Interim Results

10 December 2009 API GROUP PLC INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS TO 30 SEPTEMBER 2009 * Sales £40.3m, down 20% on last year (25% lower at constant exchange rates). * Operating loss before exceptional items £1.0m, compared to £2.0m profit for the same period last year. * First half loss before tax on continuing operations £3.3m, after charging £1.7m financing costs and £0.7m exceptional costs. * £3.0m benefit from cost saving measures. * In comparison with the preceding six months, sales declined by 5% and operating losses almost halved (from £1.9m). * Group returned to profit at the operating level in the second quarter. * Reversal of £3.5m tax provision relating to sale of land in China. * Net cash flow from operating activities remained positive at £0.4m. * Net debt at £16.1m increased by £1.4m in the six month period, primarily in China. * New 3.5 year banking facility concluded with Barclays. Commenting, API's Chief Executive Andrew Turner said: "In view of the harsh trading environment faced by the Group, the reduction in half year losses compared to the preceding six months highlights the continuing benefit of our efforts to reduce costs. The return to profit as volumes recovered in the second quarter is an encouraging sign. While the general economic outlook remains uncertain, the increase in sales and business development activity in recent months provides some evidence that confidence within our customer base is returning." Enquiries : API Group plc Numis Securities Andrew Turner, Chief Executive Nick Westlake, Nomad Chris Smith, Finance Director James Serjeant, Corporate Broking 01625 650334 020 7260 1000 REPORT ON INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTH PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2009 Trading Performance The Group's trading performance in the half year to 30 September 2009 showed signs of improvement compared to the previous six months (ending 31 March 2009) as action to reduce costs went some way towards mitigating the effects of the recessionary trading environment. While the Group was loss-making for a second successive half year period, losses at the operating level were almost halved from the previous six months and the Group as a whole traded profitably at the operating level in the second quarter. Group sales for the six months ending 30 September 2009 were £40.3m, 20% lower than the same period last year (£50.5m) and 25% lower at constant exchange rates. US sales were significantly affected by the global economic slowdown (30% lower in local currency) while Asia Pacific and Europe suffered declines of 25% and 20% respectively. Compared to the previous half year, Group sales were 5% lower. Within this, second quarter volumes were 9% higher than the first quarter. The Group continued with its measures to trim the cost base, with year on year savings in the six month period amounting to £3.0m. Results also benefited from favourable exchange rates and lower average raw material prices. The reported operating loss, before exceptional items, of £1.0m compared to a loss in the previous six months of £1.9m and profit of £2.0m at the interim stage last year. All regions experienced year-on-year declines in profitability while reduced losses in Asia Pacific and North America were primarily responsible for the improvement over the previous six months. Exceptional costs were £0.7m (2008: £4.1m gain), relating to workforce rationalisation in Europe and residual relocation project costs in China. Net financing costs of £1.7m (2008: £1.3m) comprised interest expense of £0.8m (2008: £0.9m), UK pension plan interest of £0.6m (2008: £0.4m), and bank fee amortisation of £0.3m (2008: £0.3m). The prior year benefited from a £0.3m gain on hedging instruments. Net profit, after tax, was £0.2m, benefiting from the reversal of a £3.5m tax provision made at 31 March 2009 in respect of the profit on disposal of surplus land in China. The pension deficit, calculated in accordance with IAS19, increased to £11.1m compared to £7.1m at 31 March 2009. A 16% increase in the value of scheme assets has been offset by a 21% increase in liabilities as a result of lower assumptions on discount rates. Review of Operations Europe External sales from European operations were 19% lower than the prior year at £28.0m (20% lower at constant exchange rates) and 8% lower than the prior six months. Operating profits, before exceptional items at £1.2m were significantly down on £3.4m profit at the interim stage last year but marginally ahead of the preceding six months (profit of £1.1m). Year-on-year, turnover in Foils declined by 12%, with growth in the UK and especially Italy offset by weaker volumes in Germany, France