EKF Diagnostics proposes maiden dividend as first-half profit jumps

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Point-of-care business EKF Diagnostics proposed its maiden dividend after reporting a rise in first-half profit on improved performance in its core business.

For the six months ended 30 June 2020, pre-tax profit rose to £6.2m from £2.2m on-year as revenue rose 23% to £26.3m.

'Core business revenues delivered a more robust performance in the face of COVID-19 headwinds than management expected, with 8% year-on-year decrease in core business sales (excluding PrimeStore MTM sales), with signs that H2 recovery is underway,' the company said.

The company said its shareholders had approved the payment of a dividend of 1p per ordinary share, to be paid on 1 December 2020.

'Overall, the full year performance remains likely to exceed previously revised management expectations,' it added.

"In a financial year dominated by Brexit and political uncertainties, it is pleasing to report performance that is only slightly reduced from last financial year, and also to propose a final dividend to shareholders.

At 9:03am: (LON:EKF) EKF Diagnostics Holdings PLC share price was -2.75p at 54.25p