The UK’s main market continued on from yesterday’s modest rebound opening in positive territory at around 7,365 points. Overseas markets have also been trading in the black indicating that the tensions between the US and North Korea are no longer weighing on investors’ minds.
Online bingo operator Jackpotjoy (JPJ) shares tick up by 1.5% to 676.25p as it reports a 13% increase in revenue to £146.6m in the first six months to 30 June.. The company’s adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation increased by 15% to £59.2m. However, the firm did report a loss of 20.1m under IFRS which is more than double its loss on a year on year basis.
Housing and social care provider Mears (MER) is down 6.7% to 452p after revealing its housing division will be impacted by the Grenfall Tower incident in June. The company’s results for the first six months to 30 June show slight improvements in adjusted pre-tax profit and dividend per share, up 1% and 5% respectively on a year on year basis.
However, it also states that the housing division’s revenues will be £30m lower than previously expected this year.
Shareholders in logistics and airport services company John Menzies (MNZS) do not seem concerned that the company’s deal with logistics firm DX fell through yesterday, shares are broadly flat at 712.75p. The company’s half year results to 30 June show an improvement across the board. Its turnover is up to £1.2bn from £1bn, its operating profit hits £7.1m from £6.4m and the company’s dividend per share is 6p versus 5.4p all compared on a year on year basis.
Car dealership Marshall Motors (MMH) shares are up 5.6% to 150p as it releases a strong set of half year to 30 June numbers. Its revenue is up 43.7% to £1.2bn, underlying pre-tax profit up 32.9% tp 18.6m and dividend per share improves by 19.4% to 2.15p all on a year on year basis.
Investment management services Hargreaves Lansdown (HL.) shares are down 1.6% to £13.41 as it releases its full year results to 30 June. The company’s assets under administration are up 28% to 79.2bn and its pre-tax profit is up 21% to £265.8m on a year on year basis.
Pawnbroker and previous metal retailer H&T (HAT:AIM) shares tick by over 10% to 295p as it reports its pre-tax profits are up 62.2% to £6m for the six months to 30 June. The company’s basic earnings per share stands at 13.07p compared to 7.99p on a year on year basis. The company will pay an interim dividend of 4.3p a 10.3% improvement on last year.
