In the latest episode of the Sharesify podcast, Ian and James talk markets, UK mid caps and biotech M&A. James discusses positive updates from JD Wetherspoon (LON:JDW) and Young’s (LON:YNGA), pub operators which benefited from a summer of sunshine and sport. He also highlights the resilience of home improvement retailer Topps Tiles (LON:TPT) and updates viewers on Nike’s (NYSE:NKE) stuttering turnaround. Ian analyses results from memory-chip company Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), high-flying electronics maker Filtronic (LON:FTC) and trading platform IG Group (LON:IGG). And the chaps brief listeners on their call with International Biotechnology Trust (LON:IBT), the healthcare fund managed with aplomb…

Investors raised a glass to JD Wetherspoon (LON:JDW) after the pubs group reported strong growth in like-for-like sales over the last nine weeks. There was also relief as chairman Tim Martin insisted ‘Spoons’ remains on track to achieve the FY27 consensus pre-tax profit estimate of £74 million. ‘In the last nine weeks, to 27 September 2026, like-for-like sales increased by 8.6%, helped, no doubt, by exceptional weather,’ said Martin. Warm weather boost He explained that in recent years, the FTSE 250 firm has made substantial progress in increasing the number of beer gardens and outside seating areas. ‘This has resulted…

Shares in Nike (NYSE:NKE) tumbled in extended Wall Street dealings after the struggling sportswear titan delivered (1 Oct) a Q1 sales miss and downbeat full-year guidance. Investors headed for the exits on rising fears the turnaround at the trainers-to-soccer balls brand could take longer than expected. CEO Elliott Hill also announced a major restructuring that will result in further job losses as he seeks to ‘position Nike for long-term growth’. Q1 sales miss Oregon-based Nike reported mixed results for the first quarter to 31 August. Earnings per share of 48 cents beat the 43 cents Wall Street was looking for.…

Shares in Topps Tiles (LON:TPT) fell after the tile specialist reported a drop in full-year sales with Q4 trading impacted by heatwaves. However, the home improvement retailer said like-for-like sales improved in September. And combined with recent cost-cutting measures, this uptick gave management the confidence to maintain FY26 profit guidance. As at 30 September, consensus called for adjusted pre-tax profits of £6.6 million, with a range of £6.5 million to £6.7 million. Feeling the heat For the year to 26 September, group revenue declined 1.3% to £292 million. This drop reflected challenging market conditions, the annualisation of prior-year CTD store…

Investment trust Dunedin Income Growth (LON:DIG) lagged its FTSE All-Share benchmark again in the half to July 2026. The UK equity income fund’s underweight position in banks and weaker stock selection in industrials and utilities dragged on returns. In light of the trust’s continued underperformance versus the benchmark, the board has undertaken an in-depth review of the manager’s investment philosophy and process using an external consultant. And Howard Williams, chair, said the board continues to monitor the manager for ‘much needed signs of improvement’. Focused on quality Managed by Aberdeen’s Ben Ritchie and Rebecca Maclean, Dunedin Income Growth offers a…

In the latest episode of the podcast, team Sharesify talks markets, memory chips and the latest UK M&A. Our tech expert Steven previews results from memory-chip giant Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), which reports after the US close on Wednesday. He also tells us why Anthropic’s IPO prospectus gives investors one of the clearest pictures yet of the economics behind the frontier-AI boom. James explains why sausage roll seller Greggs (LON:GRG) nudged up profit guidance and flags a return to like-for-like growth at greeting cards retailer Card Factory (LON:CARD). He also discusses the latest positive update from Likewise (LON:LIKE), a micro cap…

Shares in Fevara (LON:FVA) firmed after the livestock supplements specialist said FY26 profits will top market expectations. Adjusted EBIT is now expected to be around 60% higher year-on-year thanks to broad-based growth across the UK, Europe and US. Fevara said trading through the first few weeks of FY27 has been ‘encouraging’. And management reiterated its medium-term targets. These include growing revenue to £120 million and adjusted EBITA to £15 million, as well as delivering a 20% return on capital employed (ROCE). What does Fevara do? Fevara serves farmers in the UK, Ireland, US, Germany, Canada and New Zealand with high-quality…

Shares in Greggs (LON:GRG) rallied after the food-to-go retailer reported an acceleration in Q3 like-for-like sales and delivered an unexpected profit upgrade. Thanks to its improved trading performance in recent months and strong cost control, the sandwiches-to-sausage rolls seller now expects a ‘modestly improved’ outcome for FY26. Previously, Greggs had guided for flat pre-tax profits year-on-year. Investors also welcomed news that Greggs plans to consolidate its in-house manufacturing operations. The closure of four manufacturing sites should result in annual savings of roughly £20 million across the FY28 and FY29 financial years. Improving trend Company-managed shop like-for-like sales grew 3.4% for…

Mobility solutions firm Zigup (LON:ZIG) has reported a ‘positive’ start to the year and raised FY27 profit guidance. The upgrade was driven by recent strong performances in Spain and from the Darlington-based company’s FMG claims and services business. Perhaps best-known for its Northgate van rental business, FTSE 250-listed Zigup offers mobility solutions to businesses, fleet operators, insurers, OEMs and other customers across a range of areas. These span vehicle rental and fleet management to accident management, vehicle repairs, service and maintenance. Guidance upgraded In an annual general meeting (AGM) update, Zigup said it now expects FY27 adjusted pre-tax profits to…

Shares in Card Factory (LON:CARD) rallied after the cut-price greeting cards-to-gifts retailer maintained FY27 profit guidance despite the tough consumer backdrop. Led by CEO Darcy Willson-Rymer, Card Factory said its UK store like-for-like sales have improved since the end of H1. In fact, they have returned to positive growth in recent weeks. The Wakefield-based retailer also insisted it has ‘strong’ plans in place for the all-important ‘Golden Quarter’ including Halloween and Christmas. As such, Card Factory is confident in delivering FY27 adjusted pre-tax profits in line with market forecasts. Consensus calls for profits in the £54 million to £59 million…