If only...
Zotefoams (LSE: ZTF) makes cellular foams for markets including aerospace, automotive, packaging and sports and leisure. It has its headquarters and manufacturing base in Croydon, with facilities in the US and China. The business is growing nicely and is spending £31m on expanding its Kentucky plant to increase its global capacity by 20%. It recently announced a strategic partnership with Nike, which boosted the share price by 14% to hit a record high.
Be glad you didn't
High-street retailer Debenhams (LSE: DEB) has been struggling for a while as it battles competition from online sellers. A turnaround strategy announced in April 2017 was aimed at "simplifying and focusing operations". But 2017 profits fell 44%, despite a 2.1% rise in like-for-like sales. Shareholders have had a tough year it is the second-most shorted stock on the London market and the price is down by more than 40% in the last year.
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UK sold house prices fall again amid mortgage rates uncertainty, ONS House Price Index showsNews The latest Office for National Statistics (ONS) analysis of UK sold house prices data showed they remained down year-on-year.
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UK inflation slowed again in March – but a rate cut could be some months awayThe latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) data came in at 3.2% for March. This was slightly higher than some economists expected, but takes us closer to the Bank of England’s 2% inflation target.
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Debenhams is the latest retailer to go downFeatures The group fell into administration this week, marking another setback for Sports Direct founder Mike Ashley. Matthew Partridge reports.
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Drama at DebenhamsFeatures The outlook at department store group Debenhams is dismal, while Mike Ashley, who owns 30% of it, has been putting his oar in. Matthew Partridge reports.
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Debenhams calls in the company doctorsFeatures Early this week, the group seemed at death’s door. The prognosis is not quite that bad – but it’s not good news either. Alice Gråhns reports.
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Little cheer on the high streetFeatures Profit warnings from Debenhams and Mothercare are more evidence that traditional retailers are fighting a losing battle against nimbler online competitors, says Ben Judge.
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Three contrarian stocks to buy nowOpinion Professional investor Paul Mumford look for shares that offer solid long-term growth potential, which look undervalued. Here, he picks three such contrarian stocks to buy now.
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Debenhams beats expectations, announces buy-back
News Half-year profits at High Street retail chain Debenhams were ahead of market forecasts, giving the board confidence the department store group will hit full year expectations.
