Category: Market News

JD Sports Fashion (LSE:JD.) reduced its profit outlook on Thursday after reporting softer sales across most major markets during its third quarter, a shift the retailer attributes to deteriorating consumer conditions.

The company now expects profit before tax and adjusting items to land at the lower end of current market expectations for FY26. As of November 14, JD’s compiled analyst consensus sits at £871 million, within a range of £853 million to £888 million.

In its statement, the company warned: “Recent indicators have shown incrementally weaker macroeconomic and consumer external data points in our key markets. We are particularly mindful of the pressures on our core customer demographic, including rising unemployment levels, as well as near-term volatility around consumer sentiment.” JD added that these trends prompted management to adopt a “pragmatic approach to the FY26 outlook” as it heads into its peak trading season.

For the 13 weeks to November 1, group like-for-like sales declined 1.7%, although organic sales rose 2.4%. Total sales, including contributions from acquisitions, grew 8.1% at constant currency to £2.95 billion.

North America—JD’s largest region at 37% of quarterly sales—reported like-for-like sales down 1.7%, while organic sales advanced 3% to £1.08 billion. Excluding Finish Line stores, like-for-like sales in the region slipped just 0.2%. Footwear remained soft due to key product cycles maturing, although running products performed well.

Europe generated £1.03 billion in quarterly sales, representing 35% of the total. Like-for-like sales fell 1.1% but organic sales increased 4%. Sporting goods and apparel posted solid performance, but footwear again faced pressure from end-of-cycle product ranges.

The UK proved the toughest market, with like-for-like sales down 3.3% and organic sales falling 2% to £718 million. JD attributed the decline to unseasonably warm September weather affecting apparel, and persistent weakness in footwear—particularly women’s and athletic styles—due to product cycles nearing their end.

Asia Pacific was the only region to deliver positive like-for-like performance, with sales up 3.9% and organic sales jumping 13.3% to £124 million.

Group gross margin excluding acquisitions declined 30 basis points year over year, which JD linked to targeted price investments in online channels. Including the Courir acquisition completed on November 27, 2024, gross margin contracted by 40 basis points.

During the quarter, JD opened a new distribution centre in Heerlen, Netherlands, and confirmed it remains on track to complete £200 million in share buybacks while continuing to generate strong free cash flow.

Everplay Group (LSE:EVPL) has appointed Mikkel Weider as its next Chief Executive Officer, with the transition taking effect on January 1, the company announced on Thursday.

With Weider stepping in, Interim Executive Chair Frank Sagnier will resume his previous position as Non-Executive Chair. Sagnier praised the appointment, saying Weider “has the right credentials to accelerate growth and take everplay to the next level” and that “his extensive gaming and M&A track record will be invaluable over the coming years.”

Weider joins Everplay with a substantial background in leadership and growth-focused strategy. He is best known for founding and leading Nordisk Games between 2016 and 2023, during which the company expanded from a start-up to an organisation of more than 1,300 employees across Europe and the United States. His tenure included major acquisitions such as Avalanche Studios and Supermassive Games.

He currently serves as a Partner at Delphi Interactive, Chair of Outlast Games, and sits on the boards of M2 Animation and NASDAQ-listed Trophy Games. His earlier career includes board roles at Avalanche Studios, Supermassive Games, Raw Fury, Starstable, and Trustpilot, as well as senior positions at Bookatable and Match.com.

Everplay did not provide commentary on current trading conditions, indicating that performance remains broadly aligned with market expectations during this typically busy period for the gaming industry.

Games Workshop Group PLC (LSE:GAW) has issued a trading update for the six months ending 30 November 2025, indicating estimated core revenue of at least £310 million and profit before tax of no less than £135 million. While licensing income has softened compared with the prior year, the strength of core revenue highlights continued demand for the company’s products and a solid operational footing, reinforcing its competitive position in the tabletop gaming market.

Games Workshop’s financial performance remains a key driver of its outlook, reflecting strong growth and underlying stability. Although technical indicators point to some short-term weakness, valuation metrics present a fair pricing backdrop complemented by an appealing dividend yield.

