Punch Taverns PLC Share News (PUB)

Electrical components group Laird underwhelmed investors after reporting a surge in full year underlying pre-tax profit and saying it is well placed to make further good progress during 2011. Shares were 9% lower.Argos and Homebase owner Home Retail Group lowered full year profits guidance as trading remains tough, especially at Argos, knocking the share price.Speciality chemicals group Yule Catto was lower despite announcing a sharp rise in profits yesterday.Pubs group Punch Taverns is the heading the risers after it said its managed estate enjoyed a like for like sales growth of 8.6% in the 12 weeks to 5 March.Funeral home operator Dignity is performing well are pre-tax profits rose 8% in 2010 after a strong performance across all areas of the business.FTSE 250 - RisersPunch Taverns (PUB) 75.15p +5.85%TalkTalk Telecom Group (TALK) 140.50p +4.46%Dignity (DTY) 745.50p +3.97%Soco International (SIA) 364.30p +1.76%Hansen Transmissions International NV (DI) (HSN) 43.68p +1.70%Sportingbet (SBT) 47.41p +1.67%Heritage Oil (HOIL) 308.10p +1.05%BH Macro Ltd. GBP Shares (BHMG) 1,700.00p +1.01%Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) 51.00p +0.99%Greggs (GRG) 498.10p +0.87%FTSE 250 - FallersLaird (LRD) 142.10p -9.03%Aquarius Platinum Ltd. (AQP) 349.70p -6.75%Home Retail Group (HOME) 196.80p -6.69%Yule Catto & Co (YULC) 196.00p -6.22%Ashtead Group (AHT) 195.10p -5.52%Hochschild Mining (HOC) 627.50p -5.43%Inchcape (INCH) 372.20p -5.34%Salamander Energy (SMDR) 289.80p -5.29%Ashmore Group (ASHM) 317.80p -4.99%Kenmare Resources (KMR) 39.45p -4.94%