Profit before income tax rose 3.0 per cent to 2.27m pounds at AIM-listed European Patent and trademark attorney Murgitroyd, an interim management statement from the company has disclosed.
The company recorded a 2.0% rise in gross profit to £10.6m and a 60% rise in gross margin, compared to a 58% rise in the previous year.
Basic earnings per share were up 7.9% to 18.68p and the group proposed an interim dividend of 3.75p per share.
Subscribe to MoneyWeek
Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE
Sign up to Money Morning
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter
Commenting on the group's results, Ian Murgitroyd, Group Chairman, said: "Increased activity is reflected in a rise in both profitability and earnings per share for the 12th consecutive interim period.
"While Revenue is down 2%, the more meaningful gross profit revenue net of disbursements is up 2%. We remain confident in Murgitroyd's ability to progress in the current macro-economic climate, and the Group continues to invest in both direct business development activities that will generate sustainable new business, as well as in its systems and people."
MF
