Results round-up

UAE healthcare provider NMC has reported a 46.7% jump in underlying full year profits of $150.3m on the back of a 36.8% rise in revenue to $880.9m.

Net profits were upto $85.8m from $77.5m as the company delivered a strong performance at overall and at the divisional level primarily due to strong inpatient and outpatient performance at its existing hospitals and medical centres.

"The acquired assets over the fertility and mother care space, homecare and long term care segments as well as the chains of clinics and pharmacies in the emirate of Sharjah delivered performance in line with expectation," NMC said.

"We expect a good year for the UAE economy in 2016 supported by a reasonable GDP growth of around 3% despite the lower oil prices, based on forecasts by leading rating agencies," the company said.

Murray International Trust reported on a year of depressed returns on Monday, with net asset value total return of -7.8% in 2015, down from 3% a year earlier. Share price total return was -15.2% in the calendar year, compared with 1.7%, and benchmark total return was 2.6%, down from 7.5%.

The FTSE 250 investment trust revealed a revenue return per share of 45.7p, up from 40.8p in 2014, and recommended a final dividend of 15p, taking the total dividends per share to 46.5p - a lift from 45p in the prior year.

Chairman Kevin Carter expressed disappointment that the company's net asset value not only underperformed its benchmark in 2015, but also declined in absolute terms.

"In recent annual statements, both I and the manager have emphasised a firm focus on capital preservation in the construction of the portfolio, and it is therefore a particular frustration that this has not been achieved," he said.