Halma PLC (LON:HLMA) raised the interim dividend after a good start to the second half, with order intake ahead of revenue and up on the same period last year.
As a result, adjusted profit before tax is expected to be at the upper end of guidance, which is 5% below last year.
READ: Halma hold profit guidance steady as revenue declines gradually ease
The manufacturer of lift door sensors and medical instruments raised dividend for the six months to September 30 by 5% to 6.87p per share.
In the same period, revenue and adjusted profit before tax dipped 5% to £618mln and £122mln respectively. Net debt was £315mln.
All the FTSE 100 major markets were affected by COVID-19, with growth in the US and China offset by declines in Mainland Europe and Asia Pacific. The UK was its weakest region with revenue down 17%.
However, revenue momentum improved during the period and has continued into the second half to date, the firm said.
"Halma is a high-quality business with long-term growth drivers (increasing: health and safety regulation, demand for healthcare services in developing economies and demand for life-critical resources) and strong operating margins," analysts at Shore Capital noted.
Shares rose 3% to 2,429p on Thursday morning.
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