Transactions in the Over-The-Counter (OTC) market were on the upbeat in value terms last week, as 65.2 million units worth N68.4 billion changed hands, down from 116.8 million units worth N22.03 billion the preceding week.

The value of transactions was enhanced by the most active bonds, which were the 4th FGB Bond 2017 series 8, with a traded volume of 10.4 million units valued at N10.65 billion in 62 deals.

Meanwhile, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, Nigerian Breweries Plc and Unity Bank Plc, presented their audited results to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), last week.

By the results, the turnover of Guinness Nigeria Plc for the year ended June 30, 2007, stood at N62.3 billion, up from N53.65 billion in 2006, culminating in an after tax profit which rose from N7.44 billion in 2006 to N10.7 billion. The directors have recommended a dividend of N4.50 per share and the date of closure of register for members fixed for October 19, 2007.

For Seven-Up Bottling Company Plc, turnover for the period ended March 31, 2007 stood at N27.31 billion over N22.1 billion in 2006, culminating in an after tax profit of N1.22 billion; compared with N1.2 billion in 2006. The directors have recommended a dividend of N1.30 per share and the date of closure of register is October 2, 2007.

Nigerian Breweries Plc also presented its half year resulted ended June 30, 2007, which indicated that an interim dividend of 55 kobo per share, while a new chairman was also appointed for the board of the company, in person of Chief Kola Jinodu, former minister of Industries and chairman of PZ Industries Plc.
Unity Bank Plc's audited result for the period ended June 30, 2007 showd an after tax profit of N1.4 billion compared with N409.6 million in 2005, on a gross earnings which rose from N5.05 billion to N12 billion.

The directors have recommended a bonus of one for 10, and the bank's registrar will close on October 9.