Cook ups profit and dividend forecasts
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.William Cook yesterday announced an increased profit forecast for the year as Triplex Lloyd examined whether to raise its pounds 58m hostile offer for the Sheffield steel castings firm, writes Peter Rodgers.
The defending company said that in the year to March its profit would be "not less than pounds 11m" before tax, on the strength of recent strong trading and improving order books. The dividend forecast was also raised to 13p for the full year.
The bid from Triplex is at 309p against Friday's close of 370p, and the City is convinced that Triplex will have to decide later this week whether to bid again at well above 400p or withdraw.
William Cook's shares have been tightly held and not widely traded, with eight institutions owning 60 per cent and family members owning another 7.5 per cent.
William Cook has claimed that this illiquid market in the shares has depressed the market price. This has not reflected the full value of the company, whose rating is low compared with the rest of the sector.
Andrew Cook, chairman, said there were further new orders on the cards as rail companies bought new rolling stock to fulfil franchise commitments, and he urged investors to reject the Triplex bid.
The figures were dismissed as an "immaterial increase" by Triplex Lloyd, which said the latest forecast dividend was still below the level paid in 1991.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments