Hello, Share Munchers. The 12 month numbers for giant caterer Compass (CPG) were pretty scary. Revenue was shy by a fifth on last time. Underlying operating profit was worse, falling by 70% to £561 million. But the virus-blighted share price has been rising recently, and for good reason. For one thing, Compass has risen to the pandemic crisis well considering that at one point it had to close half its business…

Hello, Share Fans. Some companies which you might expect to have been knocked flat during the months of lockdown have not done all that badly, considering the dire situation which seemed to face them. One such outfit is Balfour Beatty (BBY), the construction giant…

You may recall back in September I rhapsodised about waste company Biffa (BIFF) observing - after pacing through its capital markets day presentation - that 'the company is exposed to themes such as tighter regulation, recycling and participation in energy from waste'. A quick look at the shares over the last nine months showed that my hopes of a three quid share price proved correct. Having done all the difficult work, I really should have got back in the stock after it nearly halved at the time of the March lows. Anyhow, here we are in June with the share having regained about half the decline and today's full year numbers update is really in two parts – as are so many corporations reporting up to 31st March…

Hello, Share Shakers. Though I’ve written recently on how insurance companies may weather the virus crisis, I’ve not before specifically noted shares in Aviva (AV.). I hold some big insurance shares, but not in this jumbo even though I consider it to be one of the best...

I am sure if you are a Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) shareholder you remember last Thursday. That - of course - was when the oil behemoth cuts its dividend for the first time this side of World War Two, as I recounted here. I talked about this as 'good news' from the perspective of its longer-term corporate health and need to initiate a refocus, but then I am neither a shareholder nor a dividend muncher. Anyhow, another Thursday…and another high profile dividend put to the sword: step forward BT Group (BT.A)...

Hello, Share Rockers. This old punter has held Tullow Oil (TLW) shares since Abraham was a teenager. But I’m inclined to sell now. Perhaps not at the moment as the virus continues to have its wicked way, but that won't last forever. The latest figures, which don't really reflect the virus effect, are not that good...

UK convenience retailer, McColl's Retail Group (MCLS) has updated with a headline “Building foundations for success”. The shares have currently responded to around 37p – circa 14% lower!...

NAHL Group (NAH) has updated on trading including its Critical Care division “traded well”, Personal Injury division “marginally ahead of expectations”, “confirms that its guidance for 2019 underlying earnings will be within the range previously announced” and “the board is encouraged by the progress made in transforming the business”. The shares have currently responded towards 50p – er, more than 45% lower!...

Revolution Bars (RBG) has announced results for its half-year ended 29th December 2018, including revenue up over 6% to £78.5 million and that one of its brands, “Revolution has been reviewed, the issues identified, and workstreams are being implemented to restore it to growth. Our confidence in achieving this is underpinned by the good performance of the new Revolution venues, while the recently refurbished sites are also seeing uplifts”. The shares have responded currently to 66p... approaching 17% down on the day…

The stock market can be a cruel mistress and whilst I am enjoying a celebratory sausage roll due to the strong trading update from Greggs (GRG), Thomas Cook (TCG) has disclosed more local difficulties...with a second profits warning in about two months…

A “Placing to raise £3.74 million” announcement from Plastics Capital (PLA), including to enable it “to satisfy increasing demand for the group's products and thereby accelerate organic growth”. With also a relatively limited 4.5% discount to the prior 122.5p closing share price, sounds reasonable enough. But what’s that? It is to “be augmented by the decision of the board to suspend dividend payments for at least the next two scheduled payments”. Hmmm...