SMALL-CAP WINNERS & LOSERS: Dignity rises as hits back at Phoenix

Tue, 13th Apr 2021 11:02

(Alliance News) - The following stocks are the leading risers and fallers among London Main Market small-caps on Tuesday.

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SMALL-CAP - WINNERS

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Dignity PLC, up 5.4% at 673.00 pence, 12-month range 211p-759p. The funeral services provider criticises its largest shareholder, Phoenix UK Fund, saying statements made by Phoenix relating to possible strategies and public reference to unverified valuations for the Crematoria division are "deeply irresponsible". "Not for the first time since the board convened the general meeting to consider the resolutions proposed, Phoenix has made ill-advised public statements which have been self-serving and have had little regard for the wider interests of shareholders and other stakeholders," Dignity says. Phoenix has proposed to spin off Crematoria unit and remove Clive Whiley as chair.

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Deliveroo Holdings PLC, up 4.4% at 261.93p, 12-month range 47.45p-184.41p. Shares in the food delivery platform are higher in a positive read-across after rival Just Eat Takeaway.com NV delivered an an improved performance in the first quarter of its current financial year, driven by strong growth in the UK and by its investment programme. FTSE 100-listed Just Eat shares are up 2.6%.

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Superdry PLC up 2.9% at 264.50p, 12-month range 110p-295.68p, Ted Baker PLC up 2.2% at 129.50p, 12-month range 59.57p-186.60p. Shares in the brick and mortar fashion retailers are higher following the easing of lockdown restrictions in England on Monday which permitted non-essential stores to reopen.

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SMALL-CAP - LOSERS

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Tharisa PLC, down 5.0% at 143.95p, 12-month range 0p-151.50p. The miner maintains production guidance for its current financial year, after reporting a double-digit increase in second quarter output. For the three months ended March 31, production of 6E platinum group metals - platinum, ruthenium, rhodium, palladium, osmium and iridium - rose 12% year-on-year to 35,800 ounces from 32,100 ounces the year before, but fell 8.9% from 39,300 ounces the prior quarter. Meanwhile, chrome concentrate output rose 16% to 358,400 tonnes from 310,100 tonnes a year before, but dropped 3.7% from 372,300 tonnes in the first quarter. Spot platinum retreated to USD1,174 an ounce Tuesday morning from USD1,190.68 an ounce at the same time on Monday.

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By Arvind Bhunjun; arvindbhunjun@alliancenews.com