One of the better Drinks industry Investments/trades.

Certainly got Momentum in its favour and we have a bottom triangle/wedge formation breakout.

First resistance level at around 500p.



dyor

Around 3 percent of that due to ex dividend. I guess going ex was an excuse to take some profits. I am holding on hoping it to cover the ex div amount over the next week or so, but don't think there is a lot more to go, so will sell around 600p. H

Greene King shrugs off the bad weather blues
StockMarketWire.com
Brewer and pub operator Greene King said its Retail business enjoyed a 5.1% rise in like-for-like in the 18 weeks to 2nd September, despite the poor weather this summer.

The Olympics had a minimal net impact on the overall Retail performance. In London, the City and the West End were generally quiet while in the suburbs, including Realpubs and Capital Pub Company sites, trading was noticeably stronger.

The group said with Value, Service and Quality at the heart of its Retail trading strategy, it has achieved LFL food sales growth of 5.2%, LFL drink sales growth of 5.0% and LFL room sales growth of 4.9%.

In Pub Partners, after 16 weeks, average EBITDA per pub was up 3.5%, while LFL EBITDA in the core estate was down 0.5%.

After 18 weeks, Brewing & Brands core brand volume was -0.9%. Both Old Speckled Hen and Greene King IPA, following its relaunch in April, have achieved good volume growth. Total beer volume was up 0.4%.

Overall, margins, profit, cashflow and balance sheet remain in line with our expectations.

The group said it believes underlying trading trends across the business have been maintained through the summer, despite the disappointing weather. This is encouraging for the rest of the year, although it expects consumer confidence to remain subdued.

Greene King remains confident that its Retail growth strategy will continue to deliver earnings and dividend growth for our shareholders.

Going down rather well.

Sold my gk holding this aft.

Near 4 year highs @625.50p

Interims tomorrow, If good news hope to see it push MARS further higher.

Half Yearly Report

PERFORMANCE HIGHLIGHTS

· Retail like-for-like sales up 4.3%; total Retail sales up 10.9%.

· Retail profit up 17.4%; margin increased 120 basis points to 20.4%.

· Average EBITDA per pub up 3.9% in Pub Partners.

· Brewing & Brands revenue up 2.2%; market share up 50 basis points to 9.9%.

· Strong earnings & dividend growth; cashflow & balance sheet strengthened.

· Further improvement in group ROCE; up 20 basis points to 8.7%.

· Current trading resilient; Retail like-for-like sales up 2.2% in the last six weeks.

STRATEGIC PROGRESS

· Further retail expansion; additional 20 sites acquired or transferred from Pub Partners.

· Pub Partners estate down by 58 sites; influencing the offer in 26% of the estate.

· Brand investment maintained despite cost challenges in Brewing & Brands.

* before exceptional items

Ex-divi next wed 19th Dec (7.15p)

Interim Management Statement

Greene King announces its Interim Management Statement for the 36 weeks to 06 January 2013.

· Retail like-for-like (LFL) sales up 3.7% and food LFL sales up 4.1%
· Average EBITDA per pub in Pub Partners up 4.2%
· Greene King IPA and Old Speckled Hen ahead of last year

Rooney Anand, chief executive, said: "Our strong momentum has been maintained over the last six weeks. We achieved record sales through Christmas and the New Year as our teams once again delivered excellent value, service and quality to our customers.

Pubs continue to play a vital role for customers, families and communities across the UK during the festive period, especially in this difficult financial environment. We once again achieved record Christmas bookings and strong like-for-like sales growth across Christmas and the New Year. We achieved record Christmas Day sales of £2.7m, up 6.8%, and during the whole of December, we sold 448,000 Christmas meals, another record for Greene King."

HSBC Overweight 691.00 667.50 620.00 750.00 Upgrades

Thanks Skinny for the post, this is my best performing share so pleased to see the upgrades.

Yes they are going well!

My main play in the sector is MARS, which may have peaked recently.

Own that too Skinny, looking good for them both.

Quietly making 5 year highs today.

N+1 Singer Buy 731.75 720.50 - 760.00 Initiates/Starts

Trading Statement

Greene King announces its pre-close trading update for the 51 weeks to 21 April 2013. Its preliminary results for the 52 weeks to 28 April 2013 will be announced on 27 June 2013.

· Retail like-for-like (LFL) sales up 2.2%
· Food LFL sales up 2.7% and room LFL sales up 3.1%
· Average EBITDA per pub in Pub Partners up 4.6% after 48 weeks
· Core brand own-brewed volumes up 0.8%
· Expect to meet market expectations for the full year

Continuing to make new highs since the T/S.

Cheers Skinny bought them.

yOU LIKE YOUR ALE FIRMS YOU.

Are you into REAL ALE?????

Yes - but not fanatical these days.

Interesting, my brothers a massive fan.

Must admit like going around with him at weekends to new joints.

Mind all tastes same to me.Think its cos I have hayfever, cant taste as normal.