Acal plc reported trading results for the year ended 31 March 2016. Group sales for the year increased by 6% and by 14% at constant exchange rates (CER). The Design & Manufacturing division, which accounted for 48% of Group revenue and more than three quarters of Group profit contribution for the year, saw sales grow by 3% on a like-for-like basis and by 50% CER due to recent acquisitions. Overall sales in the Custom Distribution division were down, some 7% CER, as a result of strong prior year comparators arising from the previously reported three large non-repeating orders last year and the discontinuation of the final non-specialist supplier. Trading in the UK has improved following the operational changes made during the year. Adjusting for these, ongoing sales in the division grew by 3% year-on-year. Sales beyond Europe and cross-selling activities both continue to develop positively. 17% of Group sales were beyond Europe, compared with 12% last year, and there was a near doubling of the sales of Design & Manufacturing products sold through the Custom Distribution division, to around GBP 2.8 million.

For the year, the company's underlying earnings are expected to be slightly ahead of expectations.