Norcros Regulatory News (NXR)

Norcros plc

("Norcros" or "the Group")

Results for the six months ended 30 September 2010

Norcros, the home consumer products group with operations primarily in the UK and South Africa, announces results for the six months ended 30 September 2010. The period under review consisted of 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks last year.

Financial Summary

* Adjusted for the current interim period covering 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks last year

** Operating profit before exceptional items and other operating income

*** Profit before tax, exceptional items, non-cash finance costs and share of results from associates

Operational Highlights

§ A significant improvement in the Group's performance compared to last year:

o Encouraging progress given the continuing tough trading conditions and the uncertain economic environment

o Resilient performance from UK operations

o Substantial turnaround in South African business

o Benefits of investment in new products, technology and focused sales & marketing strategy driving increased market share in showers and tiles

o Increase in capacity in our UK tile and UK adhesive businesses underway

Financial Highlights

§ Revenue growth of +6.8% (Like for like at constant currency)

§ Trading profit +83% to £6.4m (2009: £3.5m)

§ Benchmark pre-tax profit +367% at £5.6m (2009: £1.2m)

§ Disposal of Beaumont investment realised £4.4m net, completed June 2010

§ Net debt (before prepaid finance costs) reduced to £13.0m (2009 : £48.9m)

§ Return to dividend list; interim dividend of 0.12p per share payable January 2011

John Brown, Chairman, commented:

"The Group has delivered a resilient trading performance in the first half and this is reflected in the Board declaring a return to the dividend list.

The UK outlook for consumer spending and construction activity remains uncertain and the substantial decline in public sector investment is likely to impact activity levels. In South Africa, the economy and consumer product markets are forecast to show relatively slow levels of recovery.

 Against this background, we remain appropriately cautious about prospects for the rest of the year. Nevertheless, management continues to focus on implementing its strategy to drive market share gains in our UK businesses and realise the benefits of the operational improvements implemented in our South African retail and tile operations.

As a result of these opportunities and its strong financial position, the Group is well placed to make further progress."

18 November 2010

There will be a presentation today at 9.30 am to analysts at the offices of College Hill, The Registry, Royal Mint Court, London, EC3M 4QN. The supporting slides will be available on the company's website at http://www.norcros.com/ later in the day.

ENQUIRIES

For further information please visit the Company website: www.norcros.com

Chairman's statement

The Board is pleased to announce a strong set of results for the six months ended 30 September 2010. The significant improvement in the Group's performance compared to last year is particularly encouraging given the continuing tough trading conditions and the uncertain economic environment.

The results reflect the benefit of management decisions taken over the last two years to invest significantly in new product development, to pursue a more focused sales and marketing strategy and to improve the efficiency of our operating cost base. The aim of this strategy was to outperform our competitors and gain market share.

These self-help measures and our low net debt level, following the successful capital raising and the continued focus on cash generation, mean that the Group is in a strong financial position and well placed to benefit further from any upturn in economic activity when it arrives.

Results

The period under review consisted of 27 weeks compared to 26 weeks last year.

Group revenue increased by 17.2% to £97.3m (2009: £83.0m). On a comparable like-for-like¹ basis (adjusted for the number of weeks), Sterling revenues were 12.9% higher. Constant currency revenues on a like-for-like¹ basis were 6.8% higher, principally reflecting the relative strength of the South African Rand and the Australian Dollar to Sterling.

Group trading profits were 82.9% higher at £6.4m (2009: £3.5m) with margins improving to 6.6% (2009: 4.2%). Group operating profit was £9.1m (2009: £1.1m) reflecting the improved trading performance and an exceptional gain of £2.7m following the sale of the 25.5% interest in RJ Beaumont & Co Pty Limited ("Beaumont"), a trade investment in Australia, in June 2010.

Group benchmark profit before taxation² was £5.6m (2009: £1.2m), reflecting the substantial improvement in trading performance in addition to the significant reduction in bank finance costs, as a result of the reduction in debt following the capital raising of £27.7m (net of fees) in December 2009, and the £4.4m proceeds from the Beaumont disposal.

Group profit before taxation was £6.8m (2009: loss of £4.2m).

Basic benchmark earnings per share³ were 0.9p (2009: 0.8p).

Financial

Cash generated from operations in the period was £3.8m (2009: £4.8m) with the reduction largely reflecting the effect of increased revenues on working capital. Investment in capital expenditure was £2.0m (2009: £2.1m). Net debt before prepaid finance costs at 30 September 2010 reduced to £13.0m from £18.9m at 31 March 2010.

