If only...
Oxford Instruments (LSE: OXIG) supplies tools for researchers and industry, such as spectrometers and atomic force microscopes. Latest half-year results report a "stable" performance, with revenue up 4.1% to £171.5m, but profit down by 5% to £19m. The sale of its industrial analysis unit to Hitachi netted £80m and will allow it to focus on its more profitable nanotechnology sector. Investors responded positively the share price is up by more than 67% in the last year
Be glad you didn't
Allied Minds (LSE: ALM) is an intellectual property company backed by Neil Woodford that invests in start-up businesses in the US life sciences and technology sectors. It's based in Boston, US, and listed in London in 2014. In April, a write-down of its investments in seven businesses, totalling $146m, sent the firm's shares tumbling. The price is down by 58% in the last year, and is 20% down from its initial public offering price.
MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
-
Steve Webb: The triple lock is there to do a job. I’m not embarrassed or ashamed of itThe triple lock means 13 million pensioners will now get an above-inflation state pension boost in April. While the rising cost of the policy has stirred controversy, Steve Webb, who served as pensions minister when it was introduced, argues the triple lock is vital and should stay. Webb speaks to Kalpana Fitzpatrick on the new episode of MoneyWeek Talks – out now.
-
How retirement pots risk running out 11 years early if inflation remains highPension savers could find their retirement income may not last as long as they anticipated over fears that inflation may not slow down
