Gooch & Housego PLC - Somerset-based maker of photonics components and systems - For the six months to March 31, reports pretax profit jump to £3.3 million from £1.2 million a year prior. Revenue climbs 32% to £71.3 million from £54.1 million. Citing a positive outlook, declares interim dividend of 4.8 pence per share, up 2.1% from 4.7p. Looking ahead, notes ‘sustained demand’ across its target markets, with its order book as at March 31 growing 3.8% to £124.4 million from £119.9 million a year ago. Further, notes growth in deliveries into industrial laser markets, especially into Asia. ‘This has been driven by post-pandemic end customer demand for electronic products recovering strongly, although demand levels are expected to normalise in the coming period,’ firm says. However, notes continued extended lead times in some part of its supply chain, for which it maintains higher levels of safety stocks.

Current stock price: 567.00 pence, up 1.6% on Tuesday

12-month change: down 34%

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