Packaged grocery producer Premier Foods (PFD) surprised the market by raising its earnings outlook. For the year to March 2026, the firm now sees profit at the top end of expectations. Share price: 180.2p (+6.5%)PE: 12xMarket cap: £1.56bnYield: 1.7% BRAND POWER For the 13 weeks to 27 December, Premier’s group revenue increased 4.1% while branded revenue increased 5.2%. The firm recorded market share gains in both Grocery, up 5.8%, and Sweet Treats Branded, up 3.1%. Meanwhile, revenue from New Categories increased by an impressive 29% and acquired brands delivered double-digit growth. As a result, trading profit is now seen at…

Shares in credit scoring software firm Experian (EXPN) fell to a 2-year low despite a seemingly positive trading update. The shares fell as much as 216p or 6.7% to £30.11, taking out their April 2025 low in the process. Share price: £30.65 (-5%)PE: 27.7xMarket Cap: £27.9bnYield: 1.5% FORECASTS UNCHANGED The company, whose products help banks and credit card firms improve their loan quality, said Q3 trading met its expectations. For the three months to 31 December, group revenue was up 8% organically and 12% at current exchange rates. Growth in North America was strong at 11%, while Latin America outperformed…

Electricals retailer Currys (CURY) posted a strong Christmas trading update and raised its profit guidance. As a result, pre-tax earnings for the year to May 2026 are now seen comfortably above the consensus. Share price: 132p (+5.2%)PE: 10.8xMarket Cap: £1.4bnYield: 1.9% MARKET SHARE GAINS For the 10 weeks to 10 January 2025, Currys reported an acceleration in peak organic sales growth. Across the group, like-for-like revenue increased by 6% against 2%-3% over the summer. Growth in the UK & Ireland was 3%, with omnichannel sales growing at 11% during the period. The firm said it gained market share with strong…

Shares in pub group JD Wetherspoon (JDW) dropped 7% after the firm warned on the outlook for earnings. Despite solid trading, chair Tim Martin said higher costs mean this year’s profit may be lower than last year. Share price: 688.5p (-6.7%)PE: 12xMarket cap: £737mYield: 1.6% COSTS TO CRIMP PROFITS For the 25 weeks to 18 January, pub operator JD Wetherspoon posted a 4.7% increase in like-for-like revenue. Bar sales were up 6.9%, food up 1.3% and slot/fruit machines up 9.1%, but hotel sales dipped slightly. Encouragingly, like-for-like revenue increased at a faster rate in the second half of the period.…

AIM-listed audio-visual equipment distributor Midwich Group (MIDW) confirmed its full-year targets after a return to growth in 2025. The firm is the leading specialist distributor of AV kit in a global market worth an estimated $325 billion annually. Share price: 182p (+1%)PE: 11.9xMarket cap: £187mYield: 3% GREEN SHOOTS OF RECOVERY Although last year’s revenue is expected to be flat at £1.3 billion, H2 saw a clear return to growth. Also, margins held up well so pre-tax profit is seen in line with expectations at around £30 million. Sales in the UK and Ireland, which represent 40% of total revenue, grew…

Online musical instrument retailer Gear4Music (G4M) has raised its earnings forecasts yet again. Just a month ago the firm increased its FY26 outlook, yet already it sees profits topping its previous estimate. Share price: 318.5p (+2.7%)PE: 13.7xMarket Cap: £67mYield: n/a MEDIUM TERM GUIDANCE ALSO RAISED In its Q3 trading update, Gear4Music said it had seen ‘very strong’ revenue growth through the peak seasonal trading period. Sales for the three months to December were £64.6 million, up 32% on the previous year. In addition, due to disciplined pricing, gross profit rose £5 million to £18.7 million taking the gross margin from…

Shares in furniture retailer DFS (DFS) jumped to a 3-year high after the firm raised its earnings outlook. Strong H1 sales and an increase in margins mean profit for the year to June 2026 will top expectations. Share price: 199p (+6.6%)PE: 13.5xMarket cap: £460mYield: 2.2% MAJOR EARNINGS UPGRADE Sofa seller DFS said first-half sales were expected to be up around 9% on the previous year. As well as an ‘elevated’ order book at the start of the half, the firm saw ‘continued positive order intake’. Both the DFS and Sofology brands registered growth in new orders against strong comparatives and…

AIM-listed digital marketing firm Eagle Eye Solutions (LON:EYE) announced its FY EBITDA would be above current estimates. The firm said it had delivered ‘strong progress’ and its H1 financial performance was already better than expected. Raising the bar Eagle Eye creates digital solutions for large-scale retailers, allowing them to offer personalised, real-time marketing. In the six months to December 2025, it posted an impressive 29% increase in ARR (annual recurring revenue). ARR for the first half was £42.2 million, more than the firm posted in the whole of its 2024/25 financial year. The figure excludes revenue related to the Neptune…

AIM-listed animal feed additive firm Anpario (ANP) has lifted its full-year revenue and earnings guidance. The company cited stronger than expected year-end demand, helped by its Bio-Vet product range. Share price: 500p (+4.2%)PE: 16.8xMarket cap: £103mYield: 2.4% OPERATIONAL GEARING Anpario enjoyed stronger than anticipated H2 demand, meaning full year revenue will be around £47.1 million. That’s up 23% on 2024 and compares with the consensus forecast of £45.5 million ahead of today’s announcement. Thanks to the group’s strong operational gearing, operating profit rises faster the more revenue it generates. As a result, EBITDA is seen up 34% at not less…

Subsea services firm Ashtead Technology (AT.) has revealed 2025 trading was better than expected. The shares – which are among the most-shorted in the UK market – jumped 12% on today’s update. Share price: 375p (+12%)PE: 9.7xMarket Cap: £270mYield: 0.4% HIGHER MARGINS Full year revenue is now expected to be £203 million, up 21% and in line with the consensus of £205 million. Trading in the second half was strong, and visibility improved as some delayed projects were mobilised. Moreover, synergies from the Q4 2024 acquisitions of Seatronics and J2 Subsea were ahead of forecasts. Together with a higher margin…