Lookers Share Discussion Threads

[npp62] 17/10/2016 10:17

Agreed. On my watchlist too

[essentialinvestor] 15/10/2016 13:08

Might be worth factoring in some sector earnings downgrades for 2017.

I don't think it's sackcloth and ashes times, however not even one recent non exec director buy.

On a watchlist, not holding atm.

[bigbertie] 14/10/2016 16:49

I sold 40% of my holding some time ago, and have now sold another 20% - the market obviously fears the worst for motor dealers. Good luck all holders.

[essentialinvestor] 14/10/2016 10:59

Imv Lookers should hold fire on any further acquisitions, other than
the two recently announced.

Keep gearing low and see how the sector trades next year.

There is no rush to expand further, may be plenty of opportunities next year.

[coolen] 13/10/2016 22:28

Sterling slumps. Consequently import prices rise.

Does this not remind you of:

"It does not mean that the pound in your pocket has been devalued." Prime Minister Harold Wilson, 19 November 1967, after forcing exactly that.

[essentialinvestor] 13/10/2016 09:09

Might have a few if we retest the July low.

No director buying.

[peterlowen] 13/10/2016 06:46

I like this bit "Hicks said: “Jaguar Land Rover continues to enjoy great success at the moment; this month has been our best September on record for both Jaguar and Land Rover."

[king kong dong] 12/10/2016 07:13

Vertu put some decent figures out today....said they had a strong September. Bodes well for LOOK.

[king kong dong] 11/10/2016 15:43

I think a lot of people will buy a new car, as its increasingly worth nothing keeping it in the bank. Interest rates are dire for savers....might as well splash out.

[essentialinvestor] 11/10/2016 09:50

GBP weakness may lead to higher vehicle pricing through 2017,
September new car registrations indicated a slow down in private registrations,
growth in the fleet market boosted overall figures.
New vehicle registrations have enjoyed multiple years of strong growth,
so some slowdown inevitable imv.

The sector is likely to experience weaker conditions periodically.
All IMV only, so always DYOR.

[peterlowen] 11/10/2016 04:46

The only news I can find....

[king kong dong] 10/10/2016 13:57

Can't answer that Peter, but here's a reminder for everyone of the excellent half year results:

Financial highlights:

· Revenue increased 33% to £2.34 billion (2015: £1.75 billion)

· *Operating profit increased 20% to £59.1 million (2015: £49.2 million)

· *Adjusted profit before tax increased 16% to £50.1 million (2015: £43.1 million)

· Profit before tax increased by 17% to £46.7 million (2015: £39.9 million)

· Earnings per share up 17% at 9.44p (2015: 8.08p)

· *Adjusted earnings per share up 16% at 10.3p (2015: 8.89p)

· Increase in interim dividend of 20% to 1.28p per share (2015: 1.07p)

· Net debt significantly reduced to £74.9 million (31 December 2015: £161.7 million)

[peterlowen] 07/10/2016 17:54

Why are we nearing a £1.00 ? I can't see the GB-Dollar rate causing 25% recent drop.
Any suggestions....

[georgeg2] 04/10/2016 11:22

I'm in! Buckle up!

[the destroyer] 04/10/2016 11:00

mega buy ticked through....500k

[oldvic] 04/10/2016 09:51

take over target !!

[the destroyer] 04/10/2016 09:50

C'mon!!!!!

[ed 123] 29/9/2016 12:21

Yes, INCH, holding some, myself.

Lots of anxieties around the world, including China. FWIW, Barclays have released a global outlook today. Summary paragraph ...

Downside risks from Brexit and China that preoccupied us in June have not materialized. We have upgraded our forecasts in both areas and also see a stronger H2 for the US after a weak H1. Meanwhile, the emergence of an outspokenly dovish wing of the FOMC should temper concern over Fed tightening for the near future.
The medium-term outlook is not very inspiring for growth-sensitive assets. Despite our upgrades, we expect the world economy to grow just 3.5% in 2017, with risk to the downside. And after years of QE, few markets are cheap. But with global growth likely solid over the next few months, monetary policy ultra-easy, and the equity risk premium elevated, we move to a more risk-tolerant stance at the start of Q4.

As ever, one would need to jump ahead of the news to avoid getting burned. Unfortunately, I don't have a view on what to jump from or where to jump to ........... so I'll just muddle along. ;-)

[essentialinvestor] 29/9/2016 11:01

Ed, INCH worth watching fwiw, have a very modest holding there.
Some recent director sales though and Asia is a big market,
if China did slow sharply and impact the region that is potential
for downside.

[ed 123] 29/9/2016 10:03

Ta, EssentialInvestor and Peterlowen. :-)

Re: the Euro/GBP rate, I think the manufacturers largely carry on and soak up currency moves initially, though there may later be some trend of higher new car prices than would otherwise have occurred.

Timing of the Benfield buy turned out to have been unfortunate with respect to the VW emissions scandal. The two recent purchases (assuming they complete) improve the brand balance, ie. reduce the percentage AWV Group garages in the Lookers stable. It may have been a wish to rebalance away from AWV Group that gave them the final push to sell the Parts Division?

Sales of new Volkwagen cars in the UK are down slightly less than 10% (year to end of August 2016).



Used VW sales appear to be unaffected and presumably the VW servicing side is unaffected or possibly given a short term boost by the remedial works.

I'm holding Lookers, thinking it should be ok further out, when the emissions thing has receded and the Brexit terms are decided. Atm, however, the ride is decidedly bumpy.

[peterlowen] 29/9/2016 09:29

This is a big deal selling the parts division, paving the way for acquisitions, I think a +re-rate soon.

[essentialinvestor] 29/9/2016 09:27

Ed, VW, Audi emissions, continued GBP weakness.

Not one director buy recently I notice, even down near the 90 plunge low.

All IMV only, DYOR as always, still a strong operator on my take.

[ed 123] 29/9/2016 09:24

Meeting at 10:30am today to vote on the proposed sale of the Parts Division.

Could the recent fall be connected with that? Perhaps an insitutional holder not liking the deal and selling out?

Plenty of shares on offer this morning.

[peterlowen] 29/9/2016 09:11

you would not think,looking at the chart that lookers have had 7 great years of progress...