SOLID STATE PLC - Review of Interim Results and Prospects
Description
Solid State plc delivered a confident and detailed investor update, underscoring strong company performance, rising order book visibility, and a clear multi-year growth strategy across its Components, Power, and Systems divisions. Management highlighted robust H1 financial results, including c.£85m revenue, 40% topline growth, stable 31% gross margins, strengthened operational gearing, and adjusted PBT of £4.9m—already comparable to the prior full-year result. The September open order book of £87m has since increased to £97m, providing full coverage to meet FY expectations, with risk now “weighted to the upside.” Key strategic wins—including a $10.8m MOD award under Project KAN and continued NATO/NSPA deployments—reinforce long-term revenue streams through hardware, training, support, and recurring services. Divisional progress was a major focus: Systems is scaling capacity at the upgraded Ashchurch facility, delivering world-class antenna and computing systems; the Power division reported an excellent first half with rising margins, high-value engineering-led contracts, and expanding opportunities in defence, UAVs, and autonomous delivery; while the Components division continues to benefit from value-added solutions, premium margins, and strong operational gearing potential. Management emphasised succession planning strength, balance sheet discipline, over 100% operating cash conversion, falling net debt, and ongoing investment in infrastructure and talent to support sustained margin expansion. With demand stabilising across the electronics market, a growing pipeline in defence, autonomy, medical, and high-reliability applications, and multiple business units positioned for “step-change” revenue and EBITDA growth, Solid State plc communicated a compelling medium-term outlook and a clear pathway to enhanced quality of earnings, stronger margins, and accelerated strategic execution.



