Vehicle salvage firm Universal Salvage has attributed a 6.2% rise in interim operating profit to better cost control, an extended range of services and higher margins.
For the six months to 27 October, operating profit rose to £3.1m, from £3m during the same period last year.
Chairman Alexander Foster said he was pleased with the performance given the "challenging circumstances" of the company's second quarter.
"Immediately following the tragic events of 11 September, the group suffered temporary disruption with a significant reduction in the numbers attending our auctions," he said.
Universal Salvage provides specialist vehicle salvage services including the collection, storage, purchase and sale at auction of motor vehicles which are designated as write offs for insurance purposes
The company, which is listed under the Support Services sector of the London Stock Exchange, reported a slight fall in turnover for the period to £40.4m from £40.8m.
It said this was offset by improved gross margins, which grew to 24.8% from 21.8%.
Pre-tax profit increased 10.4% to £3.1m from £2.8m, aided by a £0.1m profit from the disposal of an unquoted investment.
Basic earnings per share rose 11.3% to 7.9p, from 7.1p a year ago. The company increased its interim dividend to 1.2p from 1.1p.
Looking ahead, Universal Salvage said it would continue to improve its operational efficiencies and it anticipated strong cash flows.
It added that upcoming European Community "End of Life" vehicle (ELV) legislation would offer opportunities to extend its markets. Currently it operates only in the insurance write-off vehicle market.
At 13:00 GMT Universal Salvage's share price was trading 9.5p, or 2%, lower at 472p.
