 |
 |
||||||
[June 2001]
Johnson Matthey Announces Preliminary Financial Results
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 st March 2001 An excellent year with strong growth in all divisions. Major investment will underpin future growth.
Results
Profit before tax excluding exceptional items up 25% to £180.3 million Operating profit up 20% to £175.0 million. All three divisions delivering strong organic growth Earnings per share excluding exceptional items up 22% to 58.1 pence Dividend for the year increased by 15% to 23.3 pence Strong balance sheet with net cash of £139.9 million Business developments Major investment programme continues in autocatalyst, chemicals, pharmaceutical materials and fuel cells Site identified for fuel cell manufacturing at Swindon Growth in Precious Metals supported by buoyant market demand for platinum group metals Investment in growth markets producing good results in Colours & Coatings Surplus cash to be used to buy back shares Pursuing acquisitions to add to core businesses
Commenting on the results, Chris Clark, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey said: "The group grew strongly last year and our businesses continue to perform well. As a result, we are investing significantly in the development of our technology and also in increased capacity, particularly for Catalysts & Chemicals. We are confident that the current year will again demonstrate the organic growth potential in Johnson Matthey".
Enquiries:
Chris Clark, Chief Executive, Johnson Matthey
020 7269 8435
John Sheldrick, Group Finance Director, Johnson Matthey
020 7269 8438
Howard Lee / Laura Hickman, Gavin Anderson & Co
020 7457 2345
ENDS