.40 380.00 Reiterates

hlyeo98 - 10 Jan 2019 17:45 - 314 of 314

Down 62p today to 217p after update...


Key points for the 14-week period

· Group revenue -1.7% LFL, with +1.4% growth in Autocentres offset by -2.2% LFL in Retail, reflecting the impact of mild weather and weak consumer confidence

· Retail Motoring sales -3.4% reflecting declines in weather-related and discretionary products and services, partially offset by growth in non-weather-related motoring consumables

· Retail Cycling sales were broadly flat at -0.3% LFL on a strong comparative of +8%. Growth in cycle accessories and children's cycling was offset by a decline in the more discretionary and bigger-ticket adult bikes

· Autocentres LFL +1.4%, reflecting broad based growth in services and maintenance work. Continued good progress on operational improvements

· Group online sales, which represent 20% of total sales, grew +7.5% with over 80% of Halfords.com orders collected in store

Financial outlook

Operating costs and gross margins have been well controlled. However, reflecting the impact on revenue of the mild weather and weak consumer confidence, we now anticipate FY19 underlying profit before tax to be in the range of £58m to £62m.

At this stage, we believe that consumer confidence could remain weak into next year and therefore anticipate FY20 profit before tax to be broadly flat on the revised FY19 expectation. Evidently, however, we are in an uncertain environment and will provide an update alongside our preliminary results in May. The Group remains cash generative and has a strong balance sheet. We expect free cash flow for the full year to be up on last year and we remain confident that we will grow free cash flow over the medium term, supported by good early progress in our cost and cash efficiency programmes. This, combined with positive longer-term prospects for the Group, gives the Board confidence to maintain its dividend policy.

Graham Stapleton, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

"This has been a challenging third quarter for the business, driven by exceptionally mild weather and ongoing weak consumer confidence. Together, these factors have led us to reduce our profit expectations. Whilst this has been a difficult period, we have managed costs and margin well and our free cash flow remains strong. Halfords is a robust business and we firmly believe that the strategy we outlined in September is the right direction for the business."
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