Small caps round-up: Empyrean, Charles Taylor, Augean...

Shares in Empyrean Energy jumped after the oil and gas explorer reported progress at its fracture stimulation programme Kennedy-1 H and the commencement of drilling at Easley-1 H, both of which are in Texas.Insurance support services firm Charles Taylor Consulting said profit before tax in 2009 is likely to be in line with management expectations, though earnings per share will be a tad below par, in part because of the presence of minority interests within the company's run-off division.'There remain opportunities for both organic and acquisitive development and acquisition opportunities continue to be reviewed,' the company said.Landfill group Augean says tough trading conditions extended into the final quarter and as a consequence, the profits for 2009 are likely to be significantly below the Board's previous expectations.The outlook for the New Year remains challenging and the severe weather conditions experienced in the first two weeks of the year have impacted on our operations, though it anticipates improvement in trading as the economy strengthens.Shares in Caza Oil & Gas dived on a disappointing operational update on its activities in the Abo/Wolfcamp horizontal oil play in New Mexico, USA where it has now drilled four wells."The result from the Moore Cowbell 27 State #1 well is disappointing and we await the final evaluation of the Bada Bing 23 State #1 well. We are evaluating the results of the program to date to establish the viability of the play and our acreage position," Mike Ford, CEO and President commented.