Bank of England holds interest rates at 0.75%
The Bank of England decided to hold interest rates at 0.75% on Thursday.
The UK economy has slowed as business’ uncertainties concerning Brexit “have become entrenched” and growth in the world economy has eased, the Bank of England said.
It said that growth in the UK economy has been volatile during the first half of this year, and the speed at which the economy is growing has slowed. The reduced demand for exports and the weakening investment by UK companies have been cited as factors to fuel this slow down.
The UK economy was expected to grow by 1.3% in 2019, down from May’s 1.5% projection.
Moreover, the decision comes against a backdrop of continuous trade tension between the US and China, with trade tensions intensifying since May.
The Bank of England said that the likelihood of a no-deal Brexit has further lowered interest rates and lead to a marked reduction of the sterling exchange rate.
Inflation is back at the bank’s 2% target. The Bank of England said that expects inflation to dip below the target later in the year, caused in part by lower gas and electricity prices.
“Increased uncertainty about the nature of EU withdrawal means that the economy could follow a wide range of paths over coming years. The appropriate path of monetary policy will depend on the balance of the effects of Brexit on demand, supply and the exchange rate. The monetary policy response to Brexit, whatever form it takes, will not be automatic and could be in either direction,” the Bank of England said.
Angus Dent, CEO at ArchOver, provided a comment following the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates at 0.75%:
“As for the currency generally, what’s happening against the Euro does seem strange. Our economy is much stronger than the Eurozone’s, and yet the currency is being battered.”
ITV announces two series of Love Island in 2020 after record-breaking success
ITV (LON:ITV) has confirmed that there will be two series of Love Island on ITV2 during 2020, as opposed to the one summer series per year format the show previously followed.
Love Island, ITV2’s reality TV show where young singles must couple up, find love and compete for a £50,000 cash prize, is the most watched programme of the year for adults aged 16-34 across any channel.
This year’s series hit new heights, breaking the 6 million viewers mark for the first time, in terms of four-screen consolidated viewing.
Love Island’s controversial nature has amounted a wave of backlash, however, with calls for the safeguarding of the contestant’s mental health growing in recent months.
Being “normal” people, the contestants who take part in the show risk not being able to cope with the fast rise to fame once they leave the Majorca-based villa in which the series is set.
In addition to the mental health of the contestants, Love Island also raises concerns for the Mental Health Foundation because it targets younger audiences who most probably already experience some kind of anxiety concerning their body.
Despite this, Love Island is back in early 2020 with the first series of the year set in a new villa in South Africa.
“Off the back of a record-breaking year, we’re delighted to be bringing an extra series of our biggest and sunniest show to the 2020 schedule,” Paul Mortimer, Head of Digital Channels and Acquisitions at ITV, commented on the announcement.
“Love Island has proven yet again to be the perfect format that engages younger audiences. In response to this viewer appetite, a new batch of young singletons will deliver some highly anticipated post-Christmas romance and drama from our new and luxurious location,” Paul Mortimer continued.
Earlier this month, we took a look at whether or not Love Island was worth the controversial backlash for ITV2.
Shares in ITV plc (LON:ITV) were trading at -1.13% as of 14.00 BST Thursday.
XP Power books lower first half profits
Critical power control solutions provider XP Power Ltd. (LON: XPP) saw their first half profits down on a year-on-year basis. The Company said the dampened profits owed to tough market and trading conditions.
Revenues were up 6% from £93.2 million to £98.9 million on-year for the first half and correspondingly, interim dividend per share also rose 6% from 33.0p to 35.0p.
Despite this, order intake was down 1% year-on-year for the first half, to £100.6 million, and adjusted operating profit dropped 12% from £20.7 million to £18.2 million. Further, the Group’s gross margin fell 210bps to 44.% and adjusted diluted earnings per share fell 17% during the same period, to 69.2p a share.
