THE CYCLE TRADE

Evening Star, Issue 12396, 9 January 1905, Page 6

THE CYCLE TRADE

The latest mimber to hand of the 'lit vestors' Monthly Manual' states that the outlook for the shareholders in cycle companies is not very promising. Birmingham Small Arms Company have issued their report, and despite soma diminution in profit'?, Live done very welL Their results cannot, however, be taken as an indication of cycle results, since the manufacture ol B.S.A fittings is a specialty, and is not, perhaps, the principal part of the business, which is the manufacture of service rifles under Government contracts. Two small cycle companies had up to the date of the article issued their reports, neither of them paying any dividend. That, however, is not a new experience, as nothing was .paid last year. In the case of the Raglan Cycle and Anti-Friction Ball Company, the profits amounted to £1,476, which compares with £342 last year, while the James Cycle Company's earnings amount to £953. Considerable developments are expected in the coming season arising from the expiration of the Dunlop patents, and if the benefits of this can be fairly divided 'between manufacturers and the public, there may be an improvement in the prospect for shareholderi in cycle-making concerns. It is admitted however, that competition is going to bfl very keen, and if severe "cutting" is resorted to the whole benefit of reduced cost of production may go to the rider and Lot to the producer.