WINNERS & LOSERS: Compass lifts outlook; defence stocks slide

Mon, 11th May 2026 10:50

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

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FTSE 100 winners

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Airtel Africa PLC, up 9.1% at 400.40 pence

International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, up 5.4% at 405.70p, launches repurchase invitation for EUR825 million in senior bonds

Metlen Energy & Metals PLC, up 2.2% at EUR37.08, supported by higher oil prices

Compass Group PLC, up 1.9% at EUR30.07, lifts annual profit outlook as half-year earnings grow

Vodafone Group PLC, up 1.6% at 120.50p

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FTSE 100 losers

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Babcock International Group PLC, down 3.1% at 1,019.50p, sell-off of defence-focused equities 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, gets broker cut by Citi to 3,250p from 3,500p

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FTSE 250 winners

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AEP Plantations PLC, up 2.6% at 2,035.00 pence

Metro Bank Holdings PLC, up 2.1% at 157.20p

Shawbrook Group PLC, up 2.1% at 157.20p, gets broker cut from Barclays to 510p from 520p

Ithaca Energy PLC, up 1.8% at 266.90p

Renewables Infrastructure Group Ltd, up 1.6% at 70.10p, commits to GBP400 million asset disposal and fee cut

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FTSE 250 losers

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Aston Martin Lagonda Global Holdings PLC, down 3.2% at 45.52p

Goodwin PLC, down 2.6% at 11,860.00p

Victrex PLC, down 2.4% at 411.10p, cutting 10% of its workforce, hefty first half loss hit by impairment charge in China

Qinetiq Group PLC, down 2.4% at 411.10p

Genuit Group PLC, down 2.2% at 253.20p

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FTSE 100 & 250 movers in focus:

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Compass Group PLC, up 1.9% at EUR30.07, 12-month range USD26.00-USD35.52. Reports first-half pretax profit rose to USD1.47 billion from USD1.28 billion a year earlier, as revenue increased 11% to USD24.98 billion from USD22.57 billion. On an underlying basis, revenue for the six months ended March 31 rose 9% at constant currency, while organic revenue growth was 7.2%, supported by strong client retention of 96% and new business wins of USD4.1 billion, up 14% year-on-year. Underlying operating profit increased 12% at constant currency to USD1.84 billion, with operating margin improving to 7.4% from 7.2%. Underlying earnings per share climbed 12% to 72.8 US cents, while operating cash flow increased 14% to USD1.32 billion and free cash flow rose 11% to USD825 million. Compass raises its interim dividend by 13% to 25.5 cents from 22.6 cents. The group says it continues to benefit from strong demand for outsourcing, particularly in its Business & Industry division, while acquisitions including Vermaat in the Netherlands and Pro Care Management in Germany are strengthening its European platform. Looking ahead, Compass raises full-year underlying operating profit growth guidance to above 11% from around 10%. It continues to expect organic revenue growth of around 7%, supported by ongoing margin progression and contributions from acquisitions.

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Victrex PLC, down 2.4% at 411.10 pence, 12-month range 515.00p-882.00p. Reports a swing to a first-half pretax loss after booking a GBP60.6 million impairment charge related to its China manufacturing facility, while announcing plans to cut around 10% of jobs as part of a profit improvement programme. The Lancashire, England-based polymer solutions provider for automotive, aerospace, energy & industrial, electronics, and medical markets says pretax result for the six months to March 31 swung to a GBP44.0 million loss from a GBP17.2 million profit a year earlier. Underlying pretax profit fell 18% to GBP19.0 million from GBP23.2 million, while underlying earnings per share declined to 17.2p from 22.6p. Revenue rose 1% to GBP147.1 million from GBP145.9 million, with sales volumes up 6% to 2,137 tonnes from 2,018 tonnes, driven by its Sustainable Solutions division. The interim dividend is unchanged at 13.42p per share. Victrex says its profit improvement plan is progressing well, with early cost-saving benefits expected in the second half and at least GBP10 million of annual savings targeted in financial 2027. The group says it is simplifying the business and reducing headcount by around 10%, primarily in central functions, as part of efforts to create "a simpler, more differentiated and more customer focused business". Chief Executive James Routh says the company had "not adapted quickly enough to changed market conditions and we must now relentlessly focus on improving our execution". Looking ahead, Victrex expects full-year underlying pretax profit between GBP42 million and GBP44 million. However, it warns of potential implications for global demand and energy costs from ongoing events in the Middle East.

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Renewables Infrastructure Group Ltd, up 1.6% at 70.10 pence, 12-month range 63.20p-90.50p. Updates shareholders ahead of a continuation vote, outlining plans for increased asset disposals and lower management fees. The renewable energy infrastructure investor says it will target GBP400 million of disposals over the next 12 months to support share buybacks and debt repayment, while management fees will from July be based on market value rather than net asset value. Adds the changes come as it seeks to address a persistent discount to net asset value.

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Unite Group PLC, up 0.3% at 483.60 pence, 12-month range 442.20p-874.50p. Completes the sale of St Pancras Way to Unite UK Student Accommodation Fund and expands its share buyback programme. The Bristol, England-based student accommodation provider says it will receive GBP126 million from the GBP186 million disposal, including around GBP115 million in cash, increasing its stake in USAF to 32% from 30%. Adds it has increased its buyback programme to GBP165 million from GBP100 million, funded partly through disposal proceeds, as it continues an accelerated asset sale programme.

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Games Workshop Group PLC, down 0.4% at 19,530.00 pence, 12-month range 13,634.00p-20,330.00p. Promotes Group Operations Director Neil Tomlinson to chief operating officer, effective from May 31. "As chief operating officer, Neil will be responsible for the company's design studios, extending his remit across the full Design to Manufacture team," the Nottingham, England-based fantasy game figurine maker says.

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By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

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