Shares in components firm Elektron rose 2.5% after it reported a surge in orders for the year to date and said it is well positioned for future growth. EBIT for the year ended 31 January 2010 (before exceptional items) rose to £1.8m from £1.1m in 2009. Sales fell to £29.9m from £35.6m before. The group said the strong performance in the final months of the year have continued in the current year. Current sales and EBIT are well ahead of management expectations. Orders for the year to date are currently running at 148% of last year with the current group order book standing at £8.1m, 76% up on this time last year, Elektron said. Commenting on the results, chairman Keith Daley said, "To have increased profits in the depths of the deepest recession in post war history is an excellent achievement. We are excited by the opportunities that face us in the current year and beyond." The group has proposed a final dividend up 8.7% to 0.50p, with a scrip issue alternative.