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Wood Group plc (LSE:WG.) saw its shares surge as much as 38% to 25 pence on Thursday after trading resumed in London, ending a five-month suspension triggered by delays in publishing its financial accounts. The rally reflects investor reaction to the company’s long-awaited readmission and the pending £216 million takeover offer from UAE-based engineering group Sidara, valuing the stock at 30 pence per share.

Trading was suspended earlier this year following an independent review that exposed “failures” in Wood Group’s financial culture, including instances where information was withheld from auditors. The company has since released its 2024 annual report and interim results for the first half of 2025, allowing the resumption of trading. The 2024 accounts revealed a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $2.7 billion, compared with $152 million in 2023, largely due to a $2.2 billion goodwill and intangible asset impairment. For the first half of 2025, Wood Group reported a $67.1 million pre-tax loss and negative cash flow of $404 million.

Auditors KPMG issued a qualified opinion on the 2024 results, citing time constraints and an inability to obtain sufficient audit evidence. Analysts at Peel Hunt described the half-year results as “terrible,” noting weak financial performance aside from a rise in new orders.

Wood Group, which provides engineering and project management services across the global energy and mining sectors, employs about 35,000 people in more than 60 countries. Once valued at £5.3 billion in 2018, the company has struggled since its £2.2 billion acquisition of Amec Foster Wheeler, burdened by high debt and heavy cash outflows. Its market capitalization had fallen to just £126 million before the suspension.

Shareholders are scheduled to vote later this month on the Sidara takeover proposal, which the board has recommended, saying alternative options would “likely generate materially less, and potentially zero, value for shareholders.” The latest offer is more than 80% lower than Sidara’s previous bids rejected last year.

In a statement accompanying the 2024 results, Chair Roy Franklin described the past year as “an incredibly challenging period” and expressed disappointment at the company’s position. He has announced plans to step down once the company’s future becomes clearer, while Chief Executive Ken Gilmartin, who has led the group since July 2022, is expected to depart following the shareholder vote on the Sidara deal.

More about Wood Group plc

Wood Group plc is a global engineering and consulting company providing project management, operations, and technical services to clients in the energy, industrial, and mining sectors. Headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland, the company operates in more than 60 countries and employs approximately 35,000 people worldwide.

ITV plc (LSE:ITV) delivered better-than-expected results for the first nine months of 2025, supported by strong performance in ITV Studios and continued momentum in digital advertising. Despite a challenging UK advertising environment, the company’s diversified business model helped mitigate headwinds. ITV expects a decline in total advertising revenue in the fourth quarter due to ongoing economic uncertainty but has implemented £35 million in temporary cost savings to offset the impact. Management reaffirmed confidence in achieving full-year revenue growth targets, backed by disciplined cost control and a robust programming pipeline for the months ahead.

The company’s outlook remains balanced, with solid operational execution offset by pressures on revenue growth and cash flow. Technical analysis indicates bearish momentum in the short term, though the current valuation suggests the stock may be undervalued, supported by an attractive dividend yield.

More about ITV plc

ITV plc is a leading UK-based media and entertainment company engaged in television broadcasting, content production, and digital media. Through its ITV Studios division, the company produces and distributes content globally, while its broadcasting operations reach millions of viewers across the UK. ITV is also expanding its presence in digital advertising and streaming, aligning its strategy with changing audience behaviors and the evolving media landscape.

BT Group plc (LSE:BT.A) announced solid half-year results, showcasing continued progress in its strategic transformation and infrastructure rollout. The company achieved record growth in full fibre broadband and 5G coverage, with Openreach now passing more than 20 million premises across the UK. Despite challenges in its international and legacy operations, BT remains on track to meet its full-year financial targets, supported by ongoing cost efficiencies and higher dividend payouts. Its intensified focus on the UK market, network modernization, and improved customer experience are helping offset revenue pressures in other business segments.

The company’s outlook remains stable, underpinned by strong operational execution and positive commentary from its recent earnings call. While short-term technical indicators suggest a bearish trend, BT’s strategic initiatives and attractive dividend yield provide a balanced longer-term view. Risks remain linked to high leverage and slower revenue growth.

More about BT Group plc

BT Group plc is one of the UK’s leading telecommunications providers, offering broadband, mobile, and digital TV services. Through its Openreach division, the company is spearheading the nationwide rollout of full fibre broadband, while its EE network continues to expand 5G coverage across the country. BT’s strategy focuses on strengthening the UK’s digital infrastructure, enhancing service quality, and driving sustainable long-term growth.

