Company News
UK banks suspend dividend payments amid Covid-19 outbreak
Britain’s biggest banks have suspended dividend payments as they look to weather the coronavirus outbreak.
Xerox abandons hostile takeover bid for HP due to pandemic
Xerox said on Tuesday that it had dropped its hostile takeover bid for HP due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Wednesday preview: Global manufacturing in the spotlight
Financial markets' focus on Wednesday will be firmly on global manufacturing sector conditions, especially in the US.
Exscientia to screen 15,000 drugs to find coronavirus cure
Oxford-based artificial intelligence firm Exscientia is set to screen over 15,000 drugs for effectiveness against the Covid-19 in an aim to try to find a cure.
Director dealings: Syncona chair acquires shares
Syncona revealed on Tuesday that chairperson Melanie Gee had acquired 26,500 ordinary shares in the FTSE 250-listed life sciences investor.
Intercede receives large $4.6m order from US federal government
Digital identity, credential management and secure mobility company Intercede announced the receipt of a “large” US federal government order totalling $4. 6m on Tuesday.
Xpediator trading 'broadly in line' as it tightens belt for pandemic
Freight management company Xpediator updated the market on how it was responding to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, reporting that from the beginning of the outbreak, it had followed the operational guidelines provided by governments in each market it operated, changing working practices to incorporate social distancing across its offices, depots and warehouses.
Savannah Resources taking closes offices, suspends field activities
Savannah Resources updated the market on its recent and future activities in relation to the current Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, reporting that it had taken a number of actions across its operations in response.
Mkango Resources 'working proactively' amid pandemic
Mkango Resources updated the market in response to the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, and on timing for completion of the ongoing feasibility study for the 51%-owned Songwe Hill rare earths project in Malawi.
Harvest Minerals yet to see impact from pandemic
Remineraliser producer Harvest Minerals updated the market on its position on Tuesday, in light of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic, reporting that there had not yet been any impact on its operations, but it was continuing to monitor the situation “closely”.
OptiBiotix shares soar on new deal with OptiPharm
Life science company OptiBiotix Health has entered into an exclusive licence agreement for the use of its ‘OptiBiome’ weight management ingredient, it announced on Tuesday, with OptiPharm.
Europa Oil looking as cost reductions amid oil price weakness
Europa Oil & Gas updated the market in light of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic on Tuesday, and the associated market volatility and oil price weakness.
Airlines could burn through $61bn in Q2 - IATA
The airline industry faces a second quarter loss of $39bn if severe coronavirus travel restrictions last for three months, the industry body said on Tuesday.
Glencore delays decision over dividend in light of Covid-19 uncertainty
Glencore is to delay a decision over a potential $2. 6bn dividend payout because of the current “exceptional” economic uncertainty.
NewRiver collects 77pc of rent due amid pandemic
NewRiver updated the market further on its retail portfolio on Tuesday, which mainly comprises community shopping centres and retail parks.
Tremor commits to $10m buyback amid Covid-19 crisis
Tremor International said it had the financial strength to buy back $10m (£8. 1m) of shares during the coronavirus crisis after reporting strong growth in 2019.
Science Group in talks with UK to make 10,000 ventilators
The Science Group said it was in talks to make 10,000 ventilators for the UK government after coming up with a prototype in less than three weeks.
Active Energy to acquire North Carolina sawmill
Renewable energy business Active Energy has entered into an agreement with its joint venture partner Renewable Logistics Systems to control of the sawmill and log export activities at its industrial site in North Carolina.
Cruise operator Carnival suspends dividend, expects FY loss
Cruise operator Carnival said on Tuesday that it is suspending its dividend payments and the repurchase of its common stock as it looks to weather the coronavirus pandemic, and warned it expects to make a full-year loss.
JP Morgan cuts forecasts across housebuilding sector, downgrades Redrow
JP Morgan has reduced its forecasts for the UK housebuilding sector, including cutting its rating on Redrow and Taylor Wimpey.