Shares in CVS (CVSG:AIM) rose after the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) finally concluded its veterinary services market investigation. The competition watchdog launched its probe to address weak competition and soaring prices in the UK’s £6.7 billion-plus vets sector. There was relief among CVS investors, and shareholders in Pets at Home (PETS), as the CMA’s final decision did not introduce new remedies beyond those announced in its provisional decision. Certainty at last CVS is the AIM-listed veterinary services provider operating in the UK and Australia. The company ‘welcomes the certainty that this morning’s announcement brings after more than two and…

Spire Healthcare (SPI) tumbled 20% to 154p after buyout firms Bridgepoint (BPT) and Triton Partners terminated bid talks with the private hospitals operator. Investors hoping for a £1 billion-plus takeover of the FTSE 250 firm had chased the shares higher last week. In a statement posted on 20 March, Spire said the board ‘remains in discussions with other parties in relation to a potential sale of the company’. However, Spire warned there can be ‘no certainty that any offer will be made for the company nor as to the terms of any offer, if made. The board and management are also…

Shares in Applied Nutrition (APN) plunged 11% to 196.4p after the company warned of ‘some reduction’ in Middle East volumes due to the Iran conflict. The alert overshadowed forecast-beating results from the company, whose shareholders include brand ambassador Coleen Rooney. The sports nutrition, health and wellness brand also reiterated its FY26 performance will be H1-weighted. This reflects higher retailer stock levels ahead of the peak January period and accelerated demand for H1 product launches. ‘Cognisant’ of current challenges Founded by CEO Thomas Ryder, Applied Nutrition’s products are targeted at elite athletes, gym goers and health-conscious consumers. The protein powders-to-supplements producer…

Shares in The Works (WRKS) rallied 20% to 44p after the cut-price books-to-toys retailer shuttered its online business and raised FY27 guidance. The Birmingham-based company operates a profitable estate of 500-plus UK stores. The Works blamed repeated failures by third-party fulfilment partners for making its loss-making online channel unviable. The company sells affordable, screen-free activities for the whole family. Products span arts and crafts, toys and games as well as books. The Works’ online channel will revert to a browse-only website with immediate effect. However, the website will serve as a shop window to The Works’ brand and stores, enabling…

Shares in Unilever (ULVR) rose 1.3% to £46.34 after the consumer goods powerhouse confirmed it is in talks to sell its foods business. The Dove soap-to-Domestos owner has received an offer for foods from spices-to-sauces maker McCormick (MKC). While the foods business includes iconic brands like Hellmann’s, Marmite and Knorr, it is now considered non-core. A multi-billion-dollar sale would complete Unilever’s pivot to higher-growth beauty and personal care categories. Sharpening the focus Over the past decade, the Anglo-Dutch conglomerate has been pulling back from the slower growing foods industry. Unilever has offloaded its spreads, tea and ice cream divisions. Since…

Shares in ECO Animal Health (EAH:AIM) rallied after the veterinary products specialist said FY26 earnings will be ‘materially ahead’ of expectations. The ‘beat’ reflects the ‘continued strong momentum’ and improved margins seen in H2. ECO is a fast-growing global animal health company headquartered in London. The David Hallas-led outfit develops and markets veterinary pharmaceuticals globally. Lead product Aivlosin is an antibiotic that treats enteric and respiratory diseases in pigs and poultry. Healthy momentum ECO expects FY26 results to beat consensus revenue and adjusted EBITDA expectations of £83.5 million and £7.6 million. H2 revenue growth proved ‘particularly strong’ in North America…

Sofa seller DFS Furniture (DFS) delivered ‘robust’ H1 results in a difficult market for big-ticket spending and reiterated FY26 profit guidance. With debt levels coming down, the home improvement retailer also reinstated the H1 dividend. Why then, did shares in the Doncaster-based firm fall 8% to 138p in early dealings? The negative catalyst was a cautious outlook from the company behind the dfs and Sofology brands. DFS warned of ‘some softening in footfall’ since the end of H1 due to adverse weather conditions. Led by CEO Tim Stacey, DFS also cautioned that consumer confidence remains ‘delicately balanced’. Sitting uncomfortably DFS…

In today’s podcast, the Sharesify team talk markets and the week’s winners and losers. While the FTSE 100 is still hovering above 10,320, the S&P 500 is up 1.2% so far this week. Ian explains why investors’ focus has shifted away from oil. First up, Steve explains why advanced memory stocks are the knitting behind the AI boom ahead of results from semiconductor company Micron Technology (MU) after the bell. What is the company going to say about demand? Crucially, what will be shared about pricing? Ian previews tonight’s Fed meeting and says there is ‘no suspicion’ that the US…

Shares in Moonpig (MOON) rallied 9% to 229.5p after the company said FY26 EPS growth would be at the top end of guidance. A new £65 million share buyback for FY27 from the online cards group was also greeted warmly by investors. This fresh buyback is a nod to management’s confidence in the outlook for Moonpig and its continued strong cash generation. In growth mode FTSE 250 constituent Moonpig provides online greeting cards, gifts and experiences. It trades as Moonpig, Red Letter Days and Buyagift in the UK and as Greetz in the Netherlands. Having traded in line with expectations…

Pawnbroker Ramsdens (RFX:AIM) upgraded its year-to-September 2026 guidance for the second time in two months off the back of the sky-high gold price. This positive news propelled the shares 11% higher to 405p in early dealings on 18 March. The financial services-to-retail firm now expects FY26 pre-tax profits to be ‘at least £24 million’. And if favourable gold price and trading conditions persist, profits could be ‘potentially up to £28 million’. That compares with the £21.1 million broker Cavendish was previously calling for. The updated guidance implies Ramsdens is on track to deliver at least 48% year-on-year PBT growth. Hot…