Harbour Energy (LSE:HBR) has increased its production guidance for 2025 following strong operational performance and progress across key strategic initiatives. Despite ongoing volatility in commodity prices, the company reaffirmed its free cash flow target of $1 billion for the year, supported by higher production volumes and continued cost efficiencies. Harbour has made notable headway in major projects, including liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in Argentina and new oil field ventures in Mexico, both expected to enhance long-term output and reserves. The company has also streamlined its UK operations through organizational restructuring and the divestment of non-core assets, sharpening its focus on high-return opportunities.

The company’s outlook remains constructive, underpinned by strong commentary from its latest earnings call highlighting operational improvements and cash generation. While financial performance reflects solid revenue growth, profitability pressures persist. Technical indicators point to potential resistance levels, and valuation metrics show a mixed picture, with a negative price-to-earnings ratio offset by an attractive dividend yield.

More about Harbour Energy

Harbour Energy is a leading independent oil and gas producer with a diversified portfolio spanning the UK, Norway, Argentina, and Mexico. The company focuses on exploration and production projects that deliver strong returns and long-term resource growth. In addition to its core operations, Harbour is investing in strategic LNG and energy transition initiatives, positioning itself to play a key role in the evolving global energy landscape.

Vistry Group PLC (LSE:VTY) has reaffirmed its full-year guidance, reporting steady progress through the second half of 2025. The company continues to benefit from strong activity in the affordable housing sector, bolstered by a £50 million grant from Homes England and rising demand from strategic partners. While broader economic uncertainty persists, Vistry noted a modest uptick in open market sales and continued success in managing build cost inflation. The group remains focused on reducing net debt, improving operational efficiency, and pursuing new development opportunities across the UK.

The company’s outlook is supported by consistent revenue growth and healthy cash flow generation, although margin pressures and elevated leverage continue to challenge overall profitability. Technical indicators point to moderate momentum, while valuation remains subdued due to a negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a dividend yield.

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Vistry Group PLC is a leading UK-based housebuilder specializing in the development of affordable and mixed-tenure housing. Working closely with government bodies, housing associations, and local partners, the company plays a central role in delivering projects under the Affordable Homes Programme. Vistry’s focus on partnership housing supports both financial sustainability and social impact, positioning it as a key contributor to the UK’s housing supply.

S4 Capital plc (LSE:SFOR) reported a mixed performance for the third quarter of 2025, with modest growth in billings offset by declines in both revenue and net revenue. The company continues to face headwinds from global economic uncertainty and reduced client spending, particularly within the technology sector. Despite these challenges, S4 Capital remains optimistic about its long-term prospects, citing recent new business wins and growing adoption of its AI-driven marketing and digital solutions. The company reaffirmed its operational EBITDA and net debt guidance, expecting improved liquidity in the coming quarters and the potential for a higher final dividend if performance targets are achieved.

The outlook for S4 Capital reflects ongoing financial pressures and valuation concerns, stemming from weaker revenue trends and profitability challenges. While short-term technical indicators suggest some positive momentum, longer-term trends remain subdued. The company’s high dividend yield may appeal to income investors but also highlights underlying risk factors.

More about S4 Capital plc

S4 Capital plc is an international digital advertising and marketing services group specializing in data, digital content, and technology-led solutions. The company focuses on integrating AI and automation across its service offerings to deliver faster, more personalized marketing campaigns for global clients. By combining creativity with advanced analytics, S4 Capital aims to maintain its competitive edge in an evolving digital media landscape.

Wise PLC (LSE:WISE) delivered strong financial results for the first half of 2025, supported by continued expansion in its customer base and cross-border transaction volumes. Active customers increased by 18%, while cross-border volumes rose 24% year-on-year, reflecting growing adoption of Wise’s international payment solutions. The company has continued to strengthen its infrastructure and broaden its product suite through new partnerships and enhanced features, reinforcing its position in the global money transfer market. Although profit margins declined slightly due to ongoing investment in growth initiatives, Wise remains focused on long-term scalability and innovation.

The company’s outlook is underpinned by solid financial performance and positive management commentary from its latest earnings call. Strong growth metrics and disciplined expansion strategies support a favorable long-term trajectory, though technical indicators suggest short-term caution amid bearish market trends. Valuation remains reasonable relative to growth potential.

