12:09 PM EST - Royal Gold Inc. : says strong metals prices and a diverse portfolio pushed its fourth-quarter profit to US$5.7 million from last year's US$3.6 million. Net income was 20 cents per share, up from 15 cents. The Denver-based company doesn't operate mines but generates revenue exclusively from royalties purchased from prospectors, individuals or mining companies themselves. Royal Gold Inc.
shares T.RGL are trading up 5 cents at $29.80.
