Don't bet against the rand – Moneyweb

As the rand hit R13.49 to the US dollar, its strongest point since August and a full 13.5% higher than it was in January, complacent investors would be wise to pay attention. That’s because 73% of the value derived by the top 40 companies on the JSE comes from offshore – up from 43% in […]

Why BAT needs Reynolds American – Moneyweb

British American Tobacco (BAT) has made an offer to acquire US tobacco giant Reynolds American in a US$47 billion deal that will create the world’s biggest listed tobacco company by turnover and operating profit. The deal will give BAT greater access to the US market and a significant presence in high growth emerging markets. Dirk […]

Altron asset sale plan pays off – Business Day

Allied Electronics’ turnaround strategy is yielding positive results, as seen in results for the six months to August, when the group managed to reverse a headline loss per share into earnings of 31c. This comes after it has disposed of non-performing assets and will continue to sell more businesses, including companies within its Powertech division, […]

Famous Brands buys stake in catering firm – Business Day

Famous Brands has sealed a deal with a Johannesburg-based catering company, By Word of Mouth, in its first foray into this competitive sector. By Word of Mouth offers a portfolio of services ranging from development of designer food and beverage menus to event management. Dirk van Vlaanderen comments. view article

Aspen: going big in Japan – Moneyweb

Aspen Pharmaceuticals is now one of SA’s top 100 exporters, employing more than 2 000 people at its Port Elizabeth and Cape Town manufacturing plants. And while geographical expansion has been a strategy from the get-go, the group has trod warily when it comes to expanding into China and the US. However, its latest AstraZeneca and GSK […]

Clover churns out solid results despite draught – Moneyweb

Clover Industries continues to ride out the cyclical nature of milk, with the company lifting the prices of its dairy products in response to the severe drought conditions and the oversupply of milk. Dirk van Vlaanderen comments. view article

Sasol to splurge on capital projects – Bdlive

Sasol, the international energy and chemicals group, will spend R135bn over the next two years on capital projects in Southern Africa and the US despite weak oil prices. The company’s management is also confident it can maintain its expansion programme, while paying a dividend. Abdul Davids comments. view article

Discovery sure it can continue on growth path- Business Day

Insurer Discovery’s continued bullish investment into new growth initiatives has been met with caution by analysts, who appear to be adopting a wait-and-see approach about the effect of these investments on profit. Justin Floor comments. view article

WBHO upbeat on infrastructure growth – Bdlive

Wilson Bayly Holmes-Ovcon (WBHO) says the group’s building divisions – both in Africa and Australia – have continued to offset lower activity levels in mining and other civil engineering sectors. Victor Seanie comments. view article

Weak economies test life insurers' health – Business Times

South Africa’s life insurers make for difficult comparisons as they cover a diverse range of target markets, territories and business activities. But in a week when most will be delivering their results, comparisons will be made. For many investors, the only relevant metric will be the dependability of growth and a dividend, something that will […]

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