XP Power comments
James Peters, Chairman, stated, “Our results for the first half reflect tougher trading conditions in the second quarter. While growth in our Healthcare, Industrial and Technology markets remained robust, this was offset by a cyclical slowdown in the Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing market and pressure on gross margins, resulting from the increase in USA trade tariffs on Chinese manufactured goods, historic component price inflation and product mix.” “Notwithstanding these current headwinds, we continue to win new design slots at our key customers and to take market share. We benefit from a broad customer base as demonstrated by the resilience of our Industrial, Healthcare and Technology sector performance. We are well positioned to take further share and will benefit from any recovery in the Semiconductor Equipment Manufacturing sector. While we remain mindful of potential short-term risks and macroeconomic challenges, we continue to expect an improved revenue performance in the second half of the year as a result of the increase in our order book since the year end. With a proven strategy, strong design win momentum and an expanded product portfolio, the Board remains positive regarding the future of the Group.”Investor notes
After recovering from their early morning drop, the Company’s shares have now dipped 0.49% or 10.00p to 2,030.00p a share 01/08/19 13:39 BST. Peel Hunt analysts retained their ‘Buy’ stance on XP Power stock. The Group’s p/e ratio stands at 11.58 and their dividend yield is 4.23%. Other energy sector updates have come from; AFC Energy plc (LON: AFC), Nostrum Oil and Gas PLC (LON: NOG), John Laing Environmental Assets Group Ltd PLC (LON: JLEN) and Reabold Resources PLC(LON: RBD).London Stock Exchange challenges Bloomberg with $27bn Refinitiv acquisition
The London Stock Exchange Group (LON: LSE) has acquired financial market data and infrastructure company Refinitiv for $27 billion (£22 billion). In a move that will relocate Refinitiv’s operations to the UK and will transform it into a global rival to Michael Bloomberg’s financial data business, the LSEG has made a statement of intent to compete in the US market and have a more effective presence in Asia.
Provided by Blackstone and Thomson Reuters, Refinitiv’s Eikon trading floor terminals will allow the LSEG to challenge Bloomberg’s offering. LSEG will also absorb Refinitv’s majority stake in the fast-growing bond platform Tradeweb, as well as outright ownership of currency trader FXall. The combined effect of Refinitiv’s assets will yield annual revenues of £6 billion, should the London Stock Exchange successfully pass through the inevitable antitrust legal process that comes with any transaction of this size and strategic significance.
LSEG’s deal will be the latest of a spree of deals done by the City this week, which will amount to some £35 billion. The London Stock Exchange said it would finance the acquisition with an issuing of $14.5 billion of new shares and assuming $12.5 billion of existing debt. Taking on Refinitiv’s debt will weigh LSEG’s financial performance down, and its current £1 billion of net borrowing is set to quadruple after the deal.
The Company did add that it would aim for cost savings of £350 million within five years of the deal’s close, and would attempt to reduce the net debt sum to two times its current rate within 30 months. Following the 250 job cuts by the London Stock Exchange so far this year, finance chief David Warren said there would be, “employee related efficiencies” following the acquisition, due to a combination of role overlap between the two firms and an effort to cut costs.
London Stock Exchange Group comments
Chief Executive of LSEG, David Schwimmer, stated, “The acquisition of Refinitiv is transformational […] It is a rare and compelling opportunity to combine two world class businesses and create a global financial infrastructure leader. We will continue to be a global business headquartered in the UK.” “LSEG has been prepared for whatever may come through Brexit […] We are already diversified across regions and by currencies. This transaction helps us become more global. This is not about Brexit.”Considerations and investor notes
The Company’s shares have rallied 6.97% or 462.00p to 7,088.00p a share 01/08/19 11:50 BST. UBS analysts have reiterated their ‘Neutral’ stance on London Stock Exchange Group stock, while Deutsche Bank reiterated their ‘Hold’ stance. The Group’s p/e ratio is currently 38.12 and their dividend yield stands at 0.85%. Some readers could hazard a speculative outlook for the UK based on today’s news. It might not be definitive, but making the LSEG a viable data competitor on the world stage and with America struggling to resolve its negative yield curve, perhaps suggests British businesses are not going to be left behind and resorting to exclusively reactive measures in the post Brexit era. That being said, any wider optimism for the British economy – based on today’s news – need be taken with a pinch of salt. Provided the LSEG and Refinitiv make it through lengthy legal proceedings, the deal offers only small scope for celebration for those fearing the oncoming Leave deadline. Due to the all-share nature of the acquisition, any hope of the deal being a political opportunity for Britain to assert itself in the world of finance, is limited at best. US-based Blackstone and Canadian Thomson Reuters will now be the LSEG’s largest shareholders (combined 37%) and will control approximately 30% of total voting rights with 3 seats on the Board. Nonetheless, it is positive for British business. The London Stock Exchange will be shifting from a largely transaction-based to data-based business, in an era where mass data collection, collation and selling is not only lucrative but powerful. Strategically, the Company has situated itself well to compete on the world stage going forwards, and in a city based on financial services, that is exactly what London businesses need to do. Elsewhere in financial players and the banking sector, there have been updates from; Barclays (LON: BARC), Deutsche Bank (ETR: DBK) and Lloyds Banking Group (LON: LLOY).Revolut launches commission-free stock trading service
Revolut launched a stock trading service on Thursday as an incentive to make investing more inclusive among the public.
