FTSE 250 movers: NCC surges on update; Kier falls

London’s FTSE 250 was up 0.9% at 20,716.47 in afternoon trade on Thursday.

NCC Group surged as it said trading in the fourth quarter was better than expected and lifted its outlook.

For the four months to the end of September, the company had guided to overall revenue of about £100m and adjusted operating profit of approximately £3.5m.

However, it said that during the period, trading in the cyber security division was better than expected in what is historically a quieter period of the calendar year.

As a result, it now expects overall revenue of around £104m, up 4% on the same period a year earlier, and group adjusted operating profit of £6m.

Trainline also powered ahead as it lifted its full-year outlook following a strong first half, which was ahead of its expectations.

The company now expects net ticket sales and revenue growth at the top end of their respective guidance ranges. Meanwhile, adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation are expected to exceed the previously stated guidance range.

In May, Trainline had guided to net ticket sales year-on-year growth of between 8% and 12% for FY2025, and revenue growth of 7% to 11%. Adjusted EBITDA was expected to be between 2.4% and 2.5% of net ticket sales.

Renishaw was also in the black after full-year results, while construction group Kier fell despite posting a rise in full-year profit and revenue.

FTSE 250 - Risers

NCC Group (NCC) 167.60p 10.55%
Trainline (TRN) 326.00p 8.59%
Alpha Group International (ALPH) 2,150.00p 4.88%
Carnival (CCL) 1,165.00p 4.63%
Polar Capital Technology Trust (PCT) 2,905.00p 4.12%
Bridgepoint Group (Reg S) (BPT) 343.40p 4.00%
Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings (AML) 156.10p 3.93%
Hochschild Mining (HOC) 171.40p 3.88%
Renishaw (RSW) 3,425.00p 3.79%
Elementis (ELM) 159.20p 3.65%

FTSE 250 - Fallers

Kier Group (KIE) 139.00p -7.46%
Apax Global Alpha Limited (APAX) 142.00p -2.07%
Ocado Group (OCDO) 319.10p -1.88%
International Public Partnerships Ltd. (INPP) 128.00p -1.54%
Moonpig Group (MOON) 199.00p -1.24%
Senior (SNR) 162.00p -1.10%
Bakkavor Group (BAKK) 156.00p -0.95%
Energean (ENOG) 895.00p -0.89%
Genus (GNS) 1,914.00p -0.83%
GCP Infrastructure Investments Ltd (GCP) 77.50p -0.77%