Sector movers: Mondi gives forestry and paper a lift
10th Feb 2011 16:21
The forestry and paper sector is higher after paper and packaging firm Mondi said underlying operating profit for the year ended 31 December 2010 is expected to be considerably higher than the same time a year earlier. The group, which is listed in London and Johannesburg, said it expects basic un
Read moreLondon afternoon: Footsie hovers around 6,000
10th Feb 2011 15:18
Footsie has slumped below 6,000 with insurers and miners featuring prominently among the laggards. Miner Rio Tinto is lower even though it had plenty to please shareholders, with record full-year profits, a $5bn share buyback and 20% increase in the dividend. The Anglo-Australian group made a net
Read moreFTSE 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
Read moreLondon 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
Read moreLondon 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
Read moreLondon 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
Read moreEuropean 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
Read moreThursday 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
Read moreBroker 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
Read moreBroker 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
Read moreFTSE 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
Read moreDiageo 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
Read moreTuesday 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
Read moreBroker 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
Read moreBroker 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'
Read more