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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
These soaring UK shares are smashing the S&P 500
When it comes to growth, the conversation usually circles back to the US. However, while the S&P 500's been the benchmark for global markets for years, in 2025 UK shares are competing toe-to-toe with their American rivals. In fact, some are comfortably outpacing the pack. So I've identified two FTSE 100 stocks to consider that not only hold their own but are also making significant moves this year. That said, for now, I prefer one to the other. Airtel Africa Airtel Africa's (LSE: AAF) a wireless telecommunications provider serving 14 countries across the continent. It's not a household name in Britain, but its share price performance has been impossible to ignore. After posting better-than-expected quarterly results in July, the stock surged to a record high of 194.9p. Operating profit climbed 33% in Q1 to $446m, fuelling a rally that's seen the stock jump 90% since January. That's nine times the return of the S&P 500. Even against US giants, Airtel Africa looks impressive. AT&T's up 26% this year, Verizon, just 10%. Forecasts suggest the company's earnings per share could triple over the next three years, while revenue may reach £6.55bn by 2028. The growth story's compelling, but there are risks. Airtel Africa carries significant foreign-currency debt. A sharp devaluation of the Nigerian naira or other local currencies could inflate repayment costs and dent earnings. Volatility's therefore part of the package. Still, with Africa's wireless and mobile data markets expanding rapidly, I see this as a growth stock with long-term potential. Smith & Nephew Smith & Nephew (LSE: SN.) develops implants for joint repair and advanced wound care solutions. Earlier this month, the firm unveiled half-year trading results that delivered a pleasant surprise. Trading profit rose 11.2%, and a £500m share buyback programme was announced. Investors responded with enthusiasm. So far in 2025, shares are up 36% — triple the S&P 500's return. Against US peers, it's in an even stronger position. Stryker's up just 5.36% while Zimmer's actually fallen 3.5%. On valuation, the stock also looks cheap, with a price-to-earnings growth (PEG) ratio of only 0.56. What stands out is the operational progress. Earnings have surged 55% and net margins have widened to 7% from 4.7%, showing the impact of cost efficiencies. Debt's well-covered, cash flow looks strong and analysts at Jefferies even called it a safe-haven stock in the face of wider tariff concerns. That said, there are some risks. Return on capital employed (ROCE) has fallen sharply over the past five years, from 14% to just 6%, and its orthopaedics division's been losing market share in the US. This raises concerns about long-term competitiveness. While I think Smith & Nephew's defensive qualities are attractive and make it one to think about, I want to see improvements in efficiency and market share before seeing it as a long-term winner. The bottom line The FTSE 100's been stepping up in 2025, and these two UK shares prove it. Airtel Africa looks like a high-growth play on a booming market, albeit with currency risks. Smith & Nephew meanwhile, offers resilience and solid cash flow but needs to tackle some structural challenges. Either way, it's refreshing to see UK shares not just keeping up with the S&P 500 but overtaking it in certain areas. The post These soaring UK shares are smashing the S&P 500 appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool Mark Hartley has positions in Airtel Africa Plc. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Airtel Africa Plc and Smith & Nephew Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Business Wire
20 hours ago
- Business
- Business Wire
Balfour Beatty Appoints William Motherway as Vice President of Risk for U.S. Infrastructure Operations
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Balfour Beatty announces the appointment of William 'Bill' Motherway as vice president of Risk for its U.S. Infrastructure operations. With more than three decades of experience in legal, compliance and enterprise risk management, Motherway brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the company's risk oversight and mitigation strategies. In his new role, Motherway will lead the implementation of Balfour Beatty's enterprise risk management framework across its Infrastructure business. He will be responsible for guiding the organization in identifying, assessing and managing operational, regulatory and strategic risks. His leadership will also support the development of fraud risk assessments, internal control reviews, and compliance with our internal control framework. 'Bill's deep expertise in enterprise risk management, compliance and legal background will be instrumental in strengthening our operational resilience and supporting our long-term strategic goals,' said Mark Konchar, Balfour Beatty US Infrastructure president. 'His proven ability to lead complex risk initiatives and foster a culture of accountability aligns perfectly with our commitment to Zero Harm safety initiatives and operational excellence.' Motherway's career includes executive leadership roles throughout the industry, where he founded and managed captive insurance companies, led corporate litigation and compliance programs, and implemented enterprise-wide risk strategies. He also served as Risk Manager and Ethics & Compliance Officer for Sarasota County Government and held senior legal roles in both public and private sectors. 'I'm honored to join Balfour Beatty and contribute to a company that values integrity, innovation and safety,' said Bill. 