Hotel Chocolat growth rate slows

At times it seemed that chocolate maker and retailer Hotel Chocolat (LON:HOTC) could do no wrong. That has changed as slowing growth in the second quarter has led to a downgrade, albeit small.

Given the high rating enjoyed by Hotel Chocolat it is impressive that the share price has held up so well, falling 12.5p to 415p. There is normally a disproportionate reaction to a downgrade. However, it is in the minority of AIM company share prices that are lower now than at the time of the General Election.

Peel Hunt has trimmed its pre-tax profit forecast by £500,000 to £14.5m. The shares are s...