Cohort PLC on Thursday backed its full-year growth expectations, but said it anticipates reporting weaker half-year trading as it noted a strong comparative period. Shares in Reading, England-based technology company were 5.5% lower at 1,309.98 pence on Thursday morning in London. Ahead of its annual general meeting on Thursday, Cohort said interim trading is expected to land ‘slightly behind’ the prior year, which it described as a ‘strong comparative period.’ The company reported a strong maiden contribution from EM Solutions, but with a reduction in MCL activity, working to offset progress. Cohort completed its A$144.0 million, around £75 million, takeover of Australia-based naval communications firm EM Solutions in January this year. Cohort also noted a weaker mix at both ELAC and SEA, which form part of its Sensors and Effectors segment, with this including the sale of SEA’s transport business in May. The company’s order book stood at over £590 million as of Saturday last week, it said, adding that this represents consensus revenue cover of almost 90% for financial 2026. As of April 30 this year, Cohort’s financial year-end, it stood at a record £616.4 million. Cohort expressed optimism about the prospect for significant new orders, ‘given demand for our products and services from both domestic and export customers.’ ‘Geopolitical tensions are driving increased investment in defence, as highlighted by the UK Strategic Defence Review in June, and those are expected to persist, creating the conditions for organic growth. Our business model is also well adapted to generating value from carefully targeted acquisitions, and we continue to seek opportunities for these in the UK and elsewhere,’ said the company. Cohort is set to release its interim report in December. Copyright 2025 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.
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