BT Group
We’ve got a Q1 trading update from the complicated corporate beast that is BT Group this morning. It’s regulatory challenges that have presented the biggest hurdles to the company in recent years, so investors may be willing to overlook the 2% drop in revenues when compared to a year ago. Critically however, it’s a case of asking whether the regulatory influence is now coming to an end. The company certainly seems to be making the most of its acquisition of EE, with mobile performance looking like something of a stand out. Expectations for the full year remain unchanged.
Pearson
Educational publisher Pearson has issued half year numbers this morning, which shows some welcome relief for a business which has at times struggled in recent years. Revenues are up 2% but adjusted profits have leapt 46%, debt is being paid down quickly and the interim dividend has been lifted 10%, too. The company expects to deliver underlying profit growth for the full year.
Reckitt Benckiser
Healthcare and household goods group Reckitt Benckiser – the owners of everything from Nurofen to Durex and Cillit Bang – have released their half year results and there’s no shortage of good news here. Acquisitions have delivered much of the revenue growth, but critically the company is upgrading its like for like projections for the full year. Revenues are expected to be 1-2% higher than previously expected and it’s news like this that will likely give shareholders cause to cheer.
