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JMAT Johnson Matthey Plc

1,766.00
-19.00 (-1.06%)
24 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
Johnson Matthey Plc LSE:JMAT London Ordinary Share GB00BZ4BQC70 ORD 110 49/53P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  -19.00 -1.06% 1,766.00 1,766.00 1,768.00 1,789.00 1,763.00 1,789.00 300,226 16:29:50
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Chemicals & Chem Preps, Nec 14.97B 276M 1.5064 11.72 3.24B

Johnson Matthey PLC Half Yearly Report (2096G)

19/11/2015 7:00am

UK Regulatory


Johnson Matthey (LSE:JMAT)
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TIDMJMAT

RNS Number : 2096G

Johnson Matthey PLC

19 November 2015

For Release at 7.00 am Thursday 19(th) November 2015

Half year results for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

Strong growth in emission control; outlook for full year in line with market expectations

 
                                                       Underlying H1 on H1 
                                    Underlying(1)             change              Reported 
                                                    actual   constant rates(2) 
 
 Revenue                                GBP5,755m     +20%                +18%   GBP5,755m 
 
 Sales excluding precious metals 
  (sales)                               GBP1,588m      +5%                 +4%   GBP1,588m 
 
 Profit before tax (PBT)                GBP208.3m      -4%                 -4%   GBP330.2m 
 
 Earnings per share (EPS)                   86.3p      -3%                          137.9p 
 
 Ordinary dividend per share                19.5p      +5%                           19.5p 
 Special dividend per share                150.0p                                   150.0p 
 
 Lost time injury and illness 
  rate(3)                                    0.44     -30%                            0.44 
 
 

Group Summary

   --        Sales up 5% and underlying PBT 4% lower 
   --     Strong growth in Emission Control Technologies (ECT) and good progress in New Businesses 
   --     Challenging conditions in Process Technologies (PT) and Precious Metal Products 

-- Actions being taken to reduce costs since half year end, mainly in PT; expect GBP30 million p.a. cost savings starting in Q4

   --        Underlying EPS down 3% 

-- PBT of GBP330.2m and EPS of 137.9p due to profit of GBP130.9m on sale of Research Chemicals

-- Strong balance sheet - net debt (including post tax pension deficits) / EBITDA of 0.7 times

   --        Working capital improved by GBP386 million and cash flow conversion was 71% 
   --        Interim dividend of 19.5p, up 5% 
   --        Special dividend of 150.0p (GBP305 million) following sale of businesses 
   --        Full year performance for continuing businesses(4) expected to be similar to 2014/15 

Divisional Summary (at constant rates)

ECT - strong performance; sales up 8% and underlying operating profit up 16%

-- Strong growth in Europe driven by tighter legislation (Euro 6b) to control emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx) in diesel cars

   --        Good sales growth in Asian light duty markets 

-- Continued strong heavy duty diesel truck catalyst sales in North America, well ahead of growth in production, supported by good demand for large (Class 8) trucks

Process Technologies - sales broadly flat but underlying operating profit 28% lower

-- Good sales to catalyst customers in our Chemicals businesses but a less favourable catalyst product mix and a reduction in licensing activity both weighed on performance

-- Oil and Gas catalyst sales were ahead; slowdown in upstream oil and gas markets significantly impacted performance in Diagnostic Services

Precious Metal Products - sales fell by 15% and underlying operating profit 31% lower

-- Performance in Platinum group metal (Pgm) Refining and Recycling significantly impacted as a result of a decline of over 20% in average pgm prices

   --        Mixed performance in Manufacturing businesses 
   --        Excluding Gold and Silver Refining business, sales down 6% and operating profit 25% lower 

Fine Chemicals - sales 3% down and underlying operating profit 8% lower

-- Good demand for catalysts, chiral technologies and custom services offset by lower sales of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)

   --        Performance adversely impacted by safety shutdown in the USA 
   --        Sale of Research Chemicals business for GBP255 million completed on 30(th) September 2015 

New Businesses - good progress; sales more than doubled to GBP72 million

   --        Excluding GBP30 million contribution from acquisitions, division's sales were 27% ahead 

-- Good growth in Battery Technologies, supported by contribution from two recent acquisitions

   --        Division's underlying operating loss reduced 

Commenting on the results, Robert MacLeod, Chief Executive of Johnson Matthey said:

"I am pleased to report that Emission Control Technologies grew strongly in the first half and New Businesses made good progress. Challenging conditions in several of our other business areas have adversely impacted our performance and since the half year end we have taken action to reduce costs, particularly in Process Technologies.

We continued to focus on health and safety and our lost time injury and illness rate reduced. However, this was overshadowed by a tragic accident in July of this year when an employee at our Fine Chemicals' facility in Riverside, USA suffered fatal injuries. This incident has further reinforced our efforts to achieve a world class health and safety culture across Johnson Matthey.

Despite the current environment of low platinum group metal and oil prices, and the more muted outlook in the chemicals markets that we supply, we expect the underlying performance of the group's continuing businesses(4) in 2015/16 to be similar to 2014/15. The full year outlook for the group is in line with current market expectations.

As a result of the group's strong financial position following the two recent disposals, the board has agreed a special dividend of 150.0 pence per share in addition to the interim dividend of 19.5 pence per share.

Johnson Matthey remains well placed to benefit from major global sustainability drivers such as the continued drive to improve air quality, energy security, urbanisation and the increasing need for healthcare. The restructuring actions we are taking in the second half will benefit the group's results towards the end of our financial year and this, together with attractive key end markets, position the group to return to growth in 2016/17."

Enquiries:

 
                                                                 020 7269 
 Sally Jones        Director, IR and Corporate Communications     8407 
                                                                 020 7353 
 David Allchurch    Tulchan Communications                        4200 
 www.matthey.com 
 

(1) Before amortisation of acquired intangibles, major impairment and restructuring charges, profit or loss on disposal of businesses, significant tax rate changes and, where relevant, related tax effects.

(2) At constant rates (if H1 2014/15 results are converted at average exchange rates for H1 2015/16).

(3) Number of lost workday cases per 200,000 hours worked in a rolling year.

(4) 2014/15 and 2015/16 adjusted to exclude contribution of Gold and Silver Refining and Research Chemicals businesses.

Report to Shareholders

Review of Results

 
                                                               Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                                          2015          2014        %   constant 
                                                                   GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                                                 5,755         4,800      +20        +18 
 Sales (excluding precious metals) 
            Emission Control Technologies                                  939           869       +8         +8 
            Process Technologies                                           283           283        -         -1 
            Precious Metal Products                                        165           193      -15        -15 
            Fine Chemicals                                                 157           155       +1         -3 
            New Businesses                                                  72            37      +98       +116 
            Eliminations                                                  (28)          (23) 
                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
            Group sales                                                  1,588         1,514       +5         +4 
                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit 
            Emission Control Technologies                                136.0         118.1      +15        +16 
            Process Technologies                                          35.9          49.7      -28        -28 
            Precious Metal Products                                       36.1          52.0      -31        -31 
            Fine Chemicals                                                40.6          41.8       -3         -8 
            New Businesses                                               (9.9)        (12.0)      +18        +19 
            Corporate                                                   (13.7)        (15.5)      +12 
                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
            Group underlying operating profit                            225.0         234.1       -4         -4 
 Interest                                                               (16.8)        (17.9)       +6 
 Share of profit of joint venture                                          0.1           0.2 
                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying profit before tax                                            208.3         216.4       -4         -4 
 Tax on underlying profit before 
  tax                                                                   (33.7)        (37.2) 
                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying profit after tax                                             174.6         179.2       -3 

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

November 19, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

                                                                  ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying EPS (pence)                                                   86.3          88.7       -3 
 EPS (pence)                                                             137.9          85.6      +61 
 Ordinary dividend per share (pence)                                      19.5          18.5       +5 
 Special dividend per share (pence)                                      150.0             - 
----------------------------------------------------  ----------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 Total research and development expenditure                               91.6          80.1      +14 
 
 Net cash flow from operating activities                                 545.2         163.2 
 Capital expenditure                                                      98.1          71.3 
 Net debt                                                                441.2         802.0 
 Return on invested capital 
  (ROIC)                                                                 17.7%         20.3% 
--------------------------------------------  ------------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 Health and safety - Lost time injury and 
  illness rate                                                            0.44          0.63 
----------------------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 

Summary

Johnson Matthey delivered 5% sales growth in the first half. Emission Control Technologies (ECT) grew strongly and New Businesses made good progress. Challenging conditions in several of our other business areas adversely impacted performance and since the half year end we have taken action to reduce costs, particularly in Process Technologies (PT).

ECT continued to perform strongly, benefiting from the introduction of new legislation in Europe and growth in our Asian and North American businesses. PT, on the other hand, had a very challenging first half as the slowdown in activity in the chemicals sector in China and sustained low oil prices adversely impacted the division's performance. In Precious Metal Products, trading has also been difficult as a result of the substantially lower average platinum group metal (pgm) prices which were over 20% down on last year. Trading in Fine Chemicals was steady, although the division's performance was impacted in the first half as a result of a safety shutdown of our US Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) Manufacturing facilities following a fatal accident. On 30(th) September, the sale of the Research Chemicals business for GBP255 million was completed. New Businesses made good progress, especially in Battery Technologies, and the division's operating loss has reduced in line with our expectations.

On an underlying basis, sales grew by 5% to GBP1.6 billion, operating profit was 4% down at GBP225.0 million and profit before tax was also 4% lower at GBP208.3 million. Consequently, underlying return on sales was slightly lower than last year at 14.2%. Working capital improved by GBP386 million from the year end and for the 12 months to 30(th) September 2015 ROIC reduced to 17.7% as a result of higher average levels of working capital. Underlying earnings per share decreased by 3% to 86.3 pence.

The group's results in the first half were adversely impacted by the absence of income from the Gold and Silver Refining business and an increase of GBP7.1 million in the group's post-employment benefits cost. Excluding these headwinds, and at constant exchange rates, sales increased by 6%, underlying operating profit was flat and underlying profit before tax was 1% higher.

Profit before tax was 59% higher at GBP330.2 million and includes profit of GBP130.9 million from the sale of the Research Chemicals business which was excluded from underlying profit before tax. Basic earnings per share were 137.9 pence, 61% above last year.

