LONDON -- After ending last week on a closing high of 6,484 points, the FTSE 100 (FTSEINDICES: ^FTSE ) is creeping still higher, up 0.18% to 6,495 as of 8:40 a.m. EDT. The index of top U.K.
But if the FTSE is crawling, there are plenty of individual companies leaping. Here are three on the rise today.
SOCO (LSE: SIA )
It turns out that 2012 was a pretty good year for SOCO International, even if news of a 166% rise to record revenue to $621.6 million only added 2.1% to the oil firm's share price, taking it to 385 pence. Pre-tax profit from continuing operations also more than doubled, up 134% to $207 million.
Chief executive Ed Story told us: "The financial and operating results for 2012 demonstrate the transformation of this Company. With the TGT field's average gross production now over 50,000 BOEPD, the record revenues, cash flow and profitability speak for themselves." He also said he expects "more substantial future growth opportunities."
Ladbrokes (LSE: LAD )
Ladbrokes shares put on 7.6% to 242 pence after announcing an extended partnership with Playtech (LSE: PTEC ) , whose shares 2.8% on the news. The deal is intended to be "the next phase in the reinvigoration of Ladbrokes' Digital business" and covers two separate agreements.
The partnership will make use of Playtech's marketing expertise, with Playtech providing marketing and advisory services and Ladbrokes setting up a new e-commerce and marketing operation based in Israel. At the same time, Ladbrokes has extended its licensing of Playtech's software technology, part of which will see Ladbroke's website provide access to Playtech casino and gaming offerings.
Morrisons (LSE: MRW )
Wm. Morrison Supermarkets picked up 1.8% on the news that U.K. investor Neil Woodford has bought into the company ahead of Morrison's full-year results, which are due this Thursday.
Morrison shares have slumped over the past year as the company continues to lose market share to Tesco and J Sainsbury and has poorer earnings figures forecast. But there are many, apparently including Woodford, who think the shares are oversold. With the shares on a price-to-earnings ratio of less than 10, he might be right.
When we see shares rising like these, attention turns to investing in growth possibilities (though a side helping of dividends is always a welcome addition). But finding companies that have not yet achieved their full potential is not always easy, which is why The Motley Fool's best analysts have put their heads together to bring you their top growth selection for 2013. You can find out what it is completely free of charge, but the report will be available for a limited period only. So click here to get your copy today.
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