Athleisure wear retailer JD Sports issued full year results this morning and its global footprint provided a useful barometer on the state of consumer confidence worldwide. Organic sales growth of 2.1% was posted but gross margins were flat, profit before tax and adjusted items was off almost 8% and the outlook was less than stellar too. The FY27 picture offered nothing to cheer either, with best case being for flat profits but with a 20% dividend hike and the launch of a rolling share buyback also being announced, early weakness abated and the JD Sports share price was up as much as 2% by 8.30am.
The operator of mobile phone network towers Helios released Q1 numbers today, noting a strong start to the year. Operating profits were 7% higher and the return on invested capital improved by 70 basis points. Combined with its strong pipeline, the company has upgraded FY26 guidance, bumping EBITDA forecasts $5m higher, with further improvements expected in FY27. The Helios Towers share price was up 16% in early trade.
A solid start to the year for defence operator BAE Systems was heralded in today’s first quarter update but investors failed to share the positive sentiments. Full year guidance was maintained so whether the disappointment relates to the failure in posting a quick rebound here remains to be seen. Management also noted the business as being well positioned for medium term growth, but the BAE share price was down more than 3% shortly after the open.
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