Health and Safety

We continued to focus on health and safety and our lost time injury and illness rate reduced. However, this was overshadowed by the tragic accident in July of this year when an employee at our Fine Chemicals' facility in Riverside, USA suffered fatal injuries. This incident has further reinforced our efforts to achieve a world class health and safety culture across Johnson Matthey.

Restructuring Actions to Reduce Costs

As a result of the more challenging environments in several of our key markets we have, since the half year end, commenced a restructuring programme, particularly in PT. This restructuring programme is expected to reduce ongoing costs by around GBP30 million p.a. and have an associated one-off charge of around GBP40 million (of which approximately GBP35 million will be in cash); this charge will be excluded from our underlying results in the second half of 2015/16. Anticipated cost savings will commence within Q4 of the current financial year.

Return of Capital to Shareholders and Interim Dividend

In line with our long term strategy to focus the group on growth areas where we can apply our expertise in complex chemistry to create long term value for our shareholders, the group has disposed of its Gold and Silver Refining and Research Chemicals businesses which together have generated proceeds of approximately GBP380 million. At 30(th) September 2015 the group's net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to EBITDA ratio for the 12 months was 0.7 times.

As a result, the board carried out a detailed review of the group's balance sheet structure and concluded that there are ample resources to fund forecast research and development and capital expenditure. Therefore, the board has agreed a return of capital to shareholders by way of a special dividend of 150.0 pence per share, which represents a total payment of approximately GBP305 million. The special dividend will be accompanied by a share consolidation which is subject to shareholder approval. The consolidation factor will be announced to shareholders on 24(th) November 2015 in a circular and notice of general meeting.

The Board of Directors has also increased the interim dividend by 5% to 19.5 pence. The interim dividend will be paid on 2(nd) February 2016 to ordinary shareholders on the register as at 8(th) January 2016, with an ex-dividend date of 7(th) January 2016.

Financial Review

Corporate Costs

Corporate costs in the period were GBP13.7 million. This represents just under 1% of sales.

Research and Development (R&D)

Gross expenditure on R&D was GBP91.6 million, which was up 14% compared with the first half of 2014/15. In line with previous years, this represented just over 5% of group sales.

Profit Before Tax

The group's profit before tax increased by 59% to GBP330.2 million (2014/15 GBP207.8 million). The reconciliation of underlying profit before tax to profit before tax is:

 
                                         30(th) September   30(th) September 
                                                     2015               2014 
                                              GBP million        GBP million 
 
 Underlying profit before tax                       208.3              216.4 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles               (9.0)              (8.6) 
 Profit on sale of Research Chemicals               130.9                  - 
 
 Profit before tax                                  330.2              207.8 
--------------------------------------  -----------------  ----------------- 
 

Exchange Rates

The main impact of exchange rate movements on the group's results comes from the translation of foreign subsidiaries' profit into sterling as the group does not hedge the impact on the income statement of these translation effects.

Overall, the impact of foreign currency translation on the group's results for the first six months was limited, primarily as sterling's weakness against the US dollar and Chinese renminbi was offset by its strength against the euro.

The average exchange rates during the first half of 2015/16 compared to the same period last year were:

 
                        Average exchange rate         % 
                      H1 2015/16   H1 2014/15    change 
 US dollar                 1.543        1.676        -8 
 Euro                      1.389        1.244       +12 
 Chinese renminbi           9.64        10.39        -7 
-------------------  -----------  -----------  -------- 
 

If current exchange rates are maintained throughout the remainder of 2015/16, foreign currency translation will continue to have a limited impact on the group's reported underlying operating profit.

Return on Invested Capital

The group's return on invested capital (ROIC) fell from 20.3% to 17.7%, mainly due to the higher average levels of working capital during the 12 month period.

Interest

The group's net finance costs were slightly lower than last year at GBP16.8 million.

Taxation

The tax charge on underlying profit before tax was GBP33.7 million. This represents an effective tax rate of 16.2%, down from 17.0% at the year end, primarily due to the continued reduction in the headline rate of corporation tax in the UK from 21% for 2014/15 to 20% for 2015/16. The group's total tax charge for the period was GBP50.9 million, a tax rate of 15.4% on profit before tax (H1 2014/15 16.8%).

Cash Flow

During the six months ended 30(th) September 2015 net cash inflow from operating activities was GBP545.2 million (six months ended 30(th) September 2014 GBP163.2 million). The group's total working capital decreased by GBP386.4 million from the year end. Excluding the element that relates to precious metals, working capital decreased by GBP71.5 million, from 66 days at 31(st) March 2015 to 64 days. Working capital in respect of precious metals also fell, by GBP314.9 million, due primarily to lower inventories and pgm prices.

(MORE TO FOLLOW) Dow Jones Newswires

November 19, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

The group's cash flow conversion (adjusting for the effect of movements in precious metal working capital) was 71% compared with 50% for the six months ended 30(th) September 2014, reflecting the decrease in working capital. We anticipate that cash flow conversion will average around 70% over the next few years.

Capital Expenditure

Capital expenditure was GBP98.1 million. The principal projects were to:

-- add further autocatalyst manufacturing capacity, primarily in the UK, to meet demand from the new light duty legislation;

   --     complete expansion of chemical catalyst manufacturing capacity in Europe; and 
   --     upgrade core business systems. 

We currently expect capital expenditure for the full year to be slightly below GBP280 million.

Pensions

The latest actuarial valuation of the group's principal UK pension scheme at 1(st) April 2015 has been completed. The valuation revealed a deficit of GBP69 million (1(st) April 2012 GBP214 million) in the legacy defined benefit career average section, or GBP28 million after taking account of the future additional deficit funding contributions from the special purpose vehicle set up in January 2013. The valuation also revealed a surplus of GBP2 million in the defined benefit cash balance section of the scheme, which was opened on 1(st) October 2012 when the defined benefit career average section was closed to new entrants.

The group's IAS 19 net liabilities associated with the pension and post-retirement medical benefit schemes, after taking account of the bonds held to fund the UK pension scheme deficit, at 30(th) September 2015 is estimated at GBP65.4 million (30(th) September 2014 GBP113.4 million).

The underlying cost of providing post-employment benefits for the period to 30(th) September 2015 was GBP28.9 million, up from GBP21.8 million last year. This increase, which is mainly non-cash, is predominantly due to discount rates being significantly lower at 31(st) March 2015 compared to the same point the year before. As noted in our results announcement on 4(th) June 2015, we expect the increase in the charge will be GBP15 million for 2015/16 as a whole and this will be included in the divisions' underlying operating profit.

Capital Structure

Net debt at the 30(th) September 2015 was GBP441.2 million, down GBP553.2 million since the year end. Net debt decreases to GBP431.0 million when adjusted for the bonds held to fund pensions less the post tax pension deficits. The group's net debt (including post tax pension deficits) / EBITDA for the 12 months to 30(th) September 2015 was 0.7 times (31(st) March 2015 1.7 times).

As described earlier on page 5, a special dividend of 150.0 pence per share, which represents a total payment of approximately GBP305 million, will be paid. Adjusting for this, the net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to EBITDA ratio for the 12 months ended 30(th) September 2015 would have been 1.2 times.

Going Concern

The directors have assessed the future funding requirements of the group and are of the opinion that the group has adequate resources to fund its operations for the foreseeable future. Therefore they believe that it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

Operations

Emission Control Technologies (ECT)

 
                                                          Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                                     2015          2014        %   constant 
                                                              GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                                            1,770         1,750       +1         +3 
 Sales (excluding precious 
  metals) 
            LDV Europe                                                339           305      +11        +17 
            LDV Asia                                                  136           123      +11         +9 
            LDV North America                                          99            89      +11         +2 
                                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
           Total Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) Catalysts                   574           517      +11        +12 
                                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
            HDD North America (on road)                               209           180      +16         +7 
            HDD Europe (on road)                                       93            94       -1         +7 
            HDD Asia (on road)                                         21            24      -10        -11 
            Other                                                      42            54      -24        -24 
                                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
           Total Heavy Duty Diesel (HDD) Catalysts                    365           352       +3         +1 
                                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total sales                                                          939           869       +8         +8 
                                                             ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit                                        136.0         118.1      +15        +16 
 Return on sales                                                    14.5%         13.6% 
 Return on invested capital 
  (ROIC)                                                            25.2%         23.4% 
-------------------------------------------  --------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 

Estimated LDV Sales and Production*

 
                                    Half Year to 30(th) September 
                                           2015              2014        % 
                                       millions          millions   change 
 North America    Sales                    10.7              10.3       +5 
  Production                                9.0               8.4       +6 
 
 Total Europe     Sales                     9.3               8.9       +4 
  Production                               10.0              10.3       -3 
 
 Asia             Sales                    18.1              18.2        - 
  Production                               21.3              22.7       -6 
 
 Global           Sales                    43.7              43.2       +1 
  Production                               42.9              44.1       -3 
 ----------------------------  ----------------  ----------------  ------- 
 

Estimated HDD Truck Sales and Production*

 
                                  Half Year to 30(th) September 
                                          2015             2014        % 
                                     thousands        thousands   change 
 North America    Sales                  283.3            257.4      +10 
  Production                             284.0            271.9       +4 
 
 EU               Sales                  148.3            129.7      +14 
  Production                             206.0            185.4      +11 
 ----------------------------  ---------------  ---------------  ------- 
 

*Source: LMC Automotive

ECT performed strongly with sales up 8% to GBP939 million and underlying operating profit 15% ahead at GBP136.0 million. Sales of LDV catalysts were buoyant, despite the 3% fall in global vehicle production, and increased by 11% to GBP574 million. In particular, the business benefited from the ramp up and full implementation of Euro 6b legislation in Europe and strong demand for its products in Asia. Sales in our on road HDD catalyst business were up 8% at GBP323 million, supported by continued strong demand for trucks in the US. On the other hand, demand for catalysts for non-road and stationary applications was well down.

ECT's return on sales increased by 0.9% to 14.5%, helped by continued efforts across the division to improve operating efficiency. However, the increase was mainly due to certain one-off benefits and we therefore expect margins in the second half to be lower. ROIC improved from 23.4% to 25.2% as a result of higher underlying operating profit.

