Europe Movers: H&M, Inchcape, Serco

Inga Muller
26 Jun, 2025
Frankfurt

H&M AB traded up 7.5% at 139.55 krona after the Swedish apparel retailer reported results for the fiscal first quarter ending on February 28.

Net sales increased to SEK 55.33 billion from SEK 53.67 billion, ne income declined to SEK 590 million from SEK 1.24 billion, and earnings per share fell to 37 cents from 77 cents a year ago.

The company said sales in March are expected to increase by 1% in local currencies compared with the same month the previous year.

The largest increase in sales in the first quarter was registered in Southern Europe, where the company operates 567 stores.

H&M announced a dividend of SEK 6.80 per share, payable in two installments, and the company's board authorized to buy back its Class B shares in the period up to the 2026 annual general meeting.

Inchcape Plc. gained 5.4% to 718.00 pence after the UK-based automotive distributor released its trading update ahead of half-year results ending on June 30.

The company said it expects a limited tariff-related impact on its business operations.

Inchcape reported continued improvement in the Americas, Australia, Europe, and Africa, while certain markets in Asia are facing ongoing headwinds.

The company has won nine distribution contracts year-to-date, including two additional awards during the fiscal second quarter of 2025.

The automotive distributor guided growth in full-year earnings per share, driven by profit growth and ongoing share buybacks, as £150 million of share repurchases were already completed, while £100 million remained under repurchase authorization.

Serco Group Plc. advanced 1.3% to 196.10 pence after the UK-based defense, health, and transport government services provider released its trading update for the first six months of 2025.

Revenue increased 2% to £2.4 billion from £2.36 billion, and underlying operating profit fell to £140 million from £142 million a year ago.

Overall orders amounted to £3 billion in the first half of the year, with a larger share from the defense order.

The company completed the acquisition of Northrop Grumman’s mission training and satellite ground network communications software business (MT&S), enhancing capability and scale in the U.S. and international defense markets.

Serco guided full-year revenue to improve to approximately 1% due to higher than anticipated activity levels in the immigration sector, as overall revenue outlook was revised higher to £4.9 billion from £4.8 billion compared to £4.8 billion in 2024.

The underlying operating profit for the full year is estimated at £260 million, compared to £274 million a year earlier, reflecting impacts from higher UK national insurance contributions and the conclusion of the Australian immigration contract.