Interim Results

Weir Group PLC 21 August 2002 The Weir Group PLC Wednesday, 21st August 2002 Embargo until 7.00 am Interim Results 2002 Results for 26 weeks ended 28 June 2002 (unaudited) IMPROVED PERFORMANCE DESPITE UNCERTAIN ECONOMIC CONDITIONS Highlights Consolidated Group Results 2002 2001 Change Restated1 Order Input2 £370.6m £378.9m -2.2% Turnover £426m £460m -7.4% Operating Profit 3 £26.6m £26.3m +1.2% Pretax Profit 3 £25.6m £25.4m +1.0% Earnings per share 3 9.7p 9.0p +7.8% Dividend 3.25p 3.15p +3.2% Cashflow from operations £31.9m £17.7m +£14.2m 1 Restated to reflect the application of average exchange rates to 2001 figures and the implementation of FRS17 (Retirement Benefits) and FRS19 (Deferred Tax) 2 Excludes Joint Ventures and Associates calculated at constant 2002 Exchange Rates. 3 Excludes goodwill amortisation and exceptionals HIGHLIGHTS • Consolidated pretax profit ahead of last year • Earnings per share growth of 7.8% • Strong cashflow from operations • Implementation of strategy is on track The Chairman, Sir Robert Smith, commented: 'During the first half of 2002 we saw a further improvement in the Group's pretax profit despite uncertain economic conditions in most of our markets and the delay or deferral in the placement of certain large capital projects. We continue to implement our strategy of concentrating resources on our core activities, making 2002 a year of transition, addressing the under-performing businesses and putting in place the foundation stones for delivering future improved competitiveness, enhanced margins and shareholder value.' Contact details: The Weir Group PLC Available through UBS Warburg Mark Selway, Chief Executive Tel. 020 7567 8000 (switchboard); Helen Walker, Public Relations Manager (Mobile: 07789 032296) The Maitland Consultancy Tel. 020 7379 5151 Suzanne Bartch (Mobile: 07769 710 335) Note to Editors: Print quality images are available to download at http://www.newscast.co.uk General Overview During 2002 we have embarked upon a strategy to improve significantly our business performance by focusing on those areas of our business in the most attractive markets and where we have the ability to develop leadership positions. In March 2002 we outlined the restructuring of the Group. At that time we explained that 2002 would be a year of transition with performance benefits being delivered in 2003. This still remains the case. We achieved a 30% order input growth in the Services businesses, led by our successes in the UK hydro refurbishment programme and through further expansion in maintenance contracts in the oil, gas and water sectors in the Middle East and UK. The Clear Liquid Division saw a particularly strong first quarter resulting primarily from water projects in the Middle East. The Minerals (formerly Slurry) Division performed well, growing margins under difficult market conditions due to strong demand in South America which has offset continued softness in North America. Group turnover fell 7.4% to £426m with a 4.6% decline from Group subsidiaries and an 18.8% reduction from Joint Ventures and Associates. As indicated at our March announcement the completion of the capital works associated with the Vanguard refit has resulted in a significant reduction in our Associate, DML's, first half turnover when compared to 2001. The Group cash generation in the first half of 2002 was almost double the prior year resulting in a further significant reduction to Group net debt. Financial Highlights The combination of the sale or withdrawal from non-core operations in both years, the one-off costs associated with our restructuring and the deferred placement of large capital projects in both Defence and Desalination, make meaningful comparison with the prior year more difficult than usual. Group pretax profit excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptionals was broadly similar to the previous year at £25.6m (2001: £25.4m) and fully reflects our expectation that 2002 was to be a year of transition for Weir. Total Group turnover fell 7.4% to £426m (2001: £460m) with a 4.6% decline to £353m (2001: £370m) from Group subsidiaries and an 18.8% reduction to £74m (2001: £91m) from Joint Ventures and Associates. Operating profit excluding goodwill amortisation at £26.6m (2001: £26.3m) was 1.2% ahead of 2001 with Group subsidiaries at £22.4m (2001: £21.2m) up 5.7%. Our Joint Venture and Associate companies contributed £4.2m against £5.0m in 2001. The tax charge of £5.9m produces an effective tax rate of 