French Connection Share Discussion Threads

[bamboo2] 15/5/2014 08:40

I'll be hoping for a finish in the 80's.

[amorruso] 15/5/2014 08:35

A reasonable enough statement but as bamboo says the share price has got ahead of itself with the news being in the price hence the drop.

[mustau] 15/5/2014 08:26

North was expected from what I gather from previous.

[spob] 15/5/2014 08:17

north am below exp

not positive

[bamboo2] 15/5/2014 08:15

SP has been getting ahead of itself though. I'll continue to hold, until the chart indicates otherwise.

[mustau] 15/5/2014 08:10

10% drop on statement which overall positive.

[bamboo2] 15/5/2014 08:00

15 May 2014

FRENCH CONNECTION GROUP PLC

Interim Management Statement

French Connection Group PLC ("the Group") today announces its Interim Management Statement for the period from 1 February to 14 May 2014. Unless otherwise stated, trends and figures highlighted below refer to the three months ended 30 April 2014 and the corresponding period last year.

UK/Europe retail has continued to perform well driven by improvements to our product and supported by retail operating initiatives.

In line with our strategy to enhance brand equity and reduce the level of discounting, UK/Europe retail did not go on mid-season sale this year in April and early May. Adjusting for the 2013 mid-season sale, on an underlying basis like-for-like sales increased by 9.1% in the 15 week period to 10 May 2014 (+5.6% on a reported basis). As previously reported, LFL's comparatives get tougher as we move into H2.

We closed two non-contributing stores in the UK during the period and plan to close further non-contributing stores during the year.

UK/Europe wholesale revenue is 8% above last year. The order book for Autumn/Winter 2014 is also ahead of this time last year.

In North America, weakness in the apparel market continues to impact our business, both in wholesale and retail. We expect the North America region to trade below expectations for the remainder of the year.

Overheads continue to be tightly controlled and on an underlying basis adjusting for store closures, are 2.5% lower year on year.

Net Group cash, which falls during a cyclical low period of the year, was GBP12.8m (2013: GBP13.7m). The Group carries no debt.

Other than as detailed above, there have been no material events or transactions in the period. Although very early in the financial year the Board consider the Group to be on track to deliver results in line with market expectations, which would demonstrate further year on year improvement in the financial performance of the Group.

Stephen Marks, Chairman and Chief Executive said:

"I'm pleased to see continued momentum in our performance which demonstrates that we are on the right path. We are also encouraged by the early response to our Winter collection."

[chrisgail] 15/5/2014 07:46

It seems to be a Company 'proud' of its product, this is key in the segment of the market in which it trades, confidence is contagious.

[frenchfry] 15/5/2014 07:20

Seems a reasonable RNS on initial viewing, the only area of concern being the trading below expectations in N.America. Otherwise progress seems to be steady-as-she-goes, with recovery in trading and future ranges in particular now established.

[chrisgail] 15/5/2014 07:14

A sound update delivering further progress, the Company and Brand continues to regain its standing, the share price will follow.

[wellhard] 13/5/2014 16:03

Cool, have a good world cup bang in a few goals and wear the brand. Spot on !

[frenchfry] 13/5/2014 15:57

philanderer, you really are doing a splendid job in searching out FCCN's various clothing ranges/ campaigns, which certainly creates the impression of a revitalised and re-energised brand.
Not sure about your recent comment though about a shift in investing from small to larger caps.
I feel the smaller caps has certainly become a stock-picker's market, and FCCN has got the momentum to drive much further forwards, with the usual provisos of continuing to produce ranges which appeal to customers.
This has the feel of going much higher in my humble view.
DYOR of course.

[philanderer] 13/5/2014 14:11

Adam Lallana named new face of French Connection pre-fall line


Newly appointed midfielder for the England football team Adam Lallana has been named as the new face of fashion brand French Connection's pre-fall 2014 collection. Available in store at the end of May, the menswear line see wardrobe staples revisited and redesigned for the modern man.

[she-ra] 13/5/2014 10:42

I just think there is a genuine turnaround going on here.

[bamboo2] 12/5/2014 21:25

Thanks she-ra. Seems like we only just had one.

Do you have any special reason to be so confident?

Anyone, I've started a list of the larger holdings in post2. Let me know if you know of any more. tia.

[she-ra] 12/5/2014 21:09

bamboo2 - trading statement Thursday.

Im expecting it to be good.

[bamboo2] 12/5/2014 19:52

Phil, re, "Nerves before Thursday" have I missed something?

[philanderer] 12/5/2014 13:15

Nerves before thursday, but there is also a general trend lately of switching from small to large caps.

[bamboo2] 12/5/2014 13:06

Since the share price recently broke out of the uptrend, a backtest is not unexpected. Over the last few trading sessions, the mid price has dropped in the morning, only to recover later in the day.

[andyview] 12/5/2014 12:57

I've added more today..gla

[mustau] 12/5/2014 12:52

Misbehaving today, should be rectified by Friday!!

[bamboo2] 09/5/2014 19:27

FCCN active in emarketing...

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