More about Games Workshop

Games Workshop Group PLC is a leading player in the tabletop gaming industry and the creator of the globally successful Warhammer franchise. The company designs, manufactures, and sells miniature wargames supported by a highly engaged international community of hobbyists and fans.

Panther Metals Plc (LSE:PALM) has engaged Platinum Diamond Drilling Inc. to carry out a Mineral Resource drilling programme at the Winston Tailings Project in Ontario, Canada. The work is designed to verify historical recovery data and support the creation of a CIM-compliant Mineral Resource estimate—an essential milestone in securing recovery permits. The project has the potential to reshape Panther’s business by unlocking remaining metal value from the historic Winston Lake Mine tailings, offering both near-term production prospects and long-term environmental rehabilitation benefits. Panther is prioritising rapid progress toward establishing a cash-generating operation, with the forthcoming Mineral Resource Estimate forming a central part of that strategy.

More about Panther Metals Plc

Panther Metals Plc is a mineral exploration company focused on Canadian projects. Its portfolio includes gold, gallium, silver, zinc, copper, and cobalt assets, with a particular emphasis on revitalising historic mining sites and converting them into modern, economically viable operations.

CMC Markets (LSE:CMCX) reported a strong first half for FY26, outperforming expectations with a 5% rise in net operating income to £186.2 million. The company unveiled a major new partnership with Westpac, which is anticipated to broaden its Australian customer base and lift trading volumes by an estimated 45%. Alongside this, CMC is pushing forward with a new multi-asset platform and deepening collaborations with leading banks and retailers—initiatives aimed at strengthening its competitive position and supporting long-term growth. The firm is also progressing in Web3 development, seeking to incorporate decentralised and blockchain-based technologies into future market infrastructure.

CMC’s outlook benefits from a solid financial base, marked by strong cash flow and healthy profitability. Its valuation remains appealing, supported by a low price-to-earnings ratio and a generous dividend yield—conditions that may attract value-focused investors. Even so, technical indicators currently point to a bearish trend, moderating the overall assessment.

More about CMC Markets

CMC Markets Plc is a financial services provider specialising in online trading and investment solutions. The company offers spread betting, CFDs, and stockbroking services, with a strategy centred on technology-driven platform enhancements and international expansion, particularly across Australia and Europe.

LondonMetric Property Plc (LSE:LMP) delivered a strong set of half-year results to September 2025, reporting a 14.6% increase in net rental income to £221.2 million, supported primarily by its acquisition of Urban Logistics REIT assets. Although IFRS profit declined to £130.3 million, EPRA earnings rose 9.7% to £148.6 million, underscoring the company’s emphasis on high-performing sectors and operational efficiency. The portfolio expanded to £7.4 billion in value, with logistics now representing 54% of total assets. Strategic acquisitions and active asset management continue to elevate the quality of the company’s holdings, contributing to a 7% dividend uplift and strengthening its position for further growth despite a challenging macroeconomic backdrop.

LondonMetric’s outlook remains broadly positive, supported by strong financial performance and an appealing valuation profile. Technical indicators also point toward potential upside. Still, the company’s history of profit volatility and rising leverage warrants ongoing attention.

More about LondonMetric Property

LondonMetric Property Plc is a UK-based triple-net-lease REIT specialising in logistics, healthcare, convenience, entertainment, and leisure real estate. The company owns and manages mission-critical properties designed to deliver reliable, recurring, and growing income-led returns.

PZ Cussons (LSE:PZC) delivered a strong start to FY26, reporting like-for-like revenue growth of around 9%, fuelled by a 25% surge in its Africa division. The improved trading performance has prompted the company to raise its adjusted operating profit guidance to a range of £50–£55 million for the year. PZ Cussons also expects to complete the sale of its 50% stake in PZ Wilmar by year-end and plans to release the findings of its strategic review of the Africa business by February 2026.

The outlook for the company is shaped by a blend of positive strategic signals and ongoing financial challenges. While guidance from the latest earnings call supports a constructive near-term view, profitability pressures and a negative price-earnings ratio continue to weigh on sentiment. The company’s relatively high dividend yield, however, provides some offsetting appeal for investors.

