Interims from the electrical goods retailer AO World were issued this morning with revenues up 14% and profits 7% higher. That comes despite the widely reported rising costs and deteriorating economic backdrop, whilst cash conversion also remains strong. Trading sat slightly ahead of prior expectations and as a result management have further narrowed the full year profit guidance towards the top of the recently narrowed range. The AO share price added more than 9% in early trade.
A trading statement for the first nine months of 2025 was issued by insurer Beazley this morning which included news of a 4% increase in written premiums, but premiums on renewal business are falling notably on cyber security policies – despite the increased frequency of ransomware claims. On top of that, premium growth for the full year is expected to be flat to low single digits and that’s been jumped on by the market. The Beazley share price was down almost 10% shortly after the open.
Retailer Kingfisher – the company behind B&Q, Screwfix and other home improvement banners - issued a trading update today covering Q3 which painted an upbeat picture – at least in its dominant UK market – with revenues up, whilst margin and cost controls have allowed the company to upgrade full year profit guidance too. This had previously been pitched at £480m to £540m, but is now set to land between £540m and £570m. Free cashflow guidance in unchanged, reflecting property investments anticipated in the final quarter. The Kingfisher share price was up just over 5% by 8.45am.
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