Three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
Domino’s Pizza
It looks like more of the same from Domino’s Pizza [LON:DPZ] in their half year results out today. The core UK & Ireland market is performing well with sales up 5.5%, but the company’s ‘international’ operations across parts of continental Europe continue to struggle, hitting profitability as a result. The company shows no sign of backing away from its ambitions to conquer markets such as Norway, Sweden and Iceland, but will investors continue to tolerate this? At least the modest uptick in dividend should provide something of a sweetener.
Boohoo
Boohoo LON:BOO has this morning published a statement confirming media speculation that it is interested in the acquisition of fashion brands Karen Millen and Coast. There is no indication as to whether the deal will complete, but the company believes the online business of these brands would complement its own platform.
Rolls Royce
Half way numbers from Rolls Royce [LON:RR] have been published, showing that revenues are up 7% and operating profits have jumped more than 30%. Despite ongoing problems with engines for the 787 fleet and the closure of the A380 production line, the company believes it is on track to meet full year guidance for operating profits. Whether this news is sufficient to pull the company’s share price out of its recent steady decline remains to be seen.
