Here are three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Record year for specialist recruiter SThree
The specialist science and technology recruiter SThree LON:STEM has published full year results this morning, covering the year to 30th November. Revenues were up 11% but this drove a 94% increase in operating profits, resulting in a 60% uptick in dividend payments. This makes for a record breaking full year performance and management notes strong momentum, leading to the expectation that double digit growth will be seen again in the year ahead.
#2. Pearson buys digital credentials provider – at a punchy price
Pearson LON:PSON has notified the market that this morning it has acquired Credly, a market leader in digital credentials and certification for the workforce. Pearson already had a 20% stake in the company, but the move is seen as the company looking to harness the growing demand for digital credentials to recognise skills and certification in a global market believed to be worth $400bn. The deal valued Credly – which currently has sales of $13.3m – at $200m.
#3. Shell – end of A&B share classification
Is it just an administrative stroke of a pencil or momentous change for many market watchers this morning, as Shell LON:SHEL has today confirmed the assimilation of the company’s A & B shares into a single line? The simplification had been announced at the end of last year and has no impact on the number of shares issued, but reflects the decision to align the share structure with its UK incorporated status.
