PPHE, Softcat and Hunting feature in three key news stories unfolding as the UK stock market opens. Check out our companies reporting diary for upcoming results from FTSE 350 and selected international stocks.
1. Macroeconomic turbulence limits revenue growth at PPHE
Hotelier PPHE [LON:PPHE] has this morning issued interim results, showing increased occupancy rates although the macroeconomic backdrop is limiting room price increases. EBITDA for FY25 is now expected to be in line with the FY24 figure, but new projects in the pipeline are set to bolster this metric over time.
- UK Stock Market News: PPHE, ITM, Babcock
- UK Stock Market News: Standard Chartered, PPHE, Computacenter
2. Strong Q4 leaves Softcat eyeing faster growth
IT infrastructure provider Softcat LON:SCT published a year end trading update today. A solid Q4 performance means the board now expects to deliver high-teens growth in full year gross profit, whilst the company also remains highly cash generative. Cash conversion is set to land at the upper end of the previously guided range. Looking further ahead, double digit gross profit growth is also tipped for FY26.
3. Share buyback launched at Hunting
Engineering group Hunting LON:HTG issued interims this morning, with revenues up 6%, EBITDA margin at 13% against 12% in the comparative. The sales order book has however contracted but management are confident that the pipeline is healthy and pre-tax adjusted profits are around 20% higher. The company has also announced the launch of a $40m share buyback in response to the strong balance sheet and sustainable cash generation.
