Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. MusicMagpie’s lower overheads boost EBITDA
MusicMagpie LON:MMAG has issued full year results this morning for the 12 months to 30th November, noting margin improvements and overhead reductions combining to bump EBITDA some 15% higher. That positive momentum, coming off a record Black Friday, has been carried into the new trading year and management are optimistic that the “second-use” market will continue to grow. It certainly resonates both with the cost of living situation and the desire to re-use or recycle.
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#2. Balfour Beatty revenues up, profits down
Balfour Beatty LON:BBY has issued full year results noting a 7% uptick in revenues, although a falling valuation on the investment portfolio and consequent lower than expected disposal prices here means that the underlying pre-tax profit is down by 10%.
The order book is also looking around £1bn lighter than it was a year ago, although management note that regardless of the outcome of this year UK election, with both parties recognising the importance of infrastructure projects there’s unlikely to be any bias here. Dividends are being hiked by almost 10% but will that be enough to take the edge off?
#3. Growing market share boosts 4Imprint
And full year results are out as well today from 4Imprint LON:FOUR the promotional products provider. Revenues are up 16%, profits advanced 32% and investors are set to see dividends hiked by an impressive 27% in GBP terms.
Momentum has been maintained into the early part of 2024 and management note that the success points back to the company’s ability to drive market share growth. One weakness could be seen as the sluggish growth in average order value, but so long as admin costs remain well managed then investors probably need to look at the bigger picture.
