An electrifying end to the year to March trading period eased concerns that global economic uncertainty could weigh on Acal's (ACL) progress. Shares in the customised electronics specialist climbed 5 per cent after management said earnings growth was ahead of previous guidance, in a confident statement that provided further evidence of the group's move up the value chain.
Sales growth of 6 per cent - or 14 per cent at constant currencies - was mainly driven by decent contributions from acquisitions and 3 per cent organic growth from the design and manufacturing arm. Further gains from this more profitable operation drove up the gross margin, while encouraging progress was also made generating revenue from cross-selling and customers outside of Europe.
