S&P Futures

EADS swung to a larger-than-expected net profit in 2003, as a strong fourth quarter at its Airbus plane-making unit and a drop in charges offset losses in its space division

Lloyds reported annual profit ahead of forecasts and said it had decided against buying back shares to give itself flexibility for acquisitions and maintained its full-year dividend at 34.2 pence a share. Profit was 4.35 billion pounds up from 2.61 beating the average forecast profit of 4.27 billion pounds

IMI engineering beat forecasts with an 8.4 percent rise in profits to 142.6 million pounds and said there was no change to the trend of modest improvement in some markets.

Taylor Nelson market research firm said its profit rose 13 percent to 32.4 million pounds, and said it expects its markets to improve in 2004.

Travis Perkins building materials reported 2003 profits 10 million below forecasts despite a 18.2 percent rise to162.7 million pounds but said 2004 had started well and it was well placed to make further progress during the year.

Bovis Homes reported a forecast beating 17.5 percent rise in annual profits and said the new year had started well.

John Wood oil drilling services firm reported flat annual profits in line with forecasts at $137.2 , and repeated a warning that delays to new deepwater projects would hold it back in 2004. The company also announced a new contract win in the Gulf of Mexico.

 ICM Computer (I), Microgen (I), Town Centre Securities (I), BioProgress (F), Bovis Homes (F), Candover Investment (F), Clinical Computing (F), Fisher (James) & Sons (F), IDN Telecom (F), IMI (F), Intertek Testing Services (F), John Wood Group (F), Lloyds TSB (F), Taylor Nelson (F), Travis Perkins (F), WSP Group (F):  Feb PPI (09:30) - ODPM Jan House Prices (09:30)

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