Small caps round-up: AZ Electronic, James Cropper, Helphire...

16th Nov 2010 14:50

AZ Electronics, a recent IPO, saw strong sales in the second half of the financial year, with revenue for the four months ended October at $232.6m (2009: $188.3m).Profits dipped slightly at paper maker James Cropper in the half-year to September as the speciality posted a loss as after pulp prices jumped. The group overall made an interim profit of £1.19m, down from £1.66m, on sales of £43.5m, up from £35.9m. Technical Fibre Products' order book has increased significantly indicating that the impact of the recession on downstream customers is easing, Cropper said, but Speciality Papers recorded a small loss in the six months to 25 September 2010 in spite of turnover being 21% higher. The interim dividend is held at 2.2p.Accident car hirer Helphire has seen no improvement in its business since October, with conditions in respect of high fuel prices, reduced miles driven and lower accident frequency all hitting its figures. Net debt at end October was £154m, down from £165m in June.Matra Petroleum reports the drill rig it was hoping would start work on its A-12 well has been diverted to a TNK-BP operation within Orenburg Oblast and is now expected to be available to begin the side-track programme towards the end of November. The exact date will depend on the completion of TNK-BP's operations.Currency fund manager Record's assets under management fell 9% to $30.8bn in the half year to September. Profit before tax was £7.1m, down from £8.2m. Management fee income for the six months to 30 September 2010 fell to £15m(£16.1m). The interim dividend is unchanged at 2p.Bid target Metals Exploration has had its listing on AIM restored after belatedly publishing its interim results. The company made a pre-tax loss of £1.7m in the first half of the year, compared to a loss of £1.9m at the interim stage last year.