Three things you need to know in the financial markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross
Ocado
Full year earnings are out from Ocado this morning and the picture doesn’t seem to offer that much worth cheering. There’s no news of the mooted tie up with Marks & Spencer, whilst the eps figure has come in just below the lower range of forecasts, too, with a loss per share of 6.85p being recorded. Investors may be struggling to find much love for the stock this morning.
BP
Better than expected Q4 numbers are out from BP this morning, with the company citing a strong operational performance across the board. The news comes despite the collapse in oil prices seen at the end of last year and investors are being rewarded with a modest increase in dividends.
Carpetright
Carpetright has published a trading update this morning, along with news that their CFO is to retire. The company was struggling to stay afloat last year but is on target to deliver promised cost savings and whilst the UK performance remains lacking, a better picture is being seen overseas. The CFO will remain in post until the end of this month then work with his successor until the end of April to affect an orderly transition of responsibilities.
