Johnson Matthey half year results

Johnson Matthey PLC
22 November 2023
 

Half year results for the
six months ended 30th September
2023

22nd November 2023


Catalysing the net zero transition to drive sustainable value creation

 

Continued execution against a challenging economic backdrop

·     

Good growth in underlying profit at constant FX and adjusting for precious metal prices

·     

Overall results impacted by lower precious metal market prices as guided

·     

Transformation progressing at pace to create a more streamlined organisation and stronger platform for growth

·     

On track to deliver in excess of £150 million annualised savings by end of 2024/25, with associated restructuring charges of £17 million in the period

·     

Underlying margin up in Clean Air and Catalyst Technologies - plans for further increase

·     

Three year cumulative capex guidance to 2024/25 reduced by c.10% to c.£1.0bn

·     

Delivering on strategic milestones, including winning key 'first of a kind' projects in sustainable fuels and low carbon hydrogen

 

 


Reported results

 

Underlying results (continuing)¹

 



Half year ended
30th September

%
change


Half year ended
30th September

%
change

% change, constant FX rates

 

2023

2022


2023

2022

 

Revenue

£m

6,531

7,328

-11






 

Sales excluding
precious metals³

£m





1,967

2,045

-4

-1

 

Operating profit

£m

136

211

-36


180

222

-19

-15

 

Profit before tax

(continuing)

£m

82

188

-56


139

201

-31


 

Profit after tax (continuing)

£m

63

150

-58


108

161

-33


 

Basic earnings per share (continuing)

pence

34.7

82.0

-58


59.1

88.2

-33


 

Interim dividend per share

pence

22.0

22.0

-






 


Underlying performance - continuing operations¹,²

·     

Sales of £2.0 billion, down 1%, with lower average precious metal prices affecting PGM Services, partly offset by strong growth in Hydrogen Technologies and further progress in Catalyst Technologies

·     

Underlying operating profit of £180 million, down 15%, primarily due to lower average precious metal prices

·     

Underlying operating profit - adjusting for c.£55 million impact from precious metal prices - was up 10% driven by higher pricing and transformation benefits

·     

Underlying earnings per share of 59.1p, down 33% due to lower underlying operating profit and higher net finance charges of £41 million

·     

Strong balance sheet with net debt of £1,044 million; net debt to EBITDA of 1.7 times in line with our target range of 1.5 to 2.0 times


Reported results²

·     

Revenue down 11%, driven by lower average precious metal prices

·     

Operating profit of £136 million, down 36%, due to lower average precious metal prices and £42 million impairment and restructuring charges

·     

Profit before tax of £82 million, compared to £188 million in the prior period, largely reflecting lower operating profit and higher net finance charges

·     

Reported earnings per share (continuing) of 34.7 pence

·     

Cash inflow from operating activities of £236 million (1H 2022/23: £145 million)

·     

Interim dividend of 22.0 pence per share maintained at the same level as the prior year

 

Operational and strategic highlights

·     

Clean Air underlying profitability improved: taking actions to drive further margin increase

·     

Won nine large scale projects in Catalyst Technologies across low carbon hydrogen and sustainable fuels, worth c.£185 million in sales over five years

·     

Delivered significant margin uplift in Catalyst Technologies, with first half margins up 480 basis points, and on track to achieve margin targets

·     

Hydrogen Technologies sales up 61%

·     

Achieved c.£70 million transformation cost savings to date, and on track to deliver in excess of £150 million annualised savings by the end of 2024/25

·     

Committed to achieving net zero by 2040. Targeting 42% reduction in Scope 1

and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, and 42% reduction in Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions from purchased goods and services by 2030

 

Liam Condon, Chief Executive Officer, commented:

We are starting to see the benefits of the new strategy and transformation of Johnson Matthey. Against a backdrop of lower precious metal prices which affected headline profitability, we delivered good growth in underlying performance⁴ despite a challenging macroeconomic environment.


We are executing on our transformation at pace to simplify the business and drive improved performance. In Clean Air and Catalyst Technologies, underlying profitability is improving and there are clear plans in place to deliver further margin improvement. Across the group, we continue to upskill our commercial capabilities and our transformation programme is creating a more streamlined organisation and unlocking significant cost savings.

