Company News
UK consumer confidence slumps - GfK
Consumer confidence slumped in July, a closely-watched survey showed on Friday, as higher interest rates and prices hit home.
Friday preview: UK retail sales, public sector net borrowing in focus
The financial market spotlight would shift back towards the UK at the end of the week.
Philip Morris Q2 profits come in better than expected
Philip Morris International reported better-than-expected profits for the second quarter on Thursday, as net earnings per share fell to $1. 01 from $1. 43 year-on-year.
Johnson & Johnson lifts guidance after beating Q2 forecasts
Johnson & Johnson surpassed expectations with its second-quarter revenue and adjusted earnings on Thursday, after its medtech business experienced a surge in sales.
Director dealings: Tesco board member invests in ADRs, Griffin non-exec makes disposal
Tesco was among those disclosing director dealings on Thursday, after one of its board members purchased a number of its American depositary receipts.
Three bidders abandon auction for Ascential consumer data arm - report
Ascential slumped on Thursday following a report that three major bidders for its consumer data arm have walked away from the auction.
Supermarkets told to make pricing clearer
The UK competition watchdog has told supermarkets to make their pricing clearer, to help struggling customers better find the best deals.
Capita awarded framework to supply Disabled Students’ Allowance services
Outsourcer Capita said on Thursday that it has secured a contract to supply disabled students’ allowance services.
Hikma surges after tornado damages Pfizer injectables plant
Hikma Pharmaceuticals surged on Thursday, with traders pointing to news that a major Pfizer injectables plant in North Carolina was hit by a tornado and heavily damaged on Wednesday.
Pendragon signals jump in first-half profits
Car dealership Pendragon flagged “robust” interim trading on Thursday, although it sounded a more cautious note for the rest of the year.
Cake Box rejects 160p a share takeover approach from River Capital
AIM-listed Cake Box said on Thursday that it had rejected an unsolicited takeover approach from Melbourne-based investment group River Capital at 160p a share.
Volution sees FY EPS at top end of market forecasts
Volution said on Thursday that full-year adjusted earnings per share were set to be at the top end of current market forecasts, as it hailed "continued good progress".
Kier ends year in line with expectations
Infrastructure services, construction, and property company Kier Group reported a number of positive developments in its full-year trading update on Thursday, adding that it expected its revenue and profit to be in line with expectations.
Qinetiq on track after strong first quarter
QinetiQ Group said it had made a positive start to the current year on Thursday, leaving it on track to meet expectations.
Intermediate Capital reports positive quarterly momentum
Alternative asset manager Intermediate Capital Group reported positive growth and momentum in its first quarter on Thursday.
Royal Mail parent IDS posts uptick in Q1 revenues, appoints Seidenberg as CEO
Royal Mail parent International Distribution Services said on Thursday that it was still targeting an adjusted operating profit for the year, as it announced the appointment of Martin Seidenberg as its new chief executive officer.
Alphawave reports some strong growth in June quarter
Connectivity technology specialist Alphawave reported significant growth across various metrics in the June quarter on Thursday.
IG sees revenues jump on higher interest rates
IG Group Holdings upped its dividend on Thursday after the online trading platform posted record revenues of more than £1bn.
Anglo American reports strong rise in copper, coal production
Anglo American reported significant developments across a number of sectors in its second-quarter production report on Thursday, including an agreement in principle with the Botswanan government, increased copper and steelmaking coal production, as well as changes in diamond, iron ore, nickel, and platinum group metals (PGMs) production.
Howdens upbeat despite tougher market conditions
Howden Joinery Group left its full-year expectations unchanged on Thursday, despite seeing more “challenging” market conditions in the first half.