If only...
Softcat (LSE: SCT) provides IT infrastructure services to companies and the public sector. Its shares spiked in October as it announced that sales were up by 24% to £832.5m in its first full year as a listed company.
The results were boosted by growth in public-sector IT contracts, which now represent 31% of its total income. It also reported strong growth in its security business, as firms strengthen their cyber defences and prepare for new data protection regulations.
Be glad you didn't
Drax Group (LSE: DRX) generates and supplies electricity. In July, Drax, which owns the UK's largest power station, reported a pre-tax loss of £83m in the first half (compared with a profit of £184m during the same period a year ago) as the value of coal assets fell. Drax is trying to diversify its business, following news that the UK's last coal-power stations must close by 2025 to meet climate-change commitments.
Subscribe to 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
-
Water companies blocked from using customer money to pay “undeserved” bonusesThe regulator has blocked three water companies from using billpayer money to pay £1.5 million in exec bonuses
-
Will the Bitcoin price hit $100,000?With Bitcoin prices trading just below $100,000, we explore whether the cryptocurrency can hit the milestone.