and security holographics. Laminates sales were 31% lower due to reduced brand launch activity and packaging demand for premium consumer products as well as the end of a major promotional project in the tobacco sector. Cost reduction measures initiated over the past 18 months contributed £1.8m in the half year and ensured European operations remained profitable, including a robust performance in the second quarter. Margins on UK manufactured products also benefited from favourable exchange rates. North America Reported US sales were 15% lower than the corresponding period last year but 30% down at constant exchange rates. Compared to last year, the US business experienced a significant impact from de-stocking and reduced customer activity across all market sectors. However, with demand bottoming out in February 2009, interim sales came in 1% higher than the previous 6 months. Half year operating losses of £0.3m compared to a profit of £0.4m for the same period last year and £0.6m loss for the previous six months. The business returned to profit in the second quarter. Asia Pacific Reported sales for Asia Pacific for the six months to September 2009 were 21% lower at £4.2m (2008: £5.4m). At constant exchange rates, the region experienced a sales decline of 31%, primarily in China. Regional sales were 3% lower compared to the second half of last year with some recovery in China and a particularly strong performance in Australia. Operating losses for the region were £1.2m compared to £0.9m for the same period last year and a £1.8m loss for the previous six months. Having halted the deterioration in results in China, the new management team is focused on increasing sales and utilisation at the newly built foil manufacturing facility in Shanghai. Cash Flow and Borrowings Net cash flow from operating activities, including exceptional items, was £0.4m (2008: £4.6m). Working capital continued to be managed tightly throughout the period and capital expenditure at £0.7m was curtailed as a result of the weaker trading environment. The Group's net borrowings increased by £1.4m compared to March 2009. Debt in China increased by £1.2m as a result of trading losses and residual capital expenditure on the relocation project. Net debt in the US and Europe was substantially unchanged over the six month period. At 30 September 2009, the Group's main lending arrangements in the UK were due for renewal in July 2010. As a result, all borrowings under these facilities are classified as due within one year. Subsequent to the balance sheet date, in November 2009, the Group reached agreement with its main lender, Barclays, to renew the committed facilities to July 2013. As a result loans to the value of £10.9m shown as current at 30 September 2009 are now non-current and due in more than one year. Pension deficit The IAS 19 valuation of our UK and US defined benefit schemes has resulted in a deficit of £11.1m, a £4.0m increase from the deficit of £7.1m at 31 March 2009. The scheme assets have seen growth of 16% since 31 March 2009, but the scheme liabilities have increased by 21%. This deterioration is principally due to the reduction in the discount rate used to determine the value of the Scheme's liabilities. The discount rate is derived from 'AA' corporate bond yields which have fallen, reflecting the recovery in bond prices since the financial turmoil of 2008. Employees The Board wishes to express its gratitude to the Group's employees for their continued support during extremely challenging economic times. The workforce's flexibility in accommodating measures to contain and reduce costs is particularly appreciated. Dividend The Board is not recommending the payment of an interim dividend (2008: none) Outlook While the general economic outlook remains uncertain, the increase in sales and business development activity in recent months provides some evidence that confidence within our customer base is returning. The Group has made an encouraging start to the second half. Management is focused on maximising growth opportunities as market conditions improve and the business is well positioned to benefit from its lower cost base as sales volumes recover. GROUP INCOME STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 September 2009 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 30 6 months Year September 2009 to 30 to September 31 March 2008 2009 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing operations Revenue 1 40,331 50,454 93,451 Cost of sales (32,972) (39,219) (74,780) Gross profit 7,359 11,235 18,671 Other (8,329) (9,201) (18,577) operating costs Operating 1 (970) 2,034 94 (loss) / profit before exceptional items Exceptional 3 (690) 4,052 4,699 items Operating (1,660) 