Mark Robinson

Levittown

Companies Editor and Investment Writer at Investors Chronicle Magazine

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Articles

Speedy Hire attempts to boost efficiencies as HMRC loads costs

1 week ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Hire rates are flat from the prior yearHeadcount reduction in response to NI hikeThe reason Speedy Hire (SDY) swung to a pre-tax loss in FY2025 can’t solely be laid at the door of macro effects, but there is a readily appreciated link between the equipment hire group’s performance and activity within the UK economy. The group’s annual figures were published a day after its industry peer Ashtead (AHT) indicated that trading conditions had deteriorated during its fourth quarter.
Ashtead stymied by falling used equipment sales

1 week ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Fall in used equipment salesSurge in free cash flowAshtead (AHT) is one of the more prominent homegrown entities which have decided to switch their primary listings to New York. Based on its full-year returns, it’s not difficult to appreciate why the decision was taken. Of the record $9.98bn (£7.34bn) in rental revenue recorded in FY2025, all but $778mn was generated in North America.
Peel Hunt trundles along in a marketplace dominated by M&A

1 week ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Rising restructuring costs weigh on profitabilityAverage headcount down through the periodAs part of its corporate mission, Peel Hunt (PEEL) sets out to support mid-cap and growth companies. This objective has proved to be a little more challenging than usual given “geopolitical risks, elections, stagflation fears and US trade tariffs”.
Howden Joinery and Playtech: Big director share deals this week

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Howden Joinery’s (HWDN) recent performance has been as solid as one of its kitchens. Although revenue and pre-tax profit were flat last year – and a fifth below the £406mn peak achieved 12 months earlier – this should be set in context. Demand for kitchens in the UK (where Howdens generates 97 per cent of its revenue) fell for the third year in succession in 2024, yet the company managed both to grow its market share and widen its gross margin by 80 basis points to 61.6 per cent.
RWS & AO World: Stock market week ahead - 16-20 June

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

RWS & AO World: Stock market week ahead – 16-20 JuneA summary of key company announcements expected in the coming weekPublished on June 13, 2025
Nike’s mis-steps erode market share and test investor loyalty

2 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

It’s been reported that a gaggle of teenagers in Liverpool recently queued overnight in the rain to get their hands on Air Max 95s, a new version of a Nike (US:NKE) trainer also commonly known as 110s. Apparently, the Air Max 95 (originally priced at £110) became something of a “must have” fashion item on Merseyside when it was first released in 1995 – and the affection endured even as shell suits went the way of spats and bell-bottoms.
GB Group & Porvair: Stock market week ahead - 9-13 June

3 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Monday 9 JuneAGMs: Ashington Innovation (ASHI), BioPharma Credit (BPCR), First Class Metals (FCM), Iofina (IOF), Mobico (MCG), Polarean Imaging (POLX), Rockpool Acquisitions (ROC), RTW Biotech Opportunities (RTW)Companies paying dividends: Epwin (3p), Hiscox ($0.299), Focusrite (2.1p), International Public Partnerships (4.19p)
IAG and Melrose: Big director share deals this week

3 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

Find out which directors are buying and selling shares in their own companiesPublished on June 6, 2025International Airlines Group’s (IAG) shares have soared by almost a quarter over the past month on news of its strong start to the year and an improving tariff picture. The British Airways owner’s first-quarter figures revealed trading ahead of market consensus, despite the negative impacts from the timing of Easter and the closure of Heathrow Airport for a day due to a power outage.
British American finds the trick to boosting cash returns

3 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

The thought of oral nicotine pouches brings to mind images of spittoons and Louisiana sheriffs. But these pouches are part of the reason why British American Tobacco (BATS) has been able to raise full-year guidance, and return to growth in the US. Management is now guiding for revenue growth of 1-2 per cent (at constant currencies). And adjusted operating profits are expected to grow by up to 2.5 per cent, with activity weighted towards the second half of 2025.
Young & Co feels City Group scale benefits

3 weeks ago | investorschronicle.co.uk | Mark Robinson

New trading year off to a strong startEarnings held in check by property revaluationsInvestors still aren’t sold on prospects for the licensed trade, at least judging by Young & Co’s (YNGA) discount to net assets. That’s a shame because the scale of the pubco has altered following the integration of the City Pub Group estate.