HomeServe, Greencore and Severn Trent

Archived article

Please note that tax, investment, pension and ISA rules can change and the information and any views contained in this article may now be inaccurate.

“The FTSE100 opened in positive territory although trading was inevitably overshadowed by last night’s terror attack in Manchester in which 22 people died and at least 59 people were injured. Traders will be scrutinising UK public sector net borrowing and inflation report data, while in the euro zone and later the US a platter of PMI data will be closely inspected,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“Home repairs and improvements group HomeServe topped the FTSE250 board following strong full-year results which were bolstered by a record performance in North America where progress was accelerated by the acquisition of Utility Service Partners. The investments HomeServe has made in Checkatrade and Habitissimo position the group at the forefront of the online revolution currently being seen in home services. HomeServe’s shares were up by 9.9% in early trading.

“Convenience food group Greencore was an early riser after first half revenues rose by 46.1% on the back of its acquisition of US food group Peacock. The addition of Peacock has transformed Greencore’s market and channel position and given it a growth platform of real scale. Greencore’s shares were up by more than 7.3%.

Severn Trent’s shares edged up following an increase in full-year pre-tax profit and turnover. Sewer floodings were down by 21%, and the group further reduced both supply interruptions and leakages. Severn Trent pleased investors by upgrading its ordinary dividend policy to growth of at least RPI +4%. The group’s shares were up by over 0.6% in early trading.”

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice.