Barclays says ABN bid "stark contrast" with rivals

(Reuters) - LONDON, April 26 - Barclays Plc told shareholders on Thursday that its agreed takeover of ABN AMRO stood in "stark contrast" with a break-up approach from rival suitors, adding the Dutch bank's preference was clear.

Speaking at the bank's annual shareholder meeting, Chief Executive John Varley said Barclays' bid for ABN -- an offer worth $88 billion at current prices -- would help it realise growth ambitions, but said size was not a driving motivation.


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Travelers posts higher first-quarter earnings

(Reuters) - Travelers, which changed its name from St. Paul Travelers earlier this year, said earnings were $1.09 billion, or $1.56 a share, up from $1.01 billion, or $1.41 a share in the year-ago quarter.

) Keywords: TRAVELERS RESULTS/


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WRAPUP 1-BASF, Bayer profits beat expectations

(Reuters) - MANNHEIM, Germany, April 26 - Germany's BASF and Bayer reported forecast-beating profits on Thursday thanks to strong demand for chemicals and drugs amid a robust global economy, sending their shares up sharply.

Both companies reaffirmed their profits outlook for this year as investors bet on a prolonged strong performance after spending billions of euros on acquisitions last year to expand.


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UPDATE 2-Starwood first-quarter profit rises, ups forecast

(Reuters) - Starwood, which announced early this month that Chief Executive Steven Heyer had resigned under pressure from the company's board, raised its second-quarter earnings forecast as it enjoys strong travel demand and limited growth in supply, allowing for steady increases in room rates.

It has also been selling hotels and retaining management contracts, as well as franchising its brands -- a strategy that helps free up cash.


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UPDATE 2-Bunge earnings fall 76 pct on trading losses

(Reuters) - CHICAGO, April 26 - Oilseed processor and fertilizer producer Bunge Ltd. on Thursday reported that quarterly profit dropped 76 percent from losses in trading positions, but the company expects its agribusiness sector to recover.

Bunge warned investors in early April that results would fall short of Wall Street estimates, but has kept its forecast for full-year earnings at $4.56 to $4.71 a share.


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Emcor Group Q1 profit rises

(Reuters) - Net earnings for the latest first quarter rose to $12 million, or 36 cents a share, from $7 million, or 22 cents a share in the year-ago quarter, the provider of electrical and mechanical construction services said in a statement.

For the latest quarter, analysts on average expected earnings of 35 cents a share, before items, according to Reuters Estimates.


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REFILE-UPDATE 1-Timken profit falls on restructuring costs

(Reuters) - Net profit fell 35 percent to $42.6 million, or 45 cents per share, compared with $65.9 million, or 70 cents per share a year earlier.

Excluding special items, Timken earned 66 cents per share, the company said. Its industrial and steel groups reported higher sales and profits, while its automotive group had lower revenue and posted a loss.


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