Company News
Investec pleased with performance amid global turmoil
Investec issued its unaudited combined consolidated financial results for the six months ended 30 September on Thursday, reporting a “sound” operational performance.
Safestore Q4 revenue rises amid strong UK performance
Self-storage provider Safestore posted an 11. 3% rise in fourth-quarter revenue on Thursday as occupancy increased and the company sounded an upbeat note on the outlook.
Genus profits hurt by African Swine Fever; beef prices recover
Genus on Thursday reported lower adjusted pre-tax profits for the four months to end October as it the African Swine Fever outbreak in China hit the animal genetics company.
Spirax-Sarco maintains progress amid decent market growth
Steam, electrical thermal energy and peristaltic pumping solutions provider Spirax-Sarco Engineering updated the market on its trading for the period ended 31 October on Thursday, reporting that the global macro-economic environment for the group remained “positive”.
Revenue improves but profit falls as expected at QinetiQ
QinetiQ Group reported positive strategic progress in its interim results on Thursday, with revenue growing to £420. 3m in the six months ended 30 September, from £392. 5m in the same period last year.
Great Portland to launch £200m buyback as profits rise
Great Portland Estates announced plans on Thursday to buy back up to £200m of shares over the next 12 months as it posted a rise in first-half pre-tax profit.
Premier Oil operationally on-track ahead of year-end
Premier Oil updated the market on its trading and operations for the year-to-date on Thursday, reporting production so far of 78. 4 kboepd, up from 76. 2 kboepd in the first half.
Cairn Energy reports mixed news from North Sea projects
Cairn Energy announced an oil discovery on the 9/14a-17B well and associated side-track on the Agar-Plantain Prospect in the UK North Sea on Thursday, as well as a farm-out agreement for a 40% non-operated interest of the Chimera prospect in the UK North Sea.
GVC avoids £700m payment for Ladbrokes takeover
GVC Holdings avoided paying almost an extra £700m for its acquisition of Ladbrokes after the government issued a new ruling on the UK fixed-odds betting machines.
Mediclinic losses widen on weak Swiss performance
Private hospital group Mediclinic posted a widening of its interim losses on Thursday on the back of a weak performance in Switzerland.
Energean says on track for first Israel gas deliveries in 2021
Energean Oil and Gas said it was on track to deliver the first gas from the Karish - Tanin development in Israel by the first quarter of 2021.
Intermediate Capital AuM rise amid strong inflows
FTSE 250 asset manager Intermediate Capital Group surged on Thursday as it posted a rise in first-half assets under management, driven by strong inflows.
Bovis Homes on track for FY but warns over Brexit uncertainty
Bovis Homes said on Thursday that it continues to target record profits for this year, but warned that uncertainty about Brexit has put off discretionary homebuyers.
Royal Mail addresses costs as first-half profits fall 25%
Royal Mail nudged up its half-year dividend despite a 25% decline in operating profits for the first half of the year.
Kier Group sells Aussie road maintenance division KHSA in £24m deal
Infrastructure services, buildings and developments company Kier Group has agreed terms for the disposal of KHSA to Downer Group for a total consideration of up to AUD 43. 7m (£24m), subject to an escrow arrangement.
TBC Bank rides Georgian economy through decent third quarter
Georgia-focussed banking group TBC Bank issued its third-quarter numbers on Thursday, reporting net profit of GEL 107. 4m (£30. 87m) in the three months ended 30 September, up from GEL 86. 8m at the same time last year.
Oilex chalks up victory in ongoing spat with Indian JV partner
Exploration and production outfit Oilex shares rose in early trading after the High Court of Gujarat dismissed its joint venture partner's request for an extension to a court order in their on-going legal battle.
Spirent sees solid performance in third quarter
Communications technology provider Spirent Communications updated the market on its trading for the third quarter ended 30 September on Thursday, reporting that its performance delivery was “on plan”, with further good momentum enjoyed in the quarter.
Eric Hutchinson stepping down as CEO of Spirent
Communications technology company Spirent Communications announced on Thursday that Eric Hutchinson had informed the board of his wish to retire from the company, and that as a result, the board was starting a search process for his replacement.
Card Factory revenue growth up against tough market
Greeting card retailer Card Factory on Thursday reported group revenue growth of 3. 4% in the nine months to end October against challenging High Street trading conditions.