If you'd invested in: Victrex and Pennon Group
Victrex, which manufactures high-performance plastic, has seen it share price soar, while water utility and waste-management firm Pennon group's shares have plunged.
If only...
Victrex (LSE: VCT) manufactures high-performance plastics. Its shares rose in September as the group announced that its effective tax rate would fall from 21% to 12% with immediate effect. The firm also announced that it had appointed Jakob Sigurdsson as chief executive, replacing David Hummel who is retiring after 24 years in the role. In February Victrex reported that revenues had grown 41% to £78.7m between October and December, albeit compared with a weaker spell a year ago. Meanwhile, sales volumes during the quarter rose by 30% on the same period last year.
Be glad you didn't buy...
Pennon Group (LSE: PNN) is a water utility and waste-management firm. Its shares have plunged roughly 30% in the past year as investors have become concerned about the sustainability of its 6.8% dividend yield. The threat of nationalisation under a future Labour government and the regulator's aim to force water firms to invest more has added uncertainty. In March, Pennon said that its Glasgow energy-recovery facility is likely to cost £95m more than the planned £155m. Despite this, performance for the year to the end of March was in line with expectations.
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
Alice grew up in Stockholm and studied at the University of the Arts London, where she gained a first-class BA in Journalism. She has written for several publications in Stockholm and London, and joined MoneyWeek in 2017.
-
Coventry Building Society bids £780m for Co-operative Bank - what could it mean for customers?
Coventry Building Society has put in an offer of £780 million to buy Co-operative Bank. When will the potential deal happen and what could it mean for customers?
By Vaishali Varu Published
-
Review: Three magnificent Beachcomber resorts in Mauritius
MoneyWeek Travel Ruth Emery explores the Indian Ocean island from Beachcomber resorts Shandrani, Trou aux Biches and Paradis
By Ruth Emery Published
-
Shares in focus: Water stocks offer no safe harbour
Features Utilities are popular with nervy investors – but you can overpay for safety, says Phil Oakley.
By Phil Oakley Published
-
Pennon Group approached for takeover bid for South West Water
News Abu Dhabi Investment Authority is reportedly considering a bid for Pennon Group's South West Water.
By moneyweek Published