Goodwin PLC Shares Surge: Forecasts Doubled Profits, Announces Special Dividend

Goodwin PLC (LON: GDWN) has seen its share price jump more than 16% early on Monday after it significantly raised its profit expectations for the financial year ending April 30, 2026, and declared a special interim dividend.

The company anticipates pre-tax trading profit to exceed £71 million, a 100% increase compared to the £35.5 million reported for the prior year.

Markets reacted positively to the news, as the announcement signals robust financial health and confidence in future growth.

The company’s strong order book and enhanced visibility across key defence and nuclear programs underpin this optimistic outlook. Goodwin PLC traditionally refrains from providing forward guidance, but made an exception in this instance due to the substantial increase in anticipated profitability.

The exceptional performance is attributed to contributions from all divisions, though profitability levels and growth rates vary across the Group's businesses. The projected figures do not yet include any contribution from the advanced Polyimide Division, which is expected to add to profitability in the next financial year.

To acknowledge shareholder loyalty and support, the Board has declared a special one-off interim dividend of 532 pence per share.

This is in addition to the dividend of 140 pence paid earlier this month and another declared dividend of 140 pence to be paid around April 10, 2026. The special interim dividend is scheduled for payment on or around November 21, 2025, to shareholders registered by the close of business on November 7, 2025.

With the Group approaching a zero net debt position, its strong cash generation, limited non-customer-funded capital expenditure, and a resilient balance sheet have created a financially robust situation.

Surplus funds are now considered to exceed those required for optimal efficiency. Even after the special dividend payment, the Group expects to maintain low gearing relative to its peers.

The company's strong financial position allows it to support the growth of existing businesses and to invest in new opportunities as they arise. This proactive approach to capital allocation is expected to further enhance shareholder value.

Driver Breakdown:

• Strong Order Book: A substantial £365 million order book provides a solid revenue base.
• Defence and Nuclear Programs: Enhanced visibility in these sectors promises future growth opportunities.
• Cash Flow Improvement: Profitability improvement matched by similar improvement in cash flow.

AskTraders Takeaway: This dividend surprise is likely to drive short-term positive momentum.

Goodwin PLC also announced the appointment of Adam Deeth as Finance Director and Anthony Thomas as Director, effective from October 28, 2025.

Adam Deeth, previously Group Chief Accountant, joined the Group in 2022.

Anthony Thomas, who joined in 2019, has served as Group General Counsel since 2021. The company believes that both appointments will strengthen the Board's capabilities and expertise.