Company News
Director dealings: YouGov CFO lowers stake
YouGov revealed on Thursday that chief finance officer Alex McIntosh had disposed of 10,200 ordinary shares in the AIM-listed market research and data analytics firm.
Friday preview: UK retail sales to steal the show
The economic data and corporate earnings calendars are set to quiet down on Friday with UK retail sales the only major scheduled announcement with the potential to move markets.
Japan's Sekisui House to buy US housebuilder MDC for $4.9bn
Japanese housebuilder Sekisui House said on Thursday that it has agreed to buy US peer M. D. C. Holdings for $4. 9bn in cash.
Smart Metering Systems reports rise in recurring revenue
Smart Metering Systems reported in a trading update on Thursday that its total meter and data assets index-linked annualised recurring revenue (ILARR) was £113. 4m at the end of 2023, including an annual retail price index (RPI) adjustment.
Franchise Brands reports solid progress at recent acquisitions
Franchise Brands said in an update on Thursday that, since the acquisition of Pirtek Europe in April, it had expanded its presence to over 625 franchisees operating across seven brands in ten countries, including the UK, continental Europe and North America.
Niox Group flags solid revenue jump in 2023
Medical device company Niox Group said in a trading update on Thursday that it experienced substantial revenue growth in 2023, with a reported increase of 18% to £36. 8m.
Ferrexpo declares interim dividend
Ferrexpo rallied on Thursday as it declared an interim dividend of 3. 3 US cents a share after exceeding its expectations in 2023.
Alpha Group describes strong 2023 performance
Alpha Group International reported a strong financial performance 2023 in a trading update on Thursday.
Kistos set to benefit from Victory Gas Field approval
Kistos, a joint venture partner in the Greater Laggan Area (GLA) and co-owner of the Shetland Gas Plant, responded to the North Sea Transition Authority's (NSTA) decision to grant development and production consent for the Victory Gas Field, operated by Shell UK, on Thursday.
Atalaya copper grade, recovery rate slips in fourth quarter
Atalaya Mining said in an update on Thursday that it mines 3. 7 million tonnes of ore in the fourth quarter of 2021, up from 3. 5 million tonnes a year earlier.
Judges Scientific set to meet full-year expectations
Scientific instrument sector investor Judges Scientific said in a trading update on Thursday that despite ongoing economic uncertainties in 2023, it achieved both organic and inorganic growth in 2023.
Restore ends year in line with market expectations
Document management and technology recycler Restore said in an update on Thursday that it was on track to report adjusted profit before tax for 2023 in line with market expectations.
Strong demand in China lifts Richemont
Shares in Richemont sparked on Thursday after the Swiss owner of Cartier posted a jump in quarterly sales, driven by strong demand in China.
M&S to invest £30m in Scottish stores
Marks & Spencer Group is to invest £30m overhauling its Scottish offering, including closing one of its stores in Aberdeen, the retailer said on Thursday.
Reddit reportedly planning IPO in March
Social media platform Reddit has drawn up plans to launch its initial public offering (IPO) in March, according to a report on Thursday.
Kier to resume dividend payments as it trades in line
Infrastructure services, construction, and property company Kier Group said in an update on Thursday that, during the first half of its financial year, its performance remained consistent with the board's expectations, building on its positive trajectory from the previous period.
Tata Steel and unions in crunch meeting over Port Talbot
Workers at Tata Steel’s Port Talbot plant were bracing for swingeing job cuts on Thursday, as company officials met with unions to discuss the steelworks’ future.
Naked Wines to cut jobs as sales continue to fall
Naked Wines announced job cuts on Thursday as it looks to reduce costs, as it reported a drop in sales over the peak third-quarter trading period, in line with its expectations.
Ceres Power signs deal with Taiwan's Delta Electronics, shares surge
Ceres Power surged on Thursday after it signed a global long-term manufacturing collaboration and licence agreement with Taiwan’s Delta Electronics for both solid oxide electrolysis cell (SOEC) and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack production.
Hipgnosis proposes £20m payment to entice bidders
Troubled music rights owner Hipgnosis Songs Fund has asked shareholders to vote on a special resolution intended to help attract potential bidders.