Author: James Crux
James Crux
James Crux writes extensively about funds and investment trusts and also specialises in retail, food and beverage sector stocks. He has spent 25 years working in the industry and was named Best Financial Consumer Journalist at the AIC Media Awards 2024 and 2025 for his work at Shares magazine (owned by AJ Bell). Before that, he was the editor of Growth Company Investor and a writer for investment and business titles What Investment and Business XL. James is a long-suffering West Ham supporter and a big fan of The Sopranos.
Investment trust Schroder UK Mid Cap Fund (SCP) has launched a tender offer for up to 100% of its share capital at net asset value (NAV) less costs. The tender gives shareholders including Saba Capital the option of a full cash exit while preserving the FTSE 250-focused trust for those who want to stay invested. The board and investment manager Schroders are confident in the £238 million cap fund’s strategy. In fact, they believe there are ‘attractive long-term investments’ within the UK mid cap sector, which is a source of potential ‘multi baggers’ according to manager Jean Roche. Following the…
In our latest podcast, Steven, Ian and James discuss UK inflation data, global fund manager sentiment and upcoming results from Nvidia (NVDA). Our markets watcher Ian warns inflation hasn’t gone away and explains why global fund managers are ‘all in’ on equities according to a recent survey. He also discusses the latest positive update from engineering and distribution group Diploma (DPLM). James walks us through the latest consumer news. He tells us why Marks & Spencer (MKS) has moved from recovery phase to growth. He also rounds up results from pork-to-poultry processor Cranswick (CWK), electricals retailer Currys (CURY) and boot brand…
Shares in S&U (SUS) rallied after the specialist motor and property financier said the turnaround in its fortunes ‘continues apace’. Controlled by the Coombs family, S&U reported that Q1 FY27 trading remains ‘healthily above budget’ with net interest margins improving. S&U’s resilience is all the more impressive given the impact on consumer confidence arising from war in the Middle East and political uncertainty in the UK. Profits ahead of budget For the uninitiated, Solihull-headquartered S&U is a motor finance and property bridging loan provider. Its Advantage motor finance business lends on a hire purchase basis to lower and middle income…
Investors were tripping over themselves to buy Dr Martens (DOCS) after the iconic British footwear brand announced a return to profit growth. FY26 results confirmed the footwear retailer’s Levers for Growth strategy is gaining traction. Reduced discounting and a pivot to a ‘truly consumer-first’ business model are paying off for the FTSE 250 firm. Positive strides Dr Martens’ adjusted pre-tax profits powered 61% higher to £55 million for the year to March 2026. Profit growth was delivered despite a 29% drop in revenue to £764.9 million as the boot brand pulled back on clearance activity. The retailer said the move was designed…
In our latest podcast special, Steven Frazer and James Crux are joined by Simon Barnard, manager of Smithson Equity Fund (BLBNK48). Smithson invests in small and mid cap companies with superior operating numbers. Our special guest discusses Smithson’s transition from an investment trust to an open-ended fund. Barnard explains why he is sticking with his strategy of investing in high-quality global small and mid-cap companies. Investment trust to an open-ended fund switch He talks about the steps he has taken to improve the fund’s performance. Barnard then explains why he is seeing lots of value opportunities within his preferred parts…
Shares in Currys (CURY) sparked higher after the electricals retailer raised FY26 profit guidance off the back of strengthening revenues and cash flows. Despite a tough consumer backdrop, the FTSE 250 retailer continued to win market share in the UK & Ireland and Nordics last year. There was also relief as the washing machines-to-laptops seller insisted the process to appoint a successor to outgoing CEO Alex Baldock is ‘progressing well’. Profits spark higher For the year ending 2 May 2026, Currys now expects to deliver adjusted pre-tax profits of around £191 million. That is ahead of the previously guided £180…
Security and surveillance solutions company Synectics (SNX:AIM) slumped after warning some energy sector customers have delayed project decisions. Synectics’ board currently expects to meet FY26 consensus expectations. However, this is ‘subject to energy sector activity normalising through H2’. Investors were also disappointed by the news Bob Holt is stepping down as non-executive chairman. Holt supported the establishment of Synectics’ new growth strategy. But he needs to spend more time driving the growth of EARNZ (EARN:AIM), the energy services minnow he chairs as a significant shareholder. Much to do in H2 Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, some energy sector customers…
Alternative Income REIT’s (AIRE) biggest shareholder Glenstone is considering an all-cash takeover of the commercial property-focused real estate investment trust (REIT). Holding 24% of the shares, Glenstone wants to sell most of the assets and wind the REIT down. However, Alternative Income REIT is in no position to ‘form a view on the merits or otherwise’ of Glenstone’s proposal. Exit denied The possible offer follows AEW UK REIT’s (AEWU) recent withdrawal from talks over a takeover of its smaller rival. Glenstone said this deal would have offered a ‘viable exit’ for its investment in Alternative Income REIT. The fund currently…
Shares in Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS) tumbled more than 20% after suitor TA Associates decided not to make an offer for the tissue-healing tech specialist. The private equity outfit and Advanced Medical Solutions issued their respective statements after the market close on Friday evening. So today’s trading session was investors’ first opportunity to react to the news. Led by CEO Chris Meredith, AIM-listed Advanced Medical Solutions’ board expressed confidence in the company’s standalone prospects despite TA Associates getting cold feet over a deal. The board argued the current strategy ‘will continue to deliver sustainable growth and value creation for shareholders’.…
In the latest episode of the Podcast, the chaps discuss everything from markets and macro developments to takeovers and timepieces. And our tech expert Steven explains why upcoming results from chips champ Nvidia (NVDA) are the only game in town. Coming next week: Nvidia, Marks & Spencer, and Dr Martens James brings the bling with a breakdown of results from luxury leader Burberry (BRBY) and Rolex seller Watches of Switzerland (WOSG). He also explains why US firm Ingredion (INGR) has made a near-£6 per share offer for Tate & Lyle (TATE). He wonders aloud whether a bidding war could break…