Sydney, Aug 16, 2007 (ABN Newswire) - ASX Limited announced this morning that its net profit more than doubled. Earnings for the Asia Pacific's second biggest stock exchange climbed 128 per cent to $313.15 million. The result was ahead of analysts forecasts. The result was helped by record equity trading volume, stemming from strong flows of money into the funds management industry and a private equity-fuelled takeover boom.The ASX Limted's earnings have more than doubled since 2002.

Multiplex also announced this morning that ITS net profit more than doubled. Earnings for the 12 months to June came in at $539.4 million, up from $217 million a year earlier. The construction and property firm says the result was boosted by property revaluations. Multiplex is set to be taken over by Brookfield Asset Management. Multiplex has produced an increasing run of profits over the last 2 financial years.

And Qantas Airways says it plans to buy back up to 10 per cent of its issued capital. The $1.05 billion buyback will help the company return funds back to shareholders as part of the company's restructuring plans. Qantas also flagged it may seek permission for further buybacks at its annual meeting in November. The buyback will Qantas's first since it listed in 1995. Qantas Airways experienced its earnings highlight in 2005

The full report is available at the following video and audio links.

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