Trading Update
July 03 2008 - 1:08AM
UK Regulatory
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
3rd July 2008
Aga Rangemaster Group plc
Trading Update
In accordance with its usual practice, Aga Rangemaster is today issuing a
trading update in advance of its interim results announcement for the six
months ended 30th June 2008 due to be published on 29th August 2008.
Aga Rangemaster confirms that it is making good progress within its operations
as it creates a focused brand-led business. Underlying trading results for the
first half are expected to be broadly in line with those for 2007, as restated
for the Foodservice disposal. As previously announced, the first half results
will contain reorganisation costs as an exceptional item reflecting a drive to
deliver efficiency initiatives across the Group. These initiatives will help
mitigate the impact of the challenging trading conditions which are making
achieving demonstrable progress against the Group's performance targets
difficult. Our Balance Sheet remains strong and the growth opportunities well
set.
Key points to date in 2008:
* The Group completed its �140 million cash return to shareholders following
the sale of the Foodservice operations. The Group had net cash at 30th June
2008 and further bank facilities with an average life of 4 years were
arranged during the period in the normal course.
* Rangemaster has continued to grow market share in a difficult cooker
market, with sales up 5% over the same period last year.
* Aga revenues have grown in the first half supported by the strong marketing
programme. We continue to invest in the development of Aga and Rayburn
products to ensure that they continue to meet customer needs and to ensure
that our longer term prospects are encouraging even if it is right to be
cautious in the short term.
* The Group is taking action to rationalise its operations in Ireland, where
the market has deteriorated materially. This rationalisation programme had
a significant impact in the first half.
* Marvel production of under-counter refrigerators is to be concentrated in
Greenville, Michigan where a new factory in the state supported
`renaissance zone' will open in early 2009. This follows the announcement
of the closure of its Richmond, Indiana factory. In the longer term, the
overall North American rationalisation project is expected to have a
material positive impact on operating performance.
* Rangemaster is consolidating its distribution at a newly leased facility a
mile from our Leamington Spa factory and this will also be the Group's new
commercial centre.
"Overall our wide range of consumer brands are proving resilient. Our marketing
programmes, in support of our strong brands, are backed by product development
initiatives which reinforce the relevance of our well differentiated products
to consumers. With efficient manufacturing and well established distribution
structures, the potential for the Group remains strong although we are mindful
of the current economic climate we are facing." William McGrath, Chief
Executive.
- ENDS -
Enquiries:
William McGrath, Chief Executive, Aga Rangemaster Group plc - 0121 711 6015
Simon Sporborg/Charlotte Kenyon, Brunswick Group - 020 7404 5959
END
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