Expert views
Commentary submitted by Russ Mould in their own words.
Back to profileThames Water among six water firms to have bonuses for top bosses blocked
Most of the corporate failings which led these payouts to be blocked involved pollution.
Wetherspoons ‘cautious’ ahead of November Budget
What is important for Wetherspoon is keeping costs down so it can keep prices as low as possible for punters.
Barratt Redrow sells more homes despite ‘challenging’ market
The order book is proving resilient, and sales are holding up despite a lack of deals in the private rental sector.
Ryanair’s profits soar after airfare hikes and early Boeing deliveries
Passenger numbers have increased, customers have paid more for tickets on average, and its planes are fuller.
WPP’s annual outlook cut once again after ‘unacceptable’ performance
Cindy Rose has a big job on her hands, but it looks like investors aren’t prepared to play wait and see any more.
Next increases targets as shoppers shrug off cost-of-living concerns
The company consistently pitches its guidance conservatively allowing it to then surpass expectations when it comes time to report on trading.
HSBC announces £898m drop in quarterly profits
Having got the bad news out of the way early, with yesterday’s revelation of a provision linked to Bernard Madoff’s Ponzi scheme, HSBC had some good news to deliver to investors with its third-quarter update.
Greencore’s Bakkavor takeover faces competition concerns over supermarket sauces
The slight issue flagged about own label chilled sauces has caused a touch of market disquiet.
HSBC takes £826m hit after Madoff fraud ruling
It is testament to the bank’s scale that a provision of more than $1 billion is a relatively minor irritation rather than a disaster.
Revolution bars’ owner launches sale process as turnaround falters
The Revel Collective has struggled in recent years due to a shift in consumer culture.
NatWest earnings soar 30% as it takes ‘tight control’ over business costs
Being fully privately owned seems to be suiting NatWest, with the company’s third quarter update the latest in the sector to help ease concerns about contagion from US private credit issues.
Unilever reveals stronger than expected sales ahead of ice cream spin-off
Any concern or disquiet about a delay to Unilever’s ice cream spin-off will have been eased by the company’s latest update.