Author: Ian Conway
Ian Conway has worked in financial markets for over 30 years as a bond and equity trader, Extel-rated analyst and strategist, and partner of a stockbroking firm. He also founded a financial research company servicing institutional clients prior to writing for and editing Shares magazine. Ian is primarily an income investor although he also buys selected growth stocks. Find him at LinkedIn: Click Here
Shares in affordable computing company Raspberry Pi (RPI) leapt 25% after FY25 earnings topped forecasts. The firm also sounded more upbeat on the FY26 outlook than previousy, adding to investor enthusaism. Higher margins For the year to December, the company posted revenue of $323 million and EBITDA of $46.4 million. Both were ahead of the consensus, which had predicted revenue of $309 million and EBITDA of $45 million. In January, the firm issued a trading statement saying EBOTDA would be ‘not less than $45 million’. The consensus at the time was $40.9 million, so analysts duly upgraded their forecasts. Unit…
Shares in major lenders including Lloyds (LLOY) rallied after the FCA imposed a cap on motor finance payouts. The estimated total bill to firms involved in the scandal is now seen around £9.1 billion instead of £11 billion. Shrinking the bill The compensation scheme covers motor finance agreements from April 2007 to November 2024 where commission was payable by the lender to the broker. The FCA says it has tightened eligibility so only customers who were treated ‘unfairly’ receive compensation. That means agreements involving minimal commission or zero APRs aren’t included, while the threshold for high commission cases has been…
Payment management group PayPoint (PAY) said it expected to post record FY26 results while revealing a strategic revamp. The firm is reorganising itself into four divisions to create ‘a more transparent business with a simpler investment case’. New structure By reorganising itself into four divisions the firm hopes to ‘strengthen execution and its go-to-market strategy’. Having clearly defined areas of co-operation, cost savings, synergy and opportunity between businesses should drive growth. The largest business is Network Services which accounted for £91 million of FY26 revenue or just under half the group total. The businesses encompasses over 30,000 convenience stores, parcel…
Shares in litigation finance specialist Burford Capital (BUR) slumped 42% on Friday after a negative US appeal court ruling. The outcome reversed an earlier judgement in favour of Burford’s clients in their legal fight with Argentina over oil firm YPF. Historic claim Burford backed and funded litigation against Argentina over its nationalisation of YPF in 2012. In 2023, a US district sided with the plaintiffs, investors Peterson and Eton Court, ordering Argentina to pay $16.1 billion in compensation. In a press release published late on Friday, Burford said it expected Peterson and Eton Park to seek a second hearing. The…
It has been a busy week in the REIT (real estate investment trust) sector with two takeovers on the table. The commercial property sector has seen discounts to NAV largely narrow, but there is still a ‘long tail’ of sub-scale trusts ripe for consolidation. ‘Positive outcome’ First, diversified property trust AEW UK (AEWU) has made an indicative takeover approach for smaller specialist trust Alternative Income REIT (AIRE). The AEWU offer is based on a share exchange ratio to be determined by both funds’ NAVs with a 3% discount for AIRE. With a market cap of around £160 million, AEWU is…
This week we spin through what to expect from Irn-Bru maker AG Barr (BAG), ‘athleisurewear’ giant Nike (NKE) and electronics maker Raspberry Pi (RPI). Remember, if you value this content, or any of our analysis features and stories, let us know at editorial@sharesify.com. Also, like us on X, Bluesky, Facebook or LinkedIn and be sure to click that ‘follow’ button. And don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, where you’ll find a wealth of investing podcast material. AG Barr (BAG) Soft drink maker AG Barr calls itself a ‘brand builder’ with an ambition to ‘double in size and grow…
Shares in outsourcing group Capita (CPI) jumped 14% on news it was selling its private sector contact centre. The buyer, Inspirit Capital, will pay £1 initially and up to £61.5 million over the next three years. Earnings-accretive deal Capita described the deal as ‘an important milestone’ which would allow it to significantly streamline its operations and investments. The sale provides ‘an opportunity to accelerate margin expansion and free cash flow generation, while leveraging current capabilities to further increase growth’. In terms of numbers, the deal is earnings-accretive as is reduces overheads and removes complexity. The group expects operating margins to…
Defence firm Cohort (CHRT) has announced two significant new contract wins in the space of a week. The deals further unerpin the group’s order book while increasing medium-term revenue and earnings visibility. Riding the wave At the start of this week, Cohort announced its EM Solutions subsidiary had won an AU$21.7 million (£11.5 million) contract. The deal will see Cohort deliver its Cobra and King Cobra satellite communications terminals to the Portuguse Navy. EM Solutions was only acquired in January 2025 and is therefore already making a contribution with new orders. Its primary customers are the Australian Navy, Japan and…
Shares in commercial lighting and power firm Luceco (LUCE) jumped 8% to 172p after the firm raised its FY26 guidance. The increase came on the back of strong FY25 results and positive momentum into the current financial year. Strong start to 2026 The company said it made ‘excellent’ progress in 2025 with revenue up 11.9% to £271 million and 4.6% organic growth. EV charging sales were up a whopping 84.7% to £18.1 million, and sales overall showed a marked acceleration in H2. Adjusted operating profit rose 16.6% to £33.8 million, representing a margin of 12.5% against 12% previously. Since 2023,…
Specialist electronic products maker Volex (VLX) revealed its FY26 results would be ‘significantly ahead of current market expectations’. The firm also announced it was considering moving its listing from AIM to the Main Market. The shares jumped 10.6% to 480p on the trading update. Raised sales and margin guidance Thanks to strong trading in H2, Volex sees revenue for the year to March 2026 of at least $1.22 billion. That compares with the analyst consensus of $1.17 billion and a top estimate of $1.19 billion. Underlying operating margins are also expected to be above the top end of the group’s…













