For those readers who don’t currently subscribe to our various channels, and as a refresher for those who do, here are five takeaways from the one-off companies podcasts that we published in 2016 – in addition to our weekly regulars.
Shelling out v selling out
Our second-most popular podcast to date was released back in May, but its analysis of the long-term threats facing Royal Dutch Shell (RDSB) remains relevant. Our commodities writer Alex Newman spoke to shareholders and market-watchers on subjects including the company’s ability to maintain its dividend – with Allianz Global Investors’ Simon Gergel arguing that Shell’s balance sheet could withstand the price downturn, and that an industry reduction in capital investment would drag on supply, ultimately putting upward pressure on the oil price. Carbon Tracker's James Leaton also addressed the notion of stranded assets.
Royal Dutch Shell: time to shell out or sell out?, May 2016
On the road with Atalaya
The surging copper price has dove-tailed with the ramping up of production at Atalaya's (ATYM) historic Riotinto mine in southern Spain. Alex Newman headed to the mine to talk to its chief executive, Alberto Lavandeira, about the recent history of the Alternative Investment Market (Aim)-traded company, giving a fascinating insight into the overhaul of the site. “You had to change the plates that were corroded, you had to change pipes [from] steel to plastic, you had to change all the electrics to electronic systems,” describes Mr Lavandeira, adding that many of the buildings and structures otherwise remain the same.
The Extraction Podcast: Atalaya, December 2016
Stairway to small-cap heaven
In 1970, Phil Dudderidge was a 21-year-old sound technician touring with Led Zeppelin. “I was looking after the front-of-house sound that included setting up their PA system and also working with sound systems all over America, when we went there,” he said. “That gave me a real insight into what PA systems might be like.” Since then he has had a career crafting sound systems, and bought the assets of Focusrite (TUNE) in 1989, as he told Megan Boxall.
Boardroom Talk: Focusrite's grand ambition, October 2016
Metro Bank's magical mystery tour
This challenger bank is on a mission, although bank-watchers disagree on whether that mission is heading for boom or bust. Boss Craig Donaldson tells our financial services writer Emma Powell why Metro Bank (MTRO) is pushing against the industry grain by opening branches, and investing a greater proportion of its customers’ deposits in the market. Emma pushes Mr Donaldson on the costs and risks of the model. A must-listen, and not just for ‘fans’ – the bank’s name for its customers.
Boardroom Talk: Metro Bank's growth challenge, November 2016
Sid's let-down
These podcast specials kicked off in January with a three-part special on Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY) ahead of the great public share sale that never was. Although the dividend has come through and the capital buffer is good, the Brexit vote fallout hurt the domestic banks’ share prices. Perhaps there is a clue to Lloyds’ fortunes this past year in the listening figures: the sell case received 14 per cent more downloads than the buy case. Still, the fundamental question of whether this retail banking giant, formed in the throes of the financial crisis, can go ‘back to boring’ remains the same.
You can listen to any of these podcasts via Acast, iTunes, Audioboom, Stitcher and Soundcloud.
