Skip Header
Important information: The value of investments can go down as well as up so you may get back less than you invest. Investors should note that the views expressed may no longer be current and may have already been acted upon. This is a third-party news feed and may not reflect Fidelity’s views.

Safestore shares slump on FY earnings forecast as revenues fall

(Sharecast News) - Safestore shares fell sharply on Wednesday as the self-storage specialist said it expected annual earnings to be in the lower half of consensus forecasts as it posted a fall in interim core earnings amid tough trading conditions in most of its markets. The company on Wednesday said underlying earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation fell 3.7% to £67.1m for the six months to April. Revenue fell 0.8% to £109.2m, with the UK down 1.5% on a like-for-like basis while gains were made in France and Spain. Benelux outperformed with a 13.5% rise.

Revenue per available foot - a key metric used by the company - fell 1.3% to £27.86. Shares in the company were down almost 6% in London trade.

Pre-tax profit rose to £173.7m from £103.4m due to a gain on the revaluation of investment properties of £126.1m, partially offset by a decrease in underlying trading performance of £2.6m.

"As we look forward to the rest of the year, we expect to see trading move back into growth in the UK, notwithstanding the current short-term economic uncertainties, with continued growth in Europe leading to overall earnings per share for the full year in the lower half of consensus forecasts," Safestore said.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com

Share this article

Related Sharecast Articles

Thor posts strong first half, lowers full-year production guidance
(Sharecast News) - Gold explorers and miner Thor Explorations reported a solid first-half performance on Friday, although it lowered its full-year production guidance.
Trinity delays publication of scheme document for its takeover
(Sharecast News) - Trinity Exploration & Production announced a delay in the publication of the scheme document related to its recommended cash acquisition by Lease Operators on Friday.
Celadon confident in seeing through funding challenges
(Sharecast News) - Cannabis-based medicines specialist Celadon Pharmaceuticals updated the market on its financial position on Friday, amid ongoing challenges related to delays in expected funding.
Sound Energy inks bridge finance deal ahead of SEME sale completion
(Sharecast News) - Sound Energy has entered into a bridge financing facility agreement for up to £1.5m, it announced on Friday.

Important information: This information is not a personal recommendation for any particular investment. If you are unsure about the suitability of an investment you should speak to one of Fidelity’s advisers or an authorised financial adviser of your choice. When you are thinking about investing in shares, it’s generally a good idea to consider holding them alongside other investments in a diversified portfolio of assets. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.

Award-winning online share dealing

Search, compare and select from thousands of shares.

Expert insights into investing your money

Our team of experts explore the world of share dealing.