There is a lot to be said for being boring, especially when markets are volatile, and no firm quite captures that essence like FTSE 100 specialist distribution group Diploma (DPLM), whose shares have already sailed serenely to half a dozen all-time highs so far this year.
Diploma operates a decentralised model with three divisions: Controls, which supplies components including specialised wiring, Seals and Life Sciences, which includes consumables and instrumentation.
Over the last 15 years the group has grown EPS (earnings per share) at an average of 15% per year through a combination of organic (like-for-like) growth and acquisitions.
In the nine months to the end of June, the firm posted revenue growth of 13%, with organic, volume-led growth of 6% supplemented by 10% growth from acquisitions which was partly offset by a 3% currency headwind.
The firm said its strong third-quarter performance had continued into the final quarter meaning revenue and margins were in line with expectations.
Analysts are forecasting full-year revenue of £1.38 billion, an increase of just under 15% on last year, with operating profit of £283 million meaning a 20.5% margin compared with £237 million and 19.7% a year ago.
For September 2025, the consensus sees revenue rising around 11% to £1.53 billion and operating profit rising slightly faster to £318 million for a margin of 20.7%.
UK UPDATES OVER THE NEXT 7 DAYS
FULL-YEAR RESULTS
18 Nov: Diploma
19 Nov: Avon Technologies, Imperial Brands
20 Nov: Sage Group, Tracsis
21 Nov: Grainger
FIRST-HALF RESULTS
15 Nov: Land Securities, Volex
18 Nov: Big Yellow, Polar Capital, Sirius Real Estate
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