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Cohort PLC on Wednesday said it expects adjusted earnings per share in the new financial year to be higher than its previous target, as it posted bumper profit and revenue. The Reading, England-based technology firm provides services to the defence and civil markets, among others. Cohort said pretax profit surged 29% to £25.6 million in the financial year ended April 30, from £19.8 million a year prior. Adjusted earnings per share rose 27% to 54.44 pence from 42.89p. Revenue jumped 33% to £270.0 million from £202.5 million. Order intake fell 27% to £284.7 million from £392.1 million. Underlying order intake rose 11%, excluding a £135 million large long-term Royal Navy order of £135 million secured in financial 2024. Further, the closing order book increased 19% to £616.4 million from £518.7 million. Cohort proposed a final dividend of 11.05 pence per share, up 9.4% from 10.10p a year prior. That brings the total payout to 16.30p, up 10% from 14.80p. Looking ahead, the company expects adjusted earnings per share in the current financial year 2026 to be ahead of prior guidance. Chair Nick Prest said: ‘Cohort has reported another record revenue and profit performance, with robust operating cash generation and a record closing order book stretching out into the mid-2030s. This gives good visibility for the coming years, and along with our net funds and market position provides a robust foundation for future organic growth as well as the ability to make further strategic additions to the group, as we did this year.’ He added: ‘Within the shifting landscape of global security, mid-tier defence and technology companies like those within the Cohort group play an important role in creating and delivering advanced defence solutions at speed. Our businesses supply products and services that enhance the security of the UK’s allies across the globe. In the UK, our capabilities support the UK government’s commitment to investing in a defence architecture that will make Britain safer and stronger.’ Cohort shares jumped 16% to 1,782.00 pence each on Wednesday morning in London. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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