23.0% after reflecting the implementation of FRS19 (2001: 28.5% restated). The resulting earnings per share, excluding goodwill amortisation and exceptionals, of 9.7p (2001: 9.0p) produces an increase of 7.8% when compared to 2001. Order input for Group subsidiaries in the first half of 2002 was 2.2% below the same period in 2001 with a strong first quarter offset by a softer second quarter, particularly in our Contracting Division. Order input for the balance of the Group, excluding the Contracting Division, was up 3.6% on the same period last year. As advised at our March announcement the Group took the decision to implement FRS17 in full, effective from 1 January 2002 which had a resultant effect of adding a net £1.2m of cost in the first half of 2002 over that incurred in 2001 as restated. Shareholders' funds at 28 June 2002 have been reduced by £32m to recognise the increase in the aggregate deficit net of tax in the Group's defined benefit plans at that date. Incremental restructuring costs totalling £1.2m were taken by a number of companies. These costs, whilst one-off, were included in the first half operational results and have not been treated as exceptional. Cashflow and Debt Cash generation was particularly strong, being almost double that of 2001, reflecting management focus on working capital. This result was net of a £7.7m special cash contribution to a pension fund and payment of the final dividend of £17m. The Group's net debt at the half year was £58m, substantially down from £105m at June 2001 and considerably improved on the December 2001 level of £66m. Dividend An interim dividend of 3.25p (2001: 3.15p) is declared. The interim dividend will be paid on 8 November 2002 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 4 October 2002. Review of Operations The adoption of FRS17 makes comparison with previously published figures misleading. In accordance with standard accounting practice, 2001 comparative figures have been restated to include a £6.1m higher allocation of pension costs against operating profit, offset by an income credit of £5.8m being reflected through the interest and other income line. Engineering Products Excluding discontinued businesses, turnover from Engineering Products was £267.3m (2001: £276.5m) resulting in an operating profit of £14.6m (2001: £19.9m). Pumps and Valves accounted for over 80% of the continuing operations turnover. At the operating profit level, the margin was 5.4% compared with a restated 7.2% in 2001. There are a number of reasons for this reduction: • Profit realisation in the Contracting businesses was stronger in 2001 due to the timing of contract conclusions. • Significant incremental one-off charges (£1.2m) were taken to improve the competitiveness and correct under-performing activities in our Clear Liquid and Valves businesses. • Turnover in the Clear Liquid, Valves, and Contracting Divisions were all down on the same period in 2001 reflecting the global economic down-turn post September 2001. In line with our strategy of developing new markets we have made early progress in a number of areas. The Minerals, Clear Liquid and Valves Divisions have won a number of orders in China, Korea, and the Former Soviet Union, while our defence business is working closely on future aircraft carrier systems design. Engineering Services Turnover from our Services operations was 13% above 2001 at £81.9m (2001: £72.5m) and operating profits almost doubled to £9.4m (2001: £4.7m). This produced an operating margin of 11.4% against 6.6% in 2001. We saw a strong performance from our operations in the Middle East and Canada with our Services and distribution businesses growing operating margins. We managed a significantly improved margin from our oil drilling business against a backdrop of marginal performance last year. The strategic work carried out at the end of 2001 identified that this business was not core to Weir's future strategy and a substantial portion of this business has been sold. The Division is currently working on upgrading hydroelectric power stations in the UK which is part of the UK government's renewable energy initiative and our global operation continues to grow, particularly in the Middle East, where the Dubai Service Centre has more than doubled in floor space to meet demand. Joint Ventures and Associates The turnover from Joint Ventures and Associates at £73.5m for the half year (2001: £90.6m) was 19% below the same period in 2001 with operating profit at £4.2m (2001: £5.0m) producing an operating margin of 5.7% (2001: 5.6%). Most of the reduced turnover came from Devonport Dockyard where contract timing generated lower billing and profit realisation for the period. The Board Sir Ron Garrick retired as Chairman at the end of June having made a significant contribution in his nearly 40 years with the Group and Sir Robert Smith became Non-Executive Chairman from 1 July. Strategy The strategy being followed by the Group is to concentrate our financial resources on those areas of our business which operate in attractive markets where we can establish leadership positions. Disposals In June we sold Molded Products, our small specialist injection moulding business, and in July disposed of the turbo-drilling operation of Neyrfor, our drilling business, headquartered in Aberdeen. These companies would not have grown and had little prospects for achieving leadership potential under our ownership. The cash proceeds from both transactions total some £19m all being received since 30 June 2002. Our full year results will include a small exceptional gain in respect to these disposals although, in the short term, the sale of the turbo-drilling operation is likely to be earnings dilutive. Performance Enhancements In the year to date, we have taken action to address the performance shortfalls at a number of the Clear Liquid and Valves businesses. These actions are progressing well and quality, delivery and operational indicators are already moving in a positive direction. The Group-wide initiatives in terms of the application of lean and supply chain improvements are also building momentum with the earliest benefits being evident in our significantly improved working capital results. We will continue to seek suitable acquisitions and our reduction in net debt is an important part of this process, but our short term priority is to inject the necessary skills to achieve sector best practice returns from each of our existing businesses. Outlook Our Minerals, Clear Liquid and Valves businesses will continue to endure market and competitive pressures. This will be balanced in part by progressive operational performance improvements resulting from our specific restructuring in both Clear Liquid and Valves and the broader productivity initiatives being applied across the Group. The Contracting Division expects to experience ongoing deferrals of major capital projects through the balance of 2002 and profits will be lower than 2001 due to the timing of contract completions. The outlook for our Services Division remains positive but it is unrealistic to expect the same level of margin and profit growth achieved in the first half, due to the strength of the second half of 2001 and the disposal of the turbo-drilling business in July. The markets remain difficult to call but by continuing to focus on improving operational efficiency we will ensure that Weir is well positioned to maximise returns when economic conditions improve. On balance and given the uncertain economic climate, we are of the view that in 2002 we are likely to see results broadly in line with those achieved in 2001. * * * * * * * * * * Consolidated Profit and Loss Account 52 weeks 26 weeks to 28 June 2002 26 weeks to 29 June 2001 to 28 Dec 2001 Before Amortisation Total Before Amortisation Total amortisation of goodwill amortisation of goodwill of goodwill and of goodwill and and exceptional and exceptional exceptional items exceptional items items items £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Turnover 718,420 Group - Continuing 349,190 - 349,190 354,988 - 354,988 22,024 - Discontinued 3,563 - 3,563 14,892 - 14,892 740,444 352,753 - 352,753 369,880 - 369,880 10,091 Share of - Joint Ventures 4,950 - 4,950 5,090 - 5,090 176,214 - Associates 68,589 - 68,589 85,503 - 85,503 926,749 426,292 - 426,292 460,473 - 460,473 Operating Profit 53,696 Group - Continuing, 22,283 - 22,283 24,327 - 24,327 excluding exceptionals (4,110) - Exceptional items - - - - - - (3,111) - Discontinued 123 - 123 (3,110) - (3,110) (6,558) - Goodwill - (3,493) (3,493) - (3,322) (3,322) amortisation 39,917 22,406 (3,493) 18,913 21,217 (3,322) 17,895 2,470 Share of - Joint Ventures 984 - 984 1,112 - 1,112 9,227 - Associates 3,171 - 3,171 3,923 - 3,923 51,614 26,561 (3,493) 23,068 26,252 (3,322) 22,930 (14,850) Exceptional Items - (103) (103) - (6,082) (6,082) Interest and Other Income (7,278) Group - Net interest (2,149) - (2,149) (3,832) - (3,832) 5,841 - Other finance income 1,305 - 1,305 2,920 - 2,920 