1st May 2025 10:52
(Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-caps on Thursday.
----------
SMALL-CAP - WINNERS
----------
Synthomer PLC, up 4.5% at 86 pence, 12-month range 79.4p-334p. The specialised polymers and ingredients supplier says in its scheduled trading update ahead of the annual general meeting that first-quarter continuing group earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation and the Ebitda margin are ahead of the prior year's. This was "despite modestly lower volumes" after the first quarter of 2024 "benefited from the disruption to supply chains into Europe via the Red Sea and significant customer restocking". Ebitda and gross margins both increased for its Adhesive Solutions and Health & Protection and Performance Materials divisions, which also saw constant currency revenue growth. Synthomer also saw "robust pricing" due to lower energy and raw materials costs. However the Coatings & Construction Solutions division was adversely impacted by delayed energy orders and moderating end-market activity in the US. Says its practice of manufacturing close to customers "substantially mitigates our direct exposure to recent tariff announcements" but notes that "geopolitical tensions have made end-market demand more unpredictable, particularly in the [US], which represents around 25% of our revenues". Nonetheless it continues to expect "further earnings progress" for 2025 as well as positive free cash flow.
----------
SMALL-CAP - LOSERS
----------
abrdn Property Income Trust Ltd, down 9.8% at 5.44p, 12-month range 5.28p-61.6p. The investment trust reports a net asset value per share of 8.0p as of December 31, down from 78.2p one year prior. NAV total return for 2024 was minus 19.2%, underperforming against the FTSE All-Share which generated a positive 9.5% return. Dividend for the year is 3.0p, down from 4.0p the year before. Company says its shares will stop trading in London as soon as liquidators are appointed. Adds that considerable uncertainty remains regarding the timing and value of its planned sale of Far Ralia.
----------
Reach PLC, down 4.3% at 72.75p, 12-month range 66.8p-107.6p. The commercial news publisher says group revenue for the first quarter is down 3.7% on-year, with print revenue down 5.1%, although Reach says print circulation remains "a predictable and reliable revenue stream with the expected volume decline mitigated by actions on cover prices, one-off specials and promotional activity". Digital revenue however increased 1.6%, "supported by growing audience numbers and increased trading activity". Company adds that it has started the year in line with its expectations, and remains on track to meet market forecasts for 2025. Notes "heightened levels of macroeconomic uncertainty" but says "there are no immediate direct impacts from the recent tariff announcements".
----------
By Emma Curzon, Alliance News reporter
Comments and questions to [email protected]
Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
Related Shares:
SynthomerAbrdn PropertyReach Plc