Findel, Britvic and Imperial Brands

“Blue-chips surrendered some of yesterday's gains as traders mulled news that an agreement may have been reached over the Brexit divorce bill, potentially leading the way to future trade talks with the EU,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“Home shopping group Findel’s shares jumped following an increase in interim revenues and a good start to the second half when the majority of its revenue is generated. The group’s Express Gifts arm continues to perform strongly through its strengthened Studio.co.uk brand and customers have also responded well to improvements in the quality and price points across its clothing business. Findel is performing well in its peak trading period against strong comparators and is on track to deliver against its plan for profitable growth. Findel’s shares were up by more than 19.2%.

“Soft drinks group Britvic topped the FTSE 250 board after a full year increase in revenues and adjusted earnings. Britvic faces some uncertainty next year when a levy on the soft drinks industry is introduced in April but the group is well placed to navigate it thanks to the strength and breadth of its brand portfolio and its marketing and innovation plans. Britvic’s shares were up by over 6.3%.

“Tobacco giant Imperial Brands’ was an early faller after it warned that its operating profits faced a £160m hit due to the collapse of its trading partner Palmer & Harvey. Imperial, which has been giving on-going support to P&H, was disappointed by its partner’s decision to call in administrators as last month significant capital investment seemed likely. Imperial has well-prepared contingency plans to ensure that supplies to retailers will not be affected but the majority of £160m hit that it anticipates relates to excise duty which is non-recoverable. Imperial’s shares were down by more than 1.3%.”

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