Edison Investment Research

Stobart Group (STOB); strong earnings growth across segments, led by acquisitions and disposals

Stock up 0.2% to 247.5p at 8:12

STOB’s revenue grew strongly by 87% to £242m for the year ended 28 February 2018, driven by the acquisition of Stobart Air. Underlying EBITDA grew 293% to £135.2m, including profit of £123.9m on partial disposal of investment in Eddie Stobart.

Raven Russia (RUS); payment of dividend of 3p per preference share

Stock down 0.24% to 45.49p at 8:16

The record date will be 18 May 2018 and the dividend payment date will be 2 July 2018.

Personal Group Holding (PGH); to pay second dividend for 2018 of 5.75p/ share

The dividend will be paid on 25 June 2018 with record date as 18 May 2018.

eServGlobal (ESG); HomeSend announces partnership with Al Mulla Exchange Kuwait

Stock flat at 9.5p at 08.07

The partnership enables Al Mulla Exchange to offer its registered customers an increased range of sending destinations for direct account-to-account cross-border payments in key new markets in a secure and seamless manner.

2018 Earnings forecasts: Another Trump bump for energy

Rising oil price continues to support 2018 earnings forecasts

While our concerns on valuation remain in place, in the short-term market performance is more closely linked to the trend in forecasts profits. Those looking for a reason to sell equities on this basis are likely to be disappointed. As we approach the half-year point, median earnings growth forecasts for the US remain robust at 18% while eurozone and UK equities are at 8%. For now, our base case remains that the benign derating – equities moving sideways while interest rates and profits increase - will continue.

Ebiquity (EBQ); Issue of Ordinary shares and total voting rights

Stock flat at 69.5p at 8:05

EBQ has issued 70,000 ordinary shares at 25p each, following the exercise of options under its share option schemes.

Greggs (GRG); trading update: soft sales performance due to severe weather and strong Q1 2017 comps

Stock down 15.63% to 1,068.99p at 8:11

GRG’s total sales increased 4.7% in the 18 weeks to 5 May 2018 (vs. 7.4% in 2017). Like-for-like (LFL) sales for the company-managed shops grew 1.3% over the same period (vs. 3.5% in 2017).

Learning Technologies Group (LTG); Issue of new shares and total voting rights

Stock down 1.36% to 108.5p at 08.03

LTG has issued 260,000 new ordinary shares following the exercise of share options.

Primary Health Properties (PHP); acquisition of Irish primary healthcare facility for €5.8m

Stock up 0.31% to 115.16p at 8:05

Primary Health Properties ICAV, an Irish investment vehicle wholly owned by PHP, has acquired the Mountmellick Primary Healthcare Centre for a total cost of €5.80m. Health Service Executive (“HSE”), the Irish government agency providing public health services across the country, accounts for c65% of the total rent roll and the combined unexpired term is c18.50 years.

Globalworth Real Estate Investments (GWI); acquisition of business park in Krakow for €139m

Globalworth Poland Real Estate, in which GWI owns 71.7% stake, has announced the acquisition of the Quattro Business Park in Krakow, Poland for a consideration of €139m with the cash component adjusted to reflect cash in hand, debt and working capital position.