There are three pleasing aspects to the performance Savvy analysts say Antisoma shares could double if its first drug, for ovarian cancer, is successful, or halve if it is not. And third, Reckitt's main market of western Europe was especially strong. The wisdom of buying raw materials at good prices early in the year helped profit margins, which meant more cash for advertising without squeezing profits.In May, we advised readers to wait until the shares dropped a little before buying. Those who took their chance in July are now 200p to the good.Reckitt should be a core holding in any portfolio, but investors face a dilemma similar to the one in May The good news has already moved the share price a long way. First, the improvement is broadly based, with Dettol disinfectant, Finish dishwasher detergent, Airwick air-fresheners, Calgonit scale-remover and Wax Strips hair-remover all cleaning up Second, the juggernaut shows no signs of slowing. Again, there may be better chances to buy as the impact of the results wears off Do not miss the opportunity when it arises. It will take an unexpected disaster for things to go down the pan now. There are three pleasing aspects to the performance. Hopefully it will not be long before chairman Michael Carlton gets round to putting the group on the dividend list.Avon Rubber, a portfolio constituent that is a long-term dividend payer, is to announce its yearly results next month. Profits should emerge at £8.5m, with an 8p a share year's dividend. Internet share tipster Tom Winnifrith (on his website t1ps ) expects this year's profits to hit £10.3m with an 8.5p payment.Since I recruited Avon at 194.5p in 2002, the shares have displayed little bounce But they had enjoyed a good run before I alighted on them.
In trading terms the company has not disappointed and, if results meet tipster Tom's expectations I will be happy to hold on.. The household products group Reckitt Benckiser is scrubbing up well. Latest trading figures have prompted it to raise its already ambitious targets for the year. The shares have been recruited at 69p, with a notional investment of £5,000.There is no dividend return at present but to expect one from such a young company would be foolish. They no longer dominate Ask and, I suspect, will be content to sell if they feel the offer is good enough.So I have decided to take the plunge and add Prezzo to the no pain, no gain portfolio, lifting our number to 14. |
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