Company News
JD Sports slumps on warning profit will be at lower end of range
Shares in JD Sports Fashion slumped by 15% on Thursday as the retailer warned full-year profits would be at the lower end of forecasts after a “volatile” trading environment in October due to discounting, milder weather and consumer caution ahead of the US election.
DOJ proposes forcing Google to sell Chrome browser
The US Department of Justice has called for Google parent company Alphabet to dispose of its Chrome browser arm in an effort to stop the group from maintaining its online search monopoly.
Watchdog mulls giving car finance firms until late 2025 to handle complaints
The financial watchdog is considering giving firms up until the end of 2025 to handle car finance complaints, it confirmed on Thursday.
Nine water firms banned from using customer bills to fund bonuses
Nine water companies have been banned from using customer money to fund "undeserved" bonuses for bosses, the regulator announced on Thursday.
Ithaca Energy shares jump on $200m special divi after Eni UK merger
Shares in Ithaca Energy surged on Thursday after the UK-focused oil group announced a $200m special dividend alongside its third-quarter results, after completing its takeover of Eni UK and finalising a new debt refinancing.
Jet2 delivers 'record performance' in H1, raises FY guidance
Airline company Jet2 said on Thursday that it had delivered "another record performance" in the six months ended 30 September, leading the group to upgrade its full-year outlook.
Liontrust to cut jobs as profits fall
Liontrust Asset Management said on Thursday that it was planning to cut around 25 jobs in a bid to save costs, as it reported a drop in first-half profits but struck an upbeat note on the outlook.
Speedy Hire swings to interim loss
Tools and equipment hire firm Speedy Hire said on Thursday that it swung to an interim pre-tax loss amid higher costs.
CMC Markets interim revenues up 50pc
Financial services firm CMC Markets said on Thursday that net revenues had surged in the six months ended 30 September, helping the group swing from its interim pre-tax loss a year earlier.
Grainger ups earnings guidance after solid rental growth
Residential landlord and build-to-rent (BTR) group Grainger has raised its dividend by 14% on the back of a double-digit increase in rental income and profits, as the company lifted its near-term earnings forecasts.
XPS Pensions confident after first-half growth
XPS Pensions Group reported a robust first-half performance on Thursday, with group revenue rising 23% year-on-year to £113. 4m.
Eagle Eye reports strong start to new financial year
Eagle Eye Solutions Group reported a strong start to the 2025 financial year on Thursday, driven by new contract wins, expanded client engagements, and a growing global demand for personalised loyalty solutions.
Restore confident in earnings forecast amid market challenges
Information management and lifecycle specialist Restore reported steady progress for the 10 months ended 31 October on Thursday, despite market challenges linked to public sector uncertainty and the Autumn Budget.
PayPoint shares slide despite first-half growth
Shares in PayPoint were sliding on Thursday morning, even after it reported a 20. 6% improvement in first-half underlying EBITDA to £37. 5m on the back of continued operational momentum across its divisions.
Intercede enters partnership with Dutch firm Infinigate NL
Cybersecurity software company Intercede Group announced a strategic partnership with Infinigate NL, a distributor of technology products, on Thursday.
Breedon Group upbeat on resilient trading performance
Breedon Group reported a resilient trading performance for the 10 months ended 31 October on Thursday, driven by robust pricing and operational excellence, despite a challenging construction market in Great Britain.
PZ Cussons sees H1 sales growth of 5% as trading in line
Personal healthcare product maker PZ Cussons on Thursday said it expected first-half like-for-like revenue growth of 5%, with trading in line with expectations since its annual results in September.
Investec profits rise through improved cost efficiency
Investec reported a 7. 6% rise in adjusted operating profit to £474. 7m for the six months ended 30 September on Thursday, driven by revenue growth of 5. 6% to £1. 1bn and improved cost efficiency.
Close Brothers reports stable Q1 amid motor finance uncertainty
Close Brothers reported a stable first-quarter performance in an update on Thursday, supported by growth in its banking division and disciplined cost management, despite headwinds from legal challenges in its motor finance business.
Mitie hails record contract wins as H1 profits rise
Mitie reported a jump in first-half profits and revenue on Thursday as it hailed record contract wins and renewals.