Share Prices News Page 7

As reported by the BBC, US insurance giant AIG, who was bailed out in 2008 by the US government, is auctioning off shares worth $6 billion of the Hong Kong-based AIA Group, in order to help repay its debt to the US government. AIG is selling 1.7 billion shares for a price range of 27.15-27.50 HK dollars per share, say Bloomberg and...

As reported by the BBC, the Indian government's efforts to sell a 5 per cent share in the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation slightly missed the set target amid fears that stakes were over-priced. It put up for sale 428 million shares at 290 rupees each, expecting to raise 124 billion rupees ($2.5bn; £1.6bn). However, it received offers for...

As reported by the BBC, shares in clothing company Gap went up 7% after reporting strong sales for February. Abnormally warm weather has persuaded American shoppers and the company said its spring items have been selling very well. With sales growing 12%, the firm’s Banana Republic chain also had a particularly strong month. After a...

As reported by the BBC, Apple's stock market value finished above $500 billion for the first time, solidifying its position as the globe’s most valuable company. Only six American firms have ever reached a value of over $500 billion. In 2007, oil giant Exxon was worth this much, while Microsoft was temporarily worth $600 billion in...

As reported by the BBC, India's Essar Energy shares have dropped by over 10% following the company’s reports of a post-tax loss for 2011. The firm saw a loss of $568 million for the calendar year, in comparison to its 2010 profit of $248 million. The company said 2011 had seen many challenges, with weaker refining margins and a lower...

As reported by Renew Economy, shares in the two largest solar energy firms jumped drastically last week following suggestions that 2012 sales would be stronger than previously forecast. Suntech, the globe’s largets maker of silicon solar panels, went up by 14% on Friday to $3.85 on the Nasdaq. Suntech said it had expected 2011 shipments...

As reported by the BBC, Billabong shares have gone up by over 60% as the firm announced a restructuring scheme after TPG Capital offered a takeover bid from. Billabong’s shares surged as much as A$2.93 (up from A$1.79) at the Australia Securities Exchange. The firm will sell off a stake of its Nixon brand, shut down unprofitable stores...

As reported by the BBC, for the first time ever, shares in technology firm Apple have exceeded $500 per stake. This marks an astonishing turnaround for the company, whose shares were in 1997 worth as low as $3.19, when it confronted the possibility of bankruptcy. The firm is now worth $460 billion. The firm’s revival by Steve Jobs, who...

Carmaker Toyota has raised its annual profits forecast, stating its recovery is on target following the blow of the Japanese tsunami, the strong yen and Thai floods. The company made a 80.9 billion yen profit ($1.05 billion; £660 million) between October - December, a drop of 13.5%. However, it raised its yearly profit forecast to 200...

As reported by the BBC, lower commodity prices are pushing down profits for BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company. The Anglo-Australian firm reported a 5.5% yearly fall in first-half revenues to $9.9 billion (£6.2 billion). The company also forewarned of a turbulent future citing Europe's debt crisis and a slowing Chinese...