Latham Timber Regulatory News (LTHM)

27 Nov 2008 07:00



JAMES LATHAM PLC

HALF YEARLY RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2008

Chairman's statement

I am pleased to report satisfactory results for the six months to 30 September 2008 despite increasingly difficult trading conditions. It should be noted that this period's results are being compared with an exceptional equivalent period last year when margins in particular were very strong.

Results

Revenue for the six months to 30 September 2008 was £61,883,000 compared with £59,326,000 the same period last year, a 4.3% increase. The operating profit was £3,167,000, down from £4,209,000 last year. Profit before tax was £3,208,000, down from last year's £4,578,000. Earnings per ordinary share were 7.7p (2007: 16.0p). The IFRS treatment of Industrial Building Allowances for deferred taxation purposes, as explained in note 2, has contributed to the sharp fall in earnings per share. On a like for like basis with the equivalent period earnings per share would have been 11.8p.

As at 30 September 2008 shareholder funds were £39.9m (30.9.2007: £45.5m) with cash and cash equivalents of £4.6m (30.9.2007: £7.9m).

Interim dividend

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.0p per Ordinary Share (2007: 2.5p), which is covered 3.9 times (2007: 6.4 times). The dividend is payable on 22 January 2009 to ordinary shareholders on the Company's Register at close of business on 5 January 2009. The ex-dividend date is 31 December 2008.

Six months trading to 30 September 2008.

Group revenue held up well in the six months and represents an increase compared with the equivalent period last year even after the contribution from the new Scottish branch, which started trading in April 2008. This is in spite of big decreases in some market sectors, notably transport and the national merchants. During the period, the Group experienced a fall in revenue in panel products where prices were significantly lower for a major item, medium density fibreboard. However, the Group increased revenue for its solid timber products.

As expected, trading margins were weaker in all areas as a result of decreasing prices and increased competition. Margins for the period were similar to those achieved in the six months to 31 March 2008 although they are below the equivalent period last year, which was exceptionally strong. These figures include non-recurring costs of £300,000 in moving from the old sites at Eastleigh and Dudley and start up costs for Scotland.

Pension scheme

The triennial actuarial valuation of the pension scheme as at 31 March 2008 shows a deficit of £5.1m, in line with the IFRS19 deficit shown in the accounts to 31 March 2008. The Trustees and the Company have agreed a recovery plan of payments over seven years. In the period to 30 September 2008, there has been an increase in the deficit, net of deferred tax gain, of £1.7m.

Current & future trading

The management accounts show a small reduction in revenue for October when compared with last year and a further slowdown in November. Reduced levels of activity in many sectors and the climate of general uncertainty that pervades the UK economy are resulting in less business. Some sectors remain busy but customers are unwilling to commit forward and are placing smaller orders. The Scottish branch is making steady progress towards profitability and the moves to bigger premises at Fareham and Dudley will take time to repay the investment made in them. Based on current trading we would expect to meet market expectations for the year but with the rapidly changing state of the UK economy it is difficult to predict far ahead.

Peter Latham

Chairman

27 November 2008

For Further Enquiries:

JAMES LATHAM PLC

CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT

For the six months to 30 September 2008

All results relate to continuing operations

JAMES LATHAM PLC

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

As at 30 September 2008

JAMES LATHAM PLC

CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT

For the six months to 30 September 2008

JAMES LATHAM PLC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED

INCOME AND EXPENSE

For the six months to 30 September 2008

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY

For the six months to 30 September 2008

Notes to the preliminary financial information

1. The results presented in this report are unaudited and they have been prepared in accordance with the IFRS accounting policies set out in the Group accounts for the year ended 31 March 2008 and those expected to apply in the year ended 31 March 2009.

2. During 2007 proposed amendments to the Industrial Buildings Allowances regime were announced. Substantive enactment took place on 2 July 2008. The effect of this enactment has increased the deferred tax liability in the consolidated balance sheet of these half yearly accounts by £803,000, with a corresponding charge to the consolidated income statement.

3. The directors propose a final dividend of 2.0p per ordinary share which will absorb £385,000 (2007: 2.5p absorbing £504,000), payable on 23 January 2009 to shareholders on the Register at the close of business on 5 January 2009. The ex-dividend date is 31 December 2008.

4. This half yearly report does not constitute financial statutory accounts within the meaning of section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2008 were prepared and filed with the Registrar of Companies and received an unqualified audit report and did not contain a statement under section 237 (2) and (3) of the Companies Act 1985.

5. Copies of this statement will be sent to shareholders and will also be available on written application to the Company Secretary, James Latham plc, Unit 3 Swallow Park, Finway Road, Hemel Hempstead, Herts, HP2 7QU, and on the company's website, www.lathams.co.uk.