Company News in Brief

Alliance Trust's net asset value rose 3.8 per cent in the six months to 31 July. Much of the pounds 934m invested overseas was held back by a poor performance in the US, which accounts for 26 per cent of equity exposure. Interim dividend 14.5p (14p).

Campbell & Armstrong has changed its accounting year-end from March to December. It made pounds 81,000 pre-tax profit (loss pounds 553,000) in the three months to 30 June. EPS 0.6p.

Benson Group doubled pre-tax profits to pounds 1.92m ( pounds 915,000) for the year to 31 May. Earnings per share 1.45p (1.09p). Total dividend 0.3p (0.1p).

Chillington's subsidiary, Eva Brothers, has sold its forging and vehicles body making business for pounds 285,000.

LGW made pounds 538,000 ( pounds 438,000) pre- tax profit in the half-year to 30 June. EPS 6.3p (5.2p). Dividend 1.6p (1.13p).

Seacon Holdings fell to pounds 818,000 ( pounds 1.05m) pre-tax profit in the six months to 31 March. EPS 5.62p (7.34p). Dividend 2.3p (2p).

Samuel Heath & Sons made pounds 361,000 ( pounds 308,000) pre-tax profit in year to 31 March. EPS 8.5p (7.3p). Total dividend 5.5p (same).