Company News
US jobless claims rise more than expected
The number of Americans filing for unemployment benefits rose more than expected last week, according to figures from the Labor Department.
Friday preview: US Q1 GDP, RBS in focus
Barring surprises, the market spotlight at the end of the week will continue to be on the States, where the Department of Commerce is expected to publish a preliminary reading on first quarter GDP (consensus: 1. 8%).
CMA blocks Sainsbury's-Asda merger
The Competition and Markets Authority has blocked Sainsbury's proposed £10bn merger with Asda on the basis that it would leave shoppers worse off.
Nokia shares slide as its posts loss for 'weak' Q1
Shares in Finnish telecom network equipment maker Nokia slumped on Thursday as it reported a loss for what it called an "expectedly weak" first quarter but maintained its full-year guidance due to an expected 5G ramp-up.
Altria Group burns lower as earnings miss expectations
Altria Group's shares dipped on Thursday after its first quarter earnings fell short of expectations and revenues dipped amid lower sales of smoke-able products.
O2 mulls renewed challenge to BT's leadership in UK broadband
Telefónica owned O2 is considering making another push into the UK’s fixed-line broadband market in a challenge of local incumbent BT, said Bloomberg on Thursday.
Reach4entertainment subsidiaries agree fresh deals with Miroma
Entertainment marketing communications group Reach4entertainment Enterprises announced on Thursday that its subsidiaries Dewynters, and Spot and Company of Manhattan, have renewed their existing media buying agreements with Miroma International and Miroma Outcomes, respectively.
Lok'nStore agrees new £75m facility to fund new store development
Self storage provider Lok'nStore announced the agreement of a new £75m five-year revolving credit facility on Thursday, which would replace its existing £50m facility and provide funding for site acquisitions and development, to support the group's growth plans.
Range Resources settles all outstanding claims in Colombia
Trinidad and Indonesia-focussed oil and gas company Range Resources announced on Thursday that the court in Colombia had approved the decision to settle all outstanding historic claims and disputes between Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH) and the consortium of Range and Optima Oil Corporation.
GVC to end TV ads and football sponsorship in move to help addicts
Ladbrokes’ owner, GVC has made a bold move in the gambling industry, cancelling its ads on TV and sponsorship on football shirts to protect problem gamblers.
Classic cigarettes remain core to British American Tobacco earnings growth in 2019
British American Tobacco described itself as being in “good shape” on Thursday, as investors gathered for its annual general meeting, explaining that its focus on a multicategory approach was enabling the company to delivery shareholder returns, and invest in its future.
Severfield pleased with performance as order book grows
Structural steel company Severfield updated the market on the financial year ended 31 March on Thursday, reporting that its overall trading performance had continued to be in line with management expectations.
RDI REIT shares fall as it works through challenging market
Shares in RDI REIT were in the red on Thursday, after it reported a 0. 2% improvement in net rental income on a like-for-like basis for its first half, or 1. 9% when excluding £0. 7m of hotel refurbishment charges.
Stagecoach announces £60m share buyback programme
Bus and rail operator Stagecoach has announced plans to buy back up to £60m shares.
Synnovia discovers non-material overstatement of revenues, reports strong growth
Industrial components manufacturer Synnovia recently discovered a non-material overstatement of revenues linked to its trading year ended 31 March 2018.
Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank call off merger talks, as analysts await next steps
Commerzbank and Deutsche Bank have called of merger talks blaming the execution risks, restructuring costs and additional capital requirements that such a large-scale combination would entail.
Mincon revenues soar as sales of own-brand products increase
Irish engineering group Mincon saw own-brand sales increase in the first quarter of its trading year, resulting in improved revenues for the group as a whole.
Verditek partners with Engenera to advance solar projects
Verditek on Thursday signed a framework agreement with Engenera Renewables to advance commercial opportunities and jointly provide end-to-end solar solutions to clients.
Laura Ashley warns on profits again after 'very demanding' Q3
Laura Ashley shares slid on Thursday after the retailer warned that full-year results would be "significantly" below market expectations.
HMS Networks sees net sales rise amid tougher trading conditions
HMS Networks reported a 19% improvement in net sales for its first quarter on Thursday, to SEK 380m (£30. 88m), with currency translations having a positive effect of SEK 25m on net sales.