Light Duty Vehicle (LDV) Catalysts

Our European LDV catalyst business had a strong first half, growing its sales by 11% to GBP339 million (17% up at constant rates), outperforming vehicle production in the region which was 3% down. The main driver of growth was sales of higher value catalysts to meet Euro 6b legislation. This imposes tighter NOx emission standards for diesel vehicles, bringing them much closer to those already in place for gasoline cars. It requires additional catalyst technology and increases sales value per vehicle for Johnson Matthey by around 20%. Euro 6b was in place for new models of diesel car from 1(st) September 2014 and by the start of our 2015/16 financial year less than half of EU diesel car production comprised new models requiring Euro 6b catalysts. This has increased during our first half and since 1(st) September 2015 the new legislation has applied to all diesel cars produced in the EU.

There has been continued commentary around NOx emissions from diesel vehicles and speculation as to whether diesel's share of production in Europe may decline. The proportion of diesel vehicles produced in Western Europe was stable at 51% in our first half (H1 2014/15 50%).

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November 19, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

We continue to expect diesel's share in Western Europe to gradually trend down due to the continuing fuel efficiency improvements in gasoline engines. That said, diesel engines offer fuel efficiency and CO(2) emission advantages over gasoline engines and, with continuing tightening legislation for NOx (Euro 6b) and, from September 2017, the introduction of real world driving emission standards (RDE), diesel vehicles are becoming cleaner. Furthermore, with the reduction in fleet average CO(2) limits from 130g/km to 95g/km in 2020, we still believe diesel will remain an important part of the mix going forward.

There has been renewed focus on vehicle emissions, particularly since mid-September, and we continue to monitor developments closely. The introduction of RDE in Europe for gasoline and diesel vehicles will bring the test cycle for vehicles in the EU more in line with how consumers actually drive their cars. Now that specific 'not to exceed' limits have been agreed for NOx emissions, more robust NOx control aftertreatment systems on diesel vehicles will be required. Consequently, we expect there will be increased focus on advanced selective catalytic reduction (SCR) NOx control systems for which Johnson Matthey already offers successful technologies. We have been working with our customers to develop solutions for RDE for some time and are confident that we have the technologies required to meet the legislation. At the same time, Euro 6c legislation will come into force to combat the emissions of harmful particles from gasoline engines. We currently anticipate that certain gasoline cars, such as those with direct injection, will require new, advanced coated particulate filter technology to meet the new standard. As a result, we expect our average sales value per vehicle to approximately double for those engines requiring additional particulate control, although the precise proportion of vehicles to which this will apply is not yet clear.

Emissions control remains an important agenda item in Europe, and across the globe, and as a leading supplier of catalyst technologies, Johnson Matthey remains well placed to benefit from the continued drive for cleaner air.

In Asia, our LDV catalyst business also had a good first half with sales up 11% to GBP136 million (9% at constant rates) despite a 6% fall in vehicle production in the region. Sales in all our major markets outpaced production. Our sales in China held up well, despite the market slowdown, benefiting from both a positive product and customer mix. In both Japan and South East Asia, vehicle production continued to weaken but our sales grew strongly as our customers have performed well. Sales in India grew in line with the increase in vehicle production.

In North America our catalyst sales increased by 11% to GBP99 million (up 2% at constant rates). Our volumes developed in line with the 6% market growth. However, our sales at constant rates were held back because of a less favourable product mix as our volumes included a greater proportion of less valuable catalysts.

Heavy Duty Diesel (HDD) Catalysts - On Road

Our North American on road HDD catalyst business continued to grow strongly with sales up 16% to GBP209 million (7% ahead at constant rates), outperforming the 4% growth in truck production in the region. Our business benefited from good sales of catalyst systems for large trucks (Class 8) which represent higher catalyst value per vehicle for Johnson Matthey. Following around 18 months of strong growth in truck production, which was driven by the continued recovery in the US economy and replacement of ageing fleets, growth in demand for Class 8 trucks has moderated somewhat from recent highs. However, the market is expected to remain robust during 2015/16 and Johnson Matthey is well positioned with a strong share in this sector.

In our European business, sales at constant rates grew well, up 7% to GBP93 million, but were 1% down at actual rates. In the EU, demand for our catalysts was strong, supported by the 11% growth in the truck market. On the other hand, our sales to South America were well down, impacted by a 36% decline in truck production in the region.

Sales in our business in Asia reduced by 10% from a low base to GBP21 million. In China, the Euro IV equivalent legislation is now extending beyond the major cities to areas where trucks are typically smaller with simpler engines. Consequently, this resulted in a higher proportion of our business comprising sales to smaller vehicles which require less catalyst content. As a result, our business in China saw strong growth in the number of catalyst units sold, despite the 29% fall in truck production. However, our sales were lower due to the reduction in average catalyst content per truck. We continue to believe that full fitment of trucks to meet Euro IV standards is unlikely to be achieved until well into the second half of the decade. Catalyst sales in Japan were robust, supported by the good growth in truck production in the country.

Heavy Duty Diesel (HDD) Catalysts - Other

Sales of catalyst systems for non-road and stationary applications were down 24% at GBP42 million. In the non-road market, this was mainly due to lower demand from the agricultural sector. Sales to stationary applications also reduced due to lower demand from US customers in the oil exploration industry.

Process Technologies

 
                                                 Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                            2015          2014        %   constant 
                                                     GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                                     289           286       +1          - 
 Sales (excluding precious 
  metals) 
            Syngas                                            87            81       +6         +7 
            Oleo/biochemicals                                 26            35      -24        -23 
            Petrochemicals                                    46            43       +7         +6 
                                                    ------------  ------------ 
 
            Chemicals                                        159           159        -          - 
                                                    ------------  ------------ 
 
            Refineries                                        61            66       -7        -12 
            Gas Processing                                    31            21      +50        +50 
            Diagnostic Services                               32            37      -13        -13 
                                                    ------------  ------------ 
 
            Oil and Gas                                      124           124       +1         -2 
                                                    ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total sales                                                 283           283        -         -1 
                                                    ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit                                35.9          49.7      -28        -28 
 Return on sales                                           12.7%         17.6% 
 Return on invested capital 
  (ROIC)                                                   12.3%         15.0% 
-----------------------------------  -------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 

As expected, trading conditions in many parts of Process Technologies were challenging. Whilst sales in the division were flat at GBP283 million, underlying operating profit reduced by 28% to GBP35.9 million. A less favourable product mix in catalysts and slower licensing activity adversely impacted performance in our Chemicals businesses. In addition, the impact of the slowdown in upstream oil and gas markets in our Diagnostic Services business also weighed heavily on the division's performance. As a result of the decline in underlying operating profit, the division's return on sales and ROIC declined to 12.7% and 12.3% respectively.

Chemicals

Sales in our Chemicals businesses were stable at GBP159 million with good demand from catalyst customers offset by lower licensing income. However, underlying operating profit was significantly down as a result of a more negative product mix for catalysts and a reduction in licensing activity. Sales derived from licensing, engineering and related activities were down 16% at GBP34 million and one new licence (H1 2014/15 two new licences) was secured in the period. Across our Chemicals businesses the slowdown in licensing activity in China continued as the country has sufficient capacity in place for many of our existing technologies. More broadly, ongoing projects globally have experienced delays and opportunities for new projects have reduced as a result of several factors. These include the impact of the lower oil price on investment sentiment and hence the technology decisions of our customers, lower demand for substitute natural gas (SNG) technology in China and the overall slower pace of economic growth in the country.

Sales of catalysts and licences in our Syngas business were up 6% at GBP87 million supported by strong sales of lower margin catalysts and licensed technology for the manufacture of formaldehyde. Sales of methanol and ammonia catalysts were slightly ahead although, as expected, demand for catalysts for the production of SNG were lower due to project delays. In addition, lower licensing activity further adversely impacted margins.

Sales in our Oleo/biochemicals business were down 24% at GBP26 million mainly as a result of lower licensing income. Demand for nickel based catalysts, which are used by our customers in the manufacture of food and personal care products, was stable. However, sales were held back slightly due to the lower average price for nickel which is a pass through cost to our customers.

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Sales in our Petrochemicals business increased by 7% to GBP46 million. Demand for catalysts was steady as increased sales of catalysts for the production of speciality products was offset by delayed orders from some customers. Licensing activity remained subdued but sales in the first half were boosted following the close out of an oxo alcohols project in China. One new licence was secured in the period for an oxo alcohols plant in India.

Oil and Gas

Our Oil and Gas businesses had a mixed start to the year with sales steady at GBP124 million (2% down at constant rates). Underlying operating profit was well down impacted by the performance of our Diagnostic Services business.

In our Refineries business, sales fell by 7% to GBP61 million (down 12% at constant rates) as a result of lower demand for hydrogen catalysts following a strong year in 2014/15 which saw good new plant activity. In some regions, oil refineries are running past their scheduled shutdowns to take advantage of increased margins resulting from the availability of inexpensive feedstocks. Consequently, our customers, the refinery hydrogen suppliers, are postponing their planned catalyst change outs and our hydrogen catalyst refill business has been slower in the first half. That said, we expect refill business to increase in the second half together with good sales of catalysts to new plants. Demand for our refinery additives, which are used to reduce emissions and improve performance in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) unit of the refinery, was good.

Our Gas Processing business, which supplies purification products used to remove mercury and sulphur impurities from natural gas, saw strong demand with sales up 50% to GBP31 million. The business benefited from some customers bringing forward refills from the second half.

Our Diagnostic Services business, which mainly serves the upstream oil and gas market, was significantly impacted by a slowdown in activity at its customers due to the low oil price. The business saw a fall in demand for its services across all regions as customers reduced their operating expenditure and our sales decreased by 13% to GBP32 million. However, the business' relatively high fixed cost base weighed more heavily on performance and as a result the business made an operating loss in the first half.