22 Joint Ventures 16 - 16 (5) - (5) 54 Associates (121) - (121) 33 - 33 (1,361) (949) - (949) (884) - (884) 35,403 Profit on ordinary activities 25,612 (3,596) 22,016 25,368 (9,404) 15,964 before tax 8,167 Estimated tax on profit on 5,891 - 5,891 7,243 (542) 6,701 ordinary activities 27,236 Profit on ordinary activities 19,721 (3,596) 16,125 18,125 (8,862) 9,263 after tax 16 Minority interest 65 - 65 23 - 23 27,220 Profit attributable to The Weir 19,656 (3,596) 16,060 18,102 (8,862) 9,240 Group PLC 13.5p Earnings per share 7.9p 4.6p Earnings per share excluding goodwill 22.8p amortisation and exceptional 9.7p 9.0p items 13.4p Diluted earnings per share 7.9p 4.6p Segmental Analysis Turnover and profit on ordinary activities before tax were contributed as follows: 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to 28 June '02 29 June'01 28 Dec '01 28 June '02 29 June '01 28 Dec '01 Turnover Turnover Turnover Profit Profit Profit £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 £'000 Engineering Products Group Continuing - excluding 267,264 276,484 561,264 14,554 19,892 43,066 exceptionals - operating exceptional - - - - - (4,110) item Discontinued 3,563 11,574 18,681 123 (2,518) (2,520) 270,827 288,058 579,945 14,677 17,374 36,436 Share of Joint Venture 291 600 1,126 (8) (48) 2 Share of Associate 2 - 13 - - 28 271,120 288,658 581,084 14,669 17,326 36,466 Engineering Services Group Continuing 81,926 72,504 151,279 9,367 4,753 12,580 Discontinued - 3,303 3,303 - (588) (588) 81,926 75,807 154,582 9,367 4,165 11,992 Share of Joint Ventures 4,659 4,490 8,965 992 1,160 2,468 Share of Associates 68,587 85,503 176,201 3,171 3,923 9,199 155,172 165,800 339,748 13,530 9,248 23,659 Segmental Totals Group 352,753 363,865 734,527 24,044 21,539 48,428 Joint Ventures and Associates 73,539 90,593 186,305 4,155 5,035 11,697 Goodwill amortisation - Engineering - - - (3,493) (3,341) (6,651) Products Unallocated costs - - - (1,638) (954) (2,670) Exchange adjustment - Group - 6,015 5,917 - 651 810 426,292 460,473 926,749 23,068 22,930 51,614 Exceptional items - Engineering Products - - - (103) (4,962) (13,881) - Engineering Services - - - - (1,120) (969) Interest and other income - - - (949) (884) (1,361) 426,292 460,473 926,749 22,016 15,964 35,403 For comparative purposes 2001 figures have been restated at the 28 June 2002 average exchange rates. Dividends 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 Ordinary Shares 11.6p pence per share 3.25p 3.15p 23,478 costing - £'000 6,634 6,364 An interim dividend of 3.25p (net) per ordinary share (2001: 3.15p per ordinary share) will be paid on 8 November 2002 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 4 October 2002. Exceptional Items 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Loss on disposal / closure of discontinued operations (9,040) Pre-goodwill (103) (2,106) (5,810) Goodwill - (3,976) (14,850) (103) (6,082) The loss for the 26 weeks to 28 June 2002 relates to the disposal of Molded Products which was completed on 28 June 2002. The results of Molded Products for the six months to date of disposal have been shown in the profit and loss account as 'discontinued' and prior year figures have been restated accordingly. The comparative figures for the 26 weeks to 29 June 2001 and for the 52 weeks to 28 December 2001 reflect the loss on disposal of Weir Systems Ltd and the loss on closure of Tooling Products Ltd, G Perry & Sons Ltd and the Manchester operation of Strachan & Henshaw Ltd which were announced on 5 July 2001. The results of these businesses for the prior year to date of disposal / closure are shown in the profit and loss account as 'discontinued'. Tax 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 3,182 Group - United Kingdom 745 1,023 8,672 Group - Overseas 4,001 4,912 307 Joint Ventures 152 112 2,781 Associates 993 1,196 (6,117) UK tax on exceptional item - (542) (658) Overseas tax on exceptional item - - 8,167 Tax on Profit on Ordinary Activities 5,891 6,701 Basis of Preparation The interim financial statements are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 240 of the Companies Act 1985. These statements have been prepared on the basis of the accounting policies set out in the Group's 2001 Annual Report and Accounts, except as noted below, and were approved by the Board of Directors on 21 August 2002. Financial statements for the 52 weeks to 28 December 2001 are abridged statements; full accounts with an unqualified audit report have been lodged with the