Anglo American (AAL) – The miner announces FY cash flow increased 93%, underlying EBITDA +45%, although net debt higher than consensus. The company’s FY dividend of $1.02 will be the highest in a decade.

BAE Systems (BA.) – The defence manufacturer announced underlying FY profits ahead of expectations. While the dividend was a touch light, the company reduced its pension deficit, while noted the improving outlook for defence budgets in several markets.

Barclays (BARC) – The UK bank swung to a £1.9bn loss in 2017, below analysts’ expectations, as the company was hit by a £900m US tax charge and a £700m provision for PPI payments, amongst other one-off costs. Revenues at its fixed income, currency and commodity trading (FICC) were 21 per cent lower in the quarter, however this was in line with falls at rivals.

British American Tobacco (BATS) – The tobacco giant announced FY revenues and profits up 35-40%, light of consensus, while increasing its dividend by 15%.

Centrica (CNA) – The British Gas parent ‘deeply regrets’ its poor set of results and 4000 job cuts, highlighting poor US performance, UK political and regulatory intervention, and aggressive competition. FY adjusted operating profit was 17% lower, while the dividend was left unchanged even though net debt lower.

RSA Insurance (RSA) – The insurer announced it achieved record profitability in 2017 as underlying FY EPS +10%, with lower debt allowing it to raise FY dividend by 23%. Management expects markets to remain competitive with modest growth overall, while weather and large loss ratios hard to predict.

(Sources: Company newswires, Bloomberg, CNBC, FT, Reuters, Wall Street Journal)