Precious Metal Products

 
                                       Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                  2015          2014        %   constant 
                                           GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                         4,218         3,432      +23        +19 
 Sales (excluding precious metals) 
            Precious Metals Management               9             9       +3         +1 
            Refining                                31            52      -40        -42 
 
            Services                                40            61      -34        -36 
                                          ------------  ------------ 
 
            Noble Metals                            64            69       -6         -7 
            Advanced Glass Technologies             36            41      -15        -10 
            Chemical Products                       25            22      +15        +10 
                                          ------------  ------------ 
 
            Manufacturing                          125           132       -5         -5 
                                          ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total sales                                       165           193      -15        -15 
                                          ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit                      36.1          52.0      -31        -31 
 Return on sales                                 21.9%         26.9% 
 Return on invested capital (ROIC)               19.3%         32.9% 
----------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 

The performance of Precious Metal Products (PMP) was impacted by substantially lower average pgm prices and from the absence of income from Gold and Silver Refining which was sold in March 2015. Sales were down 15% to GBP165 million and underlying operating profit was 31% lower at GBP36.1 million. Sales in the continuing businesses were down 5% and underlying operating profit was 25% lower. Return on sales and ROIC both decreased, to 21.9% and 19.3% respectively.

Services

Sales in the continuing businesses of PMP Services, which comprise its Precious Metals Management (PMM) and Pgm Refining and Recycling activities, reduced by 5% to GBP40 million but operating profit was significantly down. PMM saw steady trading activity and sales in the period were stable. In our first half, platinum and palladium prices fell substantially, averaging $1,064/oz (down 26%) and $691/oz (down 19%) respectively. This impacted sales in our Pgm Refining and Recycling business, which were 7% down at GBP31 million despite benefiting from slightly higher intake volumes compared to the same period last year. Whilst pricing was stable, a higher proportion of lower grade intakes together with the lower pgm prices adversely impacted margins. We have made good progress on resolving the processing issues associated with some intakes and we continue to anticipate that this will be resolved by the end of the financial year. As pgm prices continued to fall throughout the first half this resulted in lower intakes compared to the second half of last year and the outlook for intakes and pgm prices remains subdued.

Manufacturing

Sales in our Manufacturing businesses were 5% lower at GBP125 million and underlying operating profit was also down.

Our Noble Metals business, which supplies high technology products to the industrial, medical device and automotive sectors experienced slower markets with sales down 6% to GBP64 million. Sales of industrial products decreased 16% to GBP39 million with reduced demand for pgm alloy catalysts used in fertiliser manufacture following strong demand in Europe last year. Sales of other industrial products were also down. On the other hand, sales of medical components were up 16% at GBP25 million, boosted by good demand from customers in the US and favourable exchange rates.

Sales in our Advanced Glass Technologies business were 15% lower at GBP35 million (10% down at constant rates), primarily as a result of lower sales of decorative ceramic colour products following our exit from that market. The business saw steady demand for its black obscuration enamels for automotive glass applications, especially in Europe and the US, whilst demand from other industries was somewhat soft.

Chemical Products had a good first half with sales up 15% at GBP25 million supported by good demand for pgm salts for the pharmaceutical industry.

Fine Chemicals

 
                                          Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                     2015          2014        %   constant 
                                              GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                              173           174       -1         -4 
 Sales (excluding precious metals) 
            API Manufacturing                          98           100       -2         -7 
            Catalysis and Chiral Technologies          21            18      +18        +17 
            Research Chemicals                         38            37       +2          - 
                                                   ------  ------------ 
 
 Total sales                                          157           155       +1         -3 
                                                   ------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit                         40.6          41.8       -3         -8 
 Return on sales                                    25.9%         26.9% 
 Return on invested capital (ROIC)                  17.6%         18.4% 
-------------------------------------------------  ------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 
 

Sales in Fine Chemicals were steady at GBP157 million, up 1% on last year (3% down at constant rates), as good demand for catalysts, chiral technologies and custom services was offset by lower sales of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Underlying operating profit was down 3% at GBP40.6 million (8% lower at constant rates). This was primarily due to a safety shutdown following a fatal accident in July at our API Manufacturing plant in Riverside, USA. Return on sales decreased by 1.0% to 25.9% and ROIC also fell, by 0.8% to 17.6%.

API Manufacturing

Our API Manufacturing business' sales were down 2% at GBP98 million (7% down at constant rates) and operating profit was also lower due to the safety shutdown. Bulk opiate volumes reduced, primarily due to increased imports of finished drug products from outside the UK. Lower volumes as a result of the safety shutdown adversely impacted sales of APIs for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) treatments. However, sales of speciality opiates remained steady as lower demand for pain relief APIs, due to timing of orders, was offset by growth in demand for other speciality APIs, such as those used in the treatment of drug addiction. There was good demand for the provision of custom services for API development and manufacturing including a ramp up of sales to a customer for the development and production of a new API.

We have continued to expand our European API and clinical supply services and on 1(st) October completed a small acquisition, the Pharmorphix(R) business, which brings complementary specialist skills in material science. Refurbishment of the API manufacturing site in Annan, Scotland, which we acquired in November 2014, is progressing to plan and is expected to be regulatory compliant in mid 2016.

Catalysis and Chiral Technologies (CCT)

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CCT grew sales by 18% to GBP21 million and operating profit was also ahead supported by good demand for homogeneous catalysts and other speciality products used to enhance the efficiency of our pharmaceutical customers' reactions and processes.

Research Chemicals

Sales in our Research Chemicals business were 2% ahead at GBP38 million (flat at constant rates) and operating profit was stable. On 30(th) September we completed the sale of this business to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. for GBP255 million. This divestment is a further step in delivering our long term strategy to focus the group on areas where we can use our expertise in complex chemistry and its applications to deliver value adding sustainable technologies for our customers.

New Businesses

 
                                     Half Year to 30(th) September                % at 
                                                2015          2014        %   constant 
                                         GBP million   GBP million   change      rates 
 Revenue                                          74            37     +101       +119 
 Sales (excluding precious metals) 
              Battery Technologies                62            35      +79        +97 
              Fuel Cells                           4             2     +169       +169 
              Other                                6             - 
                                        ------------  ------------ 
 
 Total sales                                      72            37      +98       +116 
                                        ------------  ------------ 
 
 Underlying operating profit / (loss)          (9.9)        (12.0)      +18        +19 
--------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------  --------- 
 

New Businesses continued to make good progress with sales at constant rates more than doubling to GBP72 million and underlying operating loss reducing by 18% to GBP9.9 million. The division benefited from the contribution from recently acquired businesses in Battery Technologies and Atmosphere Control Technologies (ACT). Excluding acquisitions the division's sales were 16% ahead (27% up at constant rates). We continued to invest in research and development to support other long term new business areas.

Battery Technologies

Our Battery Technologies business made very good progress in the first half, with sales up 79% to GBP62 million (97% at constant rates) boosted by the contribution from the two battery materials acquisitions completed during 2014/15. Excluding these acquisitions, sales were 9% higher. Overall, excluding acquisition-related costs, Battery Technologies broke even in the period.

Demand for battery systems for non-automotive applications such as e-bikes was strong, although sales of battery systems to automotive customers were slower. Johnson Matthey has also made good progress in battery materials where our focus is on materials for highly demanding applications such as for the automotive sector. We are a leading supplier of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material, which is used in power dense automotive applications such as hybrid buses, and sales of these materials have been strong, especially in China. Integration of the acquired businesses is progressing in line with our expectations and we have begun to realise benefits from R&D, manufacturing and commercial synergies.

We have continued to work on next generation battery materials and on developing relationships with key partners in the supply chain. We are working closely with LG Chemicals, a global leading independent provider of batteries for automotive use, regarding technical development and supply of advanced battery materials for passenger cars. In addition, we have recently signed a memorandum of understanding with Canada based Nemaska Lithium Inc. relating to the long term supply of lithium salts.

Fuel Cells

Sales in our Fuel Cells business were GBP4 million, supported by demand from non-automotive customers for applications including combined heat and power (CHP), backup power and materials handling.

For transport applications, the phased emissions regulation in California, USA and the impact of Japan's Basic Energy Plan continue to incentivise the introduction of small numbers of fuel cell powered cars and we have continued to work with a number of original equipment manufacturers on their development programmes.

The net expense of our Fuel Cells business reduced to GBP4.9 million and we are reviewing our level of ongoing investment.

New Business Development

Our ACT business is progressing in line with expectations following the acquisition of the StePac Modified Atmosphere Packaging business in May 2015. We continue to expect ACT to deliver sales of around GBP20 million in 2015/16 and to make a small operating profit in the year after taking account of integration costs.

We invested just under GBP5 million in other new opportunities, the most advanced being our Water Purification business.

Outlook

The group's results in the first half of 2015/16 benefited from the strong performance in ECT and good progress in New Businesses. The group delivered 5% sales growth but its performance was impacted by the more challenging environments in several of our other key markets. These more difficult conditions are expected to continue and, as described on page 5, we are taking action to reduce our costs. A charge of around GBP40 million (of which approximately GBP35 million will be in cash) will be excluded from our underlying results in the second half and anticipated annual cost savings of around GBP30 million will commence within Q4 of the current financial year.

Looking ahead, on a reported currency basis and including the initial cost benefits from our restructuring programme, the outlook for the divisions is as follows:

Emission Control Technologies

After a strong first half, the outlook for ECT remains positive. We expect the division to continue its strong performance, benefiting from the full introduction of Euro 6b legislation from September 2015 and from good demand for our HDD catalysts in the USA. Consequently, we anticipate ECT's performance in the second half to be similar to that in the first half.

Process Technologies

Challenging trading conditions had an adverse impact on performance in many of Process Technologies' markets and we expect that these markets will remain subdued. The continuing low oil price has significantly reduced business opportunities in our Diagnostic Services business and further impacted investment sentiment and hence the technology decisions of our customers in the chemicals sector. Consequently, anticipated demand in a number of our key markets has deteriorated further in our first half, exacerbated by the lower growth outlook in China. On the other hand, demand for refill catalysts is expected to be stronger in the second half, especially in the final quarter, as a result of timing of catalyst replacements at our customers' plants. As a result, despite a weak order book for Q3, we anticipate the underlying performance in Process Technologies in the second half should be ahead of the first half. However, performance for the year as a whole is expected to be significantly lower than that in 2014/15.

