financial results

Danish brewery group Carlsberg has published some strong financial results, with an organic turnover increase of 6.5 % and a 9 % net profit growth as the (more expensive) craft beers were its fastest growing branch.

Despite a 10 increase in net profits, Unilever failed to convince analysts and investors. Brand new CEO Alan Jope has got his work cut out for him.

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba saw its turnover grow by 41 % in the past quarter. Analysts are still worried, as this is the lowest turnover increase in three years' time.

The Dutch Sligro Food Group has tripled its profits in the past year, thanks to the sale of its supermarket branch to Jumbo and Coop. On a comparable basis, the company's results are at the same level as last year.

French retailer Carrefour has seen its turnover drop in the fourth quarter of 2018: not only in its home market France (- 0.1 %), but also in Belgium (- 3.1 %), Italy (- 4.6 %) and Spain (- 1.4 %). Still, the transformation plan is starting to bear fruit, the company says.

In France, supermarket group Casino has posted surprisingly good results. The chain itself spoke of the best year of the past five, despite problems with the yellow vest movement.

Irish fashion discounter Primark has seen its turnover grow 4 % in the fourth quarter as Christmas sales went surprisingly well.