Oxford Instruments, the FTSE 250 scientific technology group, said group order intake rose nearly 44% in the six months to 30 September 2026.
Reported revenue grew approximately 8% and the adjusted operating margin is expected to improve by more than 100 basis points versus the prior year period.
The group said the strength of its order book underpinned confidence in delivering full-year results in line with market expectations, which point to revenue of £444.4 million and adjusted operating profit of £81 million.
The Advanced Technologies division was the standout, with order intake surging more than 125%, driven by demand for datacom applications following several commercial volume manufacturing customer wins.
Around three quarters of the division's first-half orders came from datacom, with the current order book now extending well into 2028 and full year revenue for 2027 already covered.
Advanced Technologies revenue grew approximately 26% in the half as the business expanded production capacity to meet demand, with margins materially improved despite the investment.
The Imaging and Analysis division posted order intake growth of more than 11%, driven by semiconductor and materials science applications, with full-year revenue growth expected in line with guidance.
Net cash at the period end stood at £75 million, up from £45.1 million a year earlier, reflecting improved working capital and lower adjusting items.
The group said £83 million of its £100 million share buyback programme had been completed, with the remainder expected to finish early in the new year.
