Date: Tuesday 24 Jul 2012
LONDON (ShareCast) - Small loans specialist Provident Financial topped the risers list on Tuesday afternoon after reporting that its first-half performance was helped by a sparkling performance from its Vanquis Bank. The group reported a 17 per cent rise in pre-tax profits, while Vanquis Bank saw profits surge 60.2 per cent.
The doorstep lender International Personal Finance advanced after saying that it is to return a pile of cash to shareholders after reporting a big rise in customer numbers and underlying profits at the half year stage.
Hedge fund manager Man Group surged despite funds under management falling from $58.4bn to $52.7bn and adjusted profits almost halving. The firm said it was on track to achieve its cost-cutting target this year and said it will save further in the next 18 months.
Heading the other way was consumer products group PZ Cussons after tough trading conditions in Nigeria and Australia plus soaring raw material costs dented profits in the year to May 31st.
FTSE 250 - Risers
Provident Financial (PFG) 1,299.00p +10.74%
International Personal Finance (IPF) 253.90p +7.49%
Regus (RGU) 91.50p +4.57%
Man Group (EMG) 72.00p +4.12%
African Barrick Gold (ABG) 327.80p +3.41%
Atkins (WS) (ATK) 743.00p +2.77%
Melrose (MRO) 208.50p +2.71%
RPS Group (RPS) 231.40p +2.62%
Ruspetro (RPO) 132.60p +2.31%
Senior (SNR) 182.20p +2.30%
FTSE 250 - Fallers
AZ Electronic Materials SA (DI) (AZEM) 267.90p -5.34%
PZ Cussons (PZC) 304.70p -5.28%
Kentz Corporation Ltd. (KENZ) 385.60p -4.63%
Cable & Wireless Communications (CWC) 31.00p -4.47%
Henderson Group (HGG) 90.70p -3.66%
Ocado Group (OCDO) 73.05p -3.56%
Tullett Prebon (TLPR) 260.10p -2.98%
Savills (SVS) 364.00p -2.88%
Telecom Plus (TEP) 792.50p -2.76%
Gem Diamonds Ltd. (DI) (GEMD) 193.40p -2.62%
BC