Registrar. In preparing the financial statements for the 26 weeks ended 28 June 2002, The Weir Group PLC has adopted FRS 17 'Retirement Benefits' in full, FRS 19 'Deferred Tax' and applied average rates of exchange instead of closing rates for the translation of the profit and loss account and cash flow statements of overseas subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates. The adoption of average rates of exchange is more appropriate because this reflects more fairly the Group's profits and losses and cash flow movements as they arise throughout the accounting period. The adoption of FRS 17 has resulted in a change in accounting policy for pensions. Defined benefit pension scheme assets and liabilities measured under FRS 17 now replace the SSAP 24 pension prepayments and provisions in the balance sheet. Similarly in the performance statements FRS 17 accounting for pension costs replaces SSAP 24 accounting. In the profit and loss account two new items, expected return on assets and interest on pension scheme liabilities, are now included under the heading 'other finance income'. Actuarial gains and losses are reflected in the Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses. The adoption of FRS 19 has resulted in a change in accounting policy for deferred tax. Under FRS 19 deferred tax is recognised in respect of all timing differences that have originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date. Previously under SSAP 15 deferred tax was recognised on all timing differences which were expected to reverse in the future. Deferred tax assets are now recognised if recoverable. Previously deferred tax assets were only recognised if recovery without replacement by equivalent debit balances was reasonably certain. The above changes in policy have resulted in prior year adjustments. The tables below show the impact of the prior year adjustments on the financial statements of prior periods and the effect of the changes in accounting policy on the results of the current period. Increase (Decrease) in Profit After Tax 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 52 weeks to 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 28 Dec 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 FRS 17 - Operating profit 1,087 (3,198) (6,102) - Other finance income 1,305 2,920 5,841 - Profit before tax 2,392 (278) (261) - Tax 596 54 227 FRS 19 - Tax (436) (894) (3,384) 2,552 (1,118) (3,418) Decrease in Shareholders' Funds 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 28 Dec 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 FRS 17 - pension balances (58,674) 5,720 (28,756) FRS 19 - deferred tax (14,114) (11,890) (14,161) (72,788) (6,170) (42,917) The adoption of average exchange rates for translation purposes increased the operating profit for the 52 weeks to 28 December 2001 by £1.1m. The impact on the 26 weeks to 28 June 2002 and the 26 weeks to 29 June 2001 was not material. There is no impact on shareholders' funds. Consolidated Balance Sheet 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Fixed assets 115,150 Goodwill 113,397 117,092 116,029 Tangible assets 109,687 121,990 Investments 9,629 Joint - share of gross assets 9,773 9,453 ventures 3,683 - share of gross liabilities 3,447 3,080 5,946 6,326 6,373 20,895 Associates 17,567 20,976 567 Other 548 431 27,408 24,441 27,780 258,587 Total fixed assets 247,525 266,862 Current assets 114,624 Stocks 99,832 125,286 197,395 Debtors 195,903 222,058 99,209 Cash at bank and in hand 105,945 76,983 411,228 401,680 424,327 Creditors falling due within one year: 5,708 Bank overdrafts and short term debt 6,354 8,472 9,873 Other borrowings 10,006 16,207 194,759 Other creditors 172,956 182,319 210,340 189,316 206,998 200,888 Net current assets 212,364 217,329 459,475 Total assets less current liabilities 459,889 484,191 Less: Creditors falling due after more than one year: 147,338 Loan capital 145,721 155,433 1,968 Obligations under finance leases 1,845 1,323 35,701 Provisions for liabilities and charges 33,426 48,298 Deferred income 276 Grants not yet credited to profit 241 308 422 Minority interest 449 428 273,770 Net assets excluding retirement benefits 278,207 278,401 484 Retirement benefits - asset - 19,321 24,134 - liability 49,289 9,786 250,120 Net assets including retirement benefits 228,918 287,936 Capital and reserves 25,300 Called up share capital 25,416 25,230 224,820 Reserves 203,502 262,706 250,120 228,918 287,936 Consolidated Cash Flow Statement 