The position of our UK defined benefit pension scheme as calculated under IAS 19 has been updated and shows an increase in the deficit from £9.3m at 31 March 2010 to a deficit of £25.3m at 30 September 2010. The reduction in the estimated funding position at 30 September 2010 principally reflects the fall in the applicable discount rate from 5.7% to 5.1%, partly offset by an increase in the market value of the scheme's assets at the same date.

Dividend

The Board recently announced its intention to restore a progressive dividend policy. As a result of the Group's strong financial position and the encouraging trading performance in the first half, the Board is declaring an interim dividend of 0.12p per share. The dividend is payable on 7 January 2011 to shareholders on the register on 10 December 2010. The shares will be quoted ex-dividend on 8 December 2010.

Operating review

Further details of the financial performance and market conditions in each of the Group's businesses are set out in the following pages.

UK

For the six months ended 30 September 2010 total revenues in the UK businesses increased by 10.7% from £49.7m to £55.0m. Like-for-like¹ revenues were 6.4% higher. Trading profits at £5.9m were in line with the comparable period last year and were ahead of the £5.7m recorded in the second half of last year.

Triton Showers, our market-leading domestic shower operation, delivered a strong trading performance, excellent cash generation and increased its overall share of the domestic shower market, further strengthening its leading position in the electric shower segment and continuing to gain share in the mixer segments.

The shower market started to recover in the first quarter of the calendar year. It is estimated to be currently growing at an annualised rate of approximately 4%, with the electric segment growing faster than the mixer segment reflecting the stronger replacement element within the electric sector.

Triton's revenue was 13.2% higher, with like-for-like¹ revenue growth of 9.1%. On a like-for-like¹ basis, UK revenues were 9.8% higher and exports were ahead by 5.3% despite very difficult economic conditions in Ireland, our biggest export market.

Trading profits and margins were resilient, albeit marginally lower than last year due to changes in revenue mix, increased freight costs, higher input costs driven by the weaker Sterling and an increase in sales and marketing investment. An ongoing programme of cost reduction initiatives is in place to enhance margin performance.

Johnson Tiles, the market-leading UK tile manufacturer, performed well in both its domestic and export markets. It is estimated that the UK tile market declined by approximately 5% in the period with all sectors experiencing some contraction. However, our strategy of investing in innovative ink jet printing technology, applying market sector focus, driving manufacturing improvement and pursuing vigorous cost cutting programmes has meant that the business has outperformed the market.

Johnson Tiles revenue for the six months ended 30 September 2010 was 7.5% higher, equating to a like-for-like¹ revenue increase of 3.3%. UK revenues exceeded prior year by 2.9% on a like-for-like¹ basis with trade growth marginally ahead of that obtained in the DIY multiple channel.

Export revenues (14.5% of total revenue) were 5.9% higher than prior year on a like-for-like¹ basis principally driven by growth in France, Eastern Europe and North America, partially offset by lower sales to the Middle East.

The business reported higher trading profits in the first six months as a result of increased revenue, a higher value added product mix, and improved manufacturing productivity, coupled with tight cost control.

As a result of a UK competitor going into administration, our business has targeted and secured additional orders in both the DIY multiples and social housing sectors. To support this growth, and the continued success of the inkjet product ranges, investment is to be made in an additional kiln and further inkjet capacity. The new facility is expected to be operational from early in the next financial year.

Our UK adhesive business performed strongly in the first half of the year with overall revenues and trading profits ahead of the prior year. Growth was achieved by new account wins in the trade and retail segments, the success of new product introductions and by securing a number of commercial projects in the Middle East.

Following the successful move to own-manufacture of powder based adhesive products the decision has been made to invest in a ready-mix adhesive manufacturing facility on the existing site which will be completed early in 2011. There are also plans to expand the product portfolio into other related areas to generate additional scale and offer the benefits of a one stop shop.

South Africa

Our business in South Africa continues to operate in a tough market environment. Building plans passed were 13.1% lower for the period January 2010 to July 2010 compared with the prior year and building completions were 22.3% lower over the same period. However, in the last few months there have been some positive indications in renovation and residential plans passed. In addition, there has been some recovery in GDP with growth of 4.6% in Q1 and 3.2% in Q2.

On a constant currency basis, the overall revenue of our South African business increased by 11.0% to £37.3m in the six months ended 30 September 2010. Like-for-like¹ constant currency revenue was 7.1% ahead. Reported revenues increased by 26.4%, reflecting the extra trading week and the translation benefit of the strong South African Rand. A trading profit of £0.5m was achieved compared to a trading loss of £2.4m in the comparable period. This substantial turnaround reflected significantly reduced losses at both our retail operation, Tile Africa (TAF), and our tile manufacturing business, Johnson Tiles, combined with increased profits at TAL, our adhesive operation.

