Shares in scientific instrument specialist Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG) were taking a pasting on Wednesday as it unveiled a disappointing first half for orders, although there was a rebound later on.
"The recent revival in order intake and the positive impact of a weaker pound post Brexit give the board confidence that the second half will produce better results, however it will be difficult to claw back the underperformance of the first half, it told investors.
Group orders for the six months to June 30 were 3.4% down on the same period in 2015, it told the trading statement.
"For the third year in a row, order intake in the first quarter was weak; this lasted until the end of May and was followed by a healthy rebound with five consecutive weeks of strong bookings narrowing the decline in organic order intake for the first half to only 1.6% below 2015," it added.
Shares plunged over 12% to 1,305p.