Croda International (LSE: CRDA) makes a wide range of speciality chemicals, including ingredients for skin-care, hair-care and cosmetic products made by firms such as L'Oral and Este Lauder.
At the end of February, the firm posted solid annual results for 2017, showing sales and profits rising for the third year in succession. Sales grew by 10.4% to £1.37bn, while adjusted profits before tax rose 11.1% to £320m. Around half the increase was the result of organic growth in sales in premium markets, with the rest due to the weak pound, which boosted the sterling value of overseas earnings.
Be glad you didn't buy
Polymetal International (LSE: POLY) is a precious-metals miner operating in Russia, Kazakhstan and Armenia. Last month, it reported a 10% fall in net profit during 2017 (down to $354m, compared with $395m in 2016), which it blamed on higher mining costs and the impact of the stronger rouble.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
During the same period, cash costs per ounce of gold equivalent rose by 15% to $658. Revenue grew 15% year-on-year to $1.82bn, driven by higher gold production. Despite the mixed results, Polymetal declared a final dividend of $0.30, taking the total payout for the year to $0.44, up 4.7% on 2016.
-
Google shares bounce on Gemini 2.0 launchGoogle has launched the latest version of its Gemini AI platform, and markets have responded positively. Is it time to buy Google shares?
-
Millions of pension savers could get targeted support under new proposalsThe proposals are part of the FCA’s attempt to tackle the advice gap, after 75% of savers admitted they don’t have a clear plan for their pension
