DiscoverIE said its strategy and focus on operational improvements had enabled continued margin development and robust earnings performance through the economic cycle.

The FTSE 250-listed group stated that while de-stocking continued at some customers, it did so at a lesser rate. It also said order levels stabilised and design wins, a key forward-looking barometer, increased strongly.

Group sales were 4% lower year-on-year, with organic sales down 10% in the half. However, orders returned to growth in the half, up 8% year-on-year, and design wins increased 8%, with an estimated lifetime value of £205.0m.

"With an excellent pipeline of design wins and acquisition opportunities supported by high cashflow, the group is well positioned to build on its strong through-cycle growth record and deliver on its strategic objectives as market conditions stabilise," said DiscoverIE.

As of 0840 BST, DiscoverIE shares were up 5.33% at 632.50p.

Reporting by Iain Gilbert at Sharecast.com