Woodford and Barnett hit as Capita shares plunge 45% following profit warning

Shares at lowest price since 2003

Laura Dew
clock • 2 min read

Shares in outsourcing firm Capita, held by managers Neil Woodford and Mark Barnett, have plummeted more than 45% this morning after the troubled firm issued another profit warning.

Shares in the FTSE 250 company, which was demoted from the FTSE 100 last year, fell 45% to 190p; its lowest price since January 2003. They have since risen slightly to 204p.  The cause of the drop was a further profit warning by the company, which said it now forecasts pre-tax profits of £270m-£300m in 2018, far below expectations of around £400m. It also suspended its final dividend.  In addition, the group is planning to raise £700m from investors to strengthen its balance sheet after a series of profit warnings last year. Jon Lewis, who took over as chief executive two months ag...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Equities

Global equities, Château Screwtop and a nose for opportunity

Global equities, Château Screwtop and a nose for opportunity

'The bottom line is that bias is commonplace and counterproductive'

Professional Adviser
clock 06 May 2026 • 4 min read
Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Alexandra Jackson: UK equities - going beyond the narrative

Economic recovery takes hold

Alexandra Jackson
clock 04 March 2026 • 3 min read
Love is… picking the right stock

Love is… picking the right stock

'We genuinely love each and every one of these companies when we take an initial position'

Gabriel Sacks
clock 13 February 2026 • 4 min read