The British fintech company announced last August that it would launch a commission-free process of being able to invest in the stock market.
“Just as we set out to fix banking, the time as come to fix trading for the better too,” Revolut said on their blog when it first announced the service.
One year later and trading is now live for Revolut Metal customers, with the service being rolled out to its Standard and Premium customers too in the next few weeks.
“Revolut Metal customers can make up to 100 commission-free trades per month in over 300 U.S. listed stocks on the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ with real-time prices and stock performance data. Any trades thereafter will be charged at £1 per trade. Trades with Revolut are instant, with a 0.01 percent annual custody fee and no account minimums,” the fintech company said, explaining how the process currently works.
The service also includes the ability to purchase fractional shares. Since shares can be very expensive in many popular companies such as Amazon and Google, Revolut is offering a service that allows users to purchase a certain fraction of the single share for a much smaller price.
In the UK, Freetrade said in July that it had been granted new permissions by the FCA, bringing it one step closer to offering fractional shares.
Revolut added that because it is currently only offering U.S stocks, trading is only available between 9.30-16.00 EST.
Many have been shut off from investing in the stock market due to costs, high share prices and complicated processes, but the fintech company said that it wants to make investing more inclusive.
Financial technology, or fintech for short, is the new technology that competes with the traditional financial services.
Mobile banking and cryptocurrency are a few examples of technologies that increase the accessibility of financial services to the general public.
With fintech on the rise, will the traditional financial services be able to compete with the new fintech generation?
UK manufacturing PMI down as political uncertainty weighs
UK manufacturing PMI remained trapped at a six-and-a-half year low in July as global trade tensions prevail and Brexit uncertainty weighs, new data on Thursday reveals.
The IHS Markit UK Manufacturing PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) was at 48.0 for July, below the neutral 50.0 mark for the third consecutive month and unchanged from the figure given for the month of June.
The data shows that last time that the PMI was below its current level was almost six-and-a-half years ago in February 2013.
Manufacturing production saw its sharpest drop in seven years and demand was weaker from domestic and overseas markets, according to the data.
Employment decreased for the fourth month in a row and the pace of decline accelerated to one of the highest over the past six-and-a-half years.
Ongoing uncertainties such as global trade tensions and Brexit have been cited as factors contributing to lower order intakes and production.
Businesses also said that clients have been directing supply chains away from the UK ahead of Brexit.
“July saw the UK manufacturing sector suffocating under the choke-hold of slower global economic growth, political uncertainty and the unwinding of earlier Brexit stockpiling activity,” Rob Dobson, Director at IHS Markit, commented.
“Production volumes fell at the fastest pace in seven years as clients delayed, cancelled or re-routed orders away from the UK, leading to a further decline in new work intakes from both domestic and overseas markets,” Rob Dobson continued.
Duncan Brock, Group Director at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply said that the “killer combination of economic uncertainty and the weakest production levels for seven years, battered the manufacturing sector into contraction for the third consecutive month in July.”
“New orders fell as businesses used up stockpiled materials, EU businesses moved supply chains out of the UK and weakness in the global economy stifled demand from both domestic and export markets,” Duncan Brock added.
“Unsurprisingly the decline in employment levels followed suit with one of the sharpest cuts to jobs for more than six years as businesses hesitated to keep calm and carry on and build staff levels.”
Last week, Boris Johnson won the Conservative leadership contest, becoming the new Prime Minister of the UK. But will he be able to secure a deal before the Halloween extension date that ensures the nation leaves the European Union in a way that causes as little damage as possible?
Barclays half year profits rise 82%
Barclays posted an 82% increase in profit before tax in its half year results on Thursday.
