If only
Computacenter (LSE: CCC) provides IT services throughout the UK, France, Luxembourg and Belgium. In the six months ended 30 June, adjusted pre-tax profit rose 65.6% to £41.9m compared with the same period a year ago. In November the firm said its trading results for the year would be "comfortably in excess" of its expectations as it saw a solid start to the fourth quarter and a growing pipeline for the rest of the year.
Be glad you didn't buy
United Utilities (LSE: UU) is the UK's largest listed water company. With the Retail Price Index inflation measure at a five-year high, the firm has endured a turbulent year, despite posting a 10% growth in half-year profits in November. The same month, its battle against rising inflation also drove its shares down to five-year lows after analysts at HSBC raised the alarm regarding its exposure to inflation and increased political risk.
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