Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Investment Column: Yates needs wine weather

Tuesday 09 June 1998 23:02 BST
Comments

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.

YATES BROTHERS, the fast-expanding chain of wine bars, is hoping for a fine summer and not too much distraction from the World Cup to help maintain its impressive progress. In the year to March, pre-tax profits rose by 30 per cent to pounds 13.6m, though this includes exceptional profits on disposals. Like-for-like sales actually rose 2 per cent in spite of price cuts aimed at attracting business. However, most of the growth comes from new outlets, up from 61 to 87 in the period.

Retail space grew by 40 per cent and the first of a new food and drink chain, dubbed the Ha Ha Bar & Canteen, opened in Bristol in February. A further 25 outlets are planned in the current year and the group remains on course to reach its ambitious target of 200 in four years' time.

Analysts expect profits of around pounds 15.5m for the current year, rising to pounds 19.5m by March 2000. That puts the shares, which slipped 16p to 542.5p yesterday, on a forward earnings multiple of 27, falling to 22. Demanding, but Yates deserves the rating.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in