Precious Metal Products

The outlook for intakes in our Pgm Refining and Recycling business remains weak and if current pgm prices prevail, the business' performance will continue to be adversely impacted in the second half. We expect our Manufacturing businesses to remain steady. Taken together, at current pgm prices, the division's performance is expected to be lower in the second half compared to the first half of the year.

Fine Chemicals

The outlook for Fine Chemicals' continuing businesses is positive, supported by anticipated strong growth in API Manufacturing due to timing of orders and higher production volumes from the Riverside plant. Despite the absence of income from Research Chemicals for the remainder of the year, we expect the division's performance in the second half to be ahead of the first half.

New Businesses

New Businesses' sales in the second half will continue to benefit from the contribution of the recently acquired battery materials businesses. We anticipate good demand for our battery materials in the second half and our Battery Technologies business remains on track to break even for the year, excluding integration costs. We expect that the level of investment in the division will be lower in the second half compared to the first half such that the operating loss for the year as a whole will reduce modestly.

Overall

For the second half, we expect the group to deliver good underlying growth on a continuing basis* compared with the first half of the year, although timing of refill catalyst orders in Process Technologies are strongly weighted towards Q4 and hence some risk in its outlook remains. In the current environment of low pgm and oil prices, and the more muted outlook in the chemicals markets that we supply, the outlook for Process Technologies and Precious Metal Products is expected to be weaker than we had previously anticipated. Despite this, the underlying performance of the group's continuing businesses* in 2015/16 is expected to be similar to 2014/15. The full year outlook for the group is in line with current market expectations.

Johnson Matthey remains well placed to benefit from major global sustainability drivers such as the continued drive to improve air quality, energy security, urbanisation and the increasing need for healthcare. The restructuring actions taken in the second half will benefit the group's results towards the end of the financial year and this, together with attractive key end markets, position the group to return to growth in 2016/17.

*2014/15 and 2015/16 adjusted to exclude contribution of Gold and Silver Refining and Research Chemicals businesses.

Risks and Uncertainties

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The principal risks and uncertainties to which the group is exposed are unchanged from those identified in our 2015 annual report. The principal risks and uncertainties, together with the group's strategies to manage them, are set out on pages 22 to 27 of the annual report. They are:

 
 STRATEGIC                                                      OPERATIONAL 
 
  *    Responding to, identifying or capitalising on             *    Operating safely, including in line with changes i 
       appropriate growth opportunities within our existing     n 
       business or new growth opportunities                           health, safety, environmental and other regulation 
                                                                s 
                                                                      and standards 
 
   *    Technological change                                      *    Supply chain (including availability of strategic 
                                                                       materials) 
                                                                *    Security of assets 
 
 MARKET                                                         *    Ethics and compliance 
 
 
   *    Responding to changes in global political and            *    The effective recruitment, retention and developme 
        economic conditions or future environmental             nt 
        legislation                                                   of high quality staff to support the growth of our 
                                                                      business 
                                                                *    Intellectual property and know-how 
 
                                                                *    Failure of significant sites 
 
                                                                *    Business transition 
 
 

Responsibility Statement of the Directors in respect of the Half-Yearly Report

The Half-Yearly Report is the responsibility of the directors. Each of the directors as at the date of this responsibility statement, whose names and functions are set out below, confirms that to the best of their knowledge:

-- the condensed consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 - 'Interim Financial Reporting'; and

-- the interim management report included in the Half-Yearly Report includes a fair review of the information required by:

a) DTR 4.2.7R of the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed consolidated accounts; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

b) DTR 4.2.8R of the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the company during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so.

The names and functions of the directors of Johnson Matthey Plc are as follows:

 
 Tim Stevenson       Chairman 
 Odile Desforges     Non-executive director 
 Alan Ferguson       Non-executive director, Senior Independent Director and 
                      Chairman of the Audit Committee 
 Den Jones           Group Finance Director 
 Robert MacLeod      Chief Executive 
 Colin Matthews      Non-executive director 
 Chris Mottershead   Non-executive director 
 Larry Pentz         Executive director 
 Dorothy Thompson    Non-executive director, Chairman of the Remuneration 
                      Committee 
 John Walker         Executive director 
 

The responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 18(th) November 2015 and is signed on its behalf by:

Tim Stevenson

Chairman

Independent Review Report

to Johnson Matthey Plc

Introduction

We have been engaged by the company to review the condensed consolidated accounts in the Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015 which comprise the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income, the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet, the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement, the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity and the related explanatory notes. We have read the other information contained in the Half-Yearly Report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the condensed consolidated accounts.

This report is made solely to the company in accordance with the terms of our engagement to assist the company in meeting the requirements of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules (DTR) of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority (UK FCA). Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the company those matters we are required to state to it in this report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached.

Directors' responsibilities

The Half-Yearly Report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the Half-Yearly Report in accordance with the DTR of the UK FCA.

The annual accounts of the group are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (EU). The condensed consolidated accounts included in this Half-Yearly Report have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 -- 'Interim Financial Reporting' as adopted by the EU.

Our responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the company a conclusion on the condensed consolidated accounts in the Half-Yearly Report based on our review.

Scope of review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 -- 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the UK. A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK and Ireland) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the condensed consolidated accounts in the Half-Yearly Report for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015 are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the EU and the DTR of the UK FCA.

Stephen Oxley

for and on behalf of KPMG LLP

Chartered Accountants

15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL

18(th) November 2015

Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

 
 
                                                            Six months ended     Year ended 
                                                          30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                               Notes  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
Revenue                                            2      5,755.1      4,799.9     10,059.7 
Cost of sales                                           (5,351.6)    (4,403.4)    (9,242.0) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Gross profit                                                403.5        396.5        817.7 
Operating expenses                                        (178.5)      (162.4)      (340.6) 
Profit on sale or liquidation of businesses        4        130.9            -         73.0 
Amortisation of acquired intangibles               5        (9.0)        (8.6)       (17.3) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Operating profit                                   2        346.9        225.5        532.8 
Finance costs                                              (20.3)       (23.1)       (47.0) 
Finance income                                                3.5          5.2          9.5 
Share of profit of joint venture                              0.1          0.2          0.5 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Profit before tax                                           330.2        207.8        495.8 
Income tax expense                                         (50.9)       (35.0)       (68.5) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Profit for the period                                       279.3        172.8        427.3 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent company                                280.0        173.7        428.7 
Non-controlling interests                                   (0.7)        (0.9)        (1.4) 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                            279.3        172.8        427.3 
                                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                            pence        pence        pence 
 
Earnings per ordinary share attributable to the equity 

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 holders of the parent company 
 Basic                                             7        137.9         85.6        211.2 
 Diluted                                           7        137.8         85.3        210.7 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

 
 
                                                               Six months ended     Year ended 
                                                             30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                  Notes  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
Profit for the period                                          279.3        172.8        427.3 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Other comprehensive income: 
Items that will not be reclassified to profit 
 or loss: 
 Remeasurements of post-employment benefits 
  assets and liabilities                             11         74.0       (13.6)       (52.1) 
 Tax on above items taken directly to or 
  transferred from equity                                     (19.0)          3.6         13.7 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                                55.0       (10.0)       (38.4) 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Items that may be reclassified subsequently 
 to profit or loss: 
 Currency translation differences                             (39.1)       (16.3)       (11.6) 
 Cash flow hedges                                                6.7        (1.8)       (16.2) 
 Fair value gain on net investment hedges                        4.7         10.0         26.5 
 Fair value (loss) / gain on available-for-sale 
  investments                                                  (3.9)          2.5          6.1 
 Tax on above items taken directly to or 
  transferred from equity                                      (3.0)          0.3          2.3 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                              (34.6)        (5.3)          7.1 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Other comprehensive income / (expense) for 
 the period                                                     20.4       (15.3)       (31.3) 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total comprehensive income for the period                      299.7        157.5        396.0 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Attributable to: 
Owners of the parent company                                   300.4        158.3        397.2 
Non-controlling interests                                      (0.7)        (0.8)        (1.2) 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
                                                               299.7        157.5        396.0 
                                                         -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet

as at 30(th) September 2015

 
 
                                                            30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                 Notes  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
Assets 
Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment                               1,075.9      1,035.4      1,081.0 
Goodwill                                                      553.6        566.7        548.0 
Other intangible assets                                       202.7        176.8        187.5 
Deferred income tax assets                                     22.6         33.8         21.6 
Investments and other receivables                              94.1         77.2         82.0 
Interest rate swaps                                  8         17.2         11.1         19.0 
Post-employment benefits net assets                 11          6.2          8.5          6.9 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total non-current assets                                    1,972.3      1,909.5      1,946.0 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Current assets 
Inventories                                                   639.4        634.2        859.4 
Current income tax assets                                      26.3         33.6         20.6 
Trade and other receivables                                   967.4      1,009.5      1,130.9 
Cash and cash equivalents -- cash and deposits       8        481.2        133.0         59.4 
Interest rate swaps                                               -          2.1            - 
Other financial assets                                         13.6          9.9         14.4 
Non-current assets classified as held for 
 sale                                                             -            -        149.0 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total current assets                                        2,127.9      1,822.3      2,233.7 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total assets                                                4,100.2      3,731.8      4,179.7 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Liabilities 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables                                    (761.9)      (751.1)      (799.5) 
Current income tax liabilities                              (113.7)      (112.1)       (95.9) 
Cash and cash equivalents -- bank overdrafts         8       (17.3)       (25.1)       (55.5) 
Other borrowings, finance leases and related 
 swaps                                               8       (29.3)      (172.1)      (234.7) 
Other financial liabilities                                  (10.9)        (5.8)       (25.5) 
Provisions                                                   (23.6)       (18.6)       (36.4) 
Liabilities classified as held for sale                           -            -       (49.8) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total current liabilities                                   (956.7)    (1,084.8)    (1,297.3) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Non-current liabilities 
Borrowings, finance leases and related swaps         8      (893.0)      (751.0)      (782.6) 
Deferred income tax liabilities                              (96.9)       (90.9)       (70.0) 
Employee benefits obligations                       11      (125.3)      (177.1)      (203.4) 
Provisions                                                   (26.0)       (27.9)       (20.8) 
Other payables                                                (5.8)        (4.4)        (5.5) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total non-current liabilities                             (1,147.0)    (1,051.3)    (1,082.3) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total liabilities                                         (2,103.7)    (2,136.1)    (2,379.6) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Net assets                                                  1,996.5      1,595.7      1,800.1 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Equity 
Share capital                                                 220.7        220.7        220.7 
Share premium account                                         148.3        148.3        148.3 
Shares held in employee share ownership trust 
 (ESOT)                                                      (54.9)       (54.6)       (54.7) 
Other reserves                                               (55.6)       (33.3)       (21.0) 
Retained earnings                                           1,749.3      1,324.6      1,517.3 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total equity attributable to owners of the 
 parent company                                             2,007.8      1,605.7      1,810.6 
Non-controlling interests                                    (11.3)       (10.0)       (10.5) 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Total equity                                                1,996.5      1,595.7      1,800.1 
                                                        -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

