GAS producer BG Group has seen its first-quarter profits squeezed around 14% in the wake of lower oil prices.
But this is against a background of a 62% drop in profits for BP and a 58% slide for Shell.
Gas prices have not fallen as far as oil and BG is a fully integrated company, meaning it profits from every step along the supply chain.
The LNG division was the most impressive performer during the first three months of 2009, beating analyst expectations with a 46% increase in profits to £578million.
Shares might be trading on a high earnings multiple but this is well deserved because of the firm’s growth profile, according to the Sunday Telegraph. The stock is a tip of the year and investors were advised to buy at £10.91.
Technology firm Avanti Communications is poised to launch the first European satellite that can provide broadband service. It could mean many homes currently too far away from BT telephone exchanges might be able to get faster internet connection.
The technology needs time and testing but the firm has already signed deals with a number of European phone providers, which would allow them to offer broadband to customers no matter where they lived.
A second satellite is planned to cover just Britain, potentially offering broadband to 2.5million UK users.
While Avanti has had some problems persuading people the technology will be effective, it has shown it can provide quick access for about £15 a month.
The firm is forecast to make slender profits of £100,000 in the year to June of £100,000 but this is forecast to rise to £2million next year and £20million by 2011.
Avanti has huge potential, said the Mail on Sunday, stressing it was not a stock for the cautious but also predicting the shares – currently 184p – could more than double in a few years.