Interim figures from the air conditioning equipment rental firm paint a mixed picture. Turnover from continuing operations fell 4.6% from £31.0m to £29.6m, although the top line figure was boosted by the inclusion of Cox Plant Hire revenue. Operating margins in the plant hire division was 9.9%, well shy of the sector average of around 16%. These disappointments led house broker Beeson Gregory to cut both its full-year forecasts and its investment recommendation. Earnings per share dropped 14.3% from 4.9p to 4.2p, but the dividend was increased 16.7% from 1.2p per share to 1.4p. A new chief executive will be appointed soon.