Although we don’t believe in timing the market or panicking over market movements, we do like to keep an eye on big changes — just in case they’re material to our investing thesis.
What: Shares in Moneysupermarket.com (LSE: MONY) soared over 14% in early trade this morning, following a positive interim management statement in which it reported third-quarter revenues 5% ahead of Q3 2012.
So what: Although the Q3 trading was in line with the board’s expectations, one of the primary reason’s for today’s lift in share price is management’s announcement that the company has seen a “very strong start” to Q4, with revenues currently a whopping 25% ahead of the comparative period in 2012.
This has been led by consumers seeking better tariffs from their energy suppliers, after a spate of price hikes from the likes of Centrica and SSE, and since acquiring MoneySavingExpert.com, the price-comparison company is cornering the market. Indeed, visitors to Moneysupermarket.com were 5% ahead of Q3 2012.
Now what: Despite the UK seen to be the fastest-growing Western economy currently, many are still reeling from the financial crisis and look for quick solutions to save money. While the likes of gas and electricity are essentials, the suppliers’ costs still vary; Moneysupermarket.com is market leader in price-comparison sites, and stands in good stead to continue to benefit.
The shares haven’t had the best time of it in recent months, however. Having peaked at 221p in Spring this year, gaining 50% since January, they fell back down to the price they begun the year at (around 142p) while the recent pullback puts them around 177p.
