Both companies announced their year-end figures this week, and both had good news to report.

The year-end figure for 1986 was 4,157, or an increase of 165.

It seemed likely that the year-end figure would surpass the impressive 12.5 percent registered in 1986.

The company, releasing its year-end figures, said that 785.1 million recordings were sold last year, up 4 percent from the previous year's 754.8 million.

Tarmac, the hottest bid tip recently, added 10 to 135p ahead of year-end figures today, when all eyes will be on the dividend payment.

They received $40.2 million for them, a 20 percent drop from the $50.2 million paid in 1987, according to the year-end figures.

Against the wall stood a long, five-hundred-gallon saltwater aquarium to reduce stress and pad year-end figures.

Ransomes is the third major Ipswich employer to release improved year-end figures for 1992.

Christie's is to release its year-end figures next month.

Entertainment and media group Chrysalis reports year-end figures tomorrow.