Market report: Greencore and Viridian were the main focus for Irish investors yesterday as both companies released results.

While shares in Greencore gave up ground initially as earnings fell slightly short of market expectations, they later rebounded to finish the day just two cent lower, at €3.12. While analysts welcomed the performance of the group's convenience food division, uncertainty over reform of the EU sugar regime continues to hang over the stock.

Viridian's interim figures got a more positive response as the shares surged by nearly 8 per cent in London to 867 pence sterling per share. The better-than-expected figures saw the stock close 70 cent, or 6 per cent, higher in Dublin at €12.31.

Other strong performers yesterday included CRH, which gained 24 cent or more than 1 per cent to €22.89. Paddy Power continued its recovery from last week's drubbing, to close 20 cent or 1.8 per cent higher at €11.10.

Pharmaceutical group Elan had a good day, bouncing back from Monday's weakness to finish 63 cent, or 7 per cent, higher at €9.15 in Dublin.

But it was not all good news. Anglo Irish Bank, which has been under pressure in the run-up to today's release of full-year results, fell 18 cent, or 1.6 per cent, to €10.97.

Its peers in the banking sector were also subdued. AIB lost six cent to €17.60 as it announced its link-up with Aviva in the life assurance area while Bank of Ireland added a modest five cent to €13.24 ahead of the release of its half-year figures on Thursday.

United Drug, another company reporting today, also eased by three cent to €3.17.

Ryanair fared well, despite a rise in crude oil prices on foot of the cold winter weather. The shares gained six cent to €7.48 as rival EasyJet reported better-than-expected results.

Shares in Unidare added 14 cent, or 5 per cent, to €2.94 after announcing plans to sells its remaining businesses, wind the company up and distribute the proceeds to shareholders.

Settlement Day: November 25th