Croda International LON:CRDA) benefited from the cyclical recovery in the chemicals industry as it reported a more than doubling of interim profits.
The specialty chemicals group said underlying pretax earnings advanced 108 per cent to £96.2 million in the six months to June 30.
The dividend is hiked by a bumper 50 per cent to 9.75p a share.
Chairman Martin Flower said: "This is another very impressive performance that highlights once again the quality of the business.
"Record results in both consumer care and industrial specialities, with all business areas and all major geographies contributing to the increased profits, demonstrate Croda's resilience and strong market position.
"The group is now benefiting in full from the acquisition of Uniqema in 2006 as well as from the initiatives taken to reduce costs.
"Whilst prior year comparatives do get tougher in the second half, we expect to make further profit progress throughout the rest of the year."