Investors' Chronicle

This week, we begin with online grocer Ocado (OCDO) following reports of a CEO switch. Julian Hofmann dives into what a potential change at the top will mean for the FTSE 250 company that has struggled to deliver despite decades of investing in its technology. Next, we turn to Liontrust Asset Management (LIO), where, despite another year of poor results, it reported an early completion for its acquisition of River Global. Christopher Akers explores the positive response to the news and whether M&A offers a road to recovery.Lastly, we look at Telecom Plus (TEP), better known as Utilities Warehouse, after it slashed dividend payouts and cut forecasts. Julian is back to discuss the provider’s plans to kick-start customer growth and considers whether investors are right to have confidence in the turnaround. Timestamps00:00 Intro06:33 Ocado12:17 Liontrust Asset Management20:08 Telecom PlusListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTubeInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Fevara (FVA:127p) may be new in name, but its roots and expertise stretch back more than a century through the former Carr’s Group. In the wake of this major transformation, the livestock supplements company’s focus is now on improving farming productivity through its advanced animal feed technology and supplements, and overseas expansion.Alongside chief executive Joshua Hoopes, Alex Newman and Lord Lee delve into the company’s strategy both at home and in South America. They cover Fevara’s lofty ambitions in Brazil – its acquisitions so far, the competitive advantages of the country, and the company’s targets for long-term growth. They also discuss why Hoopes believes Fevara can continue growing despite structural changes across the agricultural sector, and issues concerning sustainability and the climate crisis.The trio also explore shareholder returns, dividend policy and the outlook for global cattle markets.Let us know your thoughts, or if you have any questions or any suggestions for future guests, by emailing alex.newman@ft.comTimestamps00:00 Intro02:48 Fevara’s transformation07:00 Fevara’s feed supplements17:18 Why Brazil is Fevara’s biggest growth opportunity27:39 Sustainability, emissions and the future of cattle farming38:04 Lord Lee’s latest portfolio movesListen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle by clicking here or heading to Apple, Spotify and YouTubeInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Town Centre Securities (TOWN) is one of the UK market’s oldest names. Founded, managed and largely controlled by the Ziffs of Leeds since its listing in 1960, it is a typical John Lee stock: a cash-generative, dividend-paying, and storied family business with roots in the North.Another factor explains John’s recent decision to start building a stake in the group. At £1.15p, Town Centre’s share price trades well below half of the company’s net asset value.In this latest CEO interview, John and IC associate editor Alex Newman speak with Town Centre’s chief executive and chairman, Edward Ziff, about the business’s past and present, and the prospects for closing that enormous valuation gap.Let us know your thoughts, or if you have any questions or any suggestions for future guests, by emailing alex.newman@ft.com.Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle by clicking here or heading to Apple, Spotify and YouTube.Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction00:30 - How developments in Iran are affecting Lord Lee's investing plans03:25 - Dr. Edward Ziff explains Town Centre Securities business07:13 - How Town Centre Securities real estate assets are spread11:44 - Recent performance of Town Centre Securities15:40 - Lord Lee's previous dealings with Town Centre Securities19:07 - How important leverage and loan-to-value ratio is to the business23:36 - Town Centre Securities' Debenture 28:49 - Moving out of REIT status34:01 - Succession plans and family-run businesses39:29 - Lord Lee discusses his portfolioInvestors' Chronicle has supported private investors in the UK for over 160 years by highlighting rewarding investment opportunities. Investors' Chronicle is a service by the Financial Times. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.