Oxford Instruments profits to be at top end

High-tech tool manufacturer Oxford Instruments said it expects full year profits to come in at the top end of analysts' forecasts.

High-tech tool manufacturer Oxford Instruments said it expects full year profits to come in at the top end of analysts' forecasts.

In a trading update the firm said it continued to make good progress in line with its "14 Cubed" objectives - targeting compound revenue growth of 14% and a target return on sales of 14% by 2014.

"The company...currently expects adjusted profit before tax for the year to 31 March 2012 to be at the upper end of market expectations," the firm said.

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

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

Sign up

In November Oxford announced first half pre-tax profits fell to £12.5m from £13.2m the year before but predicted an improved second half.

At the time the group, which makes and supplies tools and systems with a focus on research and industrial applications, said revenue surged over 40% in a 'robust' market environment and as it introduced new products.

Revenue for the six months to 30 September 2011 rose 41% to £159m with organic growth of 30%.

Adjusted profit before tax rose to £18.7m from £10.6m before.

Last month the firm offloaded its loss-making TDI subsidiary to US display technologies firm Ostendo, though it will retain the rights to royalties on sales of items using TDI's technology.