Trading Update

RNS Number : 1836B

Hardide PLC

19 September 2018

 

The information communicated in this announcement includes inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation 596/2014

19 September 2018

Hardide plc

("Hardide" or "the Group" or "the Company")

Trading Update

Hardide (AIM: HDD), the developer and provider of advanced surface coating technology, is pleased to announce that it expects revenue for the year to 30 September 2018 to be ahead of market expectations and in excess of £4.4 million with EBITDA for the year to be in line with market forecasts.

This record revenue is primarily due to stronger than expected demand from the two major supply agreements previously announced - one being with a major international oil and gas operator and the other with a global provider of drilling completion technology, as well as the general recovery in demand from the oil and gas sector.

Costs associated with these contracts are greater than usual, due in one case to the sophisticated geometry of the component, which requires an unusually-high amount of process gas. In the other case, Hardide is responsible for the full supply of components including the metal and manufacturing costs. As a result of these factors, the gross margin percentage on this additional business is lower than ordinarily experienced.

In order to manage the high growth rate of the business, the cost base has been increased in line with projected demand and ahead of revenue. Accordingly, the Group expects EBITDA for the year to be in line with market forecasts.

Philip Kirkham, CEO of Hardide plc commented: "We are pleased to announce record revenue underpinned by a recovery in demand from the oil and gas sector, particularly from new customers with applications where the Hardide coating offers them significant technical and commercial advantages.  We are continuing to work with these customers to explore further opportunities and are optimistic for the future.

"The Company looks forward to reporting its preliminary results for the year to 30 September 2018 on or around 10 December 2018."

Enquiries:
Hardide plc Philip Kirkham, CEO Jackie Robinson, Communications Manager	Tel: [phone]  [e-mail]
IFC Advisory Graham Herring / Heather Armstrong / Florence Chandler	Tel: [phone]
finnCap Henrik Persson / James Thompson / Matthew Radley	Tel: [phone]

Notes to editors:

www.hardide.com

Hardide develops, manufactures and applies advanced technology tungsten-carbide coatings to a wide range of engineering components. Its patented technology is unique in combining, in one material, a mix of toughness and resistance to abrasion, erosion and corrosion; together with the ability to coat accurately interior surfaces and complex geometries. The material is proven to offer dramatic improvements in component life, particularly when applied to components that operate in very aggressive environments. This results in cost savings through reduced downtime and increased operational efficiency. Customers include leading companies operating in oil and gas exploration and production, valve and pump manufacturing.

 

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