'I look forward to working with our teams to enhance risk awareness, drive compliance, and support the company's continued growth.' Motherway holds a Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Manhattan College. He is a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP), a licensed Property/Casualty Broker in 49 states, and an active member of the Florida and New York State Bars. About Balfour Beatty US Balfour Beatty is an industry-leading provider of general contracting, at-risk construction management and design-build services for public and private sector clients across the United States. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the company performs heavy civil, rail and a broad variety of vertical construction in select local geographies. The company is held by Balfour Beatty plc (LSE: BBY), who is a global leader in international infrastructure with interests in Hong Kong, UK and US. Balfour Beatty US is ranked among the top domestic building contractors in the United States by Engineering News-Record. To learn more, visit
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Genflow Biosciences PLC Announces Company Update on Dog Trials
Genflow Advances World's First Longevity Gene Therapy Trial in Dogs with No Adverse Effects Reported LONDON, UK / ACCESS Newswire / August 18, 2025 / Genflow Biosciences Plc (LSE:GENF)(OTCQB:GENFF) ('Genflow' or 'the Company'), the only publicly listed longevity company in Europe, provides an update on its Dog Aging (GF-1004) study, a proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of its proprietary SIRT6-centenarian gene therapy for age-related decline in elderly dogs. The randomized, controlled trial, conducted with CRO Syngene, involves 28 beagles aged 10+ years. In March, recipients received three different modalities of SIRT6 gene therapy with no ill or adverse effects, while controls remain untreated. The dogs will now enter a five-month follow-up period expected to conclude in January 2026. The strategic goal of this proof-of-concept trial is to generate compelling preclinical data that will enable a licensing agreement with a leading Animal Health company. GF-1004 is a first-in-class gene therapy candidate targeting fundamental aging mechanisms shared by both dogs and humans. By intervening at the mitochondrial and epigenetic levels, GF-1004 offers the potential to not only extend lifespan, but also improve the quality of life in companion animals, a rapidly growing, high-value market segment. Study objectives are to: 1. Confirm feasibility of GF-1004 administration in the target population. 2. Validate safety and efficacy at the proposed administered dose. 3. Demonstrate multi-dimensional benefits relevant to both clinical outcomes and consumer appeal, including: Translational Potential Since dogs and humans share conserved aging pathways, success in this trial will provide a strong foundation for expansion into human health applications, unlocking additional markets in longevity therapeutics. Dr. Eric Leire, CEO of Genflow, commented: 'Now that all dogs have received the treatment without any adverse events, we've taken an important step in confirming the treatment's safety profile. We are fully focused on advancing GF-1004 to secure a partnership with an animal health company, combining scientific and commercial expertise to pave the way for a new class of therapeutic medicines for dogs. Our shared goal is to extend the healthspan of dogs, and we believe this study will demonstrate the safety and potential efficacy of GF-1004 while opening the door to broader applications of our proprietary platform in age-related diseases in both companion animals and, ultimately, in humans.' Contacts About Genflow Biosciences Founded in 2020, Genflow Biosciences Plc. (LSE:GENF) (OTCQB:GENFF), a biotechnology company headquartered in the UK with R&D facilities in Belgium, is pioneering gene therapies to decelerate the aging process, with the goal of promoting longer and healthier lives while mitigating the financial, emotional, and social impacts of a fast-growing aging global population. Genflow's lead compound, GF-1002, works through the delivery of a centenarian variant of the SIRT6 gene which has yielded promising preclinical results. Genflow's 12-month proof-of-concept clinical trial evaluating their SIRT6-centenarian gene therapy in aged dogs began in March 2025. Other programs planned for 2025, include a clinical trial that will explore the potential benefits of GF-1002 in treating MASH (Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis), the most prevalent chronic liver disease for which there is no effective treatments. Please visit and follow the Company on LinkedIn and X. DISCLAIMER The contents of this announcement have been prepared by, and are the sole responsibility of, the Company. This announcement may contain forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company's or the Directors' expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions or strategies regarding the future. In addition, any statement that refers to projections, forecasts or other characterisations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions, is a forward-looking statement. The words 'anticipate', 'believe', 'continue', 'could', 'estimate', 'expect', 'intend', 'may', 'might', 'plan', 'possible', 'potential', 'predict', 'project', 'seek', 'should', 'would' and similar expressions, or in each case their negatives, may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are based on the current expectations and assumptions regarding the Company, the business, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, by their nature, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the Company's actual financial condition, actual results of operations and financial performance, and the development