Bloomsbury Share News (BMY)

Insurer Direct Line's shares are worth holding, according to Midas in the Mail on Sunday. The insurer is part of a new tendency of companies to pay special dividends on top of their two payments per year. Directors have proposed special dividends every year and are expected to pay two for 2015, taking the company's yield to a jaw-dropping 13.6%. A return of 27p a share is imminent after the sale of its international business last year, with analysts forecasting an ordinary annual dividend of 13p and another special dividend for 2015 of about 5p. Although premiums are thought to be increasing, a good chunk of profits come from instalment income, where customers pay higher monthly premiums. These recently came under scrutiny from the Financial Conduct Authority and, if the regulator takes action or customers start altering their behaviour, that could affect Direct Line's profits and dividends.Hold shares in Bloomsbury Publishing, said Questor in the Sunday Telegraph. The Harry Potter publisher printed a solid set of final results last week despite a weaker performance in adult books. The company is now less exposed to the more volatile trade publishing market, with a greater focus on more stable academic and legal titles. Profits were slightly higher, giving management confidence enough to increase the dividend, which has increased at a compound 7% over ten years thanks to the company's solid cash generation powers. "Bloomsbury isn't delivering stellar growth rates, but then with a steady profit performance and dividend income it doesn't have to." The moves into more sensible markets should smooth out returns too. Hold.Investors should buy shares in Tate & Lyle, wrote Danny Fortson in the Sunday Times's Inside the City column. Official approval from US food regulators for the company's naturally derived new sugar substitute, Dolcia Prima, earlier this year was a boost to the company that could not have come at a more critical time. Tate's recent performance has left a sour taste in shareholders' mouths as Splenda, its zero-calorie sugar replacement, was severely undermined by Chinese rivals and three profit warnings last year have sent it to rock bottom, more or less. A recent asset sale will allow a slight dividend increase and give management leeway to reshape the business around its bulk ingredients arm, a hopefully resurgent Splenda, and Dolcia Prima, which is thought to taste better than slightly bitter rival sweeteners such as Stevia but will be years from making a big difference to Tate & Lyle. "This may not the most exciting story, but with a 4.7% dividend yield and a chief who has grasped the nettle, I'd take a bite."Please note: Digital Look provides a round-up of news, tips and information that is impacting share prices and the market. Digital Look cannot take any responsibility for information provided by third parties. This is for your general information only and not intended to be relied upon by users in making an investment decision or any other decision. Please obtain a copy of the relevant publication and carry out your own research before considering acting on any of this information.