 

We have continued to make good progress in delivering against our strategic milestones whilst also driving transformation. In particular, we have secured important 'first of a kind' project wins in Catalyst Technologies which position us as a global leader in sustainable solutions. This is confirmation of the significant value we see in Catalyst Technologies as we help our customers to decarbonise. In Hydrogen Technologies we continue to see strong sales growth in the near term. The global hydrogen value chain is in an early stage of development and continues to evolve. We have a very disciplined and modular approach to investment that will ensure sustainable returns despite market volatility, and we expect a significant opportunity for value creation in the medium and long-term.


Looking forward, we are on track to deliver good growth in underlying performance and I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. I am confident we will achieve our 2023/24 milestones and deliver on our strategy, creating sustainable shareholder value and benefits for all our stakeholders.

Outlook for the year ending 31st March 2024

For 2023/24, the outlook for underlying performance has improved and we now expect at least high single digit growth in operating performance at constant precious metal prices and constant currency (previously at least mid single digit). This is underpinned by transformation benefits of c.£55 million in the year.


In Clean Air, we continue to expect strong growth in operating performance and a sequentially stronger second half. Whilst external data suggest limited growth in vehicle production for 2023/24, margin expansion should mainly be driven by efficiency benefits and we expect a double digit operating margin for the full year, with further progress beyond. PGM Services' performance will be largely driven by precious metal prices, with recycling volumes remaining subdued. For Catalyst Technologies, we expect very strong growth in operating performance and a significant uplift in margins, benefiting from pricing and efficiencies. We expect sales to grow strongly in Hydrogen Technologies and we will continue to invest for growth in a very disciplined manner, resulting in an operating loss at a similar level to 2022/23.⁵


Whilst precious metal prices have stabilised recently, it remains difficult to predict how they may develop. To illustrate the impact they may have on our results, assuming prices remain at their current level⁶ for the remainder of 2023/24 there would be an adverse impact of
c.£80 million⁷ on full year operating performance compared with the prior year (1H 2023/24: c.£55m adverse impact). We remain focused on mitigating the potential impact on our performance.


At current foreign exchange rates⁸, translational foreign exchange movements for the year ending 31st March 2024 are expected to adversely impact underlying operating profit by
c.£15 million (1H 2023/24: £9m adverse impact).


Dividend

The board has approved an interim dividend of 22.0 pence per share, maintained at the same level as the prior year (1H 2022/23: 22.0 pence per share). The interim dividend will be paid on 6th February 2024, with an ex-dividend date of 30th November 2023, to shareholders on the register on 1st December 2023.


Group Leadership Team changes

We have made changes to our Group Leadership Team as we reshape our business to drive improved profitability and position ourselves for long-term growth.


Maurits van Tol, previously Chief Technology Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive, Catalyst Technologies. Maurits succeeds Jane Toogood who successfully positioned Catalyst Technologies as a global leader in sustainable technologies. Jane has decided it is the right time for a new leader to take the business through the next phase of acceleration and has left the group. Liz Rowsell, previously Corporate R&D Director, succeeds Maurits as Chief Technology Officer. 


We have combined Strategy with Corporate Development given their strong interdependency. Louise Melikian, previously Head of Corporate Development, is now Chief Strategy and Corporate Development Officer and joins the Group Leadership Team. Christian Gunther, previously Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, who has served Johnson Matthey very well, has also left the group.


All changes were effective from 1st October 2023.


















 

Enquiries: 



Investor Relations

 

 

Martin Dunwoodie

Louise Curran

Carla Fabiano

Director of Investor Relations

Senior Investor Relations Manager

Senior Investor Relations Manager

+44 20 7269 8241

+44 20 7269 8235

+44 20 7269 8004

Media

 

 

Barney Wyld

Harry Cameron 

Group Corporate Affairs Director

Teneo

+44 20 7269 8001

+44 7799 152148

 

Notes:

1. 

Underlying performance is before profit or loss on disposal of businesses, gain or loss on significant legal proceedings together with associated legal costs, amortisation of acquired intangibles, share of profits or losses from non-strategic equity investments, major impairment and restructuring charges and, where relevant, related tax effects. For definitions and reconciliations of other non-GAAP measures, see pages 49 to 54.

