7th Oct 2026 09:38
(Alliance News) - The following are the leading risers and fallers among FTSE 100 and 250 index constituents on Wednesday.
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FTSE 100 winners
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JD Sports Fashion PLC, up 2.2% at 82.11p
Airtel Africa PLC, up 2.1% at 317.10p
Haleon PLC, up 1.8% at 340.15p
Marks & Spencer Group PLC, up 1.8% at 392.80p
Reckitt Benckiser Group PLC, up 1.5% at 5,053.00p, Goldman Sachs raises Reckitt to 'buy' from 'neutral'
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FTSE 100 losers
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Severn Trent PLC, down 3.0% at 3,020.00p, FTSE 250-listed peer Pennon sinks
United Utilities Group PLC, down 2.6% at 1,381.00p, also tracks Pennon lower
Investec PLC, down 2.1% at 605.00p
Standard Chartered PLC, down 2.0% at 2,208.50p
Anglo American PLC, down 1.9% at 4,074.00p
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FTSE 250 winners
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Avon Technologies PLC, up 11% at 2,125.00p, ups outlook
Hollywood Bowl Group PLC, up 6.8% at 263.25p, annual revenue climbs
Bridgepoint Group PLC, up 6.8% at 370.20p, raises guidance
Ocado Group PLC, up 4.8% at 274.90p
B&M European Value Retail PLC, up 4.2% at 254.90p
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FTSE 250 losers
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Pennon Group PLC, down 17% at 374.20p, cuts dividend and plots fundraise to help support increased investment
Oxford Nanopore Technologies PLC, down 5.1% at 219.10p
Ceres Power Holdings PLC, down 4.6% at 392.70p
Raspberry Pi Holdings PLC, down 3.5% at 650.50p
CMC Markets PLC, down 3.2% at 657.00p
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FTSE 100 & 250 movers in focus:
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Pennon Group, down 17% at 374.20p, 12-month range 366.60p-606.00p. The water utility is to invest GBP1 billion more than expected as part of the sector's latest regulatory framework, as the company's boss admitted "there are areas where we need to improve and deliver better outcomes". Capital investment in the regulated water businesses during the AMP8 cycle for the water industry is now expected to be around GBP3.6 billion, some GBP1 billion more than its original plan. Pennon has set out a funding plan, which includes a GBP550 million fully underwritten rights issue of 220.3 million new shares at 250 pence each, on the basis of 7 new shares for every 15 existing ones owned. The rights issue price is a 36% discount to a theoretical ex-rights price, based on its 452p closing price on Tuesday. Pennon says it will also rebase its annual dividend, to around GBP125 million, from GBP138 million a year prior. Taking into account the rebased payout and rights issue, the implied dividend cut is around 30% at 18p each, Pennon adds.
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Avon Technologies, up 11% at 2,125.00p, 12-month range 1,458.00p-2,245.60p. The military and law enforcement protection equipment manufacturer says it "has seen strong momentum in recent months". Avon Technologies now expects 2026 results "ahead of current market expectations". It predicts revenue growth of 13% and an adjusted operating profit margin "comfortably above our guided 14-16% range". "Avon Protection continues to see healthy demand through the NSPA programme, with several new European orders received. In Team Wendy, order book has grown materially during the second half," it adds. NSPA is the Nato Support & Procurement Agency.
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Hollywood Bowl Group, up 6.8% at 263.25p, 12-month range 227.50p-312.50p. The ten-pin bowling group expects to report total revenue of GBP261.6 million for the year to September 30, rising 4.3% from GBP250.7 million. First half revenue growth was 9.5%, but in the second, it falls 1.1% amid "exceptionally prolonged hot, dry weather". "Demand remained resilient during the extended period of record hot weather in the UK, supported by our disciplined cost and pricing model, and our operational initiatives to drive footfall. Our affordable, inclusive proposition has continued to ensure we are well-positioned in an environment where consumers are closely watching what they spend," CEO Stephen Burns says. "As we move into FY27, we have a solid platform to build on. Our cash-generative model enables us to continue to invest in new centre openings and customer-facing upgrades. We are focused on growth and delivering sustainable returns to our shareholders and we remain confident in the opportunities ahead."
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Bridgepoint Group, up 6.8% at 370.20p, 12-month range 212.00p-397.11p. The private equity firm raises its 2026 earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation guidance for 2026, "due to exceptional fund performance" in the ECP V fund. Ebitda is expected to be "materially in excess of current consensus". In addition, it ups its 2027 Ebitda margin target to around 60% from a prior 55% to 60% range. It also sets out a new distribution policy. The 2026 dividend will be rebased to 15p per share from 10p. "The shareholder distribution framework will target the distribution of 40-60% of cash from profits starting from FY 2027," it adds. Shares hit this 12-month high on Wednesday.
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By Eric Cunha, Alliance News news editor
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Related Shares:
JD SportsAirtel AfricaHaleonMarks & SpencerReckittSevern TrentUnited UtilitiesInvestecStandard CharteredAnglo AmericanAvon ProtectionHollywood BwlBridgepointOcadoB&MPennonOxford Nanopore TechnologiesCeres PowerRaspberry PiCMC Markets