23 Mar 2026 | 16:28
FTSE 250 movers: Goodwin, Spire tank
(Sharecast News) - FTSE 250: 21,383.41 +41.44 (0.19%)
Shares in Goodwin plummeted on Monday after the mechanical and refractory engineering conglomerate revealed it was reviewing its dividend policy as a result of two key lost tenders, tough trading conditions in the jewellery casting markets and supply chain disruptions arising from the conflict in the Middle East.
The company said that, in light of current trading conditions, it is considering whether to revert back to its previous dividend policy, which limited distributions to 38% of post-tax profits, or move that threshold lower.
"Considering the payment of a special interim dividend in November 2025, together with highly increased global geopolitical uncertainty, the board continues to take a prudent approach to capital allocation and financial resilience," Goodwin said.
Ahead of the company's year-end of 30 April, the Mechanical Engineering Division lost two tenders worth €18m and €45m.
In Refractory Engineering, persistently high precious metal prices have continued to weigh on the jewellery casting markets, with weak consumer confidence affecting spending habits, the firm said.
Meanwhile, while none of the valves on order for LNG facilities in the Middle East have been cancelled or placed on hold, the group has requested to delay the dispatch of valves on certain large Middle East contracts due to the current geopolitical situation, which may affect the timing of revenues.
Spire Healthcare tanked after private equity firms Bridgepoint and Triton both said after the close on Friday that they did not plan on making an offer the private hospital operator. Spire said talks with other parties about a potential sale are ongoing and that it is also considering other "appropriate actions to drive long-term, sustainable shareholder value".
Applied Nutrition slid as it backed its full-year guidance but also said it expects "some reduction" in volumes into the Middle East during the second half due to the Iran conflict.