Spectris plc (LON:SXS) shares jumped as it posted an 8% increase in quarterly like-for-like sales, led by strong demand in China and Japan.
In a trading update covering July 1 to October 31, the instrumentation and controls company said total sales gained 9% on a reported basis with growth across all its markets and divisions.
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The growth in like-for-like sales was driven by the Asia unit and the materials analysis segment on the back of strong demand in the pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries.
The group maintained its full-year guidance and said it has decided to implement a “more comprehensive” cost reduction programme in 2019 to improve its operating margins, which remain below historic highs and that of its peers.
"In addition, we need a sharper focus on asset optimisation, capital allocation discipline and portfolio composition,” said Andrew Heath, who became chief executive in September.
“We have therefore commenced a strategic review, which will explore the potential to reduce complexity and establish a more focused organisation targeting higher growth markets where we have a competitive advantage.
“The explicit objective is to develop and execute our strategy for profitable growth, as the basis for delivering a significant and sustainable increase in shareholder value.”
Heath plans to update investors on his strategy at the full year results in February.
In mid-morning trading, shares rose 10.3% to 2,320p.