2. 

Unless otherwise stated, sales and operating profit commentary refers to performance at constant exchange rates. Growth at constant rates excludes the translation impact of foreign exchange movements, with
1H 2022/23 results converted at 1H 2023/24 average rates. In 1H 2023/24, the translational impact of exchange rates on group sales and underlying operating profit was an impact of £52 million and £9 million respectively.

3. 

Revenue excluding sales of precious metals to customers and the precious metal content of products sold to customers.

4. 

At constant FX and adjusting for c.£55 million impact from precious metal prices.

5. 

Outlook commentary for Clean Air, PGM Services, Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies assumes

constant precious metal prices and constant currency.

6. 

Based on average precious metal prices in November 2023 (month to date).

7. 

A US$100 per troy ounce change in the average annual platinum, palladium and rhodium metal prices each have an impact of approximately £1 million, £1.5 million and £0.75 million respectively on full year underlying

operating profit in PGM Services. This assumes no foreign exchange movement.

8. 

At average foreign exchange rates for November 2023 month to date (£:US$ 1.227, £:€ 1.145, £:RMB 8.937) translational foreign exchange movements for the year ending 31st March 2024 are expected to adversely impact underlying operating profit by c.£15 million.

 



 

Chief Executive Officer update


Our strategy is purpose-driven to catalyse the net zero transition for our customers. We are focused on technologies and markets where we have leading positions and competitive advantage. At the same time, to support our strategy and maximise value creation we are undergoing a significant transformation to strengthen our capabilities, simplify our operating model and drive improved performance.


In the first half we saw good underlying performance¹, excluding the impact of metal and currency, despite the challenging market backdrop. We have taken actions to transform our business and I am pleased that we are starting to see the benefits. In Clean Air and Catalyst Technologies underlying margins have improved, but there is a lot more to come and we are committed to delivering further material improvements in both businesses. Our reported performance in the half was significantly impacted by lower precious metal prices, mainly in PGM Services. We are working hard to mitigate this going forward, including changes to our business model, although this will take time. In Hydrogen Technologies sales grew strongly. Whilst the global hydrogen value chain is in an early stage of development and continues to evolve, we see good opportunities. We have a very disciplined and modular approach to investment that will ensure sustainable returns despite market volatility, and we expect a significant opportunity for value creation in the medium and long-term. The underlying performance provides evidence that our strategy is delivering, and gives confidence in our ability to capture the growth opportunities ahead of us, drive efficiencies and translate all of that into value creation for our shareholders.

 

We have made progress with our transformation programme and are on track to deliver in excess of £150 million annualised cost savings by the end of 2024/25. The changes we are making will create a more efficient and streamlined organisation, meaning we are better positioned to deliver on our strategy and capture the growth opportunities ahead.


To date we have delivered benefits of c.£70 million, with c.£25 million achieved in the half against a target of c.£55 million for the full year. Examples of actions we are taking include the consolidation of our Clean Air manufacturing footprint and we are also implementing a Global Business Services (GBS) operating model across HR, finance and procurement. This GBS model will eliminate duplication, deliver standardisation, simplify processes, sharpen accountabilities and reduce costs. We are also driving greater value from procurement and rationalising our real estate globally.


We continue to focus and simplify our portfolio and have made good progress on our disposal programme. Within Value Businesses we aim to have divestments agreed by the end of our fiscal year.


Strategic milestones overview

We are making good progress against the strategic milestones we set out in May 2022. Our growth businesses - Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies - continue to develop, positioning us as a global leader in sustainable solutions.


