WINNERS & LOSERS: Pearson and NatWest diverge after updates

Fri, 01st May 2026 10:36

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

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FTSE 100 winners

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Pearson PLC, up 2.8% at 1,111.50 pence, backs 2026 guidance as virtual learning drives growth

Metlen Energy & Metals PLC, up 2.5% at EUR36.80

DCC PLC, up 1.9% at 5,642.50p

Whitbread PLC, up 1.5% at 2,266.42p, JPMorgan raises price target to 2,600p

Unilever PLC, up 1.4% at 4,356.00p

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FTSE 100 losers

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Endeavour Mining PLC, down 5.7% at 4,164.50p

NatWest Group PLC, down 4.2% at 560.40p, quarterly profit climbs but guidance hike disappoints

Weir Group PLC, down 3.8% at 2,554.00p

Fresnillo PLC, down 3.5% at 3,121.50p

United Utilities Group PLC, down 2.8% at 1,415.75p, Citi cuts to 'neutral' from buy

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FTSE 250 winners

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NCC Group PLC, up 6.5% at 128.60 pence

Raspberry Pi Holdings PLC, up 5.5% at 655.25p

Ocado Group PLC, up 1.9% at 200.65p

Rotork PLC, up 1.6% at 313.60p, Q1 performance in line with management expectations

Trainline PLC, up 1.6% at 242.10p

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FTSE 250 losers

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AEP Plantations PLC, down 5.7% at 1,792.00p

Funding Circle Holdings PLC, down 5.4% at 137.20p

Pan African Resources PLC, down 4.3% at 133.61p

Hochschild Mining PLC, down 4.2% at 597.00p

Metro Bank Holdings PLC, down 3.2% at 144.40p

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FTSE 100 & 250 movers in focus:

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Pearson PLC, up 2.8% at 1111.50 pence, 12-month range 874.80p-1,225.34p. Underlying group sales rise 4% in the first quarter, with all business units performing in line with expectations. Virtual Learning is the standout performer, with underlying sales up 21%, while Assessment & Qualifications sales fall 1% as expected, though Pearson expects the division to return to growth from the second quarter. The education publisher reaffirms its 2026 guidance, targeting mid-single-digit underlying sales growth and adjusted operating profit of GBP640 million to GBP685 million, based on exchange rates at the end of 2025. It also expects a 90% to 100% conversion of free cash flow. Pearson says its medium-term outlook remains unchanged, with a target for mid-single-digit compound annual growth in underlying sales, sustained margin improvement, and strong cash conversion. Chief Executive Omar Abbosh says: "We have had an encouraging start to the year, with a good performance in line with our expectations and continued progress against our strategy...We remain confident in the momentum we are seeing for 2026".

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NatWest Group PLC, down 4.2% at 560.40 pence, 12-month range 468.00p-705.40p. Reports higher first-quarter profit but flags a softer-than-expected income outlook. The Edinburgh-based lender says pretax profit rises 12% to GBP2.03 billion from GBP1.81 billion a year prior, as total income increases 9.5% to GBP4.36 billion and net interest income grows 12% to GBP3.39 billion. Adds it expects 2026 income at the top end of its GBP17.2 billion to GBP17.6 billion range, below market expectations, while maintaining other guidance and noting continued cost savings and strong customer activity. The bank adds: "Strong lending and deposit growth was partially offset by a GBP1.8 billion reduction in assets under management and administration, impacted by negative market movements. AUM net inflows of GBP900 million in the quarter were strong, with [around] 23,000 people investing with us for the first time."

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United Utilities Group PLC, down 2.8% at 1,415.75 pence, 12-month range 1,042.00p-1,497.00p. Gives back gains after confirming the outcome of its GBP800 million equity raise and facing a broker downgrade. The Warrington, England-based water utility says its placing, retail offer and subscription have raised around GBP800 million to fund its expanded investment programme. Citigroup lowers United Utilities and peer Severn Trent PLC to 'neutral' from 'buy'.

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Rotork PLC, up 1.6% at 313.60 pence, 12-month range 295.40p-393.60p. Reports first-quarter performance in line with expectations, with revenue rising by a low single-digit percentage on an organic constant currency basis, while order intake declines by a low single-digit rate. The flow control specialist says growth in Chemical, Process & Industrial and Water & Power is offset by weaker Oil & Gas activity, particularly in EMEA, with some project delays in the Middle East due to supply chain disruption and customers prioritising production restarts. Rotork says it has not seen any material cost inflation in the period and retains pricing flexibility to protect margins. It keeps its 2026 outlook unchanged, expecting further organic constant currency progress, with a stronger second-half weighting as delayed projects are delivered.

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Edinburgh Worldwide Investment Trust PLC, down 1.1% at 232.38 pence, 12-month range 154.60p-243.50p. Updates on board changes after Saba Capital Management secures control following a shareholder vote. The investment trust says its previous board was ousted after 61% of votes were cast against its re-election, with Saba-backed nominees appointed as new directors. Adds the incoming board will prioritise maximising shareholder value and plans to engage with investors as it sets out its strategy.

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By Eva Castanedo, Alliance News reporter

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