6,086 4,793 (loss) / profit from continuing operations Finance 4 276 310 revenue - Finance costs 4 (1,668) (1,610) (2,875) (1,668) (1,334) (2,565) (Loss) / (3,328) 4,752 2,228 profit on continuing activities before taxation Tax credit / 5 3,558 (1,628) (4,314) (expense) Profit/ 230 3,124 (2,086) (loss) from continuing operations Discontinued operations Loss from 6 (293) (1,298) discontinued - operations Profit / 230 2,831 (3,384) (loss) for the period (Loss) / (811) 1,920 (3,861) profit attributable to equity holders of the parent Profit 5 1,041 911 477 attributable to minority equity interest Profit / 230 2,831 (3,384) (loss) for the period Earnings per share (pence) Basic (loss) 7 (1.2) 3.2 (3.7) / earnings per share from continuing operations Diluted 7 (1.2) 3.1 (3.7) (loss) / earnings per share from continuing operations Basic (loss) 7 (1.2) 2.8 (5.5) / earnings per share on profit / (loss) for the period Diluted 7 (1.2) 2.7 (5.5) (loss) / earnings per share on profit / (loss) for the period GROUP STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME for the six months ended 30 September 2009 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year 30 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Profit / (loss) for the period 230 2,831 (3,384) Exchange differences on retranslation of foreign operations (1,870) 1,916 5,973 Change in fair value of effective cash flow hedge (interest rate swap) 120 (130) (360) Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension plans (3,968) 122 (3,925) Movement in deferred tax asset relating to defined benefit pension plans 1,111 (34) 1,099 Other comprehensive (loss) / income for the period (4,607) 1,874 2,787 Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the period, net of tax (4,377) 4,705 (597) Attributable to: Equity holders of the parent (4,663) 2,915 (3,367) Minority equity interest 286 1,790 2,770 (4,377) 4,705 (597) GROUP STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY for the six months ended 30 September 2009 Equity Foreign Total share Share Other exchange Retained shareholders' capital premium reserves reserve earnings equity £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Balance at 1 April 2008 8,998 7,136 298 (188) 5,568 21,812 Total recognised income and expense for the period - - - 1,037 1,878 2,915 Share based payments - - - - (26) (26) Balance at 30 September 2008 8,998 7,136 298 849 7,420 24,701 Total recognised income and expense for the period - - - 2,643 (8,925) (6,282) Buy back of deferred shares (8,297) - 8,297 - - - Share based payments - - - - (21) (21) Balance at 31 March 2009 701 7,136 8,595 3,492 (1,526) 18,398 Total recognised income and expense for the period - - - (1,115) (3,548) (4,663) Share based payments - - - - 12 12 Balance at 30 September 2009 701 7,136 8,595 2,377 (5,062) 13,747 GROUP BALANCE SHEET at 30 September 2009 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 September 2009 30 September 31 2008 March 2009 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Assets Non-current assets Property, plant and 33,969 32,990 38,342 equipment Intangible assets - 5,188 6,480 5,188 goodwill Trade and other 176 - 209 receivables Deferred tax assets 3,419 1,807 2,318 42,752 41,277 46,057 Current assets Trade and other 13,728 19,466 14,492 receivables Inventories 11,008 11,687 12,699 Other financial assets - 57 - - forward currency hedging contracts Cash and short-term 1,387 2,753 2,234 deposits 26,123 33,963 29,425 Total assets 68,875 75,240 75,482 Liabilities Current liabilities Trade and other 17,530 19,397 20,368 payables Financial liabilities 9 17,721 5,026 5,747 Income tax payable 372 1,877 4,259 Provisions - 27 - 35,623 26,327 30,374 Non-current liabilities Financial liabilities 9 - 13,031 11,539 Deferred tax 256 256 256 liabilities Provisions 57 65 61 Deficit on defined 10 11,133 3,184 7,081 benefit pension plans 11,446 16,536 18,937 Total liabilities 47,069 42,863 49,311 Net assets 21,806 32,377 26,171 Equity Called up share 701 8,998 701 capital Share premium 7,136 7,136 7,136 Other reserves 8,595 298 8,595 Foreign exchange 2,377 849 3,492 reserve Retained earnings (5,062) 7,419 (1,526) API Group 13,747 24,700 18,398 shareholders' equity Minority interest 8,059 7,677 7,773 Total equity 21,806 32,377 26,171 GROUP CASH FLOW STATEMENT for the six months ended 30 September 2009 Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year 30 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 Note £'000 £'000 £'000 Operating activities Group operating (1,660) 6,086 4,793 profit / (loss) Adjustments to reconcile group operating profit / (loss) to net cash flow from operating activities: Depreciation of 1,975 1,850 3,905 property, plant and equipment Impairment