 
 
                                                                  Six months ended     Year ended 
                                                                30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                     Notes  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
Cash flows from operating activities 
Profit before tax                                                 330.2        207.8        495.8 
Adjustments for: 
Share of profit of joint venture                                  (0.1)        (0.2)        (0.5) 
Profit on sale of continuing activities                         (130.9)            -       (69.7) 
Depreciation, amortisation, impairment losses 
 and (profit) / loss on 
sale of non-current assets and investments                         77.1         73.9        153.2 
Share-based payments                                                1.2          4.1          7.7 

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Changes in working capital and provisions                         294.0       (92.4)      (416.0) 
Changes in fair value of financial instruments                    (7.6)        (2.2)        (0.7) 
Net finance costs                                                  16.8         17.9         37.5 
Income tax paid                                                  (35.5)       (45.7)       (81.5) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Net cash inflow from operating activities                         545.2        163.2        125.8 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Cash flows from investing activities 
Dividends received from joint venture                                 -          0.4          0.4 
Purchases of non-current assets and investments                 (119.3)       (79.8)      (212.1) 
Proceeds from sale of non-current assets 
 and investments                                                    0.2          0.1          3.8 
Purchases of businesses                                          (15.5)       (29.0)       (76.8) 
Net proceeds from sale of businesses                              251.1            -        113.7 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Net cash inflow / (outflow) from investing 
 activities                                                       116.5      (108.3)      (171.0) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Cash flows from financing activities 
Net cost of ESOT transactions in own shares                       (3.1)       (17.1)       (17.1) 
(Repayment of) / proceeds from borrowings 
 and finance leases                                              (83.0)        (2.7)         49.1 
Dividends paid to owners of the parent company           6      (100.5)       (92.3)      (129.9) 
Settlement of currency swaps for net investment 
 hedging                                                          (0.1)            -          2.8 
Interest paid                                                    (17.3)       (20.1)       (40.9) 
Interest received                                                   2.2          4.1          7.4 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Net cash outflow from financing activities                      (201.8)      (128.1)      (128.6) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
 in period                                                        459.9       (73.2)      (173.8) 
Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents                   0.1        (1.5)            - 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of 
 period                                                             3.9        182.6        182.6 
Transferred to current assets classified 
 as held for sale                                                     -            -        (4.9) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period               8        463.9        107.9          3.9 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
Reconciliation to net debt 
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 
 in period                                                        459.9       (73.2)      (173.8) 
Repayment of / (proceeds from) borrowings 
 and finance leases                                                83.0          2.7       (49.1) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Change in net debt resulting from cash flows                      542.9       (70.5)      (222.9) 
Transferred to assets classified as held 
 for sale                                                             -            -        (4.9) 
Exchange differences on net debt                                   10.3        (2.3)       (37.4) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Movement in net debt in period                                    553.2       (72.8)      (265.2) 
Net debt at beginning of period                                 (994.4)      (729.2)      (729.2) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
Net debt at end of period                                8      (441.2)      (802.0)      (994.4) 
                                                            -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

 
 
                                   Share      Shares                                   Non- 
                                                held 
                       Share     premium          in        Other     Retained  controlling        Total 
                     capital     account        ESOT     reserves     earnings    interests       equity 
                         GBP         GBP         GBP 
                     million     million     million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
At 1(st) April 
 2014                  220.7       148.3      (52.7)       (27.9)      1,271.1        (6.3)      1,553.2 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period            -           -           -        (5.4)        163.7        (0.8)        157.5 
Dividends paid 
 (note 6)                  -           -           -            -       (92.3)        (0.1)       (92.4) 
Purchase of 
 non-controlling 
 interests                 -           -           -            -        (6.6)        (2.8)        (9.4) 
Purchase of 
 shares by ESOT            -           -      (17.1)            -            -            -       (17.1) 
Share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -          7.5            -          7.5 
Cost of shares 
 transferred 
 to employees              -           -        15.2            -       (18.6)            -        (3.4) 
Tax on 
 share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -        (0.2)            -        (0.2) 
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
At 30(th) 
 September 2014        220.7       148.3      (54.6)       (33.3)      1,324.6       (10.0)      1,595.7 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period            -           -           -         12.3        226.6        (0.4)        238.5 
Dividends paid 
 (note 6)                  -           -           -            -       (37.6)        (0.1)       (37.7) 
Share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -          7.1            -          7.1 
Cost of shares 
 transferred 
 to employees              -           -       (0.1)            -        (3.6)            -        (3.7) 
Tax on 
 share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -          0.2            -          0.2 
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
At 31(st) March 
 2015                  220.7       148.3      (54.7)       (21.0)      1,517.3       (10.5)      1,800.1 
Total 
 comprehensive 
 income 
 for the period            -           -           -       (34.6)        335.0        (0.7)        299.7 
Dividends paid 
 (note 6)                  -           -           -            -      (100.5)        (0.1)      (100.6) 
Purchase of 
 shares by ESOT            -           -       (3.2)            -            -            -        (3.2) 
Share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -          5.0            -          5.0 
Cost of shares 
 transferred 
 to employees              -           -         3.0            -        (6.6)            -        (3.6) 
Tax on 
 share-based 
 payments                  -           -           -            -        (0.9)            -        (0.9) 
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
At 30(th) 
 September 2015        220.7       148.3      (54.9)       (55.6)      1,749.3       (11.3)      1,996.5 
                  ----------  ----------  ----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

Notes on the Accounts

for the six months ended 30(th) September 2015

 
 
1  Basis of preparation 
 
 

The half-yearly accounts were approved by the Board of Directors on 18(th) November 2015, and are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors. These condensed consolidated accounts do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of section 435 of the Companies Act 2006, but have been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 -- 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. The accounting policies applied are set out in the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31(st) March 2015. None of the amendments to standards and interpretations which the group has adopted during the period has had a material effect on the reported results or financial position of the group. Information in respect of the year ended 31(st) March 2015 is derived from the company's statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying its report and did not contain any statement under sections 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 
 
2   Segmental information by business segment 
 
                              Emission                   Precious 

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                               Control       Process        Metal         Fine          New 
                          Technologies  Technologies     Products    Chemicals   Businesses  Eliminations        Total 
                           GBP million   GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million   GBP million  GBP million 
 
    Six months ended 
    30(th) 
    September 2015 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                    1,656.4         283.1      3,574.1        168.3         73.2             -      5,755.1 
 Inter-segment revenue           113.9           5.9        644.0          4.2          0.7       (768.7)            - 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Total revenue                 1,770.3         289.0      4,218.1        172.5         73.9       (768.7)      5,755.1 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 External sales 
  excluding 
  precious metals                938.7         277.3        146.1        154.1         71.4             -      1,587.6 
 Inter-segment sales               0.2           5.8         18.9          2.8          0.7        (28.4)            - 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 Sales excluding 
  precious 
  metals                         938.9         283.1        165.0        156.9         72.1        (28.4)      1,587.6 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  operating 
  profit / (loss)                136.0          35.9         36.1         40.6        (9.9)             -        238.7 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------ 
 Unallocated corporate 
  expenses                                                                                                      (13.7) 
                                                                                                           ----------- 
 Underlying operating 
  profit                                                                                                         225.0 
 Profit on sale or liquidation of businesses 
  (note 4)                                                                                                       130.9 
 Amortisation of 
  acquired 
  intangibles (note 5)                                                                                           (9.0) 
                                                                                                           ----------- 
 Operating profit                                                                                                346.9 
 Net finance costs                                                                                              (16.8) 
 Share of profit of 
  joint 
  venture                                                                                                          0.1 
                                                                                                           ----------- 
 Profit before taxation                                                                                          330.2 
                                                                                                           ----------- 
 
 Segmental net assets            932.2         768.6        312.7        421.1        152.3             -      2,586.9 
                          ------------  ------------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ------------  ----------- 
 
 
 
 
 
                                    Emission                Precious 
                                     Control       Process     Metal         Fine           New 
                                Technologies  Technologies  Products    Chemicals    Businesses  Eliminations          Total 
                                                                 GBP 
                                 GBP million   GBP million   million  GBP million   GBP million   GBP million    GBP million 
 
