Three things you need to know in the financial markets today from investment writer, Tony Cross.
#1. Sluggish revenue growth at BT
BT Group LON:BT.A has issued its Q3 numbers this morning, noting another period of revenue and EBITDA growth as network improvements continue apace. Broadband was the one stand out on the downside with customer losses for the full year expected to exceed 400,000, but churn rates remain low and the higher speed FTTP solutions are proving popular. Headline revenue growth at just 3% however could be a cause for concern.
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#2. Acquisition spurs sales at AG Barr
AG Barr LON:BAG has issued a trading statement this morning for the full year to 28th January. Following the acquisition of Boost drinks, revenues are up by 26% or on a like-for-like basis just under 8% higher. Management note that cost inflation pressures, whilst still present, are abating and that supply chain improvements are also benefiting the company. Adjusted pre-tax profits are expected to come in slightly ahead of previous market forecasts.
#3. Shell profits above expectations, buy back announced
Full year earnings news from the petrochemicals giant Shell LON:SHEL beat expectations with net profits coming in at $28.25bn. Whilst that’s some way below the record $40bn, posted a year earlier, the company also announced a $3.5bn share buy-back. The tailing off of the RoACE metric – Return on Average Capital Employed – down to 8.4% in Q4 from 16.7% in the comparative may be worth further scrutiny.