30th Jul 2018 10:24
LONDON (Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers within the main London indices on Monday.----------FTSE 100 - WINNERS----------GVC Holdings, up 5.3%. The gaming company entered a joint venture with US casino operator MGM Resorts International to form a "leading sports betting and interactive gaming platform" in the US. The 50-50 joint venture, which has been made possible by a loosening of US sports betting regulation earlier in May by the Supreme Court, sees both companies committing to an initial USD100 million each. The owner of Ladbrokes and Coral said that the partnership gives a "clear path" to 15 US states with an addressable population of 90 million.St James's Place, up 1.7%. Exane BNP raised the wealth manager to Outperform from Neutral. ----------FTSE 100 - LOSERS----------National Grid, down 1.4%. Shares in the UK electricity network operator fell after UK energy regulator Ofgem on Monday said it plans to save customers "over GBP5 billion" as it brings about price controls for energy networks. Ofgem will increase the scope for opening up high-value network upgrades to benefit competition, and as a "signal of intent" it has approved National Grid to build its grid upgrade to connect the new Hinkley Point C nuclear power station. It will set a limit on the revenue National Grid can earn from the upgrade. National Grid, in its own statement, said it is pleased Ofgem has provided further clarity of the duration of the next price control, and also said Ofgem's Hinkley Point decision does not affect its commitment to the project. ----------FTSE 250 - WINNERS----------Hiscox, up 9.5%. The insurer said profit in the first half of the year increased with "strong growth" in gross premiums written, with all of its segments contributing. For six months ended June 30, the company's pretax profit increased 27% to USD163.6 million from USD129.1 million the year before. Hiscox's gross premiums written increased 21% to USD2.23 billion from USD1.84 billion a year before. Despite this, the company's net asset value per share decreased to 648.4 pence from 657.7 pence. Net premiums earned increased to USD1.28 billion from USD1.18 billion with a group combined ratio of 88%, improved from 91%. The lower the ratio the more profitable an insurer's underwriting. Hiscox lifted its interim dividend by 5% to USD0.13.Senior, up 8.8%. The engineer reported a sharp increase in interim profit growth, with performance outdoing expectations. For the six months to June, Senior's pretax profit increased by 31% on a statutory basis, and 36% at constant currency, to GBP31.4 million. On an adjusted basis, the figure rose 20%, or 24% at constant currency, to GBP39.0 million, with this excluding charges related to the amortisation of intangible assets. Senior's revenue rose 3% year-on-year, and 7% at a constant currency rate, to GBP523.3 million. The firm is to pay a 2.19p interim dividend, which is 7% higher than the 2.05p it paid to shareholders in the same period a year prior. Thomas Cook, up 4.5%. The travel agent is considering disposing of a stake in its airline to reduce debt, the Sunday Times reported on Sunday. According to the newspaper, Thomas Cook held internal discussions on how best to split the airline from the tour operator. The discussions, however, are said to be at an early stage and no change imminent. The potential break-up could be complicated by Thomas Cook having to guarantee flights for its holidaymakers and UK regulations on foreign ownership of airlines.----------FTSE 250 - LOSERS----------Ibstock, down 11%. The brick maker warned production difficulties are expected to hit 2018 earnings. For the first half of 2018, Ibstock said it expects its adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortisation to be around GBP58 million, down from the GBP59.7 million recorded a year prior. This, Ibstock said, was due to the impact of weather during the first half as well as higher energy costs. Further, the company said its UK brick factories have been operating at either full or very nearly full capacity, but in recent months, especially July, production has missed expectations. Ibstock said despite measures enacted to address this, second half 2018 production is now also expected to fall short of expectations. It is planning a year-long set of measures to meet increasing demand for bricks. For 2018, Ibstock now expects adjusted Ebitda of between GBP121 million and GBP125 million, with the figure standing at GBP119.6 million in 2017. ----------OTHER MAIN MARKET AND AIM - WINNERS----------Mosman Oil & Gas, up 23%. The oil and gas company said production at its Welch project in the Permian Basin, Texas, almost doubled after three additional wells were restored at the site. The company said that between July 1 and July 27, production at Welch was 1,180 barrels representing an average production of 44 barrels a day. Prior to this development, average daily production for the previous six months was 24 barrels a day. Mosman said the Welch production increase was due to to the recently completed workovers and repairs in early July.----------OTHER MAIN MARKET AND AIM - LOSERS----------Clipper Logistics, down 23%. The logistics, e-fulfilment, and returns management services provider reported an increase in annual profit and revenue, though it did note weaker conditions in the retail sector in which it operates. For the 12 months to April, Clipper posted revenue of GBP340.1 million, 18% higher year-on-year. Pretax profit was GBP18.0 million, higher than GBP16.1 million a year prior, mainly benefiting from the higher revenue. The company said: "The board is confident of continued progress in the year ending April 2019. It notes weaker economic conditions, particularly in certain parts of the retail sector where there are widely reported headwinds. However, the group expects to achieve another year of positive momentum with overall growth in revenues and earnings."----------Related Shares:
SeniorCLG.LNational GridGVC.LThomas CookSt James's PlaceHiscoxIbstock