Final Results

PZ CUSSONS PLC 10 September 2002 PZ CUSSONS PLC PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT Highlights - Operating profits increased by 27.0% to £46.8m from £36.9m - Pre-tax profits increased by 12.3% to £49.2m from £43.8m - Diluted earnings per share increased by 16.0% to 65.09p from 56.12p - Net funds maintained in excess of £100m at £103.4m from £120.9m - Dividend increase for year proposed of 10.5% to 26.25p from 23.75p Performance by region Operating Turnover (£m) profit (£m) 2002 2001 2002 2001 Europe 194.8 198.1 20.4 16.3 The focus on improving operating margins and Africa 150.5 119.7 19.5 14.7 pursuing growth in all units, particularly Asia 95.4 88.3 6.9 5.9 Nigeria and Indonesia, ------ ------ ------ ------ formed the basis of the 440.7 406.1 46.8 36.9 improved results. ======= ======= ======= ======= Europe The UK business has performed strongly during the year with some growth and much improved profitability. The relaunch of Imperial Leather in 2001, emphasising lather delivery, has continued with innovative new products - Shower Bar, Foamburst Foaming Handwash, Foamburst Scent-sations Shower Gel and in recent weeks the Bathtime Range. The Carex brand range has also been expanded with Gentle Foaming Handwash and Family Soft Wipes. To supplement television advertising, the UK unit has utilised various avenues of communication with consumers including sampling, extensive poster and radio campaigns and, this year, has explored sports sponsorship with a major involvement with the athletics and other events at the very successful Manchester Commonwealth Games. Poland has suffered a difficult year, with the market remaining extremely competitive. The management of the marketing and sales areas has been strengthened and relaunches of the major brands E (detergents), Luksja (soaps), Makler and Graphite (men's) and Kwiaty Polskie (skin care) are planned for this year. Greece has performed strongly with sales and profits up on the previous year. The Minerva and Horio olive oil and the Fast margarine ranges continue to be extended successfully. Africa During the year to May 2002, the Nigerian subsidiary achieved a 28% increase in turnover and a profit increase of 36%. The progress made by the civilian government has led to improved consumer spending power and a relatively stable currency. The company grew in all sectors with highlights being the launch of Elephant Extra detergent, the relaunches of Joy soap and Venus haircare and the introduction of the new HPZ refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Investment continues to be made to increase the capacity and the efficiency of all the factories. It has been necessary to increase stocking levels to meet the higher levels of demand and to cover for delays in the delivery of imported materials through the ports. The results in the other African units, Ghana, Kenya and Cameroun are similar to last year. Asia Turnover has grown substantially in Indonesia with the ongoing strategy of developing the distribution network by opening new depots throughout the vast group of islands, enabling the unit to access the population of over 200 million. The capacity of the factory in Jakarta is being expanded to cope with the increase in demand for the major brand ranges of Cussons Baby, Kids and Sweet Seventeen. Thailand also is now expanding rapidly by strengthening its distribution network, focusing on developing the Imperial Leather range and introducing certain of the Indonesian brands. The capacity of the factory in Bangkok is being increased to meet anticipated demand levels. In Australia, the sales of the principal brands, Radiant, Morning Fresh and Imperial Leather have been strong and profitability has continued to improve. The two smaller units of the region have reported contrasting results with the Middle East improving profitability and China remaining in loss. Change of name With effect from 31st May 2002 the company changed its name from Paterson Zochonis plc to PZ Cussons Plc. Investments The overall fall in world stock markets has impacted on investment gains which have reduced to nil from £3.1m. Since the year end markets have continued to fall and this is impacting on the current year. Interest receivable net has also reduced to £2.4m from £3.8m with the generally low level of world interest rates. Net funds have remained in excess of £100m despite investment in factory production and working capital, and the £12.9m spent on purchase of own shares. Purchase of own shares The company has continued to purchase its own shares in the market with the objective of improving earnings per share. During the year 1,468,000 ordinary and 1,154,000 'A' ordinary shares were purchased at a total cost of £12.9m. It is proposed to ask shareholders for authority to purchase up to a further 10% of the shares now in issue. Dividend The board is recommending a dividend increase of 10.5%. Outlook PZ Cussons maintains a strong balance sheet with adequate funds to finance planned opportunities for growth and to have the flexibility to continue to purchase its own shares. Increased sales are anticipated in: - UK, with the launch of the new Imperial Leather products - Nigeria, with new product ranges and increasing factory capacities - Indonesia and Thailand, with the development of new products, increased distribution, and larger factories Operating profit improvement will, however, be restricted by the impact of the strength of sterling against the dollar and the naira and also by increases of £3m in insurance premiums arising from the liquidity crisis in the insurance industry. Group focus remains to improve operating profitability and to pursue growth in all units, in particular the UK, Nigeria and Indonesia. Consolidated Profit and Loss Account for the Year to 31st May 2002 2002 2001 £000 £000 Turnover 440,720 406,062 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Operating profit 46,794 36,859 Net investment income / interest payable 2,380 6,935 --------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 49,174 43,794 Taxation on profit on ordinary activities (16,285) (13,564) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit on ordinary activities after taxation 32,889 30,230 Equity minority interests (3,794) (2,973) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit for the financial year 29,095 27,257 Preference dividends (770) (770) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit attributable to ordinary capital 28,325 26,487 Ordinary dividends (10,840) (10,858) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Profit for the financial year retained 17,485 15,629 ===================================================================== Basic earnings per ordinary share 65.50p 56.32p Diluted earnings per ordinary share 65.09p 56.12p Dividend for the year per ordinary share 26.25p 23.75p The results for both years arise from continuing operations Balance Sheets as at 31st May 2002 The group Parent company 2002 2001 2002 2001 (restated) (restated) £000 £000 £000 £000 Fixed assets Intangible