of - - 1,292 goodwill Loss / (profit) on 19 (4,083) (7,780) disposal of property, plant and equipment Movement in foreign 42 - - exchange hedging contracts Share-based 12 (26) (47) payments Difference between (174) (458) (1,021) pension contributions paid and amounts recognised in the income statement Decrease in 1,157 713 1,310 inventories Decrease in trade 285 268 5,224 and other receivables Increase / (1,280) 657 (731) (decrease) in trade and other payables Movement in (4) (61) (92) provisions Cash generated from 372 4,946 6,853 operations Income taxes 61 (377) (405) recovered / (paid) Net cash flow from 433 4,569 6,448 operating activities Investing activities Interest received - - 35 Purchase of (696) (2,311) (4,110) property, plant and equipment Sale of property, 24 3,320 8,706 plant and equipment Payment of legal costs (281) (232) (1,171) in respect of discontinued operations Net cash flow from (953) 777 3,460 investing activities Financing activities Interest paid (849) (1,772) (2,512) Dividends paid to (434) - (620) minority interests New borrowings 1,124 - 1,693 Repayment of (768) (2,297) (9,594) borrowings Net cash flow from (927) (4,069) (11,033) financing activities Increase / (1,447) 1,277 (1,125) (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Effect of exchange (93) 112 261 rates on cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash 151 1,015 1,015 equivalents at the beginning of the period Cash and cash 8 (1,389) 2,404 151 equivalents at the end of the period NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES Corporate information The consolidated interim financial statements of API Group plc for the six months ended 30 September 2009 were authorised for issue in accordance with a resolution of the directors on 9 December 2009. API Group plc is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company's shares are traded on the Alternative Investment Market of the London Stock Exchange. The principal activities of the Group are the manufacture and distribution of specialty foils and laminated materials. Basis of preparation The interim consolidated financial statements of the Group for the six months ended 30 September 2009 have been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting. These interim consolidated financial statements are unaudited. They do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985 and therefore do not include all the information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements and should be read in conjunction with the Group's latest annual financial statements as at 31 March 2009 which were prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU. The audited annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009, which represent the statutory accounts for that period, and on which the auditors gave an unqualified opinion, have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The Directors consider that after making appropriate enquiries that there is reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and therefore continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing these financial statements. Significant accounting policies The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim consolidated financial statements are consistent with those followed in the preparation of the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2009, except for the adoption of new Standards and Interpretations as of 1 January 2009 noted below. IAS 1 Revised Presentation of Financial Statements The revised Standard separates owner and non-owner changes in equity. The Statement of Changes in Equity includes only details of transactions with owners, with non-owner changes in equity shown as a single line. In addition, the Standard introduces the Statement of Comprehensive Income. It presents all items of recognised income and expense, either in one statement, or as two linked statements. The Group has elected to present two statements. IFRS 8 Operating Segments This Standard requires disclosure of information about the Group's operating segments and replaces the requirement to determine primary and secondary reporting segments of the Group. Adoption of this Standard does not have any effect on the financial position or performance of the Group. The Group has determined that the operating segments are the same as primary segments previously identified under IAS 14 Segmental Reporting. Summary segmental information is presented in Note 2. Improvements to IFRS In May 2008 the IASB issued an omnibus of amendments to its Standards, primarily with a view to removing inconsistencies and clarifying wording. There are separate transitional provisions for each Standard. The adoption of the relevant amendments to these Standards does not have any effect on the accounting policies, financial position or performance with the Group. NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 2. SEGMENTAL INFORMATION For management purposes, the Group is organised into three distinct independently managed geographic segments, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. The following table presents revenue and profit information for these segments. Segment performance is evaluated on earnings before central costs, exceptional items and financing costs. Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year 30 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Continuing Continuing Continuing Total revenue by region Europe 28,031 36,092 65,437 North America 9,752 11,502 21,855 Asia Pacific 4,227 5,372 9,399 42,010 52,966 96,691 Inter-segmental sales Europe 1,103 1,349 1,646 North America 213 495 852 Asia Pacific 363 668 742 1,679 2,512 3,240 External sales by region Europe 26,928 34,743 63,791 North America 9,539 11,007 21,003 Asia Pacific 3,864 4,704 8,657 40,331 50,454 93,451 Profit / (loss) from operations Europe 1,177 3,402 4,525 North America (278) 352 (276) Asia Pacific (1,203) (859) (2,612) Segment (loss) / profit (304) 2,895 1,637 Central costs (666) (861) (1,543) Total (loss) / profit from operations before exceptional items (970) 2,034 94 Exceptional items (690) 4,052 4,699 Operating (loss) / profit from continuing operations (1,660) 6,086 4,793 Net finance costs (1,668) (1,334) (2,565) (Loss) / profit before tax from continuing operations (3,328) 4,752 2,228 NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 3. EXCEPTIONAL ITEMS Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to 30 to 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Exceptional items charged against operating (loss) / profit comprise Relocation of (267) 4,133 6,537 China factory Impairment of - - (1,292) goodwill Restructuring of operating (423) (81) (546) businesses (690) 4,052 4,699 Exceptional items are material items which derive from events or transactions that fall within the ordinary activities of the Group and which need to be disclosed by virtue of their size or incidence. Relocation of China factory The charge in respect of the current year comprises residual reorganisation costs relating to the factory relocation project. The comparative figures relate to the net revenue impact of the project to relocate to a new factory location in Shanghai. The net gain for the year to 31 March 2009 was the result of a gain of £7,827,000 on the land sale net of relocation and restructuring costs of £1,290,000 associated with the move. Impairment of goodwill In the year to 31 March 2009, goodwill arising in the China business was impaired. Restructuring of operating businesses This relates largely to redundancy and other costs associated with business restructuring, primarily within the UK businesses. 4. FINANCE REVENUE AND FINANCE COSTS Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to 30 to 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Finance revenue Interest receivable on bank and other short term deposits - - 35 Gains arising on forward foreign currency contracts - 31 30 Gain on interest rate swap - 245 245 - 276 310 Finance costs Interest payable on bank loans and overdrafts (1,093) (1,208) (2,011) Other interest payable - - (138) Finance cost in respect of defined benefit pension plans (575) (402) (726) (1,668) (1,610) (2,875) NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 5. TAXATION Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to to 30 to 30 September 31 March September 2008 2009 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Current income tax UK Corporation tax (prior-year) 46 - - Overseas tax - current year charge (53) (1,508) (3,442) - reversal of prior-year tax charge 3,520 - 136 Total current income tax credit / (charge) 3,513 (1,508) (3,306) Deferred tax Origination and reversal of temporary differences 45 (120) (1,008) Total deferred tax 45 (120) (1,008) Total credit / (charge) in the income statement 3,558 (1,628) (4,314) The reversal of prior-year overseas tax charge relates to China. In the year to 31 March 2009, a provision of Rmb 38m was made for a specific land tax in respect of the profit on sale of surplus property in Shanghai after the relocation of operations to a new site. During the 6 months to 30 September 2009, documentation has been received from the Chinese authorities which indicates that no specific land taxation is expected to be payable in respect of this transaction. Accordingly, the provision has been released. The profit attributable to minority interest of £1,041,000 includes an amount of £1,725,000 which relates to the reversal of the prior-year tax charge as detailed above. 6. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS The loss on disposal of discontinued operations in prior periods related entirely to legal fees incurred in defending a claim for breach of warranties in connection with a business disposal made by the Group in 2005. The claim was settled in March 2009. NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 7. EARNINGS PER SHARE Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to 30 to 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Net (loss) / profit attributable to equity holders of the parent (811) 2,213 (2,563) company - continuing operations Loss attributable to equity holders of the - (293) (1,298) parent company - discontinued operations Net (loss) / profit attributable to equity (811) 1,920 (3,861) holders of the parent company Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to 30 to 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 No No No Basic weighted average 70,068,505 70,068,505 70,068,505 number of ordinary shares Dilutive effect of - 1,705,750 - employee share options Diluted weighted 70,068,505 71,774,255 70,068,505 average number of ordinary shares The weighted average number of shares excludes the shares owned by the API Group plc No.2 Employee Benefit Trust (58,221 ; 2008: 58,221). As any dilution would have the effect of reducing the loss per share, the diluted weighted average number of shares is equivalent to the basic weighted average number of shares for the reported period and for the full year to 31 March 2009. Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months 6 months Year to 30 to 30 to September September 31 March 2009 2008 2009 Earnings per share pence pence pence Continuing operations Basic earnings / (1.2) 3.2 (3.7) (loss) per share Diluted earnings / (1.2) 3.1 (3.7) (loss) per share Discontinued operations Basic earnings / - (0.4) (1.8) (loss) per share Diluted earnings / - (0.4) (1.8) (loss) per share Total Basic earnings / (1.2) 2.8 (5.5) (loss) per share Diluted earnings / (1.2) 2.7 (5.5) (loss) per share NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 8. CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 September 30 31 2009 September March 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash and short-term deposits 1,387 2,753 2,234 Bank overdrafts (2,776) (349) (2,083) (1,389) 2,404 151 9. FINANCIAL LIABILITIES Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 September 30 31 2009 September March 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 Current Bank overdrafts 2,776 349 2,083 Current instalments on bank loans 14,663 4,562 3,394 Forward currency hedging contracts 42 44 - Interest rate swap 240 71 270 17,721 5,026 5,747 Non-current Non-current instalments due on bank loans - 12,972 11,449 Interest rate swap - 59 90 - 13,031 11,539 Following the renegotiation of the Group's main bank facilities in November 2009, £10.9m of the reported current instalments of £14.7m would now be classified as non-current. NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued) 10. DEFINED BENEFIT PENSION PLAN DEFICIT The Group operates two defined benefit schemes, the API Group Pension and Life Assurance Scheme in the UK and the API Foils Inc North American Pension Plan in the US. Both of these schemes are closed to future accrual. The assets and liabilities of the defined benefit schemes are: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 30 September 30 31 2009 September March 2008 2009 £'000 £'000 £'000 United Kingdom Fair value of scheme assets 64,493 60,611 55,312 Present value of scheme liabilities (74,786) (63,622) (61,630) (10,293) (3,011) (6,318) United States Fair value of scheme assets 1,564 1,627 1,447 Present value of scheme liabilities (2,404) (1,800) (2,210) (840) (173) (763) Net pension liability (11,133) (3,184) (7,081) The movements in the net pension liability are as follows: Opening liability 7,081 3,482 3,482 Net cost recognised in arriving at operating profit - 263 228 Net cost recognised in finance costs 575 402 726 Taken to Statement of Comprehensive Income 3,968 (122) 3,925 Contributions from and scheme expenses borne by employers (413) (859) (1,431) Exchange differences (78) 18 151 Closing liability 11,133 3,184 7,081 The main assumptions used in valuing the present value of the scheme liabilities in the UK are as follows: Rate of increases in pensions in payment and deferred pensions 2.75% 3.20% 2.60% Inflation 2.95% 3.40% 2.80% Discount rate 5.70% 6.80% 6.85% ---END OF MESSAGE--- http://hugin.info/142028/R/1360215/331912.pdf This announcement was originally distributed by Hugin. 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