Category: Finance & markets

60 Seconds – Is a Bull Trap emerging in Hospitality?

A deteriorating situation on the ground? Pressures are building within the UK hospitality industry. GNK, RTN, FUL, COM, RIC & TAST have recently warned on profits & analysts have downgraded estimates for MARS, MAB & others. Which is odd as the July Coffer Peach Tracker suggests ‘It’s steady as you go for Britain’s managed pub…

60 Seconds: Tough summer dents pub profits

Tough summer dents pub profits. Greene King says LfL managed sales in the 18wks to 3 Sep fell by 1.2%. Sales in the first 10wks were flat (0% LfL). This implies they fell by more than 2.5% LfL in July & August. September comps are very tough; there will be a relative September shortfall.

60 Seconds on cinemas: A tough year in prospect?

The current situation: US cinema attendances are down 52% y-t-d (per Box Office Mojo). BOM unhelpfully adds ‘summer 2017 is closing out with the worst Labor Day weekend in 17yrs’. Such trends have a habit of crossing the pond. How did we get here?     TV did the damage 50yrs ago.     Cinema subsequently rallied…

60 Seconds. Market Evolution, Supply, supply, supply & Demand…:

Is the market over-supplied or is demand softening? Recent trading updates: Burger, chicken & pizza are amongst the most reliable of casual dining fayre Hence recent troubles at Ed’s Easy Diner, Comptoir Group, Tasty, Richoux & even bar group Revolution, aren’t too much of a surprise But Restaurant Group provides burger, chicken & pizza &…

60 Seconds. Slack Money, the hunt for yield & over-building:

Interest rates last rose over 10yrs ago (on 5 July 2007). Slack money got us through the worst of the aftermath of the Credit Crunch but where’s the road back?