US shale presence helps John Wood Group's core profit

(Reuters) - John Wood Group Plc , a British energy services company, reported a marginal rise in EBITA for the first half as strength in its production services business was offset by weakness in other divisions. The company, which designs, builds and maintains oil and gas facilities and pipelines, said it continued to expect full-year earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) to increase from last year, led by its production services segment. EBITA for the six months ended June 30 rose to $243.9 million ( 146 million pounds) from $243.2 million a year earlier. Wood Group said EBITA from production services rose 47 percent, helped by an increase in U.S. Read More http://ift.tt/1rjHS4K