AstraZeneca beats first-quarter profit estimates, retains 2020 forecast
AstraZeneca beat analysts’ estimates for first-quarter profit and reiterated its 2020 outlook on Wednesday, as demand for the drugmaker’s newer medicines held up and its supply chain proved resilient to the coronavirus-induced disruptions.
Fevertree Drinks co-founder to step down as non-executive deputy chairman
Britain’s Fevertree Drinks said on Wednesday co-founder Charles Rolls plans to step down from his role as non-executive deputy chairman at the company’s annual general meeting in June.
Daimler warns of difficult second quarter, hikes risk provisions
Daimler on Wednesday warned the carmaker faces a difficult second quarter as it hiked credit risk provisions to anticipate rising delinquencies among customers who leased or bought Mercedes-Benz passenger cars.
British retailer Next says quarterly sales plunge 41%
British clothing retailer Next said on Wednesday total product sales in its latest quarter crashed 41%, reflecting the closure of all its stores in the coronavirus lockdown and the temporary shutdown of its online operations.
AirAsia will not take jet deliveries this year, revisiting Airbus order book
Malaysia’s AirAsia Group Bhd said on Wednesday it did not intend to take any new aircraft deliveries this year because of the sharp fall in demand from the coronavirus crisis, and was revisiting its order book with Airbus SE .
Asia shares hit seven-week high, oil rallies as economies slowly re-open
Asian shares climbed to a near two-month peak on Wednesday as investors took heart from easing coronavirus lockdowns in some parts of the world, better-than-expected corporate earnings and a welcome rebound in oil prices.
StanChart eyes quick recovery as profit falls 12% on coronavirus crisis
Standard Chartered PLC on Wednesday said it expects virus-battered economies to recover later this year, striking an optimistic note after increased credit impairment and provisions for future loan losses pushed first-quarter profit down 12%.
WPP says COVID-19 dragged March net sales down 7.9%, braces for bigger impact
WPP said on Wednesday the COVID-19 pandemic had forced its net sales down by 7.9% in March and the world’s biggest advertising company expects worse to come, prompting it to cut yet more costs across the group.
AirAsia will not take jet deliveries this year, re-looking at Airbus order book
Malaysia’s AirAsia Group Bhd said on Wednesday it did not intend to take any new aircraft deliveries this year due to the sharp fall in demand from the coronavirus crisis and was relooking at its order book with Airbus SE .
Novartis wins expanded European OK for Cosentyx amid pursuit of $5 billion sales
Novartis on Wednesday won a new European approval for its inflammation drug Cosentyx in a form of arthritis, as the Swiss drugmaker predicts broadening use of its top-selling medicine will eventually push annual sales beyond $5 billion.