Revenues at TAF increased by 10.0% on a constant currency basis and by 6.1% on a like-for-like¹ basis. This performance was largely driven by significantly higher like-for-like retail revenues (+15.0%) and improvements in the product offering, partly offset by the impact of store closures in the prior year. These changes, combined with tight overhead control and improved margins, delivered a considerable turnaround in trading performance with only a small trading loss reported compared to a substantial trading loss in 2009.

Upgrades were undertaken in three stores, with a further two scheduled for the second half. We expect to resume the store rollout programme, provided economic conditions allow.

Johnson Tiles South Africa, our tiles manufacturing business, grew revenues by 6.9% on a constant currency basis and by 3.4% on a like-for-like¹ basis. As a result of this improved throughput, tight cost control and a more stable and efficient manufacturing performance, the trading loss was substantially reduced. Revenue initiatives include a targeted plan to increase sales to the independent merchant market via deployment of a dedicated sales team, and a drive to generate export growth from contiguous markets. The significant progress made in the first half encourages us to believe we can re-establish the manufacturing operation on a profitable basis.

TAL, our adhesives operation, increased revenues by 15.6% on a constant currency basis and by 11.7% on a like-for-like¹ basis, with strong growth experienced in tile adhesives, building products and general adhesives.

Trading profits were significantly higher reflecting increased revenues and higher margins due to improved procurement, lower cost formulations and higher value added product mix. We are seeking further growth opportunities for this market-leading business by widening the product range in building products and improving the focus of the general adhesives operation.

Rest of the World

Our Australian operation, Johnson Tiles, performed strongly over the period despite difficult market conditions, particularly in the new build sector. On a constant currency basis overall revenues were 13.6% ahead and on a like-for-like¹ basis grew by 9.1%. Sterling revenues increased by 31.6% and by 26.3% on a like-for like¹ basis. The business has benefited from regional warehouse facilities in New South Wales and Queensland, which has led to improvements in customer service and a better balanced inventory of core products. The business is operating at a small trading profit and further progress is anticipated from planned new product initiatives and driving the existing infrastructure harder.

Outlook

The Group has delivered a resilient trading performance in the first half and this is reflected in the Board declaring a return to the dividend list.

The UK outlook for consumer spending and construction activity remains uncertain and the substantial decline in public sector investment is likely to impact activity levels. In South Africa, the economy and consumer product markets are forecast to show relatively slow levels of recovery.

Against this background, we remain appropriately cautious about the prospects for the rest of the year. Nevertheless, management continues to focus on implementing its strategy to drive market share gains in our UK businesses and realise the benefits of the operational improvements implemented in our South African retail and tile operations.

As a result of these opportunities and its strong financial position, the Group is well placed to make further progress.

J. E. Brown

Chairman

Condensed consolidated income statement

Six months ended 30 September 2010

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

Six months ended 30 September 2010

Items in the statement are disclosed net of tax.

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

At 30 September 2010

The notes on pages 11 to 19 form an integral part of this condensed consolidated interim financial information.

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

Six months ended 30 September 2010

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

Notes to the accounts

Six months ended 30 September 2010

1. Accounting policies

General information

The Company is a limited liability company incorporated and domiciled in the UK. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. This condensed consolidated interim financial information was approved for issue on 18 November 2010. This condensed consolidated financial information does not comprise statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006.

This condensed consolidated interim financial information has been neither audited nor reviewed.

Basis of preparation

This condensed consolidated financial information for the six months ended 30 September 2010 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial Services Authority and with IAS 34, 'Interim financial reporting' as adopted by the European Union.

The condensed consolidated financial report should be read in conjunction with the Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2010, which has been prepared in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union. The Annual Report and Accounts was approved by the Board on 22 June 2010 and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors on the financial statements was unqualified.

The principal accounting policies applied in the preparation of this Interim Report are included in the financial report for the year ended 31 March 2010. These policies have been applied consistently to all periods presented, unless otherwise stated.

(a) New and amended standards adopted by the Group

The following new standards and amendments to standards are mandatory for the first time for the financial year beginning 1 April 2010.

The revised standard continues to apply the acquisition method to business combinations but with some significant changes compared with IFRS 3. For example, all payments to purchase a business are recorded at fair value at the acquisition date, with contingent payments classified as debt subsequently re-measured through the income statement. There is a choice on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis to measure the non-controlling interest in the acquiree either at fair value or at the non-controlling interest's proportionate share of the acquiree's net assets. All acquisition-related costs are expensed.

