Investec on Thursday reported a 54 percent jump in net profit to £230-million for the year ended March 2006.

Adjusted earnings per share increased 56 percent to 209.5 pence a share, while a final dividend of 91 pence a share was declared, up 36 percent on the previous year.

The financial services group trumped its 20 percent return on equity target, reaching 25.5 percent for the period under review.

A refocusing of its business and buoyant market conditions over the past year helped Investec achieve these solid results, Business Day noted on Friday.

SA COMPANIES & BUSINESS INFO Trying to find your way around South Africa's corporate landscape? Looking for a info on a particular company or sector? After the latest business, financial or market news? Here's a quick directory of links to get you started.

MORE BUSINESS NEWS Economic outlook still 'upbeat' Eskom creates control centre SABMiller lifts revenue by 19% Investec profit up 54% Denel in running for R12bn deal Edcon riding consumer wave Metallon bags R70m on BEE deal Micro lending still brisk Transnet sale to go ahead Retirement education 'lacking' A repeat performance unlikely: Astral Another record year for car industry? Party not over for metals, says bank MTN boosts subscriber base Massmart/Moresport blocked