Market continues positive mode
 The market continued to be in positive mode with the ASPI gaining 56
points (+3%) to close at 1,929, while the MPI moved up 82 points (+3.9%)
to 2,187 points, though trading was limited. Total turnover for the day
was Rs 114.1 million.
Interest was seen in Aitken Spence & Co (Rs 6.8 million), Commercial
Bank (Rs 5.3 million), Sri Lanka Telecom (Rs 4.1 million) and NDB Bank (Rs
3.9 million). Aitken Spence closed down at Rs 355.00, while Commercial
Bank closed up at Rs 96.25. SLT and NDB closed up Rs 41.25 and Rs
108.00, respectively. John Keells Holding closed up at Rs 68.00, while
Dialog moved up to Rs 7.25.
Aitken Spence & Co (SPEN) released its results for the 2nd quarter to
September 2008, showing an increase in revenue of 27% to Rs 8.4 billion,
though profits attributable to shareholders declined by 3% to Rs 405
million. For the half-year revenue growth was 19% to Rs 14.8 billion,
while profits grew 5% to Rs 792 million. SPEN’s half year EPS was Rs
29.28, while its NAV was Rs 467.07.
Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings (AHUN) also released its half year
results for September 2008. Its loss for the quarter increased 332% to
Rs 45 million though revenue increased 9% to Rs 1.5 billion. For the
half year the AHUN had made a loss of Rs 93.3 million from a profit of
Rs 10.2 million for the same period last year.
Revenue for the half year was up 11% to Rs 2.8 billion. The company’s
half year loss per share was Rs 2.62 while its NAV was Rs 89.40. AHUN
ended the day at Rs 104.25
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