News And Announcements
Housebuilders wobble amid conflicting reports of Help to Buy review
One of the government's schemes to support the housing market may be wound down within four years, industry reports suggested on Friday, sending housebuilding stocks lower.
Ofgem removes National Grid funding allowance
Ofgem said on Friday that it has removed £277. 5m of funding from National Grid’s price control allowance as the company does not expect to incur further expenditure on providing the capacity during its current price control.
YouGov sees full-year results ahead of expectations
AIM-listed polling company YouGov said on Friday that full-year results were likely to be ahead of its previous expectations thanks to strong revenue growth.
Echo Energy jumps ahead after reporting interim results
Echo Energy, an AIM listed mid-cap gas company in the making said on Friday, that after its relaunch in March this year, the management team had seen a very busy start, including the entry of a new investor into its share register.
Kennedy Wilson makes progress with portfolio as net profit falls
Kennedy Wilson Europe Real Estate saw its net operating income rise slightly in its first half, it reported on Friday, by 1. 3% to £79. 7m, although its net profit after tax fell 30. 2% to £54. 9m.
Hargreaves Lansdown new bulk forces nixing of special dividend
Hargreaves Lansdown has been forced to cancel its special dividend after the City regulator ordered it to strengthen its backup surplus of cash, but indicated it is likely to report strong profits for the year to 30 June.
FairFX in advanced discussions over 'substantial' acquisition
AIM-listed online payment services provider FairFX noted the recent movement in its share price and confirmed that it is in advanced negotiations in respect of a “substantial” acquisition of a payment services business.
Merlin Entertainments profits rollercoaster turns flat in first half
Merlin Entertainments, the operator of Legoland and Madame Tussauds, reported 19% growth in sales but flat profits for the first half of the year, which is traditionally represents just under a third of its full year.
Vedanta Resources undergoing 'comprehensive' $1.8bn refinancing
Vedanta Resources announced the pricing of an offering $1bn of 6. 125% bonds due in 2024 on Thursday.
Millennium & Copthorne profit up 12.5% in H1
Millennium & Copthorne posted a 12. 5% rise in first-half pre-tax profit on Friday thanks in part to solid demand for London hotels as the weaker pound attracted more tourists.
LondonMetric sells Milford Haven retail park for £15.3m
LondonMetric Property has sold its retail park in Milford Haven for £15. 3m.
Assura appoints Jayne Cottam as CFO
FTSE 250 investor and developer of primary care properties, Assura, announced the appointment of Jayne Cottam as chief financial officer.
Pearson slashes interim dividend by 72%, to cut 3,000 jobs
Education publisher Pearson said on Friday that it was slashing its interim dividend by 72% as it kicked off a restructuring programme that will involve cutting 3,000 jobs.
EasyJet traffic up 9% in July
Budget airline easyJet reported a 9% jump in passenger numbers in July as the load factor ticked higher.
Paysafe recommends private equity 590p cash offer
Paysafe has recommended shareholders accept private equity groups Blackstone and CVC's £2. 96bn cash offer, which would see investors in the online and mobile payments specialist receive 590p per share.