The Dunedin-listed company yesterday reported an operating profit of $7.3 million for the 12 months ended August, a 32% increase on the $5.5 million reported in the previous corresponding period.
Revenue was up 15% to $53.6 million. Mr McLauchlan said in an interview that 89% of the revenue came from export sales.
"This is what the country needs - increased exports - and we are clearly heading in that direction. The demise of property shufflers, held out to be champions, is continuing.
The real champions are those producing products that create export earnings."
Profit after tax for the period was $5.2 million compared with $2.8 million in the previous period.
A final imputed dividend of 5c per share was declared, taking the total dividend to 7c per share.
The dividend represented a payout of 49%, reflecting the directors' confidence in the growth and trading ability of the company.
Mr McLauchlan said the highlight of the year was the proportion of earnings from exports, with $47.5 million of total revenue derived from overseas.
"This is against the backdrop of an extremely difficult global economic climate."
The completion of a successful capital-raising, combined with an operating cash flow of $3.4 million, enabled the company to repay all debt which was taken on to assist in recent acquisitions.
The company was supported by a strong balance sheet, with total assets of $47.1 million and $3.5 million cash on hand.
Scott would look for acquisitions both in New Zealand and offshore but would not be rushing, he said. Any acquisition had to complement what Scott already did. Companies bought so far had assimilated well into the existing company operations.
Scott had continued a trend experienced in recent reporting periods of increased revenue and profits supported by growth in the demand for its products around the world, Mr McLauchlan said.
"Our engineered products, knowledge and know-how, used to build automated and robotic production systems, is world-class.
"We lead the world in our chosen markets and we supply technology solutions to many leading international companies spread around the globe."
The purchase of a reference material supplier and a business that engineered electromagnet solutions using high-temperature superconductors had enabled Scott to increase its profit, capabilities and potential, he said.
The businesses were being integrated with existing activities and they, along with the recently announced purchase of an established manufacturing facility in China from a New Zealand company, provided the company with future growth prospects.
During the year, the management team was further strengthened, Mr McLauchlan said.
Skilled managers had joined the group as a result of business acquisitions and more had been recruited directly.
In addition, there had been internal development of staff across all levels of the business, with a focus on training and development programmes, he said.
The focus of directors was on ensuring the company's business strategy was appropriate in the current global economic environment.
"We are confident that the opportunities and initiatives pursued within our strategic framework provides a solid platform for growth," Mr McLauchlan said.
