Baxter’s profits are higher than expected

 

Baxter's factory in Malta

Baxter International, the world’s biggest maker of blood-disease treatments which is also based in Malta, beat analysts’ expectations yesterday after it posted profits of $569 million for the last three months of 2008, up from $478 million posted in the same period the year before.

“Baxter is not playing defense, but rather investing heavily [in capital improvements and research and development] to fund future growth,” a source quoted by the Chicago Sun-Times says.

This is yet another case where investment in innovation and constant improvement pays off.

Apple’s success explained

Apple shocked everyone yesterday announcing record quarterly results that exceeded analysts’ expectations. What was the reason behind their success?

I asked this question to Simon from Astute Photo, who argues that careful product management, genial engineerng, iconic design and great marketing are all reasons for their success.

These results also show that Apple’s waterfall effect works wonders, Simon says.

Read the interview here:

When will situation improve? It may take 2 – 3 years – argues steel giant

Steel giant Nippon Steel today argued that the global steel industry may well take two to three years to recover from the current economic downturn, Reuters reports.

The company’s announcement comes as one of its top clients, Toyota, is seeking to reduce its orders for steel.

So, with the car industry and steel industry feeling the brunt of the global economic downturn, which sectors should an investor eye?

The Baring Global Agriculture Fund and fund manager Managing Partners’ British Property Opportunities Fund are two options, argues William Kay in an article appearing on today’s The Sunday Times.

He also reminds readers to start thinkng aobut their retirement plans early as research shows that one in every four of today’s 55-year-olds in the UK is expected to live till 95.

Takeover talks for Tomb Raider publishers

Takeover talks for English game publisher Eidos are in their early stages, BBC reveals.

Although the phblishers did not wish to disclose the name of the company involved in the talks, the news was enough to send the company’s shares flying up 23%.