12 small caps

1. Aegis Logistics: Incorporated in 1956, the company is in the specialised business of storage and handling of bulk items, especially oils, chemicals and petroleum. It has consistently given its shareholders dividends.

2. Crew B.O.S. Products: A leading leather exporter, the company is also listed on Luxembourg stock exchange and has consistently paid dividends.

3. Dewan Housing Finance Corp: In business since 1984,well below its highs.It has recently expanded operations into the Gulf area to facilitate NRI investment in Indian housing.

4. Eastern Silk Industries: This Kolkata-based company was started in 1946. Its broad production range includes silk yarn, fabrics, embroidery and accessories.

5. GIC Housing Finance: Promoted in 1993 by General Insurance Corporation, the company is largely held by public sector insurance companies. Business has benefited from the current real estate boom, and as a bonus, the regular dividend of 15 per cent offers a high yield.

6. Jetking Infotrain: Incorporated in 1984, Jetking offers computer education through 60 centres -- company-owned and franchised. It specialises in hardware and networking education and readies students for direct entry into the job market.

7. RTS Power Corp: In operation since 1947, this manufacturer of electrical transformers and related products seems to have benefited from the recent infrastructure boom. It has also made a tentative foray into wind energy, with a 1.25-MW wind power plant at Dhule, Maharashtra.

8. Raj Rayon: In business since 1993, Raj Rayon recently set up a polyester yarn plant at Silvassa. It has paid 10 per cent dividend for the last two years.

9. Shri Dinesh Mills: In operation for 70 years, the composite textile set up has recently entered into a joint venture with US-based company McGean Rohco Inc to produce speciality chemicals.

10. Surya Pharmaceutical: With four units in the tax-exempt areas of Himachal Pradesh, Surya focuses on penicillin and its derivatives. Other products include cephalosporins and anti-histamines. It exports over 50 per cent of its production.

11. Tricom India: Started in 1992, Tricom is an early entrant into the BPO business, specialising in electronic management of business documents for overseas clients. It recently announced a 1:1 bonus.

12. Vivimed Labs: Set up in 1988, Vivimed has a large product offering of healthcare products, including over the counter products. It also partners customers in synthesizing and developing new products.