Company News in Brief

Alumasc, maker of products for the brewing and building industries, lifted pre-tax profits to pounds 4.4m ( pounds 3.8m) in the six months to 31 December. EPS 9.53p (8.25p). Interim dividend 2.05p (1.85p).

Bank Leumi (UK) increased pre- tax profits to pounds 5m ( pounds 3.7m) for the year ended 31 December. Earnings per share improved to 41p (36p). Total dividend is 20p (17p).

Horace Small Apparel, which makes and distributes fitted uniforms and corporate clothing, revealed a pounds 2.4m taxable loss ( pounds 3.65m profit) for the year ended 31 December, despite a 26 per cent rise in turnover to pounds 71.7m. No dividend.

International Communication and Data, a database creator and operator, made a pounds 191,000 pre-tax profit ( pounds 1.2m loss) for the six months to 31 August. EPS 0.34p (LPS 2.05p).

Roxspur, the playground equipment maker, deepened pre-tax losses to pounds 433,000 ( pounds 343,000) for the six months to 30 November.

Ward Holdings, the housebuilder, increased pre-tax losses from pounds 5.3m to pounds 5.7m for the year to 31 October. Turnover pounds 41m ( pounds 29.6m). Loss per share 10.4p (8.8p). No dividend.