Company News in Brief

Yorklyde, the fine cloths, scarves and rugs manufacturer, lifted pre-tax profits 45 per cent to pounds 2.2m ( pounds 1.5m) for the year to 31 January. Sterling's weakness after it was withdrawn from the ERM boosted Yorklyde's position abroad. Earnings per share improved to 31.2p (21.2p). Final dividend is 6.4p, making 10.4p (9.7p).

United Energy, the oil and gas company, climbed to pounds 58,000 pre-tax profit (loss pounds 127,000) for year ended 31 December. Turnover rose sharply to pounds 2.8m ( pounds 377,000). Earnings per share are 0.2p (loss 1p). No dividend.

Exmoor Dual Investment Trust's net asset value per ordinary share declined to 32.2p (59.2p), while income shares edged ahead to 61.1p (61p) at the end of the six months to 28 February. Interim dividend is held at 5.1p.

Six months to 31 March

Govett Strategic Investment Trust's net asset value per share grew 23.5 per cent to 270.8p (219.3p). Interim dividend is maintained at 2.65p.

River & Mercantile Geared is paying 3.33p final dividend, making a total payout of 7.53p. Net asset value per share improved to 66.66p (57.35p).