As the Group has adopted IFRS 3 (revised), it is required to adopt IAS 27 (revised), 'Consolidated and separate financial statements', at the same time. IAS 27 (revised) requires the effects of all transactions with non‑controlling interests to be recorded in equity if there is no change in control and these transactions will no longer result in goodwill or gains and losses. The standard also specifies the accounting when control is lost. Any remaining interest in the entity is re-measured to fair value and a gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss. There has been no impact of IAS 27 (revised) on the current period, as none of the non-controlling interests have a deficit balance. There have been no transactions whereby an interest in an entity is retained after the loss of control of that entity; there have been no transactions with non-controlling interests.

(b) Standards, amendments and interpretations to existing standards effective in 2010 but not relevant to the Group

(c) The following new standards, new interpretations and amendments to standards and interpretations have been issued but are not effective for the financial year beginning 1 April 2010 and have not been early adopted:

Accounting estimates and judgements

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial information requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amount of income, expense, assets and liabilities. The significant estimates and judgements made by management were consistent with those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2010.

2. Segmental reporting

The Group operates in three main geographical areas: UK, South Africa and Rest of the World. All inter-segment transactions are made on an arm's length basis. The chief operating decision maker assesses performance and allocates resources based on geography as each segment has similar economic characteristics, complementary products, distribution channels and regulatory environments.

3. Exceptional items

Exceptional operating items

4. Non-GAAP measures

Benchmark profit before tax is defined as profit before taxation, exceptional items, amortisation of costs of raising finance

movement on fair value of derivative financial instruments, discounting of property lease provisions, finance costs relating

to pension schemes and the Group's share of post-tax results from its associate undertakings

Benchmark earnings are defined as benchmark profit before taxation less attributable taxation.

The directors believe that benchmark profit before taxation and benchmark earnings provide shareholders with additional useful

information on the underlying performance of the Group.

5. Earnings per share

6. Finance income and costs

7. Borrowings

The fair value of bank loans equals their carrying amount, as they bear interest at floating rates.

The repayment terms of borrowings are as follows:

Bank borrowings are secured by the Group's UK assets.

8. Ordinary called up share capital

9. Consolidated cash flow statements

(a) Cash generated from operations

 (b) Outflow from exceptional items

This includes expenditure charged to exceptional provisions relating to business rationalisation and restructuring including severance and other employee costs.

(c) Analysis of net debt

10. Retirement benefit obligations

(a) Pension costs

Norcros Security Plan

The Norcros Security Plan, the principal UK pension scheme of Norcros plc subsidiaries, is funded by a separate trust fund. It is predominantly a defined benefit scheme, with a modest element of defined contribution benefits. Norcros plc itself has no employees and so has no liabilities in respect of these pension schemes.

The valuation used for IAS 19 disclosures has been produced by Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a firm of qualified actuaries, to take account of the requirements of IAS 19 in order to assess the liabilities of the scheme at 30 September 2010. Scheme assets are stated at their market value at 30 September 2010.

The actuarial valuation at 31 March 2009 has recently been concluded and resulted in a deficit of £36.1m. As a result a twelve-year recovery plan has been agreed between the Group and the trustee of the fund whereby the Group makes additional contributions to the scheme of £1.0m in each of the two years ending 31 March 2011 and 31 March 2012 followed by seven further additional contributions of £1.1m per annum in each year from the year ending 31 March 2016 onwards.

South Africa defined benefit schemes

The Group previously operated two separate defined benefit schemes for the benefit of the Group's South African employees. These were the TAL Pension Fund and the Johnson Tiles Pension Fund. Both schemes were closed in 2007 and replaced by defined contribution schemes. Following the agreement of the allocation of surplus assets, a surplus of £1.2m (2009: £0.6m) has been recognised as an asset on the balance sheet as this amount is considered to be recoverable by the Group.

 (b) IAS 19, 'Retirement benefit obligations'

The principal assumptions used to calculate the scheme liabilities of the Norcros Security Plan under IAS 19 are:

The amounts recognised in the balance sheet are determined as follows:

11. Principal subsidiaries and associated company

The principal Group subsidiaries and associates are disclosed below. Transactions between subsidiaries and between the Parent Company and its subsidiaries are eliminated on consolidation.

United Kingdom

Overseas

Notes

Unless otherwise stated, all companies are 100% owned and all UK companies are incorporated and operate in Great Britain and are registered in England and Wales. Overseas companies operate in the countries in which they are incorporated.

Only those subsidiary undertakings and associated companies whose results principally affect the financial statements of the Group are included above.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that its the best of their knowledge this condensed interim financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 as adopted by the European Union and that the interim management report includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

The Directors of Norcros plc are listed in the Norcros plc Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2010 and on the inside back cover of this Interim Report.

By order of the Board