WINNERS & LOSERS: 3i Group plummets; Spire jumps on takeover approach

Thu, 14th May 2026 10:17

(Alliance News) - The following are the leading risers and fallers among FTSE 100 and 250 index constituents on Thursday.

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FTSE 100 winners

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Legal & General Group PLC, up 5.6% at 262.40 pence

Standard Life PLC, up 2.3% at 765.00p

National Grid PLC, up 2.3% at 1,305.00p, to invest GBP70 billion over five years as earnings rise

Barclays PLC, up 2.3% at 432.10p

Admiral Group PLC, up 2.3% at 3,244.00p

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FTSE 100 losers

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3i Group PLC, down 14% at 2,092.00p, second half "challenging"

Burberry Group PLC, down 4.4% at 1,111.75p, says at "inflection point" as swings to annual profit

Coca-Cola HBC AG, down 1.9% at 995.60p, shares trade ex-dividend

Babcock International Group PLC, down 1.9% at 4,184.00p

Tesco PLC, down 1.4% at 455.85p, shares trade ex-dividend

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FTSE 250 winners

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Spire Healthcare Group PLC, up 47% at 221.00 pence, says would back GBP1 billion bid from Toscafund

Watches of Switzerland Group PLC, up 14% at 607.50p, hails US "engine of growth" as sales surge

Tate & Lyle PLC, up 4.2% at 390.60p

Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC, up 3.4% at 48.68p

Dr Martens PLC, up 3.4% at 62.75p

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FTSE 250 losers

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PageGroup PLC, down 4.9% at 118.60p, shares trade ex-dividend

Partners Group Private Equity Ltd, down 3.8% at EUR8.04, shares trade ex-dividend

JPMorgan Japanese Investment Trust PLC, down 2.3% at 776.50p

Grainger PLC, down 2.1% at 152.00p

Morgan Sindall Group PLC, down 1.8% at 4,585.00p, shares trade ex-dividend

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FTSE 100 & 250 movers in focus:

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National Grid PLC, up 2.3% at 1,305.00 pence, 12-month range 1,000.00p-1,428.50. Reports pretax profit of GBP4.18 billion for the year ending March 31, rising from GBP3.65 billion a year prior, while diluted earnings per share increase to 65.2p from 59.8p despite revenue falling to GBP17.69 billion from GBP18.38 billion. The utility firm raises its total dividend by 3.8% to 48.49p per share, including a final dividend of 32.14p. National Grid says capital investment reaches a record GBP11.6 billion in financial 2026 and expects cumulative investment of GBP70 billion between financial 2027 and 2031, supporting asset growth of around 10% annually. The company forecasts underlying earnings per share growth of 13% to 15% in financial 2027 and a compound annual growth rate of 8% to 10% between financial 2027 and 2031, while aiming to grow dividends in line with UK CPIH inflation.

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3i Group PLC, down 14% at 2,092.00 pence, 12-month range 1,825.00p-4,497.00p. Reports higher annual net asset value but says the second half has been challenging for shareholders as growth at Action slows. The private equity investor says diluted net asset value per share rises 19% to 3,030p at March 31, while total return on opening shareholders' funds eases to 22% from 25%. Adds Action's year-to-date like-for-like sales growth slowed to 2.4% from 6.8% a year ago amid weaker seasonal demand, consumer caution in France and lower traffic in Germany.

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Burberry Group PLC, down 4.4% at 1,111.75 pence, 12-month range 873.20p-1,376.50p-. Reports pretax profit of GBP49 million for financial 2026, swinging from a GBP66 million loss a year prior, while adjusted operating profit rises to GBP160 million from GBP26 million despite revenue edging down to GBP2.42 billion from GBP2.46 billion. Burberry says fourth-quarter performance is driven by momentum in Greater China and the Americas, while EMEIA revenue is flat amid reduced tourist activity linked to the Middle East conflict. The luxury fashion firm expects wholesale revenue to grow by a mid-single-digit percentage in the first half of financial 2027 and says it is encouraged by progress as it focuses on long-term value creation. Burberry also says Chair Gerry Murphy will retire after the release of first-half results in November, to be succeeded by Bridgepoint founder William Jackson.

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Spire Healthcare Group PLC, up 47% at 221.00 pence, 12-month range 140.80p-256.50p. Says it has received a 250p-per-share takeover proposal from funds advised by Toscafund Asset Management LLP and would be minded to recommend the offer if a firm bid is made. Shares in the company closed at 150.40p on Wednesday. Spire says Toscafund, its second-largest shareholder, is undertaking confirmatory due diligence, and discussions remain at an early stage. Separately, the healthcare provider says trading in the first four months of 2026 is in line with expectations, with strong growth in private patient revenue, particularly self-pay. Spire also says progress continues on its GBP30 million savings target, and it expects full-year adjusted Ebitda to be broadly in line with 2025.

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Watches of Switzerland Group PLC, up 14% at 607.50 pence, 12-month range 316.20p-615.00p. Revenue rises 11% to a record GBP1.83 billion in financial 2026, driven by strong growth in the US, which now accounts for more than half of group sales. The luxury watch retailer expects adjusted Ebit of GBP152 million to GBP155 million for the year, ahead of prior guidance. Watches of Switzerland says it expects financial 2027 revenue growth of 5% to 10% at constant currency and adjusted Ebit margin expansion of 40 to 80 basis points. The firm says it remains mindful of the geopolitical environment but has minimal direct exposure to the Middle East or tourist consumers.

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By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

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