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Qinetiq first-half profit up, maintains expectations for FY18
FTSE 250 defence technology group Qinetiq reported a rise in first-half profit and revenue on Thursday as it maintained its expectations for FY18.
UK retail sales growth fall to lowest in over four years
UK retail sales bounced back more than expected last month but showed the first annual decline in four and a half years, with the prognosis for the sector remaining grim amid the ongoing squeeze of household budgets.
Avation announces new debt issue and expanded aircraft options pipeline
The commercial passenger aircraft leasing company, Avation, announced on Thursday the pricing and issue of a $20m tranche of its 7. 5% senior notes due in 2020 at a premium with a price of 100. 83.
New Iofina facility on track for first production in February 2018
Chemical production company Iofina announced on Thursday that construction of its newest iodine production plant IO#7 was progressing on time and budget with concrete work complete and steel erection, piping and electrical works all underway.
Stewart and Wight shares retreat despite improved profits
UK-based property investment company Stewart and Wight posted a net profit of £204,534 in the six months leading to 30 September as the firm began to turn itself around after the previous year's loss of £101,976.
Ted Baker revenue rises despite challenging conditions
Retailer Ted Baker posted a 7. 3% jump in revenue for the 13 week period from 13 August 2017 to 11 November on Thursday, despite challenging conditions across some of its global markets.
Royal Mail posts confident interims as parcel and letter volumes improve
Underlying profits at Royal Mail improved in the first half of the year and it nudged its interim dividend higher, though the costs of transforming the business saw reported operating profits plummet more than 80%.
Close Brothers loan book rises, hails good start to year
FTSE 250 merchant bank Close Brothers reported a 1. 4% rise in its loan book for the first quarter, saying it has made “a good start” to the year with continued strong profitability across all three divisions.
WPP shifting US listing to NYSE from Nasdaq
Advertising and public relations behemoth WPP announced on Thursday that it is transferring the listing of its American depositary shares to the New York Stock Exchange from the Nasdaq Global Market, where they currently trade under the ticker ‘WPPGY’.
Legal & General makes some senior management changes
Legal & General Group announced a senior management shuffle in its Legal & General Retirement (LGR) and Legal & General Capital (LGC) divisions on Wednesday.
National Grid commits $550m to US operations, seeks approval to up rates
National Grid committed $550m of investment to its Massachusetts business as filed a request with the state's Department of Public Utilities to increase distribution rates for its gas utilities in the region.
Investec operating profit up 12% in first half
Investec posted a rise in operating profit for the first half on Thursday thanks to a solid performance form its asset management and wealth & investment businesses.
Mediclinic mulling amended offer for Spire
Mediclinic updated the market on its ongoing efforts to acquire Spire Healthcare on Thursday, confirming it would consider share price movements in recent weeks before possibly making an amended offer.
Mugabe remains under house arrest as Zimbabwe waits on army
Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe remains under house arrest in the capital of Harare as citizens of the country wait on the next move of the army.
Revenue ahead but earnings mixed for Mediclinic
Mediclinic reported a 10% rise in revenue to £1. 41bn in its interim results on Thursday, adding that revenue remained flat in constant currency terms.
British Land increases development amid sharp 'polarisation' in demand
British Land increased its interim dividend 3% after selling £1. 5bn of assets in the half-year and seeing its portfolio increased in value by 1. 4%.
NAV continues to progress at 3i Group
Private equity and venture capital firm 3i Group reported continued progression in its net asset value per share in its interim results on Wednesday, saying it rose to 652p from 604p at the end of March, after the payment of the 18. 5p final dividend for the 2017 financial year.
London open: Stocks little changed ahead of retail sales data
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Thursday after ending the previous session at a six-week low, as investors eyed the release of the latest UK retail sales figures.
Galliford Try appointed to leading education building framework
The building division of FTSE 250 housebuilding, regeneration and construction group Galliford Try has been awarded all six lots that it bid for on the Education and Skills Funding Agency's school building framework.
BHP Billiton expects continued volatility in markets
BHP Billiton's chairman said the miner expects economic volatility to persist as the US, Europe and China face challenging transitions.