News And Announcements
Dalradian to break ground on 30,000 metre surface drilling program
Dalradian Resources has announced commencement of its 30,000 metre drilling program at the Curraghinalt gold project in Omagh, Northern Ireland.
FTSE 250 movers: Challenger banks up on CML mortgage data, silver hits Vedanta
The FTSE 250 extended its winning streak to four days on Thursday, led by retailers and mortgage lenders.
EG Solutions lifts full-year expectations
Back-office workforce optimisation company eg solutions reported “strong” trading in its first six months on Thursday, confirming it now expected results to be ahead of market expectations.
DS Smith announces successful debt issuance
Following its proposed acquisition of Interstate Resources and associated equity and debt financing back in June, DS Smith has announced a successful debt issuance on Thursday.
Venn Life Sciences revenues edge higher
Contract research organisation Venn Life Sciences said its new financial year “started well” in a trading update on Thursday, with contract wins of €5. 7m secured in January and February.
Sales run higher at Science in Sport
Sports nutrition company Science in Sport reported a 28% improvement in sales in its first half on Thursday to £8. 27m, in a period the board said consisted of “strong” sales increases and “significant” progress in the execution of its growth strategy.
Reach4entertainment agrees variation on finance with PNC
Media and entertainment company reach4entertainment has agreed a variation of the covenants on its three-year secured asset base facility with PNC Business Credit, it announced on Thursday, which it said reflected the shift in the weighting of its revenues in 2016 and 2017, which affected the 12-month rolling covenant test.
SafeCharge makes 'solid' start to financial year
Advanced payment technology company SafeCharge said trading in the first half of its financial year was “solid” on Thursday, with the performance of SafeCharge Acquiring “particularly strong” and ahead of management expectations.
Origo continues selldown with agreement to sell Rising Tech
China and Mongolia-focussed closed-end investment company Origo Partners, which is seeking to divest its entire portfolio by November 2018, has entered into binding agreements with ChinaEquity International for the disposal of its 2% equity stake in Rising Technology Corporation and its 1. 6% beneficial interest in Beijing Rising Information Technology.
Thursday broker round-up
BHP Billiton: Citigroup downgrades to Neutral with a target price of 1350p.
BP in talks to sell North Sea production assets
BP has begun talks to sell its North Sea oil and gas production assets, according to reports on Thursday.
Spirent's refocus and new CFO leads to Jefferies upgrade
Spirent Communications was upgraded to 'buy' from 'hold' by Jefferies on Thursday as the testing company has "refocused" the business on markets that could drive stronger growth.
Surge in podcast listening sees AudioBoom boom
Podcast and spoken word audio-on-demand platform AudioBoom reported a 460% surge in revenue in its first half on Thursday, which was ahead of what was flagged in its previous trading update on 7 June.
EasyJet passenger numbers rise but they're paying less
Low-cost carrier easyJet reported a “strong” performance in its third quarter on Thursday and upgraded its profit guidance but admitted revenue per seat would decline by 2% across the second half as a whole.
Greencoat Renewables blows away fundraising target in dual listing
Renewable energy investment group Greencoat Renewables increased the funds raised in its initial public offering in London and Dublin to €270m from €250m on the back of "heavy demand”.
Nichols enjoys domestic and international growth
Vimto and Panda Pops drink maker Nichols has released half-year results showing both sales and profits bubbling higher.
Sports Direct profit slumps nearly 60% but investors welcome brighter outlook
Sports Direct shares rallied on Thursday as investors welcomed stronger-than-expected full-year revenue and a more upbeat outlook than anticipated, even as underlying pre-tax profit fell nearly 60%, mostly on the back of the weaker pound.
De La Rue order book strong, FY expectations unchanged
Banknote manufacturer De La Rue said on Thursday that its order book remains strong at the end of the first quarter and its expectations for 2017/18 are unchanged.
Moneysupermarket sees FY profit at lower end of consensus range
Moneysupermarket. com reported a 3% rise in adjusted operating profit for six months to the end of June but warned on Thursday that operating profit will be at the lower end of the consensus range for the full year.
Ashtead elevated on news from US rival
Ashtead, the US-focused equipment rental group, was given a boost on Thursday by strong results and market commentary from US peer United Rentals.