FTSE 100 movers: Smith & Nephew bucks trend

10th Feb 2011 12:37

Medical products supplier Smith & Nephew reported a strong rise in 2010 profit as well as the departure of its boss. Smith & Nephew saw revenue in the final quarter of 2010 remain more or less unchanged from a year earlier at $1,066m. That brought full year revenue up to $3,962m, up 4% from $3,772

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London midday: Shares stuck lower after Bank holds rates

10th Feb 2011 12:29

Shares remain firmly in the red following the Bank of England's decision to leave interest rates and quantitative easing unchanged. The Bank has kept interest rates on hold at a record low of 0.5% Mixed results have added to the unsettled mood. Drinks giant Diageo raised revenues in the six months

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London open: FTSE 100 lower after mixed updates

10th Feb 2011 08:29

Shares are moving in both directions after updates, but the FTSE 100 is lower overall. Price rises and improved volumes in North America and continuing growth in emerging markets helped drinks giant Diageo lift revenues in the six months to December 31, but weakness in Europe resulted in profits m

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London pre-open: Stocks set for modest retreat

10th Feb 2011 07:41

It's looking like a weaker start for London Thursday as small gains in the US overnight fail to offset losses in the Far East. Engine maker Rolls-Royce made slightly more money than expected in 2010 and predicts good profit growth this year despite government spending squeezing customers in the def

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European weakness holds back Diageo

10th Feb 2011 07:04

Price rises and improved volumes in North America and continuing growth in emerging markets helped drinks giant Diageo lift revenues in the six months to December 31, but weakness in Europe resulted in profits missing expectations. The maker of Guinness and a host of spirits including Smirnoff vodk

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Thursday preview: BoE rate decision, Shire, Diageo

9th Feb 2011 15:03

It is a big day for company results but even equity traders will be keeping an ear cocked for the Bank of England's announcement of its interest rate decision. Though two members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted for a rate increase last month, up from just one the month before, the sma

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Broker tips: Diageo, Interserve, ENRC

7th Feb 2011 12:56

Nomura likes Diageo's willingness to get involved in spirits mergers and acquisitions (M&A) following its recent Vietnamese purchase, and highlights more deals that would likely add value to the drinks giant. On 26 January, Diageo - the company behind Guinness and a host of spirits brands - acquire

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Broker snap: Spirits high at Diageo

7th Feb 2011 12:11

Nomura likes Diageo's willingness to get involved in spirits mergers and acquisitions (M&A) following its recent Vietnamese purchase, and highlights more deals that would likely add value to the drinks giant. On 26 January, Diageo - the company behind Guinness and a host of spirits brands - acquire

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FTSE 100 movers: Bumper contract for Inmarsat

28th Jan 2011 14:09

Satellite operator Inmarsat is the best performer after it gained a contract worth $115m a year. Inmarsat has commenced phase 2 of its agreement with LightSquared which has led to an immediate payment to Inmarsat of $20.1m. The money is paid quarterly and the initial payment is a partial quarterly

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Diageo buys into Vietnam spirits group

26th Jan 2011 15:49

Drinks giant Diageo has made further inroads into emerging markets, buying nearly a quarter of Vietnamese spirits group Halico. The company behind Guinness and a host of spirits will pay about £33m for 23.6% of Halico, whose main brand is Vodka Hanoi. The two companies have also entered into a str

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Tuesday tips round-up: Vodafone, Majestic Wine, Diageo...

14th Dec 2010 06:59

Vodafone seems to be in quite a good position. It is making a bet on the growth of smartphones, which seems sensible, and recently launched new tariffs that allow cheaper browsing while abroad. Analysts are backing revenues to grow and have the stock on a price of 8.7 times estimated full-year ear

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Broker tips: Diageo, Game, Micro Focus

8th Dec 2010 13:57

The recovery in the global spirits market looks like it's still "on track", keeping Nomura positive on big players Diageo and Pernod. Japanese broker Nomura repeats its 'buy' rating on the pair and sees trading news improving for both over the next few quarters. Look out for Diageo North America's

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Broker snap: Nomura in high Spirits

8th Dec 2010 12:53

The recovery in the global spirits market looks like it's still "on track", keeping Nomura positive on big players Diageo and Pernod. Japanese broker Nomura repeats its 'buy' rating on the pair and sees trading news improving for both over the next few quarters. Look out for Diageo North America'

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Sector movers: Drinks stocks raise a glass to SABMiller

18th Nov 2010 13:51

The drinks sector is fizzing after well-received results from brewing giant SABMiller. Pre-tax profits at the brewer of famous brands such as Miller and Peroni climbed to $1.69bn (£1.06bn) from $1.5bn over the same period the previous year as revenues rose to $9.43bn from $8.84bn. Earnings fell ba

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Cameron does the business in China

9th Nov 2010 14:22

David Cameron wants to double business between the UK and China within five years, and this week's "fruitful" trade mission to Beijing is a good start. The prime minister joined chancellor George Osborne, business secretary Vince Cable and 43 business leaders in China today. He hopes the visit wil

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