Customers:

·     

2 strategic partnerships in Hydrogen Technologies - Plug Power and Hystar

·     

Winning targeted Euro 7 business, on track to deliver £4 billion+ cash² for Clean Air

·     

Won 9 additional large scale projects in Catalyst Technologies³ (targeting >10 across Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies by end of 2023/24)

 

 

Investments:

·   

PGM Services refining capability expansion in China complete and ramping up

·   

Construction of Hydrogen Technologies CCM plant in the UK to expand total capacity from 2GW to 5GW is on track

·   

Targeted capacity expansion (e.g. fuel cells catalyst, formaldehyde catalyst) in progress

·   

Divesting non-core assets - Piezo Products (part of Medical Device Components) and Diagnostic Services sold


People: targeting an increase in engagement score from 6.9 in 2022/23 to 7.2 in 2024/25


Sustainability:

·   

Reduced Scope 1+2 CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) emissions by 13% in 2022/23, ahead of targeted c.10% reduction by 2023/24 (from a 2019/20 baseline)

·   

Helping customers reduce CO2e emissions through use of our products by >1mt p.a. by 2023/24

 

Notes:

1.  

At constant FX and adjusting for c.£55 million impact from precious metal prices.

2.  

At least £4 billion of cash under our range of scenarios from 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2031. Cash target
pre-tax and post restructuring costs.

3.  

From 1st April 2022 to date.



 

Summary of underlying operating results from continuing operations

Unless otherwise stated, commentary refers to performance at constant FX rates¹. Percentage changes in the tables are calculated on rounded numbers.

 

Sales

(£ million)

Half year ended
30th September

% change

% change,
constant FX rates

2023

2022

Clean Air

1,286

1,278

+1

+4

PGM Services

230

282

-18

-16

Catalyst Technologies

282

275

+3

+5

Hydrogen Technologies

37

23

+61

+61

Value Businesses²,³

190

235

-19

-21

Eliminations

(58)

(48)



Sales (continuing)

1,967

2,045

-4

-1

 

 

Underlying operating profit
(£ million)

Half year ended
30th September

% change

% change,
 constant FX rates

2023

2022

Clean Air

124

108

+15

+22

PGM Services

78

125

-38

-37

Catalyst Technologies

35

21

+67

+84

Hydrogen Technologies

(26)

(24)

n/a

n/a

Value Businesses²,

14

21

-33

-33

Corporate

(45)

(29)



Underlying operating profit (continuing)

180

222

-19

-15

 

 

Reconciliation of underlying operating profit
to operating profit
(£ million)

Half year ended
30th September

2023

2022

Underlying operating profit (continuing)

180

222

Major impairment and restructuring charges⁵

(42)

(9)

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(2)

(2)

Operating profit (continuing)

136

211

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Notes:

1.  

Growth at constant rates excludes the translation impact of foreign exchange movements, with 1H 2022/23 results converted at 1H 2023/24 average rates. In 1H 2023/24, the translational impact of exchange rates on group sales and underlying operating profit was an impact of £52 million and £9 million respectively.

2.  

Includes Battery Systems, Medical Device Components, Battery Materials, Diagnostic Services and Advanced Glass Technologies.

3.  

Sales relating to divestments of Advanced Glass Technologies and Diagnostic Services: (1H 2022/23:
£41 million, 1H 2023/24: £37 million)

4.  

Operating profit related to divestments of Advanced Glass Technologies and Diagnostic Services: (1H 2022/23:
£2 million, 1H 2023/24: £3 million).

5.  

For further detail on these items please see pages 18 and 19.

Business reviews

 

Clean Air

 

Improved profitability driven by pricing and efficiency benefits

·    

Sales up 4% supported by increased pricing and slightly higher volumes in light duty diesel and heavy duty diesel

·    

Underlying operating profit increased 22% and margins expanded 110 basis points to 9.6%. We benefited from increased pricing and volumes as well as cost savings from our transformation programme. This was partly offset by a weaker mix

 

 


Half year ended
30th September

% change

% change, constant FX rates


2023

2022

 

£ million

£ million

Sales





Light duty diesel

532

515

+3

+7

Light duty gasoline

280

299

-6

-1

Heavy duty diesel

474

464

+2

+5

Total sales

1,286

1,278

+1

+4

 

 




Underlying operating profit

124

108

+15

+22

Underlying operating profit margin

9.6%

8.5%

 

 

EBITDA margin

12.5%

11.3%

 

 

Reported operating profit

104

109

 

 

 

Clean Air provides catalysts for emission control after-treatment systems used in light and heavy duty vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

 

Performance commentary

The light duty vehicle market saw an improvement in global production during the first half, supported by the easing of supply chain disruptions. The normalisation of the Chinese market following COVID related lockdowns in the prior year led to a recovery in heavy duty vehicle production. Fleet replacements in Europe and the Americas translated to increased demand in this market.


