What the analysts say
The verdict from global analysts on major company news
What the analysts say: Greencore reports "solid" H1 results
21 May 2013
Convenience food group Greencore this morning (21 May) booked an increase in first-half earnings but warned about "tough" UK market conditions for the remainder of the year. Analysts offered an overall positive view of the results, despite the cautious outlook by the group.
What the analysts say: UK meat group Cranswick reports "positive" FY
20 May 2013
UK pork group Cranswick this morning (20 April) booked an increase in adjusted annual earnings and in sales. Profits exceeded analysts' expectations. Overall, analysts offered a positive review of the results.
What the analysts say: Morrisons Q1
9 May 2013
Morrisons has seen sales continue to decline at a faster rate than its rivals in the first quarter of the year. However, the company has a number of initiatives in the pipeline - significantly its plans to launch online and expand in convenience - that are frequently cited as offering a longer term upside. Here is how the City responded to Morrisons revenue performance.
What the analysts say - Delhaize CEO departure, Q1 results
8 May 2013
In two separate announcements this morning (8 May), Belgian retailer Delhaize Group revealed its CEO Pierre-Olivier Beckers is to retire at the end of the year and that it had returned to profit in the first quarter. Analysts gave a mixed view of the announcements.
What the analysts say - City reflects on "sound" year for Sainsbury's
8 May 2013
The UK's third-largest grocer reported solid annual results today (8 May), a year in which profits grew and it gained market share. Analysts largely welcomed the results.
What the analysts say - Unilever Q1 misses analyst estimates
25 April 2013
Anglo-Dutch consumer goods giant Unilever this morning (25 April) saw its share price fall as weakness in its spreads division held back an otherwise "solid" first-quarter performance. The underlying sales increase came in below analyst forecasts who gave a relatively mixed view of the results.
What the analysts say - Grocery as expected at ABF
23 April 2013
Beyond the continued growth of Associated British Foods' discount clothing chain Primark, the UK-based group's grocery business generally met expectations in the first half of the year.
What the analysts say - a "solid" Q1 for Premier Foods
23 April 2013
Premier Foods plc this morning (23 April) saw its share price climb as it revealed an increase in group sales in the first quarter. The Hovis maker said its cost savings plan was on-track and that it has the right strategies in place to make further progress this year. CEO Gavin Darby outlined three areas in the business where he felt complexities could be taken out. Here, analysts give their views on today's sales update.
What the analysts say - concern over Nestle's emerging markets
18 April 2013
Nestle's sales slowed in the first quarter of the year amid weaker sales growth from its Asia, Oceania and Africa division. The performance of the world's largest food manufacturer in emerging markets has become a cause for concern among analysts.
What the analysts say - Upbeat welcome to Tesco FY update
17 April 2013
Tesco's shares slid 3.6% this morning (17 April) after the UK's largest retailer revealed a drop in annual profits and confirmed it will exit the US. The group did, however, sound an upbeat note on the performance of its domestic business, which saw sales increased by 1.8% and reiterated its commitment to becoming "the best multichannel retailer". Here, analysts give relatively positive opinions on today's trading update.
What the analysts say - M&S food beats City forecasts
11 April 2013
The City's attention has been on Marks and Spencer's clothing business in recent months. The UK retailer's fourth-quarter trading update indicated the division performed better than expected, although problems remain. However, all the while, the upmarket grocer's food business powers along nicely.
What the analysts say - Sainsbury's sales driven by online and convenience
19 March 2013
UK retailer Sainsbury's this morning (19 March) recorded an increase in like-for-like sales over the last ten weeks, helped by strong growth in online and convenience. Overall, analysts were upbeat about the figures that some believe have allowed the grocer to materially outperform its peers.
What the analysts say - cautious welcome to Carrefour FY
7 March 2013
Carrefour's shares climbed today after the French retailer's 2012 results, which included better-than-expected core profits and higher earnings in France. Analysts cautiously welcomed the numbers, although they argue more work needs to be done.
What the analysts say - Concern over US clouds Delhaize results
7 March 2013
Belgium-based retailer Delhaize Group this morning (7 March) reported a drop in profits in 2012 as costs from store closures and impairment charges hit its bottom line. The retailer also cut its full-year gross dividend. Analysts gave a relatively upbeat view of the results but pointed to concerns over the group's US operations.
What the analysts say: Nestle FY results, 2013 outlook
14 February 2013
Global food group Nestle this morning (14 February) booked an increase in full-year profits but slowing underlying sales growth. The company also pointed to 2013 as looking every bit as "challenging" as 2012. Analysts gave a mixed view of the results.
What the analysts say: Tesco's turnaround plan bearing early fruit?
10 January 2013
UK retailer Tesco booked better-than-expected UK sales over the key Christmas trading period as the group benefited from the various initiatives under its domestic turnaround plan. The group has invested in improving its customer proposition over the past nine months. UK shoppers have responded positively, driving like-for-like sales gains. However, the City reaction has been somewhat mixed, with some analysts highlighting last year's weak comparables while others have hailed Tesco's early gains.
What the analysts say: Marks & Spencer Q3
10 January 2013
Marks and Spencer's share price took a hit this morning (10 January) after the retailer reported worse-than-expected third-quarter sales figures, despite strong demand for food over Christmas.
What the analysts says: Sainsbury's at head of retail pack
9 January 2013
Sainsbury's today (9 January) reported that third-quarter like-for-like sales, excluding fuel, came in at 0.9%. While this represents a slow-down from the company's previous 31 consecutive quarters of growth, Sainsbury's was able to increase its market share during the key Christmas trading period. Sainsbury's star-performer was once again its own label offering and the group was upbeat on the success of its promotional strategy. However, when inflation and the contribution from store expansions is stripped out, the group saw sales volumes decline. With the likelihood that the 2013 competitive environment will remain tough, the challenge will be for Sainsbury's to maintain its growth momentum. Here is the City's verdict.
What the analysts say: Morrisons Q4 sales continue slide
7 January 2013
Morrisons has once again booked a decline in like-for-like sales worse than the overall market, as the group struggles to maintain its share in the face of a highly price-focused consumer. According to management, the "greatest headwinds" that it is facing are its lack of an online and convenience offering. Morrisons has also insisted that it needs to address issues with its marketing and promotional strategies. However, there are those in the City that worry the group's problems go beyond the way that it communicates its message to the message itself.
What the analysts say - ConAgra Foods Q2/H1 numbers
21 December 2012
ConAgra Foods yesterday (20 December) booked a jump in first-half profits and raised its full-year earnings forecast. The growth was a result of a series of small acquisitions made by the US group this year. Analysts gave an overall positive reaction to the results but some were cautious about the outlook for the company, particularly around its plan to buy private-label rival Ralcorp Holdings.
