Shares of Barrow-in-Furness energy, defence and maritime transport engineering firm James Fisher and Sons plc rose as much as 12% after it published a positive trading update for the year ended December 31, 2025, reporting that it expects “full year underlying operating profit performance ahead of market expectations.”

Fisher reported improved overall trading performance through the second half “on the back of largely supportive end markets.”

The firm said revenue of £395 million is expected, representing like-for-like growth of 4%.

James Fisher CEO Jean Vernet said: “I am encouraged by our continued progress in 2025, where good second half delivery is anticipated to result in a full year underlying operating profit performance ahead of market expectations.

“We have made further progress across our key strategic priorities, bringing us closer to our medium-term targets and enabling the businesses to focus increasingly on their long-term growth opportunities.

“Throughout the year we followed our core principles of ‘focus, simplify and deliver’ resulting in a streamlined business portfolio, strengthened product base and international expansion.

“Despite softness in oil and gas in the second half, overall market conditions remain largely supportive, and we have entered 2026 well positioned to deliver further progress.”