Three key news stories unfolding as the UK stock market opens. Check out our companies reporting diary for upcoming results from FTSE 350 and selected international stocks.
Full year numbers from events business Informa [LON:INF] this morning saw revenues up by almost 14% and operating profits rising by closer to 15% with management heralding it an outstanding year of success. The proposed dividend is up by 10% and management are extending the already-announced £200m share buyback by a further £50m. A quick inspection of the report showed no outward concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East impacting the outlook, with expectations that growth can be maintained.
A trading update from the med-tech firm Halma [LON:HLMA] was issued today ahead of the 31st march year-end, noting a strong second half performance. Based on progress in the year to date and our current expectations for the remainder of the year, management expect that to deliver mid-teens percentage organic growth, including a continued benefit from premium growth in the Environmental & Analysis Sector, and an Adjusted EBIT margin of around 22%.
Computacenter [LON:CCC] has released full year numbers with gross income up more than 30% and gross profits 10% higher although margins have been squeezed. The final dividend is up 7.6%. Management note they started FY26 with a £7bn order backlog and although they are mindful of the political and macro backdrop, further progress is expected, bolstered by the recent acquisition of AgreeYa.
Today we start with a feature on the agricultural food supply chain which is being hit by the tensions in the Middle East. Is there an opportunity for investors?
In equities news, we’ve got as record order book for Balfour Beatty and AIM listed Light Science Technologies is on the acquisition trail.
We also take a look at the relationship between cryptocurrency and speculative equities – and where it’s heading next.
It’s a busy day today on the company diary which features Computacenter, Halma, Informa, M&G, Savills, Sunbelt Rentals (formerly Ashtead) and Volution.
Small Cap movers yesterday:
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Physiomics +25%
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Tern +22%
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Cleantech Lithium +20%
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Light Science Technologies -60%
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Cloudcoco -45%
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