Kooth Surges on US Success, Pod Point Stumbles: Pre-Market Roundup

📈 Today's Key Themes

Pre-market sentiment appears mixed as companies across various sectors report contrasting results. The healthcare sector shines with Kooth plc (#KOO) reporting exceptional growth, while the transport industry sees positive updates from FirstGroup plc (#FGP). However, challenges persist in consumer-facing and some financial services companies, as evidenced by Pod Point Group Holdings Plc (#PODP)'s disappointing update. This diverse landscape suggests a potentially volatile market opening, with investors likely to scrutinize individual company performances closely.

💡 Company Updates

Annual Results

Kooth plc (#KOO) has delivered exceptional results, doubling its revenue to £66.7 million and turning a loss into a £9.2 million operating profit. The digital mental health provider's US expansion has been particularly successful, now representing over 70% of the business. With a 598% increase in adjusted EBITDA to £15.8 million and a strong net cash position of £21.8 million, Kooth's outlook appears very positive. The market is likely to respond favourably to this impressive performance. Read more Futura Medical plc (#FUM) reported its maiden profit of £1.3 million and significant revenue growth of 349% to £13.9 million. However, the company warned of slower expansion and launch delays, which are expected to impact future performance. Despite the improved gross margin of 70%, the decrease in cash position to £6.6 million and the cautionary outlook suggest potential challenges ahead. Investors may approach this mixed update with caution. Read more

Trading Updates

FirstGroup plc (#FGP) has reported stronger than expected financial performance, with revenue growth in both bus and rail divisions. The First Bus division delivered further revenue growth in H2 2025, while the First Rail division performed ahead of expectations with higher variable fees. With a strong balance sheet and lower than expected net debt, FirstGroup's FY 2025 adjusted operating profit and EPS are expected to be ahead of previous guidance. This positive update is likely to boost investor confidence in the transport sector. Read more Halfords Group plc (#HFD) has delivered a stronger-than-expected profit performance, with profit expected to be at the upper end of the £32m to £37m guidance range. The retailer reported positive group like-for-like sales growth of 2.3%, with Autocentres (ex-Avayler) delivering 3.7% LfL sales growth. Despite facing increased costs from Minimum Wage and National Insurance changes, Halfords' strong cash generation and positive performance could see favourable market reaction. Read more Pod Point Group Holdings Plc (#PODP) has warned of an £8m miss in adjusted EBITDA for FY2024, citing a bad debt provision and additional non-cash items identified through the audit process. While there is no impact on the previously reported net cash position of £5.3 million, this significant miss versus expectations is likely to negatively impact investor sentiment towards the company. Read more

🎯 Leading Developments

Strong Performance in Mining and Asset Management

Atalaya Mining Copper, S.A. (#ATYM) has reported a strong start to 2025, with copper production up 34% year-over-year and 18% quarter-over-quarter. The company's operations are performing well, with improved operational metrics including higher ore grades and better plant performance. With a strong financial position and net cash balance of €38.2 million, Atalaya's positive update could boost sentiment in the mining sector. Read more Tatton Asset Management plc (#TAM) has delivered exceptional performance, reporting record net inflows of £3.7 billion, up 60.1% year-on-year. The company's total AUM/I increased 24% to £21.8 billion, and it added 135 new IFA firm relationships. With the Board confident that financial results will be in line with market expectations, this strong update could positively impact the asset management sector. Read more

Corporate Actions and Strategic Moves

MaxCyte, Inc. (#MXCT) has announced plans to cancel its AIM listing to focus on its Nasdaq listing. The company believes this move will enhance liquidity and reduce costs. While the delisting is subject to stockholder approval, it could have implications for UK-based investors and potentially impact trading volumes. Read more Molten Ventures Plc (#GROW) is delisting its ordinary shares from Euronext Dublin while remaining listed on the London Stock Exchange Main Market. This strategic move is expected to simplify compliance and reduce central costs, potentially benefiting shareholders in the long term. Read more

📅 Week Ahead

16 April 2025: Barratt Redrow plc (#BTRW) Trading update
16 April 2025: WH Smith PLC (#SMWH) 2025 Interim Results Announcement
16 April 2025: Mitie Group plc (#MTO) FY25 Trading Update
16 April 2025: Hays plc (#HAS) Trading update for Q3 FY25
17 April 2025: J Sainsbury plc (#SBRY) Preliminary Results for the year ending 1 March 2025
17 April 2025: Dunelm Group plc (#DNLM) Q3 Trading Update Release
17 April 2025: Deliveroo plc (#ROO) Q1 2025 trading update

View full calendar

Market Summary