     Six months ended 30(th) September 
      2014 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                          1,622.1         282.5   2,688.5        170.7          36.1             -        4,799.9 
 Inter-segment revenue                 127.7           3.4     743.2          3.3           0.6       (878.2)              - 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total revenue                       1,749.8         285.9   3,431.7        174.0          36.7       (878.2)        4,799.9 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 External sales excluding 
  precious metals                      868.7         279.1     176.7        153.3          36.0             -        1,513.8 
 Inter-segment sales                     0.4           3.4      16.3          2.0           0.5        (22.6)              - 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Sales excluding precious 
  metals                               869.1         282.5     193.0        155.3          36.5        (22.6)        1,513.8 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  operating 
  profit / (loss)                      118.1          49.7      52.0         41.8        (12.0)             -          249.6 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
 Unallocated corporate 
  expenses                                                                                                            (15.5) 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 Underlying operating profit                                                                                           234.1 
 Amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles (note 5)                                                                                                 (8.6) 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 Operating profit                                                                                                      225.5 
 Net finance costs                                                                                                    (17.9) 
 Share of profit of joint 
  venture                                                                                                                0.2 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 Profit before taxation                                                                                                207.8 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 
 Segmental net assets                  993.8         719.4     324.7        473.4          93.7             -        2,605.0 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 
     Year ended 31(st) March 
      2015 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                          3,321.4         593.3   5,690.2        362.6          92.2             -       10,059.7 
 Inter-segment revenue                 256.3           6.3   1,487.8          7.7           1.1     (1,759.2)              - 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Total revenue                       3,577.7         599.6   7,178.0        370.3          93.3     (1,759.2)       10,059.7 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 External sales excluding 
  precious metals                    1,781.2         585.1     346.8        322.0          89.6             -        3,124.7 
 Inter-segment sales                     0.7           6.1      32.5          4.6           0.9        (44.8)              - 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 Sales excluding precious 
  metals                             1,781.9         591.2     379.3        326.6          90.5        (44.8)        3,124.7 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 Segmental underlying 
  operating 
  profit / (loss)                      236.9         106.0     101.5         88.8        (22.1)             -          511.1 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------ 
 Unallocated corporate 
  expenses                                                                                                            (34.0) 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 Underlying operating profit                                                                                           477.1 
 Profit on sale or liquidation 
  of businesses                                                                                                         73.0 
 Amortisation of acquired 
  intangibles (note 5)                                                                                                (17.3) 
                                                                                                               ------------- 

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 Operating profit                                                                                                      532.8 
 Net finance costs                                                                                                    (37.5) 
 Share of profit of joint 
  venture                                                                                                                0.5 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 Profit before taxation                                                                                                495.8 
                                                                                                               ------------- 
 
 Segmental net assets                1,033.8         778.3     554.2        509.5         134.0             -        3,009.8 
                                ------------  ------------  --------  -----------  ------------  ------------  ------------- 
 
 
     Effect of exchange rate changes on translation of foreign subsidiaries 
3     sales excluding precious 
       metals and operating profits 
                                                                                       Six months ended         Year ended 
     Average exchange rates used for translation 
      of results of foreign operations                                             30.9.15            30.9.14      31.3.15 
 
 US dollar / GBP                                                                     1.543              1.676        1.613 
 Euro / GBP                                                                          1.389              1.244        1.275 
 Chinese renminbi / GBP                                                               9.64              10.39         9.99 
 
 

The main impact of exchange rate movements on the group's sales and operating profit comes from the translation of foreign subsidiaries' results into sterling.

 
                                                         Six months ended         Change 
                                       Six months             30.9.14                 at 
                                            ended      At last      At this  this year's 
                                                        year's       year's 
                                          30.9.15        rates        rates        rates 
                                      GBP million  GBP million  GBP million            % 
 
 Sales excluding precious metals 
 Emission Control Technologies              938.9        869.1        872.2           +8 
 Process Technologies                       283.1        282.5        285.0           -1 
 Precious Metal Products                    165.0        193.0        194.0          -15 
 Fine Chemicals                             156.9        155.3        161.2           -3 
 New Businesses                              72.1         36.5         33.4         +116 
 Elimination of inter-segment sales        (28.4)       (22.6)       (23.3) 
                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Sales excluding precious metals          1,587.6      1,513.8      1,522.5           +4 
                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Underlying operating profit 
 Emission Control Technologies              136.0        118.1        117.6          +16 
 Process Technologies                        35.9         49.7         49.7          -28 
 Precious Metal Products                     36.1         52.0         52.1          -31 
 Fine Chemicals                              40.6         41.8         43.9           -8 
 New Businesses                             (9.9)       (12.0)       (12.2)          +19 
 Unallocated corporate expenses            (13.7)       (15.5)       (15.8) 
                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Underlying operating profit                225.0        234.1        235.3           -4 
                                      -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
 
   Profit on sale or liquidation of 
4   businesses 
 
 

On 30(th) September 2015 the group sold its Fine Chemicals' Research Chemicals business to Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc, a world leader in providing services to the scientific community, for GBP255.0 million resulting in a profit of GBP130.9 million which is excluded from underlying operating profit. The sale of the Research Chemicals business is a further step in delivering the group's long term strategy to focus on areas where it can use its expertise in complex chemistry and its applications to deliver value adding sustainable technologies for its customers.

 
 
5  Amortisation of acquired intangibles 
 
 

The amortisation of intangible assets which arise on the acquisition of businesses, together with any subsequent impairment of these intangible assets, is shown separately on the face of the income statement. It is excluded from underlying operating profit.

 
 
6  Dividends 
 
 

An interim dividend of 19.5 pence per ordinary share has been proposed by the board which will be paid on 2(nd) February 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8(th) January 2016. The estimated amount to be paid is GBP39.6 million and has not been recognised in these accounts. The board is also recommending a special dividend to shareholders of 150.0 pence per ordinary share which will be paid on 2(nd) February 2016 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 8(th) January 2016. The amount to be paid is approximately GBP305 million and has not been recognised in these accounts.

 
                                                        Six months ended     Year ended 
                                                      30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 2013/14 final ordinary dividend paid -- 45.5 
  pence per share                                           -         92.3         92.3 
 2014/15 interim ordinary dividend paid -- 18.5 
  pence per share                                           -            -         37.6 
 2014/15 final ordinary dividend paid -- 49.5 
  pence per share                                       100.5            -            - 
                                                  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total dividends                                        100.5         92.3        129.9 
                                                  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
 
7  Earnings per ordinary share 
 
 

The calculation of earnings per ordinary share is based on a weighted average of 203,050,798 shares in issue (six months ended 30(th) September 2014 202,949,119 shares, year ended 31(st) March 2015 202,993,386 shares). The calculation of diluted earnings per ordinary share is based on the weighted average number of shares in issue adjusted by the dilutive outstanding share options and long term incentive plans. These adjustments give rise to an increase in the weighted average number of shares in issue of 96,194 shares (six months ended 30(th) September 2014 621,712 shares, year ended 31(st) March 2015 500,635 shares).

 
     Underlying earnings per ordinary share are calculated 
      as follows: 
                                                                  Six months ended      Year ended 
                                                                 30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                             GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 Profit for the year attributable to equity holders 
  of the parent company                                            280.0        173.7        428.7 
 Profit on sale or liquidation of businesses 
  (note 4)                                                       (130.9)            -       (73.0) 
 Amortisation of acquired intangibles (note 5)                       9.0          8.6         17.3 
 Tax thereon                                                        17.2        (2.2)        (6.4) 
 Underlying profit for the year                                    175.3        180.1        366.6 
                                                          --------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
                                                                   pence        pence        pence 
 
 Basic underlying earnings per share                                86.3         88.7        180.6 
                                                          --------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 
8    Net debt 
                                                                 30.9.15      30.9.14      31.3.15 
                                                             GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 Cash and deposits                                                 481.2        133.0         59.4 
 Bank overdrafts                                                  (17.3)       (25.1)       (55.5) 
                                                          --------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents                                         463.9        107.9          3.9 
 Other current borrowings, finance leases and 
  related swaps                                                   (29.3)      (172.1)      (234.7) 
 Current interest rate swaps                                           -          2.1            - 
 Non-current interest rate swaps                                    17.2         11.1         19.0 
 Non-current borrowings, finance leases and related 
  swaps                                                          (893.0)      (751.0)      (782.6) 
                                                          --------------  -----------  ----------- 
 Net debt                                                        (441.2)      (802.0)      (994.4) 

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                                                          --------------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 

Offset arrangements across group businesses have been applied to arrive at the cash and deposits and bank overdrafts figures. At 30(th) September 2015 the offsets were GBP158.8 million (30(th) September 2014 GBP122.7 million, 31(st) March 2015 GBP63.1 million).

 
 
9  Precious metal operating leases 
 
 

The group leases, rather than purchases, precious metals to fund temporary peaks in metal requirements provided market conditions allow. These leases are from banks for specified periods (typically a few months) and for which the group pays a fee. These arrangements are classified as operating leases. The group holds sufficient precious metal inventories to meet all the obligations under these lease arrangements as they fall due. At 30(th) September 2015 precious metal leases were GBP55.4 million (30(th) September 2014 GBP53.1 million, 31(st) March 2015 GBP18.7 million).

 
 
10  Transactions with related parties 
 
 

There have been no material changes in related party relationships in the six months ended 30(th) September 2015 and no other related party transactions have taken place which have materially affected the financial position or performance of the group during that period.

 
 
11  Post-employment benefits 
 
 

The group has updated the valuation of its main post-employment benefit plans, which are its UK and US pension plans and US post-retirement medical benefits plan, at 30(th) September 2015.

 
 Movements in the net post-employment benefits assets 
  and liabilities were: 
                                            UK post-                  US post- 
                                          retirement                retirement 
                                     UK      medical           US      medical 
                                pension     benefits     pensions     benefits        Other        Total 
                            GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 At 1(st) April 2015             (77.2)       (11.0)       (26.6)       (46.6)       (32.3)      (193.7) 
 Current service cost            (19.0)            -        (5.1)        (0.7)        (0.8)       (25.6) 
 Net interest                     (1.5)        (0.2)        (0.5)        (0.9)        (0.2)        (3.3) 
 Curtailment gain                     -            -          1.1            -            -          1.1 
 Past service cost                    -            -        (0.2)            -            -        (0.2) 
 Remeasurements                    66.9            -          5.1          2.0            -         74.0 
 Company contributions             25.4            -          4.2            -          1.2         30.8 
 Exchange adjustments                 -            -          0.8          1.1        (1.1)          0.8 
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 At 30(th) September 2015         (5.4)       (11.2)       (21.2)       (45.1)       (33.2)      (116.1) 
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 These are included in the balance sheet 
  as: 
                                30.9.15      30.9.15      30.9.14      30.9.14      31.3.15      31.3.15 
                                  Post-                     Post-                     Post- 
                             employment     Employee   employment     Employee   employment     Employee 
                               benefits     benefits     benefits     benefits     benefits     benefits 
                             net assets  obligations   net assets  obligations   net assets  obligations 
                            GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 UK pension plan                      -        (5.4)            -       (77.7)            -       (77.2) 
 UK post-retirement 
  medical 
  benefits plan                       -       (11.2)            -        (9.6)            -       (11.0) 
 US pension plans                     -       (21.2)            -       (16.8)            -       (26.6) 
 US post-retirement 
  medical 
  benefits plan                     5.2       (50.3)          5.1       (45.6)          6.1       (52.7) 
 Other plans                        1.0       (34.2)          3.4       (24.9)          0.8       (33.1) 
                            -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 Total post-employment 
  plans                             6.2      (122.3)          8.5      (174.6)          6.9      (200.6) 
                            -----------               -----------               ----------- 
 Other long term employee 
  benefits                                     (3.0)                     (2.5)                     (2.8) 
                                         -----------               -----------               ----------- 
 Total long term employee benefits 
  obligations                                (125.3)                   (177.1)                   (203.4) 
                                         -----------               -----------               ----------- 
 
 
 
12  Acquisitions 
 
 

On 18(th) May 2015 the group acquired 100% of Stepac L.A. Ltd. and its subsidiaries plus related assets for GBP20.3 million.

