Norcros plc reported unaudited consolidated earnings results for the six months ended September 30, 2018. For the six months, the company reported revenue of £162.6 million against £145.0 million a year ago. Operating profit was £12.6 million against £9.8 million a year ago. Profit before taxation was £15.2 million against £7.4 million a year ago. Profit for the period from continuing operations was £12.0 million or 14.9 pence per diluted share against £5.5 million or 8.7 pence per diluted share a year ago. Underlying profit before taxation was £14.2 million against £11.5 million a year ago. Underlying earnings were £11.2 million against £8.9 million a year ago. Underlying diluted earnings per share amounted to 13.9 pence against 14.0 pence a year ago. Profit for the period was £12.0 million against £5.5 million a year ago. Net cash generated from operating activities was £5.7 million against £10.2 million a year ago. Purchase of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets was £3.6 million against £4.1 million a year ago. Underlying operating profit was £15.2 million against £11.7 million a year ago. Underlying operating cash flow was £11.4 million against £16.2 million a year ago. Net debt was £53.5 million against £20.8 million a year ago. Underlying EBITDA was £18.6 million against £14.8 million a year ago.

The Board of Norcros plc is declaring an interim dividend of 2.8 pence per share reflecting the strong first half performance and its confidence in the Group's prospects. This represents an increase of 7.7% over the interim dividend from the previous year of 2.6 pence per ordinary share. The dividend is payable on 11 January 2019 to shareholders on the register on 30 November 2018. The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 29 November 2018.