Share research from Hargreaves Lansdown

BT profits advance on increased broadband subscriptions and cost cuts
03 Feb, 2012 10:00
BT delivered a solid set of third quarter results earlier today, due to a combination of factors that included cost cutting initiatives, lower regulatory charges, and a strong demand for a wide range of its services. Headline figures saw pre-tax profits for the three months to the end of December rise 48% to £652 million, while revenue fell 5% to £4.77 billion. The group, which has offset falling revenues in recent years by deep cost cuts and an improving operational

Xstrata confirms talks with Glencore
02 Feb, 2012 15:15
Xstrata recently announced that it had received an approach from and is in discussions with Glencore regarding an all share merger of equals which may or may not lead to an offer being made by Glencore for Xstrata. There can be no certainty that any offer will be made. Glencore already holds a share stake in Xstrata of over 30%. The group's late January 12 month production report until the 31st December 2011 saw management highlighting record annual production from

AstraZeneca warns of growing pressure on profits as workforce is drastically cut
02 Feb, 2012 15:00
Anglo-Swedish pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca warned of growing pressure on its revenues and unveiled plans to cut 7,300 jobs alongside full year results published earlier today. The drug maker posted full-year revenues down 2% to $33.3 billion with nearly $2 billion in sales lost to generic competition and $1 billion because of government price intervention. Pre-tax profits for the full year rose 12.7% to $12.8 billion. In announcing a new set of restructuring initiatives, the group said the total number of

Glencore looks to negotiate a merger with Xstrata
02 Feb, 2012 14:45
Mining group Xstrata, recently announced that it had received an approach from and is in discussions with Glencore regarding an all share merger of equals which may or may not lead to an offer being made by Glencore for Xstrata. There can be no certainty that any offer will be made. Glencore already holds a share stake in Xstrata of over 30%. Since listing, speculation has been rife that Glencore would look to negotiate a merger with Xstrata. As for

Compass continues to point the needle in the right direction
02 Feb, 2012 14:30
The group's first quarter update again provided reassurance. Good levels of new business wins had again been seen, with the improved level of customer retention it achieved in the second half of last year continuing into the new financial year. Volumes in North America and the Emerging Markets had remained robust, while in Japan, a gradual return to normal activity levels had been seen following last year's earthquake. Furthermore, using its performance management framework, MAP, management had continued to drive

Unilever provides caution for the 2012 outlook
02 Feb, 2012 14:00
As with the group's third quarter results, recent fourth quarter results also provided early disappointment. Prospects for 2012 were wrapped in caution, while volume growth had again slowed (Q4: +1.0% against Q3: +1.9%). European markets had remained unsurprisingly tough, while the outlook for raw material costs continues to be difficult to forecast. Nonetheless, underlying sales growth of 6.6% was achieved during the period, while benefits from the acquisition of Alberto Culver continued to be enjoyed. Growth in Emerging Markets remained

Royal Dutch Shell (B Shares) targets an aggressive growth strategy
02 Feb, 2012 13:30
In weaker than expected results for its fourth quarter, due to weak refining margins and low natural gas prices, Royal Dutch Shell's fourth quarter results missed analyst estimates. Despite the weaker quarter, the Anglo-Dutch group set out an aggressive medium-term growth agenda that includes 30 new major development projects and higher exploration spending to boost cash flow. Europe's largest oil company said the clean current cost of supplies, (a keenly watched figure that strips out gains or losses from inventories

Smith & Nephew delivers a good performance in 2011 set against a challenging backdrop
02 Feb, 2012 12:30
Smith & Nephew Plc, the global medical technology business, announced its fourth quarter and full year results today. Financial highlights saw the group deliver revenue of $1,106 billion, from $1.067 billion in the prior year. Trading profit edged up to $279 million from $278 million. Management reported an improved performance in its trading profit margin of 25.2%, as it increased revenue and reduced costs to meet group's expectations to deliver a trading profit margin in excess of 24% for the

Royal Dutch Shell (A Shares) targets an aggressive growth strategy
02 Feb, 2012 12:00
In weaker than expected results for its fourth quarter, due to weak refining margins and low natural gas prices, Royal Dutch Shell's fourth quarter results missed analyst estimates. Despite the weaker quarter, the Anglo-Dutch group set out an aggressive medium-term growth agenda that includes 30 new major development projects and higher exploration spending to boost cash flow. Europe's largest oil company said the clean current cost of supplies, (a keenly watched figure that strips out gains or losses from inventories

United Utilities current trading proves in line
01 Feb, 2012 15:30
The group's third quarter update saw management highlighting in line trading. In the first half of 2011/12, revenue increased by around 4%, compared with the first half of last year, with the trend continuing. Management noted that "the group continued to implement a wide range of business improvement initiatives. Encouragingly, the number of customer complaints received via the Consumer Council for Water had reduced further in the three months to December 2011." Looking ahead, management noted "its confidence in delivering