Slow buses hold up Stagecoach
Sunday 24 June 2012
Stagecoach is expected to post a flat pre-tax profit of around £200m this week, as a slowing bus market drags down success on the UK rail network.
The FTSE 250 group's South West Trains and East Midlands routes, plus its Virgin Rail joint venture, have seen strong revenue growth. Analysts pointed out this was in contrast to rivals such as FirstGroup, which is struggling due to growing unemployment and straitened household budgets.
But, Karl Burns, a transport analyst at Shore Capital, warned: "The key will be what management says about outlook, in particular on the UK bus side. Previously they have said they will maintain the current level of revenues. If Brian Souter, [the chief executive] can manage that, it will outperform. "
Stagecoach is also expected to outline a roll-out plan for budget business Megabus, following its acquisition of nine US depots.
-
Revealed: Devastating impact of 'bedroom tax' sees huge leap in demand for emergency hardship handouts for tenants
-
Notes from a small island: Is Sealand an independent 'micronation' or an illegal fortress?
-
You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
-
Revealed: Eerie new images show forgotten French apartment that was abandoned at the outbreak of World War II and left untouched for 70 years
-
Five-year-old British girl who died in a pool at Coral Sea Waterworld Hotel in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh resort named as Chloe Johnson
- 1 Stoke City investigate 'religious abuse' after 'pig's head is found in Kenwyne Jones' locker'
- 2 Gove’s lesson: spare the comma, spoil the child
- 3 Grace Dent on TV: Extreme Couponing, My Strange Addiction, and Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, TLC
- 4 You thought Ryanair's attendants had it bad? Wait 'til you hear about their pilots
- 5 Join Ryanair! See the world! But we'll only pay you for nine months a year
Get your summer started with British Military Fitness
BMF is the UK’s biggest and best loved outdoor fitness classes
Visit York
Find out what The Independent's resident travel expert has to say about one of the most beautiful small cities in the world
Enter the latest Independent competitions
Win anything from gadgets to five-star holidays on our competitions and offers page.
Business videos from commercial thought leaders
Watch the best in the business world give their insights into the world of business.
iJobs Money & Business
Fidessa Analyst / PM - Banking - London - £600pd
£550 - £600 per day: Orgtel: Fidessa Analyst / PM - Banking - London - Up to £...
Sourcing Manager - Banking - London - £500pd
£450 - £500 per day: Orgtel: Sourcing Manager - Banking - London - Up to £500p...
School Finance Assistant (part-time, term-time only)
To be discussed at interview.: Queen Elizabeth's School: An experienced and ef...
Java Developer - Munich OR Milian
£294.05 - £330.92 per day + 150 per day travel and accommodation: Orgtel: A le...
Day In a Page
The price of pacifism
Jason Isaacs: Groupies, theatre bores and James Bond
Sealand: 'Micronation' or illegal fortress?
One man returns to Argentina's town that drowned
Gordon Ramsay's worst nightmare: A restaurant he cannot save
Why bitters are back on the bar
The 10 Best barbecues



Comments