AWARDS: Compass raises its forecasts; defense stocks fall

(Alliance News) – Here are the main increases and decreases among the constituents of the FTSE 100 and 250 indices this Monday.

Strongest increases in the FTSE 100:

– Airtel Africa PLC, up 9.1% at 400.40 pence – International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, up 5.4% at 405.70p, launches a tender offer for 825 million euros of senior bonds – Metlen Energy & Metals PLC, up 2.2% at 37.08 EUR, supported by steady oil prices – Compass Group PLC, up 1.9% at 30.07 EUR, raises its annual profit outlook after growth in half-year results – Vodafone Group PLC, up 1.6% at 120.50p

Strongest decreases in the FTSE 100:

– Babcock International Group PLC, down 3.1% at 1,019.50p, selling pressure on defense stocks across Europe – JD Sports Fashion PLC, down 2.9% at 72.92p – Entain PLC, down 2.7% at 533.20p – BAE Systems PLC, down 2.4% at 1,888.25p – Weir Group PLC, down 2.1% at 2,448.00p, Citi lowers target price from 3,500p to 3,250p

+. . .

Focus on movements in the FTSE 100 & 250:

– Compass Group PLC, up 1.9% at 30.07 EUR, range over 12 months: 26.00 USD – 35.52 USD. The company reports higher first-half pre-tax profit of 1.47 billion USD versus 1.28 billion USD last year, supported by an 11% revenue increase to 24.98 billion USD from 22.57 billion USD. Underlying revenue for the half year ended March 31 grew 9% at constant exchange rates, with organic growth at 7.2%, backed by a strong customer retention rate of 96% and new contracts worth 4.1 billion USD, up 14% year-on-year. Underlying operating profit increased 12% at constant exchange rates to 1.84 billion USD, with an operating margin improving from 7.2% to 7.4%. Underlying earnings per share rose 12% to 72.8 US cents, while operational cash flow increased 14% to 1.32 billion USD and free cash flow by 11% to 825 million USD. Compass raises its interim dividend by 13% to 25.5 cents from 22.6 cents. The company notes strong demand for outsourcing, especially in its Business & Industry division, and acquisitions in the Netherlands and Germany strengthen its European platform. Compass raises its forecast for annual underlying operating profit growth to over 11%, up from around 10% previously, with an organic revenue growth of about 7%, bolstered by ongoing margin improvement and contributions from acquisitions.

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