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[July 2004]
Cookson First Half Highlights
Cookson Group first half 2004 financial highlights were announced on 27 July as follows:
* Group profit (before amortisation of intangible assets and exceptional items) before tax improved significantly, from £5.5 million last time to £42 million.
* Electronics division continued its robust recovery with turnover up 21% and operating profit more than trebling to £25.8 million; Laminates sector moved into profit.
* Ceramics and Precious Metals divisions achieved higher turnover and profits.
* Borrowings rose by £27 million to fund higher activity levels; there was further improvement in working capital ratios and borrowings were comfortably within banking facilities.
* Strategic review of Precious Metals determined that the division should be retained.
* Nick Salmon appointed new CEO effective 19 July 2004.
Nick Salmon said: "The benefits of much improved trading conditions are evident in these results, as is the work that has been done to put Cookson in a position to take advantage of the recovery in its markets.
"The priorities for management in the second half of 2004 are to focus on improving the performance of all businesses, to take advantage of the positive trading environment and to continue to address any part of the Group that is underperforming. Over the next few months, I will be spending a great deal of time getting to know the businesses and the management teams across the Company, so that I can formulate a measured and informed view of the way ahead.
"As to the second half of 2004, current market indicators anticipate that underlying trading conditions will remain similar to those of the first half. Based on this assumption, and that the second half is traditionally the stronger trading period for the Precious Metals division, the improved performance of the Group should continue."
ENDS