Morning news wrap: Thomas Cook, 3i, Kingfisher, Next, Xcite Energy, Ascent Resources and NetPlay TV

In the FTSE 100, United Utilities (LSE: UU) said it was on tracked to deliver a “sound underlying financial performance” for the year ending 31 March 2010.
Tour company Thomas Cook (LSE: TCG) said that winter bookings continued to trend towards planned capacity levels, with changes in average selling prices broadly in line with those reported at the beginning of the season.
Private equity group 3i (LSE: III) said it invested a total of £311 million in the 11 months ended 28 February 2010, compared with £898 million in the equivalent period last year.
Retailer Kingfisher (LSE: KGF) released its preliminary full year results, saying sales climbed 4.8% to £10.5 billion, while pre-tax profits soared 48.6% to £547 million.
Clothing retailer Next (LSE: NXT) released its finals today, saying revenues increased to £3.4 billion, while group pre-tax profits rose 18% to £505 million.
In AIM, NetPlay TV (AIM: NPT) will take control of the current Challenge Jackpot database and terminate the option agreement with Virgin Media Television in exchange for a fixed cash payment of £1.82 million.
North Sea explorers Xcite Energy (AIM: XEL) released its full year results, reporting net losses of £0.88 million and losses per share of 1.4 pence. Total assets increased from £23.8 million to £24.8 million.
Europe focused oil and gas developer Ascent Resources (AIM: AST) has completed the 3-D seismic processing and the preliminary interpretation for the Petišovci project in Slovenia with positive results, estimating additional potential of 75 Bcf (billion cubic feet) of recoverable gas.

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