If you'd invested in: Sophos and HSS Hire

If only...

Oxford-based Sophos (LSE: SOPH) develops information technology and network security products, with more than 100 million users in 150 countries. Full-year results for 2017 issued fortuitously last week in the wake of the WannaCry ransomware attack came in ahead of expectations. Revenue was up by 10.8% to $530m, though a higher level of deferred revenue hit reported profits. The share price rose sharply, and is up by more than 80% in the last year.

Be glad you didn't

HSS Hire Group (LSE: HSS) provides tools, equipment and related services to building contractors in the UK and Ireland. It listed on the stockmarket in 2015, but has had a difficult time since then. The latest results show losses widening from £13.8m in 2015 to £17.4m in the 12 months to the end of 2016. The shares have fallen by more than 73% since it floated on the market, and by almost 50% in the last year.

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