GUARDIAN ROYAL PROFIT UP SHARPLY AT 143.8 MLN STG Year to Dec 31 Shr profit 63.6p vs loss 8.7p Final div 24p making 34p vs total 28.75p Pretax profit 143.8 mln stg vs 3.5 mln General underwriting loss on short-term business 79.8 vs 154.3 NOTE - Company's full name is Guardian Royal Assuance Plc <GREX.L> Underwriting profit on long-term insurance business 21.6 mln stg vs 19.1 mln Loss on discontinued international professional indemnity business nil vs 40.6 mln stg Investment income 213.8 mln stg vs 193.6 mln Less interest payable 11.8 mln stg vs 14.3 mln Tax 38.8 mln stg vs 15.0 mln Minorities 3.3 mln stg vs 2.3 mln Extraordinary item - contingency claims provisions on discontinued international business nil vs 55.0 mln stg