Senior PLC
16 April 2003
16 April 2003
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
At today's AGM of Senior plc, the Chairman, James Kerr-Muir, made the following
statement -
'Trading in the first quarter was in line with the Board's expectations as set
out in the Company's preliminary announcement issued on 6th March 2003.
In the Aerospace Division, first quarter sales were a little down year on year,
but profitability was ahead. This was primarily due to a lower cost base and
operational improvements. We continue to pursue new business, not only on the
Airbus A380 and the Joint Strike Fighter projects, but also with customers who
are seeking more efficient suppliers. The war in Iraq is likely to result in a
further slow down in the new build civil airline market as the revenues of the
airlines decline and they delay deliveries of new aircraft and engines. Overall
we anticipate that the pattern of trading seen in the Aerospace Division in the
first quarter will continue, certainly in the first half of 2003.
In the Automotive Division, first quarter sales were down year on year and as a
result profits were lower. This was due to some programmes ending and a slowdown
in our two main markets - the USA and Europe. Development work continued,
however, and there are a healthy number of new products being offered to
customers. Most of the new product development work is associated with diesel
engine production - primarily in Europe, where diesel engines now account for
40% of all engines built, and increasingly in the USA where we are working with
the heavy truck engine makers who are now introducing the common rail diesel
technology.
Capital expenditure in Automotive will be higher in 2003 than it was in 2002 as
capacity is added to put new programmes into production. In Aerospace the needs
will be lower and therefore capital expenditure for the Group overall is
expected to be similar to the levels seen in 2002.
In the Industrial Division, markets continued to be weak both in North America
and in Europe although in the first quarter sales and profits were only slightly
lower year on year. We continue to work on making disposals amongst the European
operations within this division.
The Board currently expects that the results for the year will be in line with
market expectations and, with the continued focus on cash generation, a modest
reduction in net debt is anticipated during the second half of the year.'
For further information please contact:
Senior plc
Graham Menzies, Group Chief Executive 01923 714702
Mark Rollins, Group Finance Director 01923 714738
Finsbury Group
Charlotte Hepburne-Scott 020 7251 3801
Gordon Simpson
This announcement can be viewed at: www.seniorplc.com
Note to Editors:
Senior is an international engineering group with annual sales of around £400m
and with operations in 12 countries. Senior designs, manufactures and markets
high technology components and systems for the principal original equipment
producers in the worldwide aerospace, automotive and specialised industrial
markets. Senior's policy is to enhance shareholder value by improving operating
performance and customer service levels and by developing its market positions
in the aerospace and automotive industries.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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