Interim Management Statement

RNS Number : 5191I

Norcros PLC

26 July 2012

 



26 July 2012

("Norcros", the "Group" or the "Company")

Interim Management Statement

Norcros, the market leading supplier of innovative branded showers, tiles and adhesives, publishes its Interim Management Statement covering the 13 week period to 1 July 2012 ahead of its Annual General Meeting to be held today at 11.00am at Ladyfield House, Station Road, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 1BU.

Trading

Group revenue for the 13 week period was 8.5% higher on a constant currency basis compared to the same period last year. Group revenue in Sterling is up 2.4% compared to the same period last year, reflecting a weaker South African Rand.

Although market conditions remain tough, UK revenue was 3.9% higher compared to the same period last year.

Johnson Tiles recorded a revenue increase of 19.4% driven by further market share gains with B&Q who have implemented a major tile range review and new in-store tile shop. This has offset lower UK trade and export revenues which continue to reflect subdued market conditions.

The UK shower market remains challenging with the overall market declining during the period and being adversely impacted by the extra bank holiday in June, and further destocking in the trade segment. As a result, revenue at Triton was 13.1% lower compared to the same period last year, with UK revenue  9.6% lower, broadly in line with the market decline over the period. Export revenue, which is predominantly derived from Ireland and accounts for 12.5% of overall Triton revenue, was down 31.2% reflecting the general economic environment and the impact of the increasing Eurozone uncertainty in the period.

The encouraging momentum in our South African business achieved during the last quarter of the previous year has been maintained in this 13 week period with significant improvements in Johnson Tiles South Africa following the management and operational changes made during last year. South African revenue was 17.1% higher on a constant currency basis with all three businesses contributing to the strong start to the year. A significantly weaker Rand compared to last year means reported sterling revenues are 0.5% higher.

Outlook

Despite the prevailing conditions in our major markets, we believe the strength of our brands, our leading market positions, our customer relationships, and the positive momentum in Johnson Tiles South Africa gives the Board confidence that the Group should continue to make progress in line with market expectations for the current year.

ENQUIRIES:

Norcros plc	Tel: [phone]
Nick Kelsall, Group Chief Executive
Martin Payne, Group Finance Director
Hudson Sandler	Tel: [phone]
Nick Lyon
Charlie Jack
Katie Matthews

Notes to Editors

-     Norcros is a leading supplier of high quality and innovative showers, ceramic wall and floor tiles and adhesive products with operations primarily in the UK and South Africa.

-     In the UK, Norcros operates under three brands:

-     Triton Showers - Market leader in the manufacture and marketing of showers in the UK

-     Johnson Tiles - A leading manufacturer and supplier of ceramic tiles in the UK

-     Norcros Adhesives - Manufacturer of tile & stone adhesives, grouts and related products

-     In South Africa, Norcros operates under three brands:

-     Tile Africa - Chain of retail stores focused on ceramic and porcelain tiles, and associated products such as sanitary ware, showers and adhesives

-     Johnson Tiles South Africa - Manufacturer of ceramic and porcelain tiles

-     TAL - The leading manufacturer of ceramic, industrial and building adhesives

-     Norcros is headquartered in Wilmslow, Cheshire and employs around 1600 people. The company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. For further information please visit the Company website: http://www.norcros.com/

 

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