Shares in Debenhams (LON:DEBS) rallied after the online fashion group said ‘continued positive trading’ persisted through June and July. The recent UK heatwave has proved more help than hindrance. And the update confirmed the boohoo-to-Karen Millen brand owner’s turnaround strategy has traction. Debenhams expects net debt to be ‘materially lower’ in the current year due to improved trading and the sale of non-core properties. The retailer could even sell off some of its brands in a bid to eliminate debt entirely. Multi-year turnaround in train In a statement ahead of the firm’s annual general meeting (AGM), CEO Dan Finley said:…

Shares in PageGroup (LON:PAGE) rallied after the recruitment firm maintained FY26 guidance. The FTSE 250 company also flagged ‘improvement and signs of normalisation in trading’ in a number of its markets. Despite subdued client and candidate confidence, the staffing specialist generated a better-than-expected rise in Q2 gross profit. And continued growth in the Americas and Asia Pacific offset weakness in the UK, France and Northern Europe. PageGroup also pleased investors with news of a return to growth in Q2 in Southern Europe. However, the company also warned of a ‘high degree of uncertainty in the outlook for the rest of the year’.…

Photobooths-to-laundry machines operator Me Group (LON:MEGP) recently cut FY26 profit guidance following a weak April performance. This reflected a slowdown in the French photobooth and laundry businesses as the Middle East conflict knocked consumer confidence in Me Group’s most profitable market. However, Me Group’s shares rallied today after it reported a return to more normal trading patterns in H2-to-date. Sales improved materially in May and June. And the FTSE 250 firm remains on track to meet downgraded FY26 expectations for pre-tax profits in the £69 million to £74 million range. What does ME Group do? Me Group is an international…

In the latest episode of the podcast, the Sharesify team discuss a mixed week of earnings updates and market reactions. Ian explains his absence from Wednesday’s recording. He reports back on a valuable evening of networking at the Association of investment Companies’ summer reception. Steven discusses FTSE 100 tech specialist trust Polar Capital Technology (LON:PCT), which delivered another exceptionally strong year to 30 April 2026. He also highlights positive updates from Bytes Technology (LON:BYIT) and Computacenter (LON:CCC). Next up, James explains why Hays’ (LON:HAS) upgrade owed plenty to cost-cutting and why the recruitment sector outlook is gloomy. And Ian tells us…

Shares in Hays (LON:HAS) rallied after the staffing company said it expects FY26 profits to come in at the top end of the consensus range. Q4 proved another period of subdued recruitment activity for Hays. However, cost reductions and a return to year-on-year growth in H2 helped drive an unexpected upgrade. Top end of the guide FY26 pre-exceptional operating profit is now expected to be at the top of the £37 million to £46 million consensus range, said Hays. In Q4, the FTSE 250 recruiter saw the decline in group net fees moderate. Furthermore, in FY26, Hays delivered annualised cost…

Shares in Capita (LON:CPI) plunged on a warning failures at its civil service pension scheme contract will impact FY26 profits and cash flows. The outsourcer now expects issues on the contract, together with the knock-on effect on its wider pension solutions division, will reduce FY26 adjusted operating profit by £25 million-to-£40 million. Capita also expects a £35 million to £50 million free cash flow impact this year. As a result, the London-based firm pushed back its positive free cash flow delivery target to FY27. Working through the backlog Capita’s disappointing update follows the government’s criticism of its handling the scheme.…

Members-only warehouse giant Costco (NASDAQ:COST) has been a juggernaut of a stock for decades. The Washington-based company is loved by investors for its defensive business model, steady international growth and dependable dividends. Results for the five weeks ended 5 July 2026 showed an impressive 10.6% jump in net sales to $29.24 million. Which begs the question, why did Costco shares weaken in after-hours Wall Street dealings on 8 July? Growth slows Well, Costco racked up comparable sales growth of 8.8%. Unfortunately, this marked a slowdown on the 12.5% comparable growth recorded in the four week period ended 31 May. Admittedly,…

In the latest Podcast, an Ian-less team see James and Steven discuss volatile markets, Samsung (KRX:005930) and investment trusts taking action to address NAV discounts. Our tech expert Steven explains why the AI infrastructure boom continued to drive demand for Samsung’s memory chips in its latest quarter. However, investors questioned whether earnings have peaked and whether today’s AI spending can be sustained. Samsung Electronics Q2 2026: Record profits, but investors wanted even more He also explains how investors can gain exposure to AI through stocks outside the US. These are often trading at considerably lower valuations. Consumer stock watcher James…

Budget fitness operator Gym Group (LON:GYM) is a growth company in decent shape judging by its latest update. The low-cost gym operator insisted ‘positive trading momentum’ continued through H1 of 2026. As expected, like-for-like revenue grew by a solid 3% year on year. Guided by CEO Will Orr, Gym Group remains on track to open ‘at least’ 20 gyms in 2026. While the company reported a half of solid revenue growth and market share gains, it failed to deliver another earnings upgrade. This explains why the stock traded slightly lower in early dealings. Flexing its muscles London-based Gym Group’s revenues…

Shares in International Biotechnology Trust (LON:IBT) were boosted by the news portfolio company Crinetics Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:CRNX) has been acquired by Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX). IBT managers Ailsa Craig and Marek Poszepczynski have a real knack for spotting takeover targets. Amazingly, the Crinetics takeover marks the eighth acquisition within the trust’s portfolio in 2026-to-date. These include the takeover of Soleno Therapeutics (SLNO) by Neurocrine Biosciences (NBIX). Nuvalent (NASDAQ:NUVL) was snapped up by GSK (LON:GSK), while Apogee Therapeutics (NASDAQ:APGE) was bought by AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV). Another healthy premium The biotech M&A boom shows no signs of slowing, benefiting those funds and trusts able to identify…