The board of Judges Scientific plc is recommending a final dividend of 22.0 pence per share which, subject to approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 30 May 2018, will make a total distribution of 32.0 pence per share in respect of 2017 against 27.5 pence per share in 2016. The proposed final dividend, if approved by shareholders, will be payable on 6 July 2018 to shareholders on the register on 8 June 2018 and the shares will go ex-dividend on 7 June 2018.

The company reported audited consolidated earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the period, the company reported revenue was £71,360,000 against £57,285,000 a year ago. This reflects organic growth of 17.7%, the full year contribution of the four businesses acquired during 2016 and the maiden contribution from Oxford Cryosystems which was acquired in July 2017. Operating profit was £5,662,000 against £991,000 a year ago. Profit before tax was £5,121,000 against £417,000 a year ago. Profit attributable to owners of the parent company was £4,013,000 against £81,000 a year ago. Diluted earnings per share were 64.8 pence against 1.3 pence a year ago. Adjusted operating profit was £10,879,000 against £7,144,000 a year ago. Adjusted profit before tax was £10,398,000 against £6,630,000 a year ago. Adjusted profit attributable to owners of the parent company was £8,074,000 against £5,173,000 a year ago. Adjusted diluted earnings per share were 130.3 pence against 83.7 pence a year ago. Net cash from operating activities was £10,507,000 against £4,611,000 a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment was £728,000 against £835,000 a year ago. Total net debt was £7,581,000 against £8,639,000 a year ago. Adjusted net debt was £7,990,000 against £9,908,000 a year ago.