 
 
13  Post balance sheet event 
 
 

After 30(th) September 2015 the group has commenced a restructuring programme, particularly in Process Technologies. The estimated cost is around GBP40 million and will be excluded from underlying profit.

 
 
14  Financial Instruments 
 
 

Fair values are measured using a hierarchy where the inputs are:

   --     Level 1 --  quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. 

-- Level 2 -- not level 1 but are observable for that asset or liability either directly or indirectly. The fair values are estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using appropriate market sourced data at the balance sheet date.

   --     Level 3 --  not based on observable market data (unobservable). 
 
 Financial instruments measured at fair 
  value are: 
 
                                          30.9.15      30.9.15      30.9.14      30.9.14      31.3.15      31.3.15 
                                            Level        Level        Level        Level        Level        Level 
                                                1            2            1            2            1            2 
                                      GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 Quoted bonds purchased to fund pension deficit 
   included in: 
     Non-current investments                 50.7            -         52.7            -         54.4            - 
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Quoted available-for-sale investments included 
  in: 
     Non-current investments                  1.0            -            -            -            -            - 
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Interest rate swaps included in: 
     Non-current assets                         -         17.2            -         11.1            -         19.0 
     Current assets                             -            -            -          2.1            -            - 
     Current liabilities                        -        (0.4)            -        (0.8)            -        (0.5) 
     Non-current liabilities                    -            -            -        (5.8)            -            - 
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 Forward foreign exchange and precious metal price 
   contracts and currency swaps 
    included in: 
     Current other financial assets             -         13.6            -         10.0            -         14.4 
     Current other financial 
      liabilities                               -       (10.9)            -        (5.8)            -       (25.5) 
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 
 The fair value of financial instruments is approximately 
  equal to book value except for: 
                                          30.9.15      30.9.15      30.9.14      30.9.14      31.3.15      31.3.15 
                                         Carrying         Fair     Carrying         Fair     Carrying         Fair 
                                           amount        value       amount        value       amount        value 
                                      GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million  GBP million 
 
 US Dollar Bonds 2015, 2016, 2022, 
  2023, 2025 
 and 2028                                 (522.1)      (518.6)      (606.0)      (603.0)      (536.9)      (536.7) 
 Euro Bonds 2021 and 2023                  (88.9)      (103.8)       (93.5)      (110.6)       (87.4)      (104.0) 
 Euro EIB loans 2019                       (91.9)       (94.7)       (96.6)      (101.0)       (90.3)       (94.6) 
 Sterling Bonds 2024                       (65.0)       (67.1)       (65.0)       (65.8)       (65.0)       (69.8) 
 Other bank loans repayable from 
  two to three years                        (1.6)        (1.2)            -            -        (1.9)        (1.3) 
                                      -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------  ----------- 
 

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November 19, 2015 02:00 ET (07:00 GMT)

Unquoted investments included in non-current available-for-sale investments are held at cost at 30(th) September 2015 of GBP8.4 million (30(th) September 2014 GBP8.5 million, 31(st) March 2015 GBP8.4 million) as their fair value cannot be measured reliably. There is no active market for these investments since they are investments in a company that is in the start up phase and in investment vehicles that invest in start up companies and are categorised as level 3.

Financial Calendar

 
 
2015 
 
16(th) December 
General Meeting 
 
2016 
 
7(th) January 
Ex dividend date (interim dividend) 
 
8(th) January 
Record date (interim dividend, special dividend and share consolidation) 
 
11(th) January 
Ex dividend date (special dividend) 
Share consolidation takes effect (subject to approval at the General 
 Meeting) 
 
2(nd) February 
Payment of interim dividend 
Payment of special dividend (subject to approval at the General Meeting) 
 
2(nd) June 
Announcement of results for the year ending 31(st) March 2016 
 
9(th) June 
Ex dividend date 
 
10(th) June 
Final dividend record date 
 
20(th) July 
125(th) Annual General Meeting (AGM) 
 
2(nd) August 
Payment of final dividend subject to declaration at the AGM 
 
 
Cautionary Statement 
This announcement contains forward looking statements that are subject 
 to risk factors associated with, amongst other things, the economic 
and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries 
 and sectors in which the group operates. It is believed that the 
expectations reflected in this announcement are reasonable but they 
 may be affected by a wide range of variables which could cause 
actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. 
 
 
Johnson Matthey Public Limited Company 
Registered Office: 5th Floor, 25 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB 
Telephone: 020 7269 8400 
Internet address: www.matthey.com 
E-mail: jmpr@matthey.com 
 
Registered in England -- Number 33774 
 
Registrars 
Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA 
Telephone: 0871 384 2344 
Internet address: www.shareview.co.uk 
 
 
 
  Key Financial Data 
  for the six months ended 30(th) September 
  2015 
 
  Group Highlights (Underlying Results) 
                                                                       ---------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------ 
                                Six months                                                                              Six months 
                                   ended                         % at                                                      ended 
                           30.9.15      30.9.14              constant                                                 30.9.15      30.9.14 
                               GBP          GBP                                                                           GBP          GBP 
                           million      million         %       rates                                                 million      million       % 
                           -------  -----------  --------  ----------                                           -------------  -----------  ------ 
 Sales excluding precious                                              Earnings per share 
  metals                     1,588        1,514        +5          +4   (pence)                                          86.3         88.7      -3 
                           -------  ----------- 
                                                                       Dividend per share 
 Operating profit            225.0        234.1        -4          -4   (pence)                                          19.5         18.5      +5 
                                                                       Total research and 
 Net finance costs          (16.8)       (17.9)        +6               development                                      91.6         80.1     +14 
 Share of profit of 
  joint venture                0.1          0.2                        Pension costs                                     28.9         21.8     +33 
                           -------  ----------- 
                                                                       Net cash flow from 
 Profit before tax           208.3        216.4        -4               operating activities                            545.2        163.2 
 Income tax expense         (33.7)       (37.2)                        Capital expenditure                               98.1         71.3 
                           -------  ----------- 
 Profit after tax            174.6        179.2        -3              Net debt                                       (441.2)      (802.0) 
 ------------------------  -------  -----------  --------  ----------  ---------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------ 
 
Divisional Highlights 
                                                      ---------  ----  -------  -------  ---  -------  -------  ----  ------------  -------  ----- 
                           ECT               Process Technologies               PMP               Fine Chemicals             New Businesses 
                     Six months                Six months                 Six months             Six months                Six months 
                        ended                     ended                      ended                  ended                     ended 
                  30.9.15  30.9.14           30.9.15    30.9.14        30.9.15  30.9.14       30.9.15  30.9.14             30.9.15  30.9.14 
                      GBP      GBP               GBP        GBP            GBP      GBP           GBP      GBP                 GBP      GBP 
                  million  million    %      million    million     %  million  million    %  million  million     %       million  million      % 
                  -------  -------  ---  -----------  ---------  ----  -------  -------  ---  -------  -------  ----  ------------  -------  ----- 
 Sales excl. 
  precious 
  metals              939      869   +8          283        283     -      165      193  -15      157      155    +1            72       37    +98 
 Underlying 
  operating 
  profit            136.0    118.1  +15         35.9       49.7   -28     36.1     52.0  -31     40.6     41.8    -3         (9.9)   (12.0)    +18 
 Return on sales    14.5%    13.6%             12.7%      17.6%          21.9%    26.9%         25.9%    26.9%                 n/a      n/a 
 Return on 
  invested 
  capital           25.2%    23.4%             12.3%      15.0%          19.3%    32.9%         17.6%    18.4%                 n/a      n/a 
 ---------------  -------  -------  ---  -----------  ---------  ----  -------  -------  ---  -------  -------  ----  ------------  -------  ----- 
 
Divisional Sales Excluding Precious 
 Metals Detail                                                         Average Exchange Rates 
---------------------------------------------------------------------  --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                                Six months                                                                              Six months 
                                   ended                         % at                                                      ended 
                           30.9.15      30.9.14              constant                                                 30.9.15      30.9.14       % 
                                                                                                                -------------  -----------  ------ 
                               GBP          GBP 
                           million      million         %       rates  USD/GBP                                           1.54         1.68      -8 
                           -------  -----------  --------  ---------- 
 LDV Europe                    339          305       +11         +17  EUR/GBP                                           1.39         1.24     +12 
 LDV Asia                      136          123       +11          +9  RMB/GBP                                           9.64        10.39      -7 
                                                                       ---------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------ 
 LDV North America              99           89       +11          +2 
                           -------  ----------- 
 LDV                           574          517       +11         +12  Average Metal Prices 
                           -------  -----------                                                                 -------------  -----------  ------ 
 HDD North America (on                                                                                                  Six months 
  road)                        209          180       +16          +7                                                      ended 
 HDD Europe (on road)           93           94        -1          +7                                                 30.9.15      30.9.14 
 HDD Asia (on road)             21           24       -10         -11                                                    $/oz         $/oz       % 
                                                                                                                -------------  -----------  ------ 
 Other                          42           54       -24         -24  Platinum                                         1,064        1,447     -26 
                           -------  ----------- 
 HDD                           365          352        +3          +1  Palladium                                          691          849     -19 
                           -------  -----------                        ---------------------------------------  -------------  -----------  ------ 
 ECT                           939          869        +8          +8 
                           -------  ----------- 
 Syngas                         87           81        +6          +7 

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