Kingston Communications is an established UK communications company. The Group's national business-to-business capabilities encompass the provision of fully integrated and managed network solutions, complemented by the delivery of voice, data and call handling services in the towns and cities served by the Kingston Communications network. This infrastructure comprises twenty-five metropolitan fibre networks and a long distance broadband network, which was initiated for service in May 2001. Kingston's new media activities include the DSL-based interactive television service, KIT, and satellite broadband content, storage and distribution arm, Kingston inmedia. The Group's East Yorkshire network operation has served business and residential customers since 1904.

Great to see it is following BT lead ....

Barchart Opinion

New high this morning.

Final Results

"Improving quality and long term sustainability of the business"
Summary

· Group performance in line with expectations
· Strengthening competitive position in target markets
· Strong performance in KC
· Progress in Kcom strategic focus areas
· Implementation of asset backed partnership
· Net debt at 1.1 times EBITDA
· Full year dividend of 4.4p per share, an increase of 10 per cent
· Commitment to grow dividend, at 10 per cent per annum to 2016

Execution Noble Buy 0.00 100.00 100.00 Reiterates

Ex-divi 26th June '13 (2.97p)

Liberum Capital Buy 81.20 - - Reiterates

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT TRUST DEALING
19.07.2013
KCOM Group PLC (the "Company") has been notified that Praxis Trustees Limited, as a trustee of the Kingston Communications 2000 Employee Shares Trust (the "Trust"), purchased 370,000 ordinary shares of 10 pence each of the Company on 18 July 2013 at an average price of 83.15 pence per share.

The purchases were made in order to cover obligations of the Trust under the Company's Executive Incentive Plan and have been funded by the Company. The Trust does not anticipate making any further purchases ahead of the July 2013 vesting date.

Following these transactions the Trust now holds 1,213,240 shares, representing 0.235% of the Company's issued share capital and voting rights.

Interim management Statement

KCOM Group announces the following trading update for the period 1 April to 26 July 2013, ahead of its Annual General Meeting at 11am.

Since its preliminary results announcement on 7 June, the Group has remained focused on executing its strategy for profitable growth across each of its brands, targeting opportunities to provide more value added services to existing customers and winning new contracts across each of its target markets. The Board confirms that trading continues to be in line with expectations.

Subject to shareholder approval at today's AGM, the Group will pay a final dividend of 2.97p (2012: 2.67p) to shareholders on the register on 28 June 2013. This brings the total dividend for the year to 4.44p per share, an increase of 11 per cent year on year. Payment of the final dividend will be made on 2 August 2013. The Board reconfirms its commitment to delivering a ten per cent increase per annum in full year dividend over the next three financial years, ending 31 March 2016.

Espirito Santo Execution Noble Buy 83.13 84.40 100.00 100.00 Reiterates

New High @89.35p.

New high @91.50p

Can we get to 100p again.

I think 92.50 is the all time high?

I remember they were 800p plus 12 years back.

Ah yes - a tech darling.

Yes a dotcom disaster.

Trading Statement

Current Trading

During the first half year, the Group has performed in line with expectations.

As we anticipated, net debt has increased since 31 March 2013 and we expect it will reduce in the second half to be in line with market expectations at the end of the financial year.

Commenting on trading, Bill Halbert, Executive Chairman stated, "I am pleased to report that the Group continues to make progress towards achieving its longer term objectives. The cash generative capacity of the Group means it is able to continue with its progressive dividend policy while continuing to invest in those areas that support the Group's ambition to achieve market leadership positions across all four brands."


ends

New 13 year high @96.00p.

Good chance of 120p imo.