Current estimates suggest fourth quarter profits of around £24 million.

Exabyte Corp has turned in first quarter net profit down 48.9% at $6m, on turnover up 0.1% to $76.2m.

Although first half profit before tax rose by 22.7% to £227m at British Airways, second quarter profits fell from £176m to £136m.

Microsemi Corp saw first quarter net profit down 15.9% at $248,000, on sales up 56% to $30.5m.

'But for the hurricane we would have a third quarter profit of almost £22m and a return to profits in the nine months,' says Robertson.

Perficient's 2011 fourth quarter profit more than doubled the prior year's performance.

BA also announced a first quarter profit before tax of £91m (v £9m).

Intel Corp's near 200% increase in first quarter profits was way above market expectations and the shares rose $3.50 to $116.75 on the surprise news.

Coherent Inc has reported first quarter net profit up 54.9% at $1.6m, on turnover down 8% to $50.3m.

Third quarter profit before tax rose by 9% to £571m at Unilever.