Construction stocks, XPS & medtech: The Companies and Markets Show

The show starts unpacking the latest results from equipment hire company Ashtead (AHT). Mark Robinson analyses the outlook for US construction spending, the company’s sensitivity to tariffs and its valuation. It’s then on to Ashtead’s smaller rival Speedy Hire (SDY), which is closing some of its depots due to rising staff costs. Listen to find out everything investors need to know.  Next up is one of the IC's Ideas of the Year, which are putting in a strong performance again in 2025. Pensions consultancy XPS Pensions (XPS) reported full-year figures earlier this week – Julian Hofmann asks if its booming business can continue. Lastly, our Big Read on the medical technology sector. Mark Robinson covers the issues facing the industry, the options for investors and a potential tariff winner. Timestamps  1:50 Ashtead 9:20 Speedy Hire 18:29 XPS Pensions 27:36 Medtech Read more on these topics: Ashtead stymied by falling used equipment sales Speedy Hire attempts to boost efficiencies as HMRC loads costs The cutting-edge medtech stocks worth owning Listen to more podcasts from Investors’ Chronicle on Apple, Spotify and YouTube Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.