London pre-open: Stocks to edge up amid raft of corporate releases

(Sharecast News) - London stocks were set to edge up at the open on Thursday amid a barrage of corporate releases, as investors continue to eye developments in the Middle East. The FTSE 100 was called to open around 0.5% higher.

Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swissquote, said: "When I look at the news, I see one thing: escalating tensions.

"Most US and European futures are down this morning - though losses are modest compared to earlier this week - while the FTSE is up, likely helped by rising energy prices. The Dubai Financial Market index, heavy in financial services and real estate, tumbled 5% after reopening for the first time since the conflict began - the exchange's daily limit-down level.

"So what's next? It depends. Headlines do not point to a near resolution of the Middle East conflict, meaning the risk of further stress remains very much in play. Uncertainty will likely prevent global indices from recovering sustainably. If the conflict escalates, the dollar will appreciate further. Higher energy prices, priced in a stronger dollar, would weigh on global growth, with emerging markets likely among the hardest hit."

On the UK corporate front, Reckitt Benckiser, Rentokil Initial, ITV, Admiral, Serco, Spire Healthcare and PageGroup were among the companies reporting.

Insurer Aviva posted a 25% jump in full-year operating profit supported by a strong performance in its UK & Ireland and Canadian operations.

Earnings came in at £2.2bn, including a £174m contribution from the recently acquired Direct Line. The company also announced a £350m share buyback.

Elsewhere, housebuilder Taylor Wimpey reported a 54.3% slide in full-year pre-tax profit to £146.5m, as it pointed to "uncertainty" ahead of the Budget last year.

In the year to the end of December 2025, revenue rose 13% to £3.8bn and completions increased to 11,229 from 10,593 in 2024.

Ladbrokes owner Entain said it had delivered a "strong" full-year performance in 2025, with underlying earnings coming in ahead of expectations.

Entain said total net gaming revenue was up 7%, including its 50% share of BetMGM, with Entain‑branded net gaming revenue rising 3% to £5.32bn and BetMGM revenues surging 33% on a constant‑currency basis to $2.79bn.

Excluding its US operations, online NGR grew 5%, supported by solid volumes and sustained momentum, while retail NGR was down 1% year-on-year.

Group underlying earnings came to £1.16bn, up 8% on a constant currency basis and ahead of guidance, while total underlying earnings, including BetMGM, stood at £1.24bn, up 28% year‑on‑year.

However, Entain still booked a statutory loss after tax of £681m in FY25, widening from FY24's £461m loss, reflecting impairment charges linked to higher UK gambling taxes. Underlying pre-tax profits slipped 2% to £507.2m.