Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Jet2 FY guidance revised slightly higher
A trading update is out from Jet2 LON:JET2, looking at FY24 and FY25 performance. For the year to 31st March, seat capacity was increased by 20.5% and current bookings are up b 17% although any downturn in loads does appear offset by a move to higher margin package bookings. That’s allowed the company to tighten and improve full year guidance for group profit to £510m-£525m. Forward bookings for next year remains positive although management note rising input costs as a challenge alongside the macroeconomc and geopolitical risks.
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#2. Retail profits pave way for divi hike & buyback for Centrica
Full year results from Centrica LON:CNA show adjusted operating profits down by 17%; That’s despite a strong contribution from retail (i.e. British Gas) where profits rose £700m in what is surely a tabloid headline writer’s dream, with optimisation and infrastructure contributions falling noticeably. The company has however declared a 33% uplift in the dividend and a £1bn share buyback to run over the next five months. Critically however management are downbeat on the outlook, stressing that the contribution from retail was a one-off.
#3. Business pivot continues theme of improvement for RELX
Business data provider RELX LON:REL has full year results out today, noting revenues up 8%, operating profits up by 13% and rewarding shareholders with an 8% increase in dividends, too. Positive momentum has been maintained into the new financial year with management noting the success of the pivot towards higher growth information based analytics and decision tools.