Johnson Service Group PLC AGM Statement (3477Y)

TIDMJSG

RNS Number : 3477Y

Johnson Service Group PLC

04 May 2023

4 May 2023

AIM: JSG

Johnson Service Group PLC

("JSG" or "the Group")

AGM Statement

JSG, a leading UK textile services provider, will be holding its Annual General Meeting today and will make the following statement:

Revenue in the first four months of the year amounted to some GBP135 million, 22.0% higher than 2022 which was still impacted by COVID-19. Organic revenue growth in the same period, which comprises both price increases and volume, was 6.4% in Workwear and 30.3% in HORECA.

Within HORECA, organic growth includes the installation of a further 7,800 new rooms in the first four months in our Hotel Linen business as volume continues to improve.

We are continuing to closely manage our cost base and have increased the proportion of the expected usage of gas and electricity that is at fixed prices to 85% and 87% respectively in the first half and 74% and 68% respectively in the second half of 2023. However, we continue to expect that energy costs will be a higher percentage of revenue in the current year as hedging benefits enjoyed in 2022 roll off and average pricing remains elevated.

The share buyback programme for up to GBP27.5 million excluding expenses announced in September 2022 ends today, in line with the current buyback authority. In addition to the GBP5.6 million deployed in 2022 a further GBP19.7 million has been deployed in 2023 bringing the total, as at close of business on 3 May 2023, to GBP25.3 million, excluding expenses. The Board will continue to review its capital allocation in line with the Group's stated policy.

Notwithstanding continuing cost pressures, we anticipate that, assuming the trading environment remains unchanged, we will report full year operating profit slightly ahead of current market expectations.

ENQUIRIES

 
 
   Johnson Service Group PLC 
 Peter Egan, CEO 
 Yvonne Monaghan, CFO 
 Tel: [phone] 
 
 Investec Investment Banking (NOMAD)   Camarco (Financial PR) 
 David Flin                            Ginny Pulbrook 
 Carlton Nelson                        Rosie Driscoll 
 Virginia Bull                         Letaba Rimell 
 Tel: [phone]                    Tel: [phone] 
 

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May 04, 2023 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)