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.

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.

Certainly a quid is within reach fairly soon.

Hi Skinny,

I think the sp up lift is coming from the roll out of Youview TV from KC.

I went to a demo a couple of weeks ago and after a bit of digging I was informed that there has been a decent take up of the system and it does look competitive with any BT or Virgin offer.

As I am not that much into TV I have not yet taken up the KC offer re having the youview as a part of my package and am yet still waiting for there fibre optic cable to reach my village.

As to broadband and telephone, KC as you know have sort of a monopoly in many parts.
If I wish to change then I would need a BT line put in at a cost of around £100, so KC can have an edge even if they charge more than competitors.

If it was not for KC's free excellent customer service, I would be looking to change, but about 6 months ago on contacting KC about their charges and full roll out of optic fibre I was told to 'watch this space'.

I think the next 12 months could define KC's future re being left behind or keeping up with the likes of BT and Virgin.

Greekman - for info - Interims on November 26th

Cheers Skinny,

Whatever happens to the sp will make little difference to me as I only have a token holding.