COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Polar's pre-tax profits rose to pounds 1.1m (pounds 780,000) in the six months to 31 March. EPS 9.7p (6.4p). Total dividend is 2.6p (2.3p).

Quality Care Homes lifted pre-tax profits to pounds 2.3m (pounds 1.5m) in the six months to 30 April. EPS 12.85p (7.99p). Dividend 1.65p (1.5p).

Year ended 31 December

Ross Group increased taxable losses from pounds 2.4m to pounds 16.5m. LPS 11.94p (1.13p). No dividend (0.4p).

Year to 31 March

Caledonia Investments eased to pounds 44.5m (pounds 45.2m) pre-tax profit. EPS 32.5p (39.3p). Total dividend is 17p (16.2p).

ERF Holdings achieved pounds 2.3m pre-tax profit. EPS 16.75p (LPS 4.98p). Total dividend is 2.5p.

GEI International more than doubled pre-tax profits to pounds 4.3m (pounds 2.1m). EPS 8.18p (EPS 3.56p). Total dividend is 3p (1.5p).

Sims Food Group boosted pre-tax profits to pounds 2.8m (pounds 100,000). EPS 5.2p (0.9p). Total dividend is 4p (7.5p).