Small caps round-up: Charteris, Hilton, Clarkson...

5th Nov 2009 15:17

Business software specialist Charteris cut its dividend by 60% as it slumped into a loss of £1.2m in the year to July from a profit of £1.35m. Revenue fell to £20.3m (2008: £23.4m). The dividend is 0.2p per share against 0.5p."Our business experienced challenging trading conditions throughout the year as the recession in the UK economy resulted in spending delays and uncertainty in our markets, "it said, adding it remained cautious in its outlook for the current financial year".Meatpacker Hilton Foods reports good progress across its business and is looking for opportunities to grow the business in all markets as well as in new geographies.Shipping group Clarkson says conditions remain challenging across a number of markets, due particularly to lower freight rates and asset values, though trading since the start of the second half of the year has continued in line with the Board's expectations."Against a backdrop of continuing economic uncertainty we remain understandably cautious in our outlook. However, our proven ability to expand into new segments of the shipping market, sound financial position, market leading teams and unrivalled research give us confidence that the group remains on track to meet the board's expectations for the full year," it added.Gold Oil reports that recent drilling at the La Vega East prospects by operator GTEC has produced an estimate of 3.25MMbbl in the T and U sands (Gold's share 0.6MMbbl). The similar La Vega South prospect is estimated to have resources of 3.24MMbbl in both sands (Gold's share 0.6MMbbl). Both structures are very close together and are planned to be drilled 'back to back' in 2010.GTEC has considerable experience in the Putumayo Basin, of which these prospects are very typical, operating several blocks, Gold said.Drugs supplier Alliance Pharma says that its 2009 figures will be significantly better than expected. Revenues in the nine months to September 2009 were 44% higher at £21.4m. That includes a contribution from two treatments acquired from Reckitt Benckiser in August. Analysts' were forecasting full year profits of £6.3m. Smart meter company Bglobal is supplying micro-gen meters for a trial by npower. These meters can be used by customers who export electricity back to the grid. This enables the customer to see how much energy they are using and how much they will be paid for any electricity they supply. Coin and stamp dealer Noble Investments has increased its total dividend by 20% to 3p a share. Noble reported a pre-tax profit increase from £1.92m to £2.01m. Noble still has £2.7m in the bank after buying back 10% of its share capital. Avanti Communications says that its HYLAS satellite has arrived in India where it will be integrated into the launch platform. The satellite is still on course for launch in the second quarter of 2010.