Essentra Turns To H1 Profit, But Revenue Slips; Backs Annual View

Essentra Plc (FLRAF), a maker of plastic and fiber products, on Wednesday reported a profit for the first-half versus loss last year, amidst a decline in expenses. However, the company recorded a fall in revenue.

The hardware maker has also reaffirmed its full-year 2023 guidance.

For the six-month period to June 30, the firm posted a pre-tax income of 10.3 million pounds, compared with a loss of 10.7 million pounds of previous year period. On adjusted basis, pre-tax income surged to 23 million pounds from previous year’s 3.4 million pounds.

After tax, profit stood at 6.9 million pounds or 2.3 pence per share as against last year’s loss of 187.4 million pounds or 62.7 pence per share.

Excluding items, basic income per share rose to 5.9 pence from previous year’s 0.9 pence per share.

Operating profit was at 10.3 million pounds, compared with 1 million pounds a year ago.

Adjusted operating earnings were at 23 million pounds, versus 15.1 million pounds of 2022.

Finance income surged to 6.9 million pounds from previous year’s 3.6 million pounds, while finance expenses stood at 6.9 million pounds, lesser than 15.3 million pounds of last year.

Revenue was 166.3 million pounds, compared with 1.759 million pounds a year ago.

Essentra will pay an interim dividend of 1.2 pence per share against last year’s interim dividend of 2.3 pence per share. The interim dividend will be paid on October 27 to shareholders on register as of September 22.

Looking ahead, Scott Fawcett, Chief Executive, said: “…We expect to make further progress in the second half of the year, supported by continued cost management initiatives, maintaining our pricing actions, and delivering new business wins. Our strong balance sheet supports organic growth and further investment in disciplined, value enhancing M&A. Our expectations for 2023 remain unchanged.”

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