Tuesday's Small-Cap Winners & Losers

Niches (NICH) jumped 13% after the clothing maker more than doubled its profits in the quarter ended Nov. 30. The company earned $1.3 million, or 26 cents a share, on sales of $35.4 million. In the same period a year ago, the San Diego-based company earned $520,000, or 14 cents a share, on $14.7 million in sales. Shares were rising 92 cents to $7.84.

Network Engines (NENG) was rising after the Canton, Mass.-based security-server maker was selected to handle technical support for Microsoft's (MSFT) recently acquired Whale Communications subsidiary. Terms of the deal weren't specified. Network Engines shares were adding 31 cents, or 13.4%, to $2.65. Microsoft was recently up 4 cents to $30.76.

Twin Disc (TWIN) climbed after the maker of power-transmission equipment raised its dividend and posted second-quarter sales and earnings that were the best in its history. Shares of the Racine, Wis.-based company were up $5.59, or 16.9%, to $38.67.

Bolt Technology (BTJ), a Norwalk, Conn., company that develops seismic energy systems for oil and gas exploration, said it earned $2.4 million, or 42 cents a share, in the second quarter. The company earned $897,000, or 16 cents a share, last year. Sales surged 87% from a year ago to $12.3 million. Shares were trading up $2.08, or 11.5%, to $20.13.