Sales

Light duty diesel

Light duty diesel sales were up 7%, outperforming a declining market. This was driven by strong performance in Asia and the Americas. In Asia, we strongly outperformed a growing market which is recovering from COVID related lockdowns in China in the prior year. Our growth was driven by the ramp up of new platforms in China and India. In the Americas we significantly outperformed a declining market which was impacted by faltering domestic demand due to the uncertain economic outlook. Our outperformance in the region was mainly driven by higher revenue per unit from a new platform. In Europe, which represents around 60% of our total light duty diesel sales, sales were broadly flat, in line with the overall market.


Light duty gasoline

Light duty gasoline sales were down 1%, underperforming the global market. In Europe, sales grew in line with a strong underlying market supported by the easing of supply chain disruptions. In the Americas, sales grew slightly behind a growing market due to the end of some platform programmes. Our sales in Asia underperformed a growing market. We saw good growth in China driven by improved mix but this was more than offset by previous platform losses elsewhere in the region.


Heavy duty diesel catalysts

In heavy duty diesel sales were up 5%, underperforming a robust market. We saw very strong performance in Asia partially offset by a decline in Europe. In Asia our sales significantly outperformed a strong market due to increased demand from our customers in China and higher revenue per unit in India as a result of product mix. We underperformed a growing market in Europe due to a weaker mix. In the Americas, our sales were in line with a slightly declining market. The high value Class 8 truck production was higher than anticipated but the worsening macroeconomic outlook in South America impacted production in the region. In the future, our strong presence in heavy duty positions us favourably to capitalise on upcoming advancements, such as internal combustion engines powered by hydrogen.


Underlying operating profit

Underlying operating profit increased 22% to £124 million and margins increased 110 basis points to 9.6%. We benefited from increased pricing and volumes as well as cost savings from our transformation programme. This was partly offset by a weaker product mix.


Business update

In Clean Air, we are focusing on margin improvement and delivery of our cash generation target of at least £4 billion in the decade to 2030/31. This is underpinned by business wins, rigorous cost management and tightening emission control legislation globally.


We continue to develop world leading catalysts to support our customers as more demanding emission regulations come into force across the world. In Europe, the legislative process for Euro 7 emission standards is ongoing. Earlier this month the EU Parliament formalised its position during a plenary vote. While less stringent than the EU Commission's proposal, it seeks to retain some key elements of the initial proposal, especially for light duty vehicle exhaust emissions. It also voted in favour of later introduction timings, meaning we can estimate Euro 7 standards to commence from 2027/28 for light duty and 2028 to 2030 for heavy duty vehicles. We expect final rules to be agreed ahead of EU elections in June next year. Beyond Europe we still expect the regulation roadmap to develop globally with the US already setting tighter standards from 2027 onwards whilst China and India are expected to bring proposals in 2024/25.


We are also strengthening our commercial capabilities, improving pricing whilst winning new business. We continue to win our targeted business across gasoline and diesel platforms.


As we drive efficiencies, we are reducing fixed costs and streamlining SG&A expenses and production overheads. We are also making good progress with the optimisation of our manufacturing footprint and have already completed 3 of the 4 announced site closures targeted by the end of 2023/24.

We remain on track to deliver on our cash generation target of at least £4 billion in the decade to 2030/31, having already delivered £1.4 billion in the first two years of this guidance. We expect strong cashflow generation this year, albeit more moderate compared to the prior year. Alongside this, we are identifying efficiencies that will deliver further margin improvement and we expect to achieve a double digit operating margin for the full year with further progress beyond.

