Company News in Brief

Euromoney Publications reported a 50 per cent jump in pre-tax profits to pounds 9m in the six months to 31 March, ahead of market expectations, and a month before its flagship title Euromoney celebrates its silver jubilee. The consolidation of three subsidiaries accounted for pounds 2m of the increase in operating profits from pounds 4.4m to pounds 8m. Eps improved to 28p (19.5p). Interim dividend is 13p (10.5p). It is raising pounds 20m through a placing. The shares closed 125p higher at 1,825p.

James Finlay yesterday appointed Sir Alick Rankin as a non-executive director and announced higher pre- tax profits of pounds 13.8m ( pounds 10.1m) for the year ended 31 December on pounds 184.4m ( pounds 165.2m) turnover. Eps 5p (4.7p). Total dividend is held at 4.15p.

TJ Hughes edged pre-tax profits ahead from pounds 1.5m to pounds 1.6m for the year to 31 January. Eps 5.45p (5.2p). Dividend is 2.5p (2.3p).

Shaftesbury boosted pre-tax profits from pounds 344,000 to pounds 1.3m in the six months to 31 March, helped by a pounds 151,000 gain from the disposal of properties and a fall in interest charges to pounds 1.4m ( pounds 2.1m). Eps 3.5p (1.2p). No dividend.

Warner Howard achieved pounds 6.8m ( pounds 5.9m) pre-tax profit for the year to 28 February despite a fall in turnover to pounds 22.2m ( pounds 23.2m). Eps 21.07p (17.31p). Total dividend 7.31p (6.5p).