Hilton Food Group down 9.1%, announced in its trading update for the 52-week period to 28 December 2025, that its adjusted profit before tax to be within the previously provided guidance range of £72 m–£75 m. Net bank debt is expected to be around £135 m, broadly stable year-on-year. Looking ahead, the company struck a cautious tone for 2026, citing continued restrictions on smoked salmon exports from Greece to the US and ongoing inflationary pressures in beef and white fish. As a result, 2026 adjusted profit before tax is expected to decline to £60 m–£65 m. A near-complete strategic review is expected to reaffirm the Group’s focus on core meat capabilities, identify efficiency opportunities, and outline refreshed medium-term targets, which would be shared alongside full-year results on 31 March 2026.
Bango up 8.0%, announced that Japan’s KDDI has selected Bango’s Digital Vending Machine to offer bundled subscription services to its povo2.0 pre-paid mobile customers. Through this partnership, povo2.0 users will gain seamless access to leading streaming services as add-ons to their flexible mobile plans.
LPA Group down 5.1%, announced in its final result for the year ended 30 September 2025, that its revenue declined to £21.55 m from £23.55 m recorded in the previous year. The company’s loss before tax widened to £0.60 m, compared to a loss before tax of £0.59 recorded in the prior year. Overall, the company recorded a net reduction in the Group's cash position of £1.5 m.
UK market ended mostly lower last week, ahead of the Bank of England’s (BoE) interest rate decision. On the macro front, UK’s consumer credit demand dropped more than estimated in December 2025. Also, mortgage approvals fell to lowest level since June 2024 in December. Meanwhile, the BRC shop price index advanced more than expected in January. The FTSE 100 index advanced 0.8% to settle at 10,223.5, while the FTSE AIM 100 index fell 1.2% to close at 3,877.6. Meanwhile, the FTSE techMARK 100 index lost 0.5% to end at 8,815.4.
US market ended lower last week, as dismal corporate earnings report intensified AI disruption fears. On the data front, the US consumer confidence index declined in January. Also, US weekly jobless claims fall less than anticipated in the week ended 23 January 2026, while goods trade deficit widened in November. Meanwhile, the Chicago Fed National Activity index improved in November, while the Dallas Fed manufacturing index rose in January. Additionally, the Richmond Fed manufacturing index unexpectedly advanced in January, while factory orders climbed in November. Also, US producer price index (PPI) rose to five months high in December. The DJIA index fell 1.3% to end at 48,459.9, while the NASDAQ index lost 0.6% to close at 23,351.6.
