Lonrho Share News (LONR)

Views on consumer giant Unilever vary. The bulls say that the company's strong brands offer an ideal way into emerging markets. The bears yesterday were worrying about margins. The markets that Unilever occupies are fiercely competitive, and the cost of the commodities it needs are rocketing. As one broker said, we are on "the foothills of input cost inflation". The bears focused on a 20 basis-point fall in margins in the fourth quarter as an indicator of what is to come. They look to be a good long-term play on emerging markets, even if short-term worries may affect sentiment, says the Times.Unilever's overall sales volume growth, particularly a barnstorming 8.8% rise in Asia, Africa and Central and Eastern Europe last year, bodes well for 2011. Its shares trade on a forward earnings multiple of a modest 12.1 and the stock is due a rebound. Buy into it says the Independent.Another company worried about fast-rising commodities prices is Compass Group, which has to turn basic foodstuffs into meals for industry, hospitals and schools. Compass is in a better position than most to pass these on to its customers, and it can rejig its menus according to availability and prevailing prices. The shares, up 7½p last night at 562¾p, have bounded ahead from 425p a year ago and, on about 14.5 times this year's earnings, are probably due a rest, suggests the Times.Environmental consultancy RPS Group's Australian business has already been "seriously disrupted" by the Queensland floods before Cyclone Yasi hit. Hold off until the impact of Yasi is clear. Then buy cheaply into a company with significant long-term potential that sits on a fair 14 times forecast full year earnings, dropping to 12.5 next year says the Independent.GlaxoSmithKline's headline figures were less than cheery - the drug maker booked a fourth-quarter loss of 7.5p per share before major restructuring, against forecasts of 6p per share - but the stock firmed up, despite yesterday's falling market. Chief executive Andrew Witty has spent the past couple of years turning GSK into something more than a mere pharma company, making the research and development process more efficient and throwing resources at the consumer arm. A share buyback and the promise of future growth make GSK a solid buy says the Independent.Imperial Tobacco upgraded its dividend policy this week, making the shares even more attractive for income seekers. Sales growth came in ahead of expectations, too. The shares are trading on a September 2011 earnings multiple of 9.8 times, falling to 9.1 next year. Buy says the Telegraph.ICAP's core core broking business is performing well, with average daily volumes on its main brokerage systems Brokertec and EBS rising 24% over the ast quarter. But trading on a March 2011 earnings multiple of 13.9 times, falling to 12.9 in 2012, the valuation appears pretty full. Holds says the Telegraph.AIM-quoted Lonrho is now a small conglomerate straddling Africa with interests in transport, agriculture and hotels, as well as infrastructure and services. The spread of activities provides a hedge against the inevitable risks in individual countries and markets; a good way of investing in fast-growth African markets, though perhaps not one for widows and orphans suggests the Times.Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only as not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.