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 Cash inflow from operating activities 71,201 Funds generated by operations 22,481 33,000 3,669 Decrease (increase) in working capital 9,533 (14,610) (2,610) Cash spent on exceptional closure costs - - (1,056) Cash spent on exceptional reorganisation costs (162) (649) 71,204 31,852 17,741 1,156 Dividends received from joint ventures 400 - 4,361 Dividends received from associates 217 248 (8,550) Returns on investments and servicing of finance (2,324) (5,156) (5,294) Taxation (3,531) (2,660) (10,670) Net capital expenditure (5,077) (6,645) 212 Sale (purchase) of investments 5,445 (18) (3,838) Acquisitions (927) - (1,047) Disposals (112) 146 (22,442) Equity dividends paid (17,131) (16,083) 25,092 Cash inflow (outflow) before liquid resources and financing 8,812 (12,427) (12,946) Management of liquid resources 11,767 12,876 3,933 Financing - issue of shares 2,253 2,680 9,586 - new loans 587 - (22,376) - debt repaid (5,280) (8,171) (1,344) - foreign exchange hedging 304 (1,625) (10,201) (2,136) (7,116) 1,945 Increase (decrease) in cash 18,443 (6,667) Reconciliation of Net Cash Flow to Movement in Net Debt 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 1,945 Increase (decrease) in cash 18,443 (6,667) 22,376 Cash flow from debt repaid 5,280 8,171 (9,586) Cash flow from new loans (587) - 12,946 Cash flow from management of liquid resources (11,767) (12,876) 27,681 Change in net debt resulting from cash flows 11,369 (11,372) (11) Loans - acquired - - (876) Leases - inceptions (190) - 2,253 Exchange (3,619) 1,599 29,047 Movement in net debt during the period 7,560 (9,773) (95,018) Net debt at 29 December 2001 (65,971) (95,018) (65,971) Net debt at 28 June 2002 (58,411) (104,791) Reconciliation of Operating Profit to Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 39,917 Operating Profit 18,913 17,895 25,999 Depreciation, goodwill amortisation and grant credits 12,686 13,394 (1,378) Surplus on disposal of tangible assets and investments (627) (451) 2,708 Funding of pension costs (6,929) 2,424 3,955 (Decrease) increase in provisions (1,562) (262) 71,201 Funds generated by operations 22,481 33,000 (5,639) Decrease (increase) in stocks 12,889 (11,481) 26,049 Decrease in debtors 4,955 8,883 (16,741) Decrease in creditors (8,311) (12,012) 3,669 Decrease (increase) in working capital 9,533 (14,610) (2,610) Cash spent on exceptional closure costs - - (1,056) Cash spent on exceptional reorganisation costs (162) (649) 71,204 Net Cash Inflow from Operating Activities 31,852 17,741 Statement of Total Recognised Gains and Losses 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 18,535 Profit excluding share of profits of joint ventures and associates 13,155 5,485 2,185 Share of joint ventures' profit 848 995 6,500 Share of associates' profit 2057 2,760 27,220 Profit attributable to The Weir Group PLC 16,060 9,240 (85,334) Actuarial loss (45,558) (35,633) 25,994 Tax thereon 13,813 10,690 (7,416) Exchange differences on foreign currency net investments (1,371) 236 (1,142) Tax thereon 235 (1,422) (40,678) Total recognised losses relating to the period (16,821) (16,889) - Prior year adjustment (42,917) - (40,678) Total recognised losses since last annual report (59,738) (16,889) Reconciliation of Movements in Shareholders' Funds 52 weeks to 26 weeks to 26 weeks to 28 Dec 2001 28 Jun 2002 29 Jun 2001 £'000 £'000 £'000 (40,678) Total recognised losses (16,821) (16,889) (23,478) Dividends (6,634) (6,364) 3,354 Goodwill released - 1,520 Other movements 4,581 New share capital subscribed 2,322 3,121 (648) Cost of issuing shares (69) (441) (56,869) Net reduction to shareholders' funds (21,202) (19,053) 306,989 Opening shareholders' funds * 250,120 306,989 250,120 Closing Shareholders' Funds 228,918 287,936 * The opening shareholders' funds at 29 December 2001 as previously reported amounted to £293,037,000 before the prior year adjustment of £42,917,000. Shareholders' funds are entirely attributable to equity interests. Interim Results The Interim Results will be sent to shareholders and copies will be available from The Weir Group PLC, 149 Newlands Road, Cathcart, Glasgow G44 4EX. Interim Dividend Paid 8 November 2002 Interim Dividend will be paid to shareholders on the register at close of business on 4 October 2002. Details contained in the interim report can be downloaded from The Weir Group website at: www.weir.co.uk This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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