Druck's strike force staves off decline

DRUCK Holdings, the maker of plane sensors, says a lively military market that includes both the Typhoon Eurofighter and Lockheed's Joint Strike Fighter will help see the group through a rapid decline in orders from US commercial airlines.

Pre-tax profits for the six months to 30 September rose 2% to £6.3m on turnover 8% up to £37.5m. Chairman John Salmon said that excluding the tail end of an exceptionally big order from the US Navy, like-for-like turnover, was 18% ahead, pre-tax profits up 25% and orders 10% higher at £41m.

The interim dividend is 7% better at 0.80p, and basic earnings per share of 6.24p, 0.02p more than last time. Druck shares were up 1 1/2p at 234p.