Here are three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Bidstack full year revenues set to come in lower than forecast
There’s a definite end-of-term feel to the news this morning, but AIM listed Bidstack Group LON:BIDS, the native in-game advertising group, has published a trading statement. This is a mixed bag, which advises that margin improvement is expected to be seen to in excess of 30%, which will put profits in line with expectations. However revenues for the full year are set to come in lower than had been forecast owing to delays and deferrals. Investors will have a good chance here to decide if they take the glass half full or half empty view of this combination.
#2. Mattioli Woods outlook remains in line with expectations
Again sticking on the junior market, Mattioli Woods LON:MTW has issued a trading statement today covering the six months to 30th November. Net inflows and client numbers are ahead of last year’s figures and the company is eyeing further acquisition opportunities as consolidation within the market is expected to continue. The outlook remains in line with expectations and the company notes it is well positioned to keep delivering sustainable returns to shareholders.
#3. Air Partner pre-tax profits expected to be materially ahead of expectations
Global aviation services group Air Partner [LON:AIR] rounds off the week – and indeed the year, as they publish a trading update. Exceptional levels of freight bookings in the second half of the year have resulting in a strong trading period, leading the board to advise that pre-tax profits for the 12 months to 31st January are now expected to be materially ahead of expectations. Private jet travel and transporting vaccines has more than compensated for the drop off in group charter bookings for the firm, giving management a confident outlook for the future.
So that’s it from me on the stock specific content for 2021. Over the last twelve months perhaps it’s too easy to say we have made little progress, but at least markets haven’t collapsed and it seems the management of COVID is thankfully getting better – even if it’s too early to deem this an endemic, rather than pandemic, situation. Wishing you all a relaxing Christmas, a prosperous New Year and I’ll be back on 4th January 2022.
