Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Tough comparatives and macro woes check performance at Burberry
Full year results from Burberry LON:BRBY are out this morning with revenues down 4% but a 36% decline in operating profits. Tough comparatives meant that Q4 looked particularly challenging in the Asia Pacific region although strong tourist spending has been supporting the market in Japan. Management expect H1 ’25 to remain challenging but eye improvements later in the year.
- UK Stock Market News: Imperial Brands, FirstGroup, Softcat
- Company Diary: Imperial Brands, NVIDIA, JD Sports
- Imperial Brands share buyback soothes market
#2. Price increases offset falling volumes at Imperial Brands
Imperial Brands LON:IMB has interims out today for the six months to March 31st. Strong tobacco pricing has offset falling volumes, next generation product revenues continue to increase and shareholders will receive a 4% increase in the dividend payout. The company remains on track to deliver full year results in line with guidance and the ongoing share buyback program continues to progress as planned.
#3. Compass full year profit guidance upped
Interims from Compass Group LON:CPG saw the business increase turnover by a further 11%, operating profits rose by almost 19% and full year guidance on this metric has been upped from 13% to 15% as a result. Shareholders will see the interim dividend increase by more than 15% and the share buyback plan remain on track.