More about PZ Cussons

PZ Cussons is a Manchester-based consumer goods group with operations across Europe, North America, Asia-Pacific, and Africa. Founded in 1884, the company focuses on hygiene, baby, and beauty categories, with a portfolio that includes Carex, Childs Farm, Cussons Baby, Imperial Leather, and St.Tropez. Sustainability and employee wellbeing remain central to its long-term strategy.

Supermarket Income REIT plc (LSE:SUPR) has announced a major expansion of its joint venture with Blue Owl Capital, acquiring 10 Asda supermarkets for £196 million and transferring an additional £232 million of its existing assets into the partnership. The move is designed to scale the joint venture to £833 million, improve earnings per share by recycling lower-yield assets into higher-yield opportunities, and extend the portfolio’s average lease term. These transactions are set to boost SUPR’s exposure to investment-grade tenants while also generating increased management-fee income, strengthening the REIT’s capital-recycling strategy and supporting future earnings growth.

Supermarket Income REIT maintains a strong financial footing, supported by solid profitability and a healthy balance sheet. Its valuation remains appealing, with a reasonable price-to-earnings ratio and a high dividend yield. Even so, technical indicators point to a neutral trend, slightly moderating the overall outlook.

More about Supermarket Income REIT plc

Supermarket Income REIT plc is a FTSE 250-listed property investor focused on grocery-anchored real estate essential to national food infrastructure. The company targets omnichannel supermarkets that support both online fulfilment and in-store shopping, leasing its assets to major UK and European grocery operators. As of June 2025, its £1.6 billion portfolio delivers long, secure, inflation-linked rental income, underpinning progressive dividends and potential capital appreciation.

Tracsis plc (LSE:TRCS) released its audited results for the year ended 31 July 2025, reporting a 1% rise in revenue to £81.9 million and maintaining adjusted EBITDA levels despite ongoing pressures in the UK rail market. Recurring revenue saw strong momentum, supported by multi-year contract wins—most notably a GeoIntelligence agreement with the UK government. The company continues to prioritise long-term expansion through strategic investment in its operations and planning software platform, reinforcing its leadership position in the UK and laying the groundwork for international growth. With a strong balance sheet and healthy cash flow, Tracsis is well placed to pursue further opportunities, including mergers and acquisitions.

The company’s outlook is guided by its solid financial standing, even as it contends with profitability pressures and slower cash-flow growth. Technical indicators currently suggest a bearish trend and potential overbought conditions, while the elevated price-to-earnings ratio raises valuation concerns. With no recent earnings-call commentary or major corporate developments, there are limited additional factors shaping sentiment.

More about Tracsis

Tracsis plc is a leading transport technology provider specialising in rail solutions, data analytics, consultancy, and event services. The company supports the transport sector with tools that improve operational efficiency and enable data-driven decision-making. Tracsis aims to broaden its UK leadership position and accelerate international expansion, with a particular focus on recurring revenue models and consumer-oriented transactional services.

Dr. Martens (LSE:DOCS) recorded a 6% increase in full-price direct-to-consumer revenue, reflecting ongoing traction from its consumer-first strategy. New product launches and targeted growth initiatives are delivering encouraging results even as the company navigates a difficult trading environment. Financial performance has also improved, with reduced net bank debt and continued strong cash generation. Regionally, the Americas delivered the strongest performance, while EMEA remained challenged. Management is prioritising mitigation measures around higher U.S. tariffs and expects to manage these pressures effectively over coming fiscal years.

The company’s outlook is shaped by a combination of strategic progress and financial constraints. Strong cash flow and a healthier balance sheet are clear positives, but declining top-line performance and weaker profitability remain concerns. Technical indicators point to bearish momentum, and the elevated price-earnings ratio raises valuation risks. Commentary from the latest earnings call offered a balanced perspective, noting both achievements and ongoing challenges, resulting in a moderate overall assessment.

More about Dr. Martens Plc

Dr. Martens is a heritage British footwear brand originating in Northamptonshire and best known for its durable, comfort-focused boots, including the iconic 1460. The company operates in more than 60 countries and employs roughly 3,700 people. While maintaining its ‘Made in England’ craftsmanship through select UK production, Dr. Martens also manufactures in Asia to support global demand.