COMPANY NEWS IN BRIEF

Debenham Tewson & Chinnocks Holdings produced pre-tax profits of £1.8m (£1.65m) in the six months to October on turnover of £28.1m (£27.1m). Earnings per share improved to 2.65p (2.49p). The dividend is held at 1.5p.

Hollas Group deepened taxable losses from £254,000 to £1.7m in the six months to September. The losses arose despite a 78 per cent increase in sales to £35.8m. Loss per share worsened to 1.07p (0.53p). It held the dividend at 0.3p.

Howden Group lifted pre-tax profits to £10.6m (£9.5m) in the six months to October. Turnover rose to £193.8m (£174.4m). Earnings per share improved to 2.5p (2.2p). Dividend is 0.89p (0.82p).

M&W announced pre-tax profits of £2.6m (£2.8m) for the year to September on sales up from £79.6m to £85.8m. Earnings per share slipped to 10.64p (12.52p). Final dividend is 2p, making 3.25p (3p).

Osprey Communications turned round from £5.1m taxable loss to £379,000 pre-tax profit for the year to September as turnover edged ahead to £28.9m (£28m). Earnings per share recovered to 1.88p (LPS 30.12p). No dividend.

Quality Care Homes achieved higher pre-tax profits of £3.7m (£3m) for the year to October, supported by £12.5m (£8.7m) turnover. Earnings per share rose to 20.4p (17.52p). Final dividend is 3p, making 4.5p (same).

Treatt, the essential and aromatic oils merchant, lifted pre-tax profits to £2m (£1.7m) for the year to September on turnover of £18.7m (£15.4m). Earnings per share edged ahead to 14.12p (12.27p). A 3.4p final dividend lifts the total payout to 4.6p (4p).