http://www.rttnews.comGlobal financial news, market analysis, economics and forex newsen-usSat, 14 Mar 2010 01:55:01 GMTWomen's specialty retailer AnnTaylor Stores Corp., Friday reported a profit for the fourth quarter, compared with a loss last year, mainly due to the absence of significant goodwill and asset impairment charges recorded a year ago. The current-year quarter results were also favored by lower restructuring costs and gross margin improvement. Looking ahead, AnnTaylor provided its sales outlook for the first quarter and fiscal 2010.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1239251Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:30:37 GMTStella-Jones Inc. (SJ.TO), maker of pressure treated railway ties and wood poles, Friday reported a sharp decline in net income for fourth quarter, hurt by weak industry demand and soft pricing. Looking ahead to fiscal year 2010, the company expects sustained demand and gradual recovery in the company's core markets.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1239150Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:35:55 GMTDiversified construction company The Churchill Corp. (CUQ.TO) reported Friday a decline in fourth-quarter profit, as revenues dropped, hurt by the continued effects of economic downturn. Looking ahead to the year 2010, the company expects revenues to increase within all operating segments and profitability is expected to remain robust and close to recently attained levels.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1239091Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:08:45 GMTWave energy developer Ocean Power Technologies, Inc. (OPTT, OPT.L) reported Friday a wider loss for the third quarter, reflecting a 11% decline in revenues, lower interest income as well as higher product development costs. However, revenues increased 47% from the sequential second quarter.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1238722Fri, 12 Mar 2010 08:52:23 GMTCanada-based Provident Energy Trust (PVX, PVE_UN.TO) on Thursday reported a net loss for the fourth quarter that narrowed from the year-ago period, which included a hefty goodwill impairment charge in the company's upstream business. The latest quarter's results also reflect an increase in natural gas liquid prices. However, funds flow from continuing operations for the quarter declined 7%, while revenues declined 54%.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1238504Thu, 12 Mar 2010 02:26:21 GMTPackaged pork and meat products maker Smithfield Foods, Inc. reported Thursday a better-than-expected profit for the third quarter compared to a loss last year, reflecting continued strength in packaged meats margins and benefits of its restructuring program. Meanwhile, quarterly sales dropped from a year ago and also missed analysts' expectations. The company noted that the latest quarter consisted of one week less that the year-ago quarter.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237758Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:40:40 GMTCanada-based integrated tourism company Transat A.T. Inc. on Thursday reported a net loss for the first quarter that narrowed from last year as lower operating costs helped offset a 9.7% decline in revenues due to lower selling prices and volumes. The latest quarter's results also reflect higher one-time gains compared to the year-ago period. Excluding items, loss for the quarter widened from the prior-year period. Looking ahead, the company forecasts a loss for the second quarter.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237659Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:04:42 GMTFiltration, separation and purification products maker Pall Corp. is slated to release its second-quarter earnings results after the market closes Thursday. On average, nine analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expect the company to post earnings of $0.47 per share for the quarter, with estimates ranging between $0.46 and $0.49, while prior year's earnings were $0.38 per share. Revenues are projected to be $589 million, representing a growth of 8.4% from last year's revenues of $543.30 million.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237645Thu, 11 Mar 2010 13:00:59 GMTSouth Africa-based Datatec Ltd. (DTC.L) said Thursday, in its pre-close year end statement, that financial performance remained in line with its expectations set out earlier and anticipates full-year revenues of between $3.7 billion and $4 billion. The group is slated to release preliminary results for the year ended 28 February on 13 May.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237463Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:37:53 GMTFuneral services provider Dignity plc (DTY.L) reported Thursday, in it preliminary results, a 6% increase in pre-tax profit for the 52-week period ended 25 December 2009, driven by revenue growth across segments, "good" cost control and better operating margins. The group declared a higher final dividend and also said its outlook for the full year remains positive.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237418Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:10:40 GMTThe International Air Transport Association or IATA on Thursday said it halved its fiscal 2010 loss forecast to US$2.8 billion, with the largest improvements benefiting airlines in Asia and Latin America.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237406Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:05:51 GMTUK-based long-term savings group Old Mutual plc reported Thursday a decline in fiscal 2009 pre-tax profit, on IFRS basis, while the company slipped to an after-tax loss, mainly due to the impact of marking-to-market of debt, and high tax rate. Adjusted operating profit before tax rose 3% in the year. Long-Term Savings segment recorded strong revenues in the year, benefited from improved market conditions, mainly in the second half. Further, the company said it is returning to dividend payment.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237362Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:37:22 GMTSupermarkets operator Delhaize Group on Thursday reported a decrease in fourth quarter profit, hurt primarily by lower revenues due to high food deflation in the US. The quarter's revenue decline also reflected price competition in the industry. For the fourth quarter, net earnings attributable to shareholders decreased 9.6% to EUR 134 million or EUR 1.34 per share from EUR 149 million or EUR 1.46 per share a year ago.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237359Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:35:54 GMTWm Morrison Supermarkets Plc (MRW.L, MRWSY.PK, MRWSF.PK), Thursday, in its preliminary results for the fiscal ended January 31, 2010, reported an increase in profit for the full year, as turnover improved helped by continued customer growth. However, the company expects the economic environment to remain challenging.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1237264Thu, 11 Mar 2010 09:08:13 GMTFabric and crafts retailer Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. reported a surge in its fourth quarter profit, driven by same-store sales growth, improved margins due to reduced product costs from global sourcing initiatives, lower clearance levels and reduced freight costs. Earning for the quarter breezed ahead of Street estimates, as did revenues. Looking ahead, the company provided its earnings forecast for fiscal year 2011.