Whitbread, Unilever and Angus Energy

“The FTSE100 was in positive territory in lunchtime trading after new data from the Office of National Statistics showed the UK economy grew by a better-than-expected 0.6% in the fourth quarter,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould.

“Hotel and restaurant group Whitbread was one of the biggest blue-chip fallers in lunchtime trading after like-for-like sales in its restaurants fell by 1.5% in the 13 weeks to the beginning of December. The group’s Costa Coffee and Premier Inn businesses continue to increase like-for-like sales but the restaurants arm, which includes the Beefeater and Brewer’s Fayre chains, is struggling in a soft pub restaurant market. Whitbread’s shares were down by more than 4.4%.

“Unilever’s shares fell after full-year results missed expectations and warned that if would face tough market conditions throughout this year. The consumer products giant increased net profit due to volume growth but it continues to face adverse foreign exchange rates and tough conditions in emerging markets. Unilever’s shares were down by over 4.5%.

“Angus Energy’s shares rose after encouraging hydrocarbon shows at the Brockham oil field. The formations appear to be the same in structure to the oil bearing Kimmeridge sections in the nearby Horse Hill-1 well near Gatwick. Angus Energy has encountered hydrocarbon shows that were missed in the previous drilling by BP in 1987 and analysis is now under way to identify the extent of them.”

These articles are for information purposes only and are not a personal recommendation or advice.