Market Pulse
Ilika expands Stearex solid-state battery range
Materials innovation and solid-state battery technology company Ilika announced the launch of its ‘Stereax P180’ product on Wednesday, extending the operating temperature range of the Stereax family of solid-state batteries.
Target Healthcare confirms third dividend as it snaps up care homes
Real estate investment trust Target Healthcare announced on Wednesday that its unaudited EPRA net asset value per share as at 31 March was 101. 5p, and the net asset value total return for the quarter was 1. 3%.
Canaccord highlights potential in Rockhopper and Eland Oil&Gas
Analysts at Canaccord Genuity highlighted the favourable prospects for junior oil explorers Rockhopper and Eland Oil&Gas.
Kodal Minerals confirms high-grade lithium mineralisation at Mali mine
AIM-listed explorer Kodal Minerals’ initial assay results have confirmed high-grade lithium mineralisation within the pegmatite intersections at its Bougouni project in Mali.
Peel Hunt upgrades Bellway, downgrades Savills
Peel Hunt upgraded Bellway to 'add' from 'hold' and went the other way on Savills as it took a look at UK housebuilders and estate agents.
Results surge for Ukraine shopping centre owner Arricano
Ukraine-focussed shopping centre developer and operator Arricano Real Estate posted its final results on Wednesday, with recurring revenues increasing by 13. 3% year-on-year to $23. 1m.
Tullow Oil boosts exploration activity amid low seismic costs
Ahead of its annual shareholder meeting, Tullow Oil said it was taking advantage of low-cost seismic acquisition and processing with a record level of activities in both Africa and South America.
Seadrill cancels $253m in financial gurantees to oil services company
As part of its restructuring plans, offshore drilling contractor Seadrill has agreed with Archer, an oil services company, and its lenders to cancel about $253m in financial guarantees provided by Seadrill in exchange for a cash payment of about $25m.
PCI-PAL wins contract with global automotive repair company
Shares in PCI-PAL surged on Wednesday after the contact centre solutions provider announced it had won a contract with an automotive repair company.
Redefine International remains steady in first half
Income-focussed real estate investment trust Redefine International posted its results for the six months to 28 February on Wednesday, with EPRA earnings of £23. 8m, up marginally from the £23. 1m reported at the same time a year ago.
Jefferies says Sky is undervalued with or without £11.7bn Fox merger
Jefferies has upgraded Sky to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ and hiked its price target to 1,200p from 1,050p as it believes the broadcaster is “materially” undervalued with or without the potential £11. 7bn merger with Fox.
Plus500 revenue drops but earnings rise; new chairman announced
Online trading platform provider Plus500 reported a 9% drop in revenue for the three months to the end of March, as it announced a change of chairman.
London open: Stocks little changed as investors eye Trump announcement
London stocks were little changed in early trade on Wednesday as investors sifted through corporate news and awaited a big announcement on tax reform from US President Donald Trump.
HSBC downgrades Severn Trent on asset resilience issues
Analysts at HSBC downgraded their recommendation on shares of Severn Trent in view of the regulator's new push for the sector to increase its 'resilience', which in the case of Coventry-based Severn meant roughly £230. 0m of additional capital outlays.
BHP Billiton production cuts not as bad as feared
With three months to go before its year-end, BHP Billiton downgraded its full year guidance for copper and metallurgical coal, but iron ore production was not too badly affected by Cyclone Debbie in Australia.
Nichols highlights challenging UK market
Soft drinks group Nichols cautioned on Wednesday that the UK soft drinks market will remain challenging this year, as it said full-year earnings are anticipated to be in line with market expectations.
Jefferies downgrades Next to 'underperform'
Jefferies downgraded retailer Next to 'underperform' from 'hold', keeping the price target at 3,500p.
French consumer confidence steady heading into critical 'run-off' vote
French consumer confidence was steady in April amid a sharp fall in fears of becoming unemployed with more people believing now was a good time to carry out large purchases.
Fresnillo first quarter gold production falls but silver increases
Fresnillo’s gold production fell in the first quarter although silver increased and the miner said it remained on track to meet its full 2017 production guidance.