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1236770Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:12:28 GMTQuebecor Inc., a holding company with a 54.7% interest in Canada's largest media group Quebecor Media Inc., Wednesday, reported a profit for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2009, compared with a loss last year, which included a significant charge due to the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets. On adjusted basis, the company reported higher income from continuing operating activities for the quarter.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1236261Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:21:20 GMTTeen clothing retailer American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. reported Wednesday that profit for the fourth quarter climbed 81% from last year, helped by strong sales and margins amid fewer markdown sales during the Christmas shopping season. Adjusted earnings per share surged, and came in line with analysts' expectations. Quarterly net sales grew 7%, and topped consensus estimate by a whisker. The company also provided earnings forecast for the first quarter of fiscal 2010, above Street view.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1236228Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:58:36 GMTAlcoholic beverage manufacturer Brown-Forman Corp. Wednesday reported a decline in third-quarter profit, as expenses escalated, despite a rise in sales. Looking ahead, the company narrowed its full-year 2010 earnings forecast. The Louisville, Kentucky-based company's third-quarter net income declined to $107.9 million or $0.73 per share from $123.4 million or $0.81 per share in the corresponding period last year. Third-quarter net sales improved to $861.7 million from $784.1 million.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1236102Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:03:17 GMTBritish insurer Standard Life plc (SL.L), in its preliminary results for the full year 2009, reported Wednesday a profit before tax on International Financial Reporting Standards or IFRS basis compared to loss last year, reflecting higher investment return and net earned premiums.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1235802Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:16:09 GMTBritish building and maintenance group Interserve Plc (IRV.L) reported Wednesday a higher profit for fiscal 2009, driven by strong revenue growth across all segments, except Equipment Services. The group expects fiscal 2010 to be challenging, particularly in the first half. Separately, Interserve said it has won GBP 200 million worth contracts in the UK and through its Middle East associates.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1235800Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:14:42 GMTOil and gas exploration company Tullow Oil plc (TLW.L) Wednesday reported a plunge in profit for the year ended December 31, 2009, as revenue slipped 16% from 2008, hurt by lower production as well as a decline in oil and gas prices.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1235654Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:33:53 GMTSpecialty investment company Main Street Capital Corp. (MAIN) reported a net realized loss for the fourth quarter that widened from the year-ago period, hurt by a wider net realized loss from investments and a 7% decline in investment income. http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1235345Tue, 10 Mar 2010 00:53:47 GMTChina Real Estate Information Corp., a provider of real estate information and consulting and advertising services, Tuesday reported a surge in its fourth-quarter profit, driven by the acquisition of China Online Housing Technology. The company also provided revenue outlook for the first quarter of fiscal 2010.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234608Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:47:54 GMTGrocery retailer Kroger Co. (KR) Tuesday reported a decline in fourth-quarter profit, as higher costs more than offset an increase in sales. Looking ahead, the company issued a cautious fiscal year 2010 forecast.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234581Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:35:36 GMTCanadian financial services provider Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS, BNS.TO), or Scotiabank, reported Tuesday an increase in first-quarter profit, helped by higher net interest income, an increase in net gains on securities as well as strong trading results.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234580Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:35:30 GMTDick's Sporting Goods, Inc. (DKS) reported Tuesday a profit for the fourth quarter compared to a loss last year, driven by strong holiday season sales growth. Earnings per share topped analysts' expectations by a penny, while quarterly revenues also beat consensus estimate. Further, the company provided earnings forecast for the first quarter and for fiscal 2010, saying its full year results may top Street view.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234531Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:15:10 GMTCanada-based mining company Northgate Minerals Corp. (NXG, NGX.TO) on Tuesday reported a net loss for the fourth quarter, compared to a profit in the year-ago period. The latest quarter's results were negatively impacted by impairment charges and negative hedging adjustments. Excluding items, adjusted earnings per share for the quarter topped analysts' expectations. http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234514Tue, 09 Mar 2010 13:08:04 GMTPower generation company International Power plc announced Tuesday preliminary results for fiscal 2009, reporting an increase in profit driven by strength of its international portfolio. The company's businesses in the Middle East, Australia and Asia reported revenue and profit growth for the year.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234194Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:27:58 GMTUK-based commercial property owner Liberty International Plc (LII.L) reported Tuesday, in preliminary results, a narrower loss for fiscal 2009 helped mainly by sharply lower investment property valuation deficit and favorable movement in fair value of the group's derivatives. Excluding items, earnings fell from last year on lower rental income. Separately, the largest UK mall owner announced its intention to separate into two listed companies: Capital Shopping Centres and Capital & Countieshttp://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234169Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:05:47 GMTMobile satellite communication services provider Inmarsat Plc (ISAT.L) reported Tuesday an increase in pre-tax profit for the full year 2009 that reflected a 4.2% growth in revenues and decreased operating costs. The company has also proposed a second interim dividend in lieu of a final dividend, which is 13.4% higher than the final dividend paid in 2008.http://www.rttnews.com/ArticleView.aspx?Id=1234151Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:54:56 GMT