of the industries in which it operates or will operate, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. In addition, even if the Company's financial condition, results of operations and the development of the industries in which it operates or will operate, are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this announcement, those results or developments may not be indicative of financial condition, results of operations or developments in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include regional, national or global, political, economic, social, business, technological, competitive, market and regulatory conditions. Any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement applies only as of the date of this announcement and is expressly qualified in its entirety by these cautionary statements. Factors or events that could cause the Company's actual plans or results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement to reflect any change in its expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement is based, unless required to do so by applicable law, the Prospectus Regulation Rules, the Listing Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules of the FCA or the UK Market Abuse Regulation. This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact [email protected] or visit SOURCE: Genflow Biosciences PLC press release
Associated Press
a day ago
- Business
- Associated Press
PureTech Health: Notice of Half-Yearly Results
BOSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 18, 2025-- PureTech Health plc (Nasdaq: PRTC, LSE: PRTC) ('PureTech' or the 'Company') plans to announce its half-yearly results for the six months ended June 30, 2025, on Thursday, August 28, 2025. A presentation and conference call for analysts and shareholders will take place at 9:00am EDT / 2:00pm BST on the day of publication, and a webcast of the presentation will be available on the Company's website at About PureTech Health PureTech is a clinical-stage biotherapeutics company dedicated to giving life to new classes of medicine to change the lives of patients with devastating diseases. The Company has created a broad and deep portfolio through its experienced research and development team and its extensive network of scientists, clinicians, and industry leaders that is being advanced both internally and through its Founded Entities. PureTech's R&D engine has resulted in the development of 29 therapeutics and therapeutic candidates, including three that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. A number of these programs are being advanced by PureTech or its Founded Entities in various indications and stages of clinical development, including registration-enabling studies. All of the underlying programs and platforms that resulted in this portfolio of therapeutic candidates were initially identified or discovered and then advanced by the PureTech team through key validation points. For more information, visit or connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) @puretechh. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that are or may be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements contained in this press release that do not relate to matters of historical fact should be considered forward-looking statements, including without limitation those statements that relate to the timing of the Company's financial reporting and the Company's future prospects, developments, and strategies. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that could cause actual results, performance and achievements to differ materially from current expectations, including, but not limited to, those risks, uncertainties and other important factors described under the caption 'Risk Factors' in our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC and in our other regulatory filings. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions regarding the present and future business strategies of the Company and the environment in which it will operate in the future. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as at the date of this press release. Except as required by law and regulatory requirements, we disclaim any obligation to update or revise these forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. View source version on CONTACT: PureTech Public Relations [email protected] Investor Relations [email protected] KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: SCIENCE OTHER SCIENCE BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH PHARMACEUTICAL HEALTH FDA CLINICAL TRIALS SOURCE: PureTech Health plc Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 08/18/2025 02:00 AM/DISC: 08/18/2025 01:59 AM
Business Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Hapag Lloyd (0RCG) Receives a Sell from Kepler Capital
In a report released on August 15, Axel Styrman from Kepler Capital maintained a Sell rating on Hapag Lloyd, with a price target of €123.00. The company's shares closed last Friday at €119.60. Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. Styrman covers the Energy sector, focusing on stocks such as Frontline, Euronav, and Torm. According to TipRanks, Styrman has an average return of -5.5% and a 37.50% success rate on recommended stocks. In addition to Kepler Capital , Hapag Lloyd also received a Sell from UBS's Cristian Nedelcu in a report issued on August 15. However, yesterday, TR | OpenAI – 4o reiterated a Buy rating on Hapag Lloyd (LSE: 0RCG). Based on Hapag Lloyd's latest earnings release for the quarter ending March 31, the company reported a quarterly revenue of €5.05 billion and a net profit of €441.7 million. In comparison, last year the company earned a revenue of €4.26 billion and had a net profit of €294.7 million