More about Wise PLC

Wise PLC is a leading financial technology company specializing in cross-border payments and digital financial services. Its flagship Wise Account enables individuals and businesses to send, spend, and manage money internationally with transparent fees and competitive exchange rates. The company continues to expand its presence by integrating with local payment systems and securing regulatory approvals in new markets, strengthening its role as a global innovator in affordable, efficient money movement.

Diageo plc (LSE:DGE) reported flat organic net sales growth for the first quarter of fiscal 2026, with a 2.9% rise in volume offset by a 2.8% decline in price and mix. The company faced headwinds from a challenging Chinese white spirits market and softer consumer demand in the United States, which weighed on overall performance. Despite these pressures, Diageo continues to advance its Accelerate transformation programme, designed to streamline operations and enhance agility. The initiative is expected to deliver approximately $625 million in cost savings over the next three years. The company reiterated its commitment to generating around $3 billion in free cash flow for fiscal 2026 and aims to return to its target leverage ratio by fiscal 2028, supported by ongoing efficiency and productivity improvements.

Diageo’s outlook remains steady, with resilience in revenue and operational execution despite near-term profitability and cash flow challenges. While technical indicators point to a bearish trend, the company’s valuation appears attractive, supported by a reasonable price-to-earnings ratio and a solid dividend yield.

More about Diageo

Diageo plc is one of the world’s largest producers of alcoholic beverages, with a diverse portfolio that includes leading global brands such as Johnnie Walker, Guinness, Baileys, and Smirnoff. Operating across Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Asia Pacific, the company focuses on premium and super-premium segments, leveraging innovation and scale to drive sustainable growth and shareholder returns.

J Sainsbury plc (LSE:SBRY) reported robust interim results for the 28 weeks ended 13 September 2025, reflecting the success of its ongoing investments in value, quality, and customer service. Group sales excluding fuel rose 5.2%, with grocery up 5.3% and general merchandise and clothing advancing 3.3%. Despite persistent cost inflation, the retailer achieved profit levels ahead of expectations, supported by improved efficiency and competitive positioning. Sainsbury’s also unveiled plans to return more than £800 million to shareholders through dividends and share buybacks, underpinned by strong cash generation and a solid balance sheet. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on innovation and customer experience as it heads into the key Christmas trading period.

The outlook for Sainsbury’s remains positive, driven by strong financial performance, effective strategy execution, and encouraging commentary from its latest earnings call. However, technical indicators suggest the shares may be overbought, and the elevated valuation could temper short-term upside potential.

More about J Sainsbury plc

J Sainsbury plc is one of the UK’s leading retailers, offering groceries, general merchandise, and clothing across its network of supermarkets, convenience stores, and digital platforms. The company is committed to delivering value and quality while continuously enhancing the customer experience through innovation and service excellence.

AFC Energy (LSE:AFC) has issued a trading update for the year ending 31 October 2025, reporting strong progress across its strategic and operational initiatives. The company successfully deployed multiple fuel cell generator systems and completed the first phase of its Joint Development Agreement with a major S&P 500 partner. AFC Energy remains on course to launch its next-generation fuel cell generators at substantially lower production costs and expects to begin delivering low-cost hydrogen for commercial use by mid-2026. A recent strategic restructuring has streamlined operations, reduced costs, and strengthened its leadership team, positioning the company to capitalize on the accelerating demand for clean energy solutions—particularly within data centers and industrial applications in the U.S. hydrogen market.

While the company continues to face financial headwinds, including negative profitability and constrained cash flow, AFC Energy’s long-term growth potential remains supported by increasing global investment in hydrogen infrastructure. Technical indicators currently suggest a neutral trend, and valuation reflects the absence of near-term earnings and dividends.

More about AFC Energy

AFC Energy plc is a UK-based leader in hydrogen power technology, providing sustainable energy solutions for both on-grid and off-grid applications. Its proprietary alkaline fuel cell systems deliver zero-emission electricity for sectors such as electric vehicle charging, construction, and temporary power. The company is also advancing ammonia-cracking technology to enable distributed, low-cost hydrogen production for industries including mining, cement, and heavy engineering. Through innovation and strategic partnerships, AFC Energy aims to make hydrogen energy commercially viable without reliance on subsidies.