 

 

 

 

PGM Services

 

Performance reflects lower average PGM prices and reduced refinery volumes

·   

Sales declined 16%, reflecting lower average PGM prices and decreased refinery volumes due to continued lower levels of auto scrap

·   

Underlying operating profit was down due to lower average PGM prices. Our actions to improve efficiency have offset lower refinery volumes

 


Half year ended
30th September

  % change

% change, constant FX rates


2023

2022

 

£ million

£ million

Sales





PGM Services

230

282

-18

-16




 

 

Underlying operating profit

78

125

-38

-37

Underlying operating profit margin

33.9%

44.3%

 

 

EBITDA margin

40.0%

48.9%

 

 

Reported operating profit

77

125

 

 







 

PGM Services is the world's largest recycler of platinum group metals (PGMs). This business has an important role in enabling the energy transition through providing circular solutions as demand for scarce critical materials increases. PGM Services provides a strategic service to the group, supporting Clean Air, Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies with security of metal supply in a volatile market, and manufactures value added PGM products


Performance commentary

Sales

In PGM Services, sales declined 16% primarily driven by lower average PGM prices, and in particular palladium and rhodium, which declined 35% and 64% respectively compared to the prior period. PGM prices were impacted in the period by lower auto demand and the liquidation of excess rhodium positions. The average price of rhodium over the last three years to November 2023 has been $14,400 per troy ounce, peaking at $28,700 in early 2021. Since then, rhodium prices have declined and stabilised in recent months at around $4,300.


In our refineries, intake volumes continue to be down due to lower auto scrap resulting from a strong used car market. We expect this trend to continue through our second half. We have completed the expansion of our China refinery which is now fully commissioned and taking in feeds. Our metal trading business performed well supported by a volatile precious metal price environment, particularly in China.


Across our PGM products businesses, sales were broadly flat.


Underlying operating profit

Underlying operating profit declined 37% mainly impacted by lower average PGM prices
(c.£55 million impact). We have offset the impact of lower auto scrap volumes with cost saving actions.

 

 

 

Business update

In PGM Services we understand the full life cycle of the PGMs in our products and continue to work with our partners to enable greater recycling and refining at the end of their life. Ensuring a full service offering to customers, from metal supply to recycling, allows us to capture value from the entire life cycle of PGMs and is key in enabling our customers to use PGMs effectively in the energy transition.


For example, to support our Hydrogen Technologies customers, we are applying our
long-standing recycling expertise to emerging technologies, including fuel cells and electrolysers to enable circularity in the hydrogen economy. Our new technology for the recycling of hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyser materials has proven at pilot scale that we can recycle two critical components: the platinum group metals in the catalyst layers and the membrane ionomer. This is a key step on our path to provide a circular service to our Hydrogen Technologies customers and support the growth of this sector.


To strengthen our position as the world's leading recycler of PGMs, we are investing in the resilience, efficiency and long-term sustainability of our assets. Our China refinery is now fully operational, strengthening our capability and offering in the region. In addition, we are expanding our fuel cells catalyst capacity within PGM Services to support the growth of our Hydrogen Technologies business.

 

 

Catalyst Technologies

 

Sales growth and driving material margin improvement

·   

Sales up 5% with growth in both Catalysts and Licensing

·   

In Catalysts, sales were mainly driven by higher average prices as we strengthened our commercial focus, partly offset by lower catalyst refill volumes

·   

Won nine large scale projects from April 2022 to date across low carbon hydrogen and sustainable fuels, of which four were won since May 2023

·   

Underlying operating profit and margin improved materially, largely driven by actions taken to improve performance including higher pricing and efficiencies

 


Half year ended
30th September

  % change

% change, constant FX rates


2023

2022

 

£ million

£ million

Sales





Catalysts

254

249

+2

+5

Licensing

28

26

+8

+6

Catalyst Technologies

282

275

+3

+5




 

 

Underlying operating profit

35

21

+67

+84

Underlying operating profit margin

12.4%

7.6%

 

 

EBITDA margin

16.7%

12.4%

 

 

Reported operating profit

32

17

 

 







 

Catalyst Technologies is a key pillar of our strategy as we target high growth, high return opportunities in the decarbonisation of fuels and chemical value chains. We have leading positions in syngas: methanol, ammonia, hydrogen and formaldehyde. Our revenue streams are licensing process technology and supplying catalysts.


Performance commentary

Sales

Overall, sales were up 5% in the half with growth in both Catalysts - which represents the majority of sales - and Licensing. In particular, we saw good performance in China reflecting both strength in formaldehyde and licensing of existing core technology.


Catalysts