The results season has kicked off in earnest this week with dozens of FTSE350 companies updating investors on their performance, many of which are listed below. But amidst the results noise there were a number of intriguing corporate developments, not least in the world of grocery where Marks & Spencer and Ocado announced a joint venture – read Harriet Russell’s analysis here.
Elsewhere Provident Financial has come under the investor microscope too after attracting a takeover offer from smaller rival Non Standard Finance with the backing of renowned fund manager Neil Woodford who have significant holdings in both companies.
Among the results deluge it was interesting to note the positivity shining through in the results of a number of housebuilders, despite the wider concerns around the housing market. Find out what our writers thought of results at Taylor Wimpey, Persimmon and Springfield Properties.
For more on housebuilders, listen to the thoughts of editor John Hughman and specialist writer Phil Oakley in this week’s Companies & Markets podcast.
