Vistry edges forward despite tough market conditions
Adam Vettese, market analyst for eToro, says: “Vistry’s trading update shows a resilient business navigating a subdued housing market, with completions down 9% to around 15,700 homes in 2025 amid Budget uncertainty and affordability pressures. Yet, adjusted pre-tax profit is set to rise modestly to £270 million, supported by a second half margin rebound to 8.4% and the group’s pivot to capital-light partnerships, which now drive most sales and align neatly with government affordable housing goals. The forward sales book of £4 billion offers solid visibility, while ongoing share buybacks signal management’s confidence in value.
“However, the dip in private demand and softer order book highlight ongoing macro risks, with open market sales hinging on lower rates and easier affordability for buyers. Shares have consolidated over the course of last year after a dramatic drop off at the back end of 2024. They have scope to edge higher if partnerships deliver and policy tailwinds materialise, but may struggle to break out of the range without them.”
When it rains it pours as Hays post bigger than expected drop in quarterly fees
Mark Crouch, market analyst for eToro, says: “Things are starting to look very serious for Hays, what began as a slowdown has turned into a rout. After a series of profit warnings and repeated downgrades, net fees and operating profit have continued to fall sharply. Permanent recruitment, the engine room of the business, suffered a double-digit decline, ripping through earnings and leaving little room for optimism.
Global economic uncertainty, weak business confidence and sector-specific pressure have all bitten Hays hard. The UK public sector remains subdued, while Germany, a critical market, has been dragged down by an automotive industry that last year posted its worst quarterly profits since the 2009. At the same time, companies are increasingly bypassing traditional recruiters altogether, leaning on in-house teams, AI-driven platforms and direct hiring models to cut costs and move faster.
“Confidence has drained away and the shares have slipped below GFC lows. Back then, markets were falling in unison and a bottom eventually formed. In 2026, the FTSE 100 is racing to record highs while Hays continues to sink. An uncomfortable truth that times have changed and if Hays is to recover, so must they.”
Geopolitical ructions fail to lift gloomy BP update
“BP’s Q4 update failed to provide much cheer and comes hard on the heels of the news that non-US firms are unlikely to benefit from a reopening of Venezuelan oil fields. With Goldman Sachs warning about a further supply glut in 2026, even the geopolitical ructions around the world seem unable to provide support for the share price.”
The post Equities Update: Vistry, Hays, BP… appeared first on USNewsRank.
Discover more from USNewsRank
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.