UK Market Weaker for Thomas Cook

Thomas Cook warned that full year operating profits would be at the lower end of expectations, dented by weaker UK markets and a stronger Euro.

Cherry Reynard | 11-08-10 | E-mail Article

The group said that summer trading is in line with capacity expectations. The group had cut back on its winter capacity and kept summer capacity flat in expectation of weaker markets.

 

For the three months to the end of June, revenues fell 9% (8% at constant currency). Underlying profit fell for �25.8m from �49.7m for the same period in 2009. This reflected the planned winter capacity reductions and the impact from the volcanic ash cloud. Excluding the impact of the volcano, third quarter profits were up 10% on the comparable period.

 

The financial impact of the volcanic ash cloud disruption was above expectations at �81.9m. Initial predictions had suggested it would cost Thomas Cook between �60m and �80m.

 

The group added that trading in the UK business in the final quarter was weaker than expected. Also, the weakening Euro is likely to have an impact on translation of Euro-based earnings. Overall, full-year profits are likely to be at the lower end of expectations.

 

TUI travel, owners of Thompson holidays, had warned markets yesterday that trading would be weak for the full year. Its share price was dealt with savagely, dropping over 10%. In contrast, Thomas Cook�s shares were dealt with less harshly in early trading, falling 2.3% to 179.7p. The shares were already on a relatively undemanding P/E of 6.5x and have fallen substantially this year. Markets may ultimately be encouraged by the relatively strong underlying revenue growth at the group.

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