RESULTS - WEDNESDAY 30 SEPTEMBER - INTERIMS

SAGA (SAGA) 201.8p

Strong trading across all of Saga’s (SAGA) divisions is expected when the lifestyle group for the over 50s announces its interims on 30 September. The FTSE 250 insurance, holidays, financial services and healthcare provider is expected to continue to benefit from its branding as major products and services provider for its target market in the six months to 31 July. The interim figures will indicate whether full-year expectations are achievable or not with analysts at Numis expecting the group to make a £195.8 million pre-tax profit in the 12 months to the end of January, compared to a £93 million pre-tax loss a year earlier. Investors will also be looking for an update on the Bennetts Bikes business it bought in July and a progress report on plans to establish a panel of external insurers that could increase its market share from 8%. (MD)