Science Group reports record profit on Ricardo investment

Published 28/07/2025, 07:06
Science Group reports record profit on Ricardo investment

LONDON - Science Group plc (AIM:SAG) reported a profit before tax of £32.2 million for the first half of 2025, a substantial increase from £7.6 million in the same period last year, primarily driven by a £24 million gain on its investment in Ricardo plc.

The international professional services and systems organization saw revenue rise to £57.2 million in the six months ended June 30, up from £53.7 million in the first half of 2024. Adjusted operating profit increased slightly to £11.3 million from £11.0 million.

The company’s statutory basic earnings per share jumped to 55.3 pence, compared to 12.9 pence in the same period last year, while adjusted basic earnings per share rose to 19.3 pence from 18.1 pence.

Science Group’s cash position strengthened significantly, with group cash of £82.0 million and net funds of £70.3 million at the end of June, compared to £38.8 million and £26.4 million respectively a year earlier.

The company’s Systems businesses performed well, offsetting weaker market conditions in Professional Services. The Professional Services division reported revenue of £33.2 million, down from £36.5 million, while maintaining strong margins of 23.9%.

Science Group’s investment in Ricardo, where it acquired a 21.8% stake before selling it following a third-party offer, generated a pre-tax return of £24.0 million, equivalent to a return on investment of 74.2%.

The company completed new long-term financing arrangements in March 2025, including two term loans totaling £12.0 million and a revolving credit facility of £30.0 million, which remains undrawn.

According to the company’s statement based on a press release, Science Group is "well positioned for the full year" and will "continue to evaluate corporate opportunities should the potential risk-adjusted returns justify the capital deployment."

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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