assets: Goodwill 988 511 - - Negative goodwill (2,388) (2,519) - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- (1,400) (2,008) - - Tangible assets 158,821 167,849 - - Investments: Subsidiary companies - - 94,730 92,559 Other investments - - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 157,421 165,841 94,730 92,559 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Current assets Stocks 118,956 92,066 - - Debtors falling due within one year 50,810 51,489 65,801 39,720 Debtors falling due after one year 8,220 8,037 1,656 2,046 Investments 106,757 131,290 44,478 40,101 Cash at bank and in hand 10,975 8,586 27 - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 295,718 291,468 111,962 81,867 Creditors - amounts falling due within one year (112,873)(119,342) (62,891) (46,710) -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net current assets 182,845 172,126 49,071 35,157 -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total assets less current liabilities 340,266 337,967 143,801 127,716 Creditors - amounts falling due after one year (19,578) (19,206) (8,391) (9,008) Provisions for liabilities and charges (15,846) (14,880) - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Net assets 304,842 303,881 135,410 118,708 ========================================================================== Capital and reserves Equity ordinary share capital 4,293 4,555 4,293 4,555 Non-equity preference share capital 7,898 7,898 7,898 7,898 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total called up share capital 12,191 12,453 12,191 12,453 Reserves attributable to equity interests: Capital redemption reserve 451 189 451 189 Revaluation reserve 37,303 43,688 - - Profit and loss account 211,173 204,625 122,768 106,066 ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total shareholders' funds 261,118 260,955 135,410 118,708 Equity minority interests 43,724 42,926 - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- 304,842 303,881 135,410 118,708 ========================================================================= Group Cash Flow Statement 2002 2001 £000 £000 Cash flow from operating activities 35,036 66,705 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (545) 5,067 Taxation (16,026) (14,454) Capital expenditure and financial investment (11,720) (4,773) Acquisitions and disposals (708) 1,488 Equity dividends paid (10,464) (10,305) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Cash (outflow) / inflow before use of liquid resources and financing (4,427) 43,728 Management of liquid resources 24,060 (29,649) Financing (19,106) (14,561) ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Increase / (decrease) in cash in the period 527 (482) ======================================================================= 2002 2001 £000 £000 Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net funds Increase / (decrease) in cash in the period 527 (482) Cash outflow from financing 6,162 6,723 Cash (inflow) / outflow from management of liquid resources (24,060) 29,649 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Change in net funds resulting from cash flows (17,371) 35,890 Currency retranslation (80) (652) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Movement in net funds in the period (17,451) 35,238 Opening net funds 120,861 85,623 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Closing net funds 103,410 120,861 ====================================================================== Group Cash Flow Statement continued Analysis of net funds At 31st May Cash Exchange At 31st May 2001 flow difference 2002 £000 £000 £000 £000 Cash in hand and at bank 8,586 2,396 (7) 10,975 Overdrafts (8,837) (1,869) 338 (10,368) ------- 527 Loans due within one year (10,178) 6,162 62 (3,954) Deposits 107,658 (26,810) (461) 80,387 Other current asset investments 23,632 2,750 (12) 26,370 ------- (24,060) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 120,861 (17,371) (80) 103,410 ============================================================================== Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses 2002 2001 (restated) £000 £000 Profit for the financial year 29,095 27,257 Currency retranslation 554 (3,707) Deficit on revaluation (4,932) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total recognised gains and losses relating to the year 24,717 23,550 ========================================================================== Prior year adjustment (note 1) (768) - -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total recognised gains and losses since the last annual report 23,949 23,550 ========================================================================== NOTES 1 A prior year adjustment of £768,000 has been made in respect of additional deferred tax provided on the adoption of Financial Reporting Standard 19, 'Deferred Tax'. In addition, deferred tax assets and liabilities previously shown net are now included in debtors or provisions as appropriate. Comparative figures have been restated accordingly. The implementation of FRS 19 had no material effect on the profit and loss account in either the current or the prior year, consequently prior year taxation charges have not been restated. 2 Segmental reporting Third party Profit before turnover taxation 2002 2001 2002 2001 £000 £000 £000 £000 Geographical areas - by origin Europe 194,827 198,092 20,387 16,296 Africa 150,536 119,723 19,522 14,656 Asia 95,357 88,247 6,885 5,907 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 440,720 406,062 46,794 36,859 Investment income 4,444 8,941 Interest payable (2,064) (2,006) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 49,174 43,794 ============================================================================= 3 AGM and dividend The board is recommending a final dividend of 19.25p per share which, together with the interim dividend of 7.00p gives a total distribution of 26.25p, an increase of 10.5% over the total of 23.75p last year. The date of the annual general meeting has been fixed for Monday November 4th 2002 and dividend warrants in respect of the proposed final dividend, subject to shareholders' approval, will be posted on that day to members on the register at 5.00 pm on 4th October 2002. 4 Basis of accounts The 2002 results are an abridged version of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31st May 2002 which have been approved by the board of directors and which carry an unqualified audit report. The 2001 results are an abridged version of the statutory accounts for the year ended 31st May 2001 which carry an unqualified audit report and which have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. Neither accounts contain a statement in respect of s.237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. Enquiries 10th September 2002 PZ Cussons Plc 0161 491 8000 Graham Calder (Between 9.00 am and 5.15 pm) Finance Director Weber Shandwick Square Mile 020 7950 2800 Terry Garrett/Josh Royston This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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