News And Announcements
Centrica sees all units hitting medium-term earnings early
British Gas owner Centrica said trading was in line with expectations against the backdrop of a more “normalised” environment, with all retail supply and optimisation businesses to be within their medium-term sustainable adjusted operating profit ranges in 2024 - two years ahead of schedule.
HanesBrands to sell Champion to Authentic for up to $1.5bn
HanesBrands said on Wednesday that it has agreed to sell its Champion business to Authentic Brands Group for up to $1. 5bn.
Google must face £13.6bn lawsuit over advertising, court rules
A £13. 6bn lawsuit brought against Google over its dominance in the online advertising market will go ahead, a UK court ruled on Wednesday.
Berenberg upgrades Taylor Wimpey to 'buy'
Berenberg has upgraded Taylor Wimpey to ‘buy’ following a review of UK housebuilders ahead of next month’s general election.
Tungsten West CEO makes abrupt exit
Shares in tungsten and tin miner Tungsten West were volatile on Wednesday after the Hemerdon mine owner announced the abrupt exit of its chief executive officer.
UK services sector expands in May, price pressures ease
The UK’s services sector continued to expand last month, a closely-watched survey showed on Wednesday, although the pace of growth eased.
Ramsdens H1 PBT rises amid 'continued growth'
Pawnbroker Ramsdens said on Wednesday that pre-tax profits had risen in the six months ended 31 March on the back of "continued growth" across all key income streams.
Discoverie operating profits up double-digits YOY
Electronic components manufacturer Discoverie reported a double-digit increase in profits for the year ended 31 March, thanks to strong growth in underlying operating margins.
First-quarter sales jump at Inditex
Zara-owner Inditex posted "robust" first-quarter numbers on Wednesday, as sales comfortably met expectations.
Ninety One full-year AuM fall, dividend cut
Ninety One posted a drop in full-year assets under management on Wednesday and cut its dividend as it said business conditions remained "challenging".
Jupiter Fund Management's Ben Whitmore to stay on until October
Jupiter Fund Management said on Wednesday that star fund manager Ben Whitmore will remain with the company until October after news of his exit wiped millions from its valuation back in January.
B&M profits at top end, but lack of guidance disappoints
Annual operating profits at B&M European Value Retail came in at the top end of guidance, but shares fell sharply on Wednesday after the discount retailer offered no firm guidance for the current financial year.
WH Smith holds on to guidance despite Q3 sales slowdown
Stationary and book retailer WH Smith said it remains on track to hit full-year forecasts despite a slowdown in sales growth in third quarter, as strong growth in the travel division was tempered by falling sales on the high street.
Senior opens new French production facility
Manufacturing and engineering business Senior has opened a new production facility in Fossé, France.
Workspace losses swell, but CEO predicts improving valuations
Office owner and operator Workspace Group reported strong rental income growth in the year to 31 March, though losses widened substantially due to falling property valuations.
China’s services sector expands again in May - Caixin
Activity in China’s services sector accelerated in May at its fastest pace in 10 months, according to data released on Wednesday.
Paragon Banking profits soar, lifts buyback, lending forecasts
Specialist lender Paragon Banking more than doubled interim profit and said it would extend its share buyback by up to £50m as customer demand returned after the ‘mini-budget’ fiasco of Liz Truss’s short-lived government last October.