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Centrica dividend cut hits shares Centrica dividend cut hits FTSE 100
(about 5 hours later)
(Noon): Shares in Centrica fell sharply after it reported a big fall in profits and slashed its dividend. (Close): Shares in Centrica fell sharply after it reported a big fall in profits and slashed its dividend.
Profits at the British Gas owner sank 35% and it cuts its full-year dividend by 21%, sending shares in Centrica down by more than 8%.Profits at the British Gas owner sank 35% and it cuts its full-year dividend by 21%, sending shares in Centrica down by more than 8%.
However, after falling in early trade, the FTSE 100 index recovered to stand 1.43 points higher at 6,899.51. In a lacklustre day of trading, the FTSE 100 index ended down 9 points at 6,888.9.
Markets across Europe rebounded on hopes of a solution in the Greek debt talks.Markets across Europe rebounded on hopes of a solution in the Greek debt talks.
It was confirmed on Thursday that Greece has asked the eurozone for a loan extension after weeks of wrangling over its international bailout.It was confirmed on Thursday that Greece has asked the eurozone for a loan extension after weeks of wrangling over its international bailout.
Shares in defence company BAE Systems edged up 0.3% after it said there were signs that cuts to defence spending in the US had bottomed out. Operating profit rose from £806m to £1.3bn last year, but sales fell to £16.6bn from £18.1bn. Although the request was met favourably by the European Commission, Germany objected to it.
Sports Direct shares rose 2% after the sporting goods retailer reported a 7.6% rise in gross profit to £346.9m for the 13 weeks to 25 January. Shares in defence company BAE Systems edged up 0.7% after it said there were signs that cuts to defence spending in the US had bottomed out. Operating profit rose from £806m to £1.3bn last year, but sales fell to £16.6bn from £18.1bn.
Sports Direct shares rose 0.7% after the sporting goods retailer reported a 7.6% rise in gross profit to £346.9m for the 13 weeks to 25 January.
However, the retailer added that its Austrian business had suffered from a "weak winter sports season".However, the retailer added that its Austrian business had suffered from a "weak winter sports season".
News that drinks can maker Rexam had accepted a £4.4bn takeover offer from US rival Ball Corp sent its shares up 4.4%. News that drinks can maker Rexam had accepted a £4.4bn takeover offer from US rival Ball Corp sent its shares up 4.7%.
Rexam is Europe's largest drinks can maker, employing about 8,000 people in 55 manufacturing sites across 20 countries.Rexam is Europe's largest drinks can maker, employing about 8,000 people in 55 manufacturing sites across 20 countries.
On the currency markets, the pound rose 0.13% against the dollar to $1.5455 and climbed 0.13% against the euro to €1.3562. On the currency markets, the pound was flat against the dollar to $1.5455 and climbed 0.14% against the euro to €1.3563.