20 AUGUST 1937, Page 32

OVER 5 PER CENT.

Returning to our search for a yield of 5 per cent. combined with reasonable security of capital, we may consider this week a group of preference shares in companies which cover a wide field of industry. An investment fund spread over the fol- lowing securities should not come to much harm : No. of times Yield

Dividend Current

Covered. Price. £ s. d.

Barrow Barnsley Main Collieries

5i% First Cumulative Li Pref. 5 21:-; 5

6 0 Carpet Trades 5% LI Cum. Pref. 4

21;3 4

14 3

English Electric 6t.% Cum. £t Pref. 21 26— 5

1 o

Pease & Partners 5% Cum. £i Pref. 21

19.•71

5

2 0

Southern Railway 5%u Pref. . .

i 93i 5

8 6

The average yield on an investment divided equally between these five shares would be. £5 2s. 6d. per cent. In each case the earnings prospects are favourable, indicating a probability that the 'Cover behind the dividend is being strengthened.

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