News And Announcements
HICL Infrastructure announces second quarter dividend
HICL Infrastructure Company announced a second quarterly interim dividend for the financial year to 31 March 2018 of 1. 96p per ordinary share on Thursday.
Coats on track as industrial sales offset craft decline
Coats Group said it was on track to meet expectations for annual results after booming business at its industrial thread unit made up for falling sales of knitting wool and other craft products.
Dart Group flies higher as it posts jump in H1 profit and revenue
Shares in Dart Group flew higher on Thursday after the Jet2 owner posted a jump in first-half profit and revenue, although it also warned of increased losses in the second half as it continues to invest in additional aircraft, advertising and people.
Virgin Money trims guidance for 2018 mortgage lending
Virgin Money has trimmed guidance for mortgage lending next year and told investors to expect tighter profit margins and higher investment spending.
UKCPT forward-funds £32m Dalata hotel project in Newcastle
UK Commercial Property Trust has made its first acquisition in the hotel sub-sector, it announced on Wednesday, having contracted to forward-fund the development of a 265-bedroom four-star Maldron Hotel in Newcastle city centre for £32m, net of finance.
Belvoir Lettings abandons merger offer for The Property Franchise Group
AIM-listed Belvoir Lettings has abandoned its proposed merger offer for The Property Franchise Group, saying it was “disappointed” that the company declined to enter into a dialogue.
International PPL continues to make portfolio progress
Public infrastructure projects firm International Public Partnerships updated the market on its portfolio performance for the period from 1 July to 15 November on Thursday, saying its portfolio of 127 investments in regulated and public infrastructure projects is performing fully in line with expectations.
Qinetiq first-half profit up, maintains expectations for FY18
FTSE 250 defence technology group Qinetiq reported a rise in first-half profit and revenue on Thursday as it maintained its expectations for FY18.
Ted Baker revenue rises despite challenging conditions
Retailer Ted Baker posted a 7. 3% jump in revenue for the 13 week period from 13 August 2017 to 11 November on Thursday, despite challenging conditions across some of its global markets.
Royal Mail posts confident interims as parcel and letter volumes improve
Underlying profits at Royal Mail improved in the first half of the year and it nudged its interim dividend higher, though the costs of transforming the business saw reported operating profits plummet more than 80%.
Close Brothers loan book rises, hails good start to year
FTSE 250 merchant bank Close Brothers reported a 1. 4% rise in its loan book for the first quarter, saying it has made “a good start” to the year with continued strong profitability across all three divisions.
WPP shifting US listing to NYSE from Nasdaq
Advertising and public relations behemoth WPP announced on Thursday that it is transferring the listing of its American depositary shares to the New York Stock Exchange from the Nasdaq Global Market, where they currently trade under the ticker ‘WPPGY’.
Legal & General makes some senior management changes
Legal & General Group announced a senior management shuffle in its Legal & General Retirement (LGR) and Legal & General Capital (LGC) divisions on Wednesday.
National Grid commits $550m to US operations, seeks approval to up rates
National Grid committed $550m of investment to its Massachusetts business as filed a request with the state's Department of Public Utilities to increase distribution rates for its gas utilities in the region.
Investec operating profit up 12% in first half
Investec posted a rise in operating profit for the first half on Thursday thanks to a solid performance form its asset management and wealth & investment businesses.
Mediclinic mulling amended offer for Spire
Mediclinic updated the market on its ongoing efforts to acquire Spire Healthcare on Thursday, confirming it would consider share price movements in recent weeks before possibly making an amended offer.
Revenue ahead but earnings mixed for Mediclinic
Mediclinic reported a 10% rise in revenue to £1. 41bn in its interim results on Thursday, adding that revenue remained flat in constant currency terms.
British Land increases development amid sharp 'polarisation' in demand
British Land increased its interim dividend 3% after selling £1. 5bn of assets in the half-year and seeing its portfolio increased in value by 1. 4%.
NAV continues to progress at 3i Group
Private equity and venture capital firm 3i Group reported continued progression in its net asset value per share in its interim results on Wednesday, saying it rose to 652p from 604p at the end of March, after the payment of the 18. 5p final dividend for the 2017 financial year.
Galliford Try appointed to leading education building framework
The building division of FTSE 250 housebuilding, regeneration and construction group Galliford Try has been awarded all six lots that it bid for on the Education and Skills Funding Agency's school building framework.