Shares in Barclays (LON:BARC) were trading over 2% higher on Thursday morning following the announcement.
Barclays group profit before tax amounted to £3 billion for the half year ended 30 June, up 82% on the £1.7 billion figure from the year before.
Meanwhile at Barclays UK, profit before tax for the period was £1.1 billion, compared to the £0.8 billion recorded for the first half of 2018.
The British multinational investment bank and financial services company added that, given the challenging income environment experienced in the first half, management expects to reduce 2019 costs below £13.6 billion.
Barclays also said that it would pay a half year dividend per share of 3.0p.
“This was another resilient quarter of performance. For the second quarter in succession Barclays generated an attributable profit of over £1 billion, and delivered EPS of 12.6p for the first half of 2019,” James E Staley, Group Chief Executive Officer, commented on the results.
“Barclays UK continued to build its mortgage and deposit balances, with stable credit metrics. This has partially offset the reduction in net interest margin from increased levels of customer refinancing, and lower interest earnings from UK cards balances. Digital engagement with our UK customers is at an all time high, with just under 8 million customers now digitally active on the Barclays App,” James E Staley continued.
“Management focus on cost control remains a priority, and we expect to reduce expenses to below £13.6 billion for 2019.”
“This all puts us in a position to continue to increase the return of capital to shareholders by declaring a half year dividend of 3 pence. The half year dividend is around a third of what we expect to pay in total in a given year under normal circumstances. This increase in ordinary dividend reflects the confidence that the Board and management have in the sustainable earnings generation of our business.”
Earlier this year, Barclays reported a 10% fall in its first quarter profits, sending shares downwards.
In June, its former chief executive John Varley was acquitted of conspiracy to commit fraud.
Shares in Barclays plc (LON:BARC) were trading at 2.33% as of 09:34 BST Thursday.
Devro retains outlook with flat revenues and volumes
Food industry focused collagen producer Devro plc (LON: DVO) reported a fairly flat first half to FY19, with production and revenue remaining almost level and profits either marginally improving or falling, depending on the metric of measurement.
Production volumes of collagen products were down 1% for the first half, and the Company said revenues dropped by £1 million, due to what the Group described as ‘lower revenues from other products’.
Devro underlying profit before non-recurring items was down by £1 million to £17.8 million, while underlying profit was up 4% and statutory profit was up 25% to £14.9 million and £13.6 million respectively. The Group’s cash flow generation improved notably, however, up from negative £0.2 million for H1 2018 to £4.3 million for H1 2019.
Operationally, the Company stated that it was progressing well on; plant speed improvement in the US, the rollout of its Fine Ultra product platform and its pilot project for phased capacity increases in North America.
Devro comments
Company CEO Rutger Helbing, stated,
“We continued to make good progress on our strategic priorities in the first half. We delivered manufacturing efficiency improvements, in particular with increased speeds at our US plant. Our commercial and product development teams continue to establish the building blocks to accelerate future growth through the rollout of our new Fine Ultra product platform and developing new categories in China.”
“For the full year, we continue to expect volume and revenue growth to be weighted towards the second half, supported by a number of commercial initiatives to accelerate growth and the continued rollout of our Fine Ultra product platform. We also now expect our total cost savings programme to exceed our previously stated target. At current FX rates operating profit will benefit from foreign exchange gains in the second half.”
“Despite weaker market sentiment in some mature markets and ongoing pressures from input cost inflation, the Board believes that Devro continues to be well placed to make good progress in 2019 and the full year outlook remains unchanged.”
Investor notes
Following today’s update, the Company’s shares dipped 1.90% or 4.00p to 206.00p a share 31/07/19 15:15 BST. Peel Hunt analysts have reiterated their ‘Hold’ stance on Devro stock. The Group’s p/e ratio stands at 14.38 and their dividend yield is 4.34%. Elsewhere, there have been updates from other food and drink retailers; Greencore Group plc (LON: GNC), NWF Group plc (LON: NWF), Cranswick plc (LON: CWK), Nestle SA (SWX: NESN) and Fuller, Smith and Turner plc (LON: FSTA).Intu announces five year plan as shares plummet
Real estate investment trust company Intu Properties plc (LON: INTU) admitted today that something had to change in the Company’s strategy, with an on-year comparison of 2018 and 2019 first halves revealing a bleak downward trend in operational and financial performance.
Regarding its financials, the Company’s underlying earnings fell by a third from £98.5 million to £66.4 million. Additionally, its net rental income fell 7.7% on a year-on-year basis for the first half, down to £205.2 million from £223.1 million. The dividend paid per share also fell, from 4.60p per share for H1 2018, to a dividend not being paid to shareholders for the first half 2019.
In respect to Intu operational performance, the Group’s new leasing numbers were down from 116 to 109 for the first half, with new rent income dropping by £2 million on-year. Similarly, on an EPRA basis, occupancy rates dropped from 96.6% to 95.1%.
Intu Five Year Plan
In the Company’s statement, Company Chief Executive Matthew Roberts, commented,
“The first half of 2019 has been challenging for intu. We have experienced further downward pressure on like-for-like net rental income and property values resulting from a higher level of administrations and CVAs as some retailers struggle to remain relevant in a multichannel world.”
“These challenges, facing intu and the whole sector, have been well-documented and, while there are no quick fixes, I am confident that we can address them head on. Over the past nine months we have carried out the most comprehensive review of the business that intu has ever undertaken.”
“We know radical transformation is required and have developed a new, ambitious five year strategy to reshape our business and address the challenges we face, with a priority to fix our balance sheet. With the people changes we have made, we now have the right leadership team in place with the appropriate skill sets to deliver this plan and drive the business forward.”
“Regardless of current sentiment, one thing is clear: the physical store is not dying, it is evolving. The right store in the right location still plays a vital role in retailers’ multichannel strategies and we are starting to work with them as partners sharing the risks and rewards.”
“Our centres will also transform as we turn them into thriving communities – places where people want to live, work and have fun, as well as shop.”
“Change will not happen overnight, but I am confident we have the right plan in place and an energised, dynamic team to deliver it.”
Investor notes
After a modest recovery, the Company’s shares have continued their free fall, down 28.35% or 19.92p to 50.34p a share 31/07/19. Peel Hunt analysts have reiterated their ‘Hold’ rating, while Liberum Capital reiterated their ‘Sell’ stance on Intu Properties stock. The Group’s p/e ratio is currently 4.88 and their dividend yield is 9.03%. Elsewhere in property development and estate agency news, there have been updates from; LSL Property Services plc (LON: LSL), Countryside Properties PLC (LON: CSP), Ashley House Plc (LON: ASH) and Persimmon plc (LON: PSN).Next Q2 full price sales beat expectations, profit guidance raised
Next (LON:NXT) raised its profit guidance in a trading statement on Wednesday as second quarter full price sales came in ahead of expectations.
Shares in the retailer were trading over 8% higher on Wednesday following the announcement.
Full price sales in the second quarter were better than anticipated, Next said, up 4% on last year.
This result is 4.5% better than the guidance of -0.5% given in a trading statement earlier this year in May.
Following the better than expected results in the second quarter, Next increased its full price sales guidance for the second half from +1.7% to +3.0%.
“The increase in our full price sales guidance is £70m and, after accounting for associated costs, is expected to add £20m to profit. Lower clearance rates to date, along with anticipated lower clearance rates in the second half, are forecast to cost an additional £10m. As a result, we are increasing our guidance for full year Group profit by £10m to £725m, marginally up on last year. We now expect Earnings Per Share to grow by +5.2%,” Next said in a company statement.
“However, some of July’s over-performance in full price sales came as a result of lower markdown sales in our end-of-season Sale,” the fashion retailer added.
In May, Next announced that the unusually warm weather over the Easter holiday period had boosted its full price sales. The retailer had said, however, that it was too early to revise its full year sales and profit guidance, leaving the figures unchanged.
The news from Next comes as Intu (LON:INTU) shares plummeted on Wednesday as the tough retail environment weighs.
The shopping centre landlord said that loss before tax deepened to £856.4 million during the six months ended 30 June, down even further from the £506.5 million figure for the same period in 2018.
In order to reduce net external debt, Intu was forced to cut its dividend for 2019.
Retailers across the country are battling with gloomy trading conditions, with companies such as Debenhams among some of the most well-known names struggling lately.
Shares in Next plc (LON:NXT) were trading at +8.12% as of 14:28 BST Wednesday.