Backpacker
  • Hostelworld CEO divests £370,000 in shares to settle tax liabilities
  • Intertek CEO also selling
  • Billington NED offloads £1 million shares

The CEO of hostel booking platform Hostelworld (HSW) Gary Morrison has sold 306,882 shares at 121p for a total value of £371,327 on 31 May to cover 'tax liabilities'.

Over the past six months Hostelworld’s shares have risen over 21% to 125p benefiting from the lifting of Covid restrictions in Asia and recovery in European travel.

The online travel agent aimed at backpackers reported a positive set of full-year results on 22 March with net bookings in the 12 months to 31 December 2022 totaling 4.8 million – an increase of 228% year-on-year, while net revenue for the period was €69.7 million.

INTERTEK CEO SELLS OVER £620,000 SHARES

The CEO of quality insurance company Intertek (ITRK) Andre Lacroix has sold 14,790 shares at £41.95 for a total value of £620,441 on 31 May to ‘cover tax and national insurance liabilities'.

Over the past six months Intertek shares have been holding steady around the £42 mark.

The firm has also held annual guidance as its revenues rose 11% in the first four months of the year – group revenue hit £1.059 billion in the period to 30 April.

Last month, the FTSE 100 firm said it was going to buy a leading provider of environmental analysis with a focus on water testing boosting its 'green credentials'.

BILLINGTON DIRECTOR OFFLOADS £1 MILLION IN SHARES

The non-executive director of Billington Holdings (BILN:AIM) Alexander Ospelt has sold 260,000 shares at 390p for total value of £1.01 million on 1 June.

The structural steel and construction safety solutions specialist reported an increase in pre-tax profits for the 12 months ending 31 December of £5.8 million compared to £1.3 million a year ago.

Billington also declared its largest ever dividend at 15.5p per share, up from 3p for 2021, reflecting the firm’s strong financial performance.

The firm was optimistic about winning new contracts and improving margins in 2023.

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Issue Date: 02 Jun 2023