Skip to content

Three Quick Facts: Costain Group, John Laing and Ofcom

Three Quick Facts: Costain Group, John Laing and Ofcom

Three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross

Costain Group

Infrastructure solutions provider Costain has published a trading update today. The first half performance has been in line with expectations, but the company does caution that it has seen some delays to contract start dates and one project has been cancelled. This will have a negative impact on profit projections for the full year although looking further ahead, the 2020 order book is already looking strong, with margins set to be higher, too. Whether this is sufficient to offset investor concern over the shorter term remains to be seen.

John Laing

Keeping with infrastructure, John Laing has also published a pre-close trading update. Headlines are typically in line with the previously stated three year guidance, but the investment portfolio’s performance seems to be giving some cause for concern. The full extent of this is still being calculated and will be stated in the interims. The outlook for the year as a whole however remains unchanged.

Ofcom

Ofcom has published some new guidance for companies involved in rolling out high speed communications lines for large businesses. They’re being brought into line with the rules governing residential and small businesses regarding access to the BT Openreach network in a move that stands to reduce cost. It’s got the potential to serve up another blow for the BT share price however – one to watch as the market opens.

Share this article

Invest with these platforms

Hargreaves Lansdown

IG

Interactive Brokers

Interactive Investor

Charles Stanley

IG

Interactive Brokers

Charles Stanley

Looking for great investing ideas? Get our free newsletter.

This article does not constitute investment advice.  Do your own research or consult a professional advisor.

Learn with our free 'How to' Guides

Our latest in-depth company reports

On the podcast

Sign up for great investing stock tips

Thanks to our Site Partners

Our partners are established, regulated businesses and we are grateful for their support.

Aquis
CME Group
FP Markets
Pepperstone
Schroders

aberdeen
WisdomTree
ARK
Plus500
CMC Markets
Back To Top