Judges Scientific plc recommended final dividend of 18.5 pence per share for the year ended December 31, 2016, which subject to approval at the forthcoming annual general meeting on May 24, 2017, will make a total distribution of 27.5 pence per share against 25.0 pence per share for the same period a year ago. Despite the proposed 10.0% increase, the total dividend is covered over three times by adjusted earnings per share. The proposed final dividend will be payable on July 7, 2017 to shareholders on the register on 9 June 2017 and the shares will go ex-dividend on June 8, 2017.