Oil major BP (BP.) falls 0.9% to 492.3p as it announces second quarter numbers slightly ahead of expectations but warns further sanctions on Russia could have an 'adverse impact' on its operations in the country. The company's second quarter replacement cost profits, which strip out volatility in oil prices, are $3.2 billion, up from $2.4 billion in the same period last year.
Fashion giant NEXT (NXT) nudges 1.73% higher to £66.33 as it raises full-year sales and profits guidance following a better-than-expected first-half performance. The retail titan's Q2 and H1 pre-close update highlights further market share gains in a tougher quarter than Q1, with in-store and online sales both beating consensus.
Automotive and aerospace engineer GKN (GKN) gains 6.1% to 364p as interims reveal a strong performance from its auto division. The group reports pre-tax profits up 6% to £296 million and hikes the interim dividend 8%, although headwinds still remain.
A bullish report on its Irish assets blasts Antrim Energy's (AEY:AIM) shares 169% to 8.75p. Shares in the oil and gas firm price have been bombed out recently after the company ran into financial and operational difficulties on its North Sea assets. Consultant McDaniel & Associates has assessed the block, which currently has 17 identified leads, and has estimated potential resources between 260 million (low estimate) and 4.5 billion (high estimate) barrels of oil equivalent (boe) - with a ‘best’ estimate of 1.1 billion boe.
Mobile retail software supplier MoPowered (MPOW:AIM) jumps close on 10% to 22.5p as it unveils a new product, 3DS, designed to make smartphone and tablet transactions easier. This is scant good news for investors given the company's recent growth warning.
Imperial Leather soap-to-St Tropez self-tan maker PZ Cussons (PZC) perks up 3.05p to 351p as robust final results and a 41st consecutive dividend hike please. Shares explained the risks facing PZ Cussons in our recent look at the Personal Goods sector.
Struggling carpets, rugs and laminates seller Carpetright (CPR) cheapens 5.75p to 524.25p on a mixed first-quarter trading statement. Now guided by new broom Wilf Walsh, while UK sales were better-than-expected gloomy gross margin guidance caused by heavy promotions, as well as ongoing European sales weakness, is not encouraging.
Chinese outdoor clothing and footwear designer Camkids (CAMK:AIM) jumps 9.3% to 59p, on positive first-half trading. Shares first flagged the size of Camkids' growth opportunity 15-months ago.
Allergy drug developer Circassia (CIR) falls 4% to 278.1p as half-year pre-tax losses more than double to £19.6 million in the six months to July.
Non-life insurer Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT) slips 1.4% to £10.41 on a cautious outlook due to a strong pound and falling insurance premium rates.
