Airlines Deals

U.K. stocks advanced for a fourth day, led by Rolls-Royce Group Plc and Royal Dutch Shell Plc after the companies reported earnings that beat analysts’ estimates.

Kingfisher Plc rose as the retailer said a measure of sales at the B&Q home-improvement chain fell the least in six quarters.

The FTSE 100 Index added 33.2, or 0.6 percent, to 5910.30 at 9:36 a.m. in London. The FTSE All-Share Index gained 15.13, or 0.5 percent, to 2994.23.

Ireland’s ISEQ Overall Index climbed 47.55, or 0.6 percent, to 7442.19.

Shares of Rolls-Royce advanced 17.25 pence, or 4.1 percent, to 438.75. The world’s second-largest aircraft-engine maker said first-half profit rose more than fivefold as the company provided more spare parts and repairs. Net income of 619 million pounds ($1.15 billion) exceeded the 181 million-pound median estimate of four analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News. Rolls-Royce said it will increase its dividend 10 percent.

Shell added 33 pence, or 1.8 percent, to 1,905. Europe’s second-largest energy producer said second-quarter profit adjusted for inventory changes and one-time items climbed to $6.5 billion, beating analysts’ estimates of $6.2 billion. The company said record oil prices offset production losses in Nigeria.

Kingfisher gained 7.25 pence, or 3.1 percent, to 243.75. Europe’s biggest home-improvement retailer said sales at B&Q stores open at least a year slipped 2.4 percent in the 11 weeks ended July 15, beating the median analyst estimate of a 4.4 percent drop in a Bloomberg survey.

The following stocks also rose or fell in London. Company symbols are in parentheses:

Bradford & Bingley Plc (BB/ LN) declined 16.25 pence, or 3.5 percent, to 446.5. The bank, which provides a fifth of loans to U.K. landlords, said first-half profit fell 48 percent because of a higher-than-expected charge for customer claims on investment products. Net income of 54.8 million pounds missed the 113 million-pound median estimate of 10 analysts surveyed by Bloomberg News.

EMI Group Plc (EMI LN) slid 7.75 pence, or 3 percent, to 254. The world’s third-largest music company abandoned plans to buy rival Warner Music Group following a European Union court decision that damped prospects for regulatory approval of a deal.

Legal & General Group Plc (LGEN LN) lost 1.25 pence, or 1 percent, to 126 after Britain’s fourth-biggest insurer said first-half profit dropped 30 percent on lower investment returns.

Metal Bulletin Plc (MTLB LN) jumped 20 pence, or 5.4 percent, to 391. Euromoney Institutional Investor Plc (ERM LN), a publisher of business magazines, raised its offer for Metal Bulletin to 220.9 million pounds after the conference organizer and publisher rejected an earlier bid.

Euromoney shares dropped 11.25 pence, or 2.9 percent to 383.5.

Psion Plc (PON LN) slumped 29.5 pence, or 19 percent, to 122. The provider of wireless services and equipment to businesses said gross profit margin in the first six months of the year were affected by “competitive pressures, the evolving mix of products and adverse exchange rates.'’ The company said operating profit before reorganization costs in the period will be about 1 million pounds.

Panmure Gordon cut its recommendation on the shares to “hold'’ from “buy.'’