Market Report
Ted Baker's tailored plan delivers profits growth but 'external factors' worry
In contrast to the travails of others in the rag trade, Ted Baker reported strong growth in sales and profits last year and, apart from remaining watchful for the impact of "external factors", seemed confident about its expansion path.
Curtis Banks earnings ahead as it integrates Suffolk Life
SIPP provider Curtis Banks Group announced its final results for the 12 months to 31 December on Thursday, with operating revenue rising to £29. 7m from £17m in 2015.
One Media iP struggling as consumers flock to streaming
Digital media content provider One Media iP announced its final results for the year to 31 October on Thursday, with revenue slipping to £2. 05m from £2. 52m.
Intelligent Energy surges on US drone deal
Shares in Intelligent Energy surged on Thursday after the company said it has signed a deal with the US’s PINC to supply its air cooled fuel cell systems for unmanned aerial vehicles for an undisclosed sum.
Arbuthnot profit surges after sale of Everyday Loans
Arbuthnot Banking Group announced a profit for the 2016 calendar year of £228m on Thursday, up from £27m in 2015.
RBC Capital downgrades Tullow Oil after 'premature' rights issue
Analysts at RBC Capital Markets downgraded Tullow Oil on concerns about the oil and gas explorer's bid to shrink its debt burden through a rights issue.
German consumer confidence remains high, Gfk finds
German consumer sentiment is expected to worsen in March, according to a survey published on Thursday.
Starbucks to create 240,000 jobs globally in four years
US coffee shop chain Starbucks pledged to create almost a quarter of a million jobs worldwide by 2021 during its annual shareholders meeting.
IG Group Q3 revenue down 3.8% in 'quiet period'
Online trading company IG Group reported a 3. 8% drop in revenue for the third quarter, which it referred to as a “quiet period” in global financial markets.
Halma eyes acquisitions as profits remain on target
Health and safety technology group Halma anticipates that full year pre-tax profit to be in line with expectations as it eyes potential acquisitions.
National Grid gas network sale to close in 'next few weeks'
Infrastructure investor International Public Partnership expects to its investment in the National Grid’s gas distribution network to be completed in the next few weeks.
Finalising Kibo Mining's coal project slower than expected
AIM-listed Kibo Mining’s progress on the finalising its coal project in Tanzania has been slower than expected, although the mineral explorer remains satisfied overall with meeting its strategic objectives.
London open: Stocks nudge lower ahead of retail sales data
London stocks nudged a little lower in early trade as investors eyed the release of UK retail sales data, amid ongoing worries about Donald Trump’s economic plans.
Deutsche upgrades Tesco, downgrades Sainsbury
Tesco got a boost on Thursday as Deutsche Bank upgraded the stock to ‘buy’ from ‘hold’ and lifted the price target to 240p from 230p.
GVC earnings surge after integration of bwin.party
Sports betting and gaming group and owner of the 'Foxy Bingo' brand GVC Holdings announced its audited results for the year to 31 December on Thursday, with pro forma sports wagers up 4% to €4. 55bn, or up 7% at constant currencies.
CLS Holdings to sell office campus in Germany for €30m
Property investor CLS Holdings is to sell the E. On Alle office campus in Germany for €30. 2m to European Commercial Real Estate.
Kier Group earnings rise as chairman steps down
Property, residential, construction and services company Kier Group posted its results for the six months to 31 December on Thursday, with revenue falling 1% to £2bn on an underlying basis.
Hansteen cash offer for IMPT declared unconditional
Hansteen’s cash offer for Industrial Multi Property Trust was declared unconditional in all respects on Thursday morning, as the company confirmed it had received valid acceptances for 29. 73% of IMPT’s issued share capital, and acquired and settled 21. 83% of the trust’s issued shares.
ConvaTec launches skin-protecting incontinence wipes in US
Medical technology firm ConvaTec has launched its skin protectant incontinence wipes in the US.
Crest Nicholson says trading remains robust
Housebuilder Crest Nicholson said on Thursday that the trading environment has remained robust, with good sales across its areas of operation.