5th Mar 2026 07:58
(Alliance News) - London stocks were called slightly higher on Thursday, as a slew of listed companies release their annual reports and the Middle East conflict continues.
Here is what you need to know before the London market open:
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MARKETS
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FTSE 100: called up 10.3 points, 0.1% at 10,577.95
GBP: lower at USD1.3327 (USD1.3365 at previous London equities close)
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BROKER RATINGS
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Citigroup cuts Intertek price target to 5,717 (5,847) pence - 'buy'
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Deutsche Bank Research cuts Domino's Pizza to 'sell' - price target 175 (235) pence
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JPMorgan raises EnQuest to 'overweight' (neutral) - price target 25 (11) pence
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COMPANIES - FTSE 100
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Reckitt Benckiser for 2025 reports "a strong year with performance ahead of our expectations." The firm proposes a final dividend of 127.8 pence per share, up from 121.7p a year ago. This brings the total payout for 2025 to 212.2p, up 5.0% from 202.1p. Net revenue rises 0.3% on-year to GBP14.21 billion from GBP14.17 billion, with core like-for-like growth of 5.2%, ahead of its 4% to 5% medium-term target. Diluted earnings per share more than double to 467.2 pence from 203.2p, and pretax profit increases to GBP3.84 billion from GBP2.10 billion. The company expects LFL net revenue growth to continue within its 4% to 5% guidance range this year, and reiterates its "ambition to deliver long-term, sustainable EPS growth". Also forecasts "a continued challenging trading environment in Europe". Secondly, the company announces the appointment of Novartis Chief Financial Officer Harry Kirsch and Smith & Nephew Chief Executive Officer Deepak Nath as board non-executive directors, effective from April 1.
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Aviva declares a 26.2 pence per share final dividend for 2025, raising the total by 10% to 39.3p from 35.7p in 2024. Operating profit rises 25% to GBP2.20 billion, passing Aviva's GBP2.0 billion target one year earlier than planned, from GBP1.77 billion. Profit for 2025 jumps 50% to GBP1.05 billion from GBP705 million, and basic EPS rises 14% to 26.9p from 23.6p. Return on equity grows to 17.5% from 15.7%. Company reiterates the three-year targets set out in November and adds: "Looking ahead to 2026, we expect growth and earnings momentum supported by our diversified business model and the addition of Direct Line." Aviva also announces that on Friday it will start an up to GBP350 million buyback programme.
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Admiral Group's continuing pretax profit for 2025 rises 16% to GBP957.9 million, but was short of market consensus of GBP1.03 billion, from GBP826.5 million, and EPS rises by the same amount to 247.4p from 212.8p. Total dividend for the year rises 7% to 205.0p from 192.0p, including a final dividend of 90.0p, up from 121.0p. Return on equity narrows to 53% from 56%. Group turnover declines 1% to GBP5.90 billion from GBP5.95 billion, but insurance revenue increases 9% to GBP4.98 billion from GBP4.55 billion. "UK Motor delivered an exceptional performance, surpassing GBP1 billion of profit, while our other UK personal lines, Admiral Money and European Motor operations together generated nearly GBP100 million of profit, with strong results in France and a rapid recovery in Italy," CEO Milena Mondini de Focatiis comments. He adds that Admiral has flexibility to continue investing in its business and support future shareholder returns, and "enters the next phase of its strategy in a position of strength."
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COMPANIES - FTSE 250
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Taylor Wimpey's 2025 revenue rises 13% to GBP3.84 billion from GBP3.40 billion. Pretax profit falls 54% to GBP146.5 million from GBP320.3 million, and basic EPS falls 55% to 2.8p from 6.2p. Ordinary dividend per share totals 7.62p for the year, down 20% from 9.46p. Tangible net asset value per share decreases 5.0% from 117.6p at December 31 from 123.8p one year prior. Taylor Wimpey says its Spring selling season has started well and that affordability is improving, but that it remains difficult for first time buyers to access the housing market. Enters 2026 with a "slightly lower" order book of GBP2.18 billion against GBP2.28 billion one year prior. Expects around GBP400 million in adjusted operating profit, down from 2025's GBP420.6 million.
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OTHER COMPANIES
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CAB Payments reports GBP55.9 million interest income for 2025, down from GBP58.9 million in 2024. Net interest income increases to GBP26.0 million from GBP20.5 million. Pretax profit increases to GBP18.5 million from GBP17.6 million. Basic EPS decreases to 5.4p from 5.6p, and diluted EPS to 5.2p from 5.3p. CAB declares no dividends, unchanged from 2024. "Following a strong performance in 2025, the Group has started trading positively in 2026 and expects its strategy to continue delivering more diversified and sustainable revenue growth," the firm adds. It "believes it is well placed to deliver total income excluding net interest income growing at a high-teens to low-20s percentage CAGR in total income over the next three years". Also on Thursday, CAB's board unanimously recommends that shareholders reject a Helios Investment Partners-led consortium's around USD297 million offer, which it says is "highly opportunistic and fundamentally undervalues CAB Payments and its future prospects", having previously voiced an adverse opinion on the bid on Monday.
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By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter
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Related Shares:
ReckittAvivaAdmiralTaylor WimpeyCab PaymentsIntertek GroupDominosEnquestSmith & Nephew