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…

Popular investment trust Scottish Mortgage (SMT) is the best share price total return performer in the Association of Investment Companies’ (AIC) Global sector over the past year. It is also the only trust in the sector trading a premium to net asset value (NAV). One key reason for the global growth trust’s premium rating is the mounting excitement surrounding the launch of Elon Musk’s SpaceX onto the public markets. Scottish Mortgage is one of the few ways retail investors can gain exposure to SpaceX ahead of an IPO later this year. The blockbuster flotation is expected to value the whole…

Shares in Tate & Lyle (TATE) surged after the food producer confirmed that Ingredion (INGR) has proposed a cash offer for the company. Led by CEO Nick Hampton, Tate & Lyle also revealed its US ingredients peer had made a number of earlier approaches for the business. Tate & Lyle has struggled to serve up top-line growth in recent years. The absence of growth and other challenges have depressed the FTSE 250-listed firm’s share price. Back in February, Tate & Lyle said its Q3 sales performance was crimped by the persistence of subdued market demand. What’s the offer on the…