7:00 PM London – Antofagasta Plc first half revenues surged 49% and net increased 91.4%. Punch Tavern plc said indicated annual earnings are likely to exceed its previous estimate. Wood Group (John) Plc said net profit declined 24%.

Antofagasta Plc dropped 3.31% to 993.00 pence after the mining company announced first half group revenue surged 49.2% to $1.76 billion from $1.18 billion in the same period last year. Net profit for the period rose 91.4% to $451.2 million from net profit of $235.7 million a year ago. Basic earnings per share rose to 45.8 cents from 23.9 cents a year ago.

Cairn Energy Plc slumped 5.04% to 441.20 pence after the oil and gas exploration and production company said first half revenues surged 1,845% to $332.6 million from $17.1 million in the same period last year. Net loss attributable to equity holders narrowed 79.5% to $12.6 million or 0.93 cents per share from net loss of $61.6 million or 4.61 cents per share in the year-ago period.

CRH plc plunged 17.19% to €14.93 after the Irish building materials provider reported first half revenues dropped 8% to €7.66 billion from €8.29 billion in the prior-year period. Net profit plummeted 77% to €18 million or 2.6 euro cents per share from €79 million or 12.2 euro cents per share in the same period of last year.

Punch Taverns plc soared 8.31% to 84.70 pence after the pub company reported in its year end trading statement for the 52 weeks to August 21, 2010 that it now sees full-year earnings before tax and exceptional items marginally ahead of its prior forecast.

Wood Group (John) Plc gained 0.49% to 347.70 pence after the international energy services company said revenue for the first half fell 0.1% to $2.409 billion from $2.411 billion in the same period last year. Net profit for the period declined 24.1% to $81.1 million or 15.3 cents per diluted share, compared to net profit of $106.8 million or 20.5 cents a share last year.