Topic: How To Invest

Pat: Could you please give me your views on GKN plc, a U.K.-listed stock? Thanks.

Article Excerpt

GKN plc, 181.50 pence, symbol GKN on the London Stock Exchange (Shares outstanding: 1.6 billion; Market cap: 2.9 billion British pounds; www.gkn.com), mainly sells parts for automobiles and aircraft. The company was established in 1900 as Guest, Keen and Company. It changed its name to Guest, Keen & Nettlefolds, Ltd., in 1902 when it acquired a screw- and wire-making business founded by John Sutton Nettlefold. In 1986, the growing conglomerate became GKN plc. In the first quarter of 2012, GKN’s revenue rose 17.1%, to 1.74 billion pounds from 1.49 billion pounds a year earlier (1 British pound = $1.60 Canadian). Excluding contributions from acquisitions, revenue rose 8%. Operating profit rose 19.3%, to 142 million pounds from 119 million pounds. GKN operates through three divisions: The driveline division, which makes car parts, such as driveshafts, chassis and axles, reported 28% higher profits in the first quarter. The division accounts for around half of the company’s overall sales. Its results were helped by the contribution of…