Small caps: Agriterra, Clipper, Low & Bonar

13th Jul 2010 15:08

Agricultural group Agriterra reports its Compagri maize processing facility in Tete has re-opened and the buying programme from local farmers is underway. "The buying season has now commenced and we are achieving strong inflows at the DECA facility, with more than 4,500 tonnes bought in only 24 days. In addition, demand for, and consequently sales of, our maize meal and bran products remain robust as we build critical mass in the market place and our geographic reach extends." "Our cattle ranching operations are also performing strongly, with a high rate of pregnancies achieved following the first round of PD tests," Agriterra said.Wind turbine maker Clipper and US engineering giant UTC have reached agreement for UTC to guarantee Clipper wind turbine warranties on new orders. Formal guaranty agreements between Clipper and UTC are currently being finalised. The amount of warranty support to be provided will be determined on a case by case basis for each new customer order.Textiles group Low & Bonar swung back into profits in the half year to May, with a profit of £7.9m from a loss of £5.8m. Underlying profits rose to £6.7m from £5.1m. Revenue rose to £156m from 140m. The interim dividend is 0.5p. The payment reflected a much improved trading performance, "as well as our confidence in the trading outlook" L&B said, adding " trading was better than our original expectations for the full year, and our view remains unchanged."