29th Apr 2025 10:54
(Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-caps on Tuesday.
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SMALL-CAP - WINNERS
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Pinewood Technologies Group PLC, up 11% at 352.25 pence, 12-month range 290p-396p. The Birmingham-based provider of retailing software for the automotive sector has entered a five-year contract with Volkswagen AG in Japan to implement its Pinewood Automotive Intelligence platform into all Volkswagen and Audi dealerships in Japan, of which there are around 350. "The contract represents a significant new customer base and is aligned with the company's goal set out at its Capital Markets Day to sign a contract with Volkswagen Group Japan," Pinewood says. "Pinewood expects the roll-out and revenues to commence in the first half of 2026." Chief Executive Officer Bill Berman says: "We are thrilled to welcome Volkswagen Group Japan as a customer and key partner. We look forward to working together and we believe that our innovative Automotive Intelligence Platform will help Volkswagen Group Japan drive growth and achieve significant operating efficiencies through their Volkswagen and Audi dealership network."
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SMALL-CAP - LOSERS
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Hostelworld Group PLC, down 3.4% at 108.25p, 12-month range 108.25p-170p. The hostel-focused travel agency releases a trading update ahead of a capital markets event on Tuesday afternoon. Says management will outline a new medium-term strategy centred on strengthening its core business, expanding its addressable market, and selective mergers and acquisitions. Adds that it is targeting pre-M&A revenue growth of a low double-digit percentage for 2026 and 2027. It expects an adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation & amortisation margin exceeding 20%, and approximately 70% adjusted free cash flow conversion. Hostelworld also says it will reinstate a progressive dividend policy at a payout rate of 20% to 40% of adjusted post-tax profit, starting with an interim dividend to be paid in the second half of 2025. It also intends to introduce a new share buyback programme subject to market and investment need. Looking to 2025, Hostelworld expects mid-single-digit revenue growth for 2025 if current trends continue, but notes that "it is still early in the year and the summer booking season hasn't yet reached its peak". Hostelworld says: "The group continues to deliver a resilient performance, despite the recent weakening of the US dollar and a persistent shift in traveller preferences towards lower-cost destinations; both of which are leading to a less favourable booking mix and average booking value."
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By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter
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