Company News in Brief

Year to 31 March

Castings, which casts graphite iron, achieved pounds 4.4m ( pounds 4.5m) pre-tax profit on lower turnover of pounds 33.8m ( pounds 35.1m). Earnings per share slipped to 14.3p (14.66p). Final dividend is 3.05p, making 4.35p (4.07p).

Cheam Group, the water supplier, increased pre-tax profits to pounds 3.3m ( pounds 2.4m). Earnings per share improved significantly to 37.2p (26.6p). Final dividend is 7p, making 11p (7.5p).

East Surrey Holdings, the water supplier, lifted pre-tax profits from pounds 5.5m to pounds 5.7m. Earnings per share edged ahead to 38.8p (38.7p). Final dividend is 7.36p, making 11.46p, up from 9.56p previously.

William Cook, the steel casting manufacturer, reported a fall in pre-tax profits to pounds 3.85m ( pounds 4.8m). Earnings per share are 11.74p (15.03p). Final dividend is 3.5p, making 5p (10p).

Others

Europa Minerals, the mining and oil and gas operator, deepened pre-tax losses from pounds 3m to just over pounds 4m in the year to 31 January after making provision for a pounds 3.1m exceptional debit. Loss per share 12.3p (38.2p). No dividend was declared.

TDS Circuits, the printed circuit boards maker, reduced pre-tax losses from pounds 921,000 to pounds 779,000 in the year to 28 February. Loss per share is cut to 11.99p (13.57p). No dividend.

Kelsey Industries, solder manufacturer and roofing contractor, made pounds 32,000 pre-tax profit (loss pounds 119,000) in the six months to 31 March. Loss per share is cut from 5.6p to 2.7p. Interim dividend is 3p (8p).