Friday
HSBC Hldgs (LON:HSBA) has confirmed that it is in discussions with the management teams of its private equity fund management businesses in Hong Kong, UK, USA, Canada and the Middle East which are expected to lead to five separate management buy-outs.
Sthree Plc (LON:STHR) announced gross profit was up 8% in the second quarter of the year, consistent with markets showing continuing signs of improvement.
Thursday
Kingfisher (LON:KGF) said that total sales in the first 13 weeks of the year were flat and reported retail profit was up 14.5%.
Johnson Matthey (LON:JMAT) released final results for the year ended 31st March 2010 in which it reported revenue of £7,839m, maintained at the previous year’s level. Profit before tax was down 8% to £228.5m. The total dividend for the year has been increased 5% to 39.0p.
Helical Bar Plc (LON:HLCL) announced profit before tax of £7.9m for the year to 31st March 2010 compared to a loss of £71.9m the previous year. The final dividend is 0.25p making a total dividend for the year of 4.75p, up 5.6% on the previous year.
Wednesday
Prudential has announced that it is in negotiations with American International Group for termination of the agreement for the combination of Prudential (LON:PRU) with AIA Group Limited.
Barr(A.G.) (LON:BAG) said that total like-for-like revenue increased 17.9% in the period since 31st January 2010. Overall operating margins continue to be in line with expectations. The strong start combined with the future plans gives the Board confidence that it will meet expectations despite the continued uncertain economic backdrop.
Tuesday
Northumbrian Water Group Plc (LON:NWG) Group Plc (LON:NWG) Group released preliminary results for the year ended 31st March 2010 in which it reported a 1.5% increase in revenue to £704.7m. Profit before tax was up 11.5% to £170.2m. The Board has proposed a final dividend of 8.85p giving a full year dividend of 13.24p, an increase of 3.5%.
Whitbread (LON:WTB) has confirmed, following press speculation, that it has no current intention of raising funds through the issue of equity.
Prudential has noted the announcement by AIG that it will not consider a revision to the terms of the proposed combination of Prudential (LON:PRU) with AIA Group Limited.
