BERKELEY GROUP

Berkeley will stop buying new land, implement a hiring freeze, reduce subcontractor use and slow construction to match weaker demand after recent geopolitical events and reduced prospects for interest-rate cuts. The housebuilder cited unprecedented rises in costs, higher tax and regulatory burdens and longer planning-to-start times as reasons it can no longer secure acceptable returns on new land. Shares fell about 18% after the announcement as the group cuts costs and repositions its London and south-east development pipeline. » More on theguardian.com

Berkeley opened a new position in Morningstar by buying 17,382 shares in Q4, representing about $3.78 million or 1.2% of its $314.47 million reportable AUM as of Dec. 31, 2025. Morningstar shares traded at $204.66 on Jan. 28, 2026, down roughly 39% over the past year and currently at about 23 times earnings. The purchase signals Berkeley views the recent sell-off as a buy-the-dip opportunity amid broader concerns about AI disruption for data and research businesses. » More on finance.yahoo.com

Berkeley Group reported a pre-tax profit of £254m for the six months to 31 October 2025, down 7.7% year-on-year. The company confirms its £450m annual forecast for 2026 and expects a similar outcome for 2027. Net cash stood at £342m after buybacks, net asset value per share rose 4.7%, and the operating margin improved to 20.8%. Sales reservations and expected receipts fell year-on-year, and the first build-to-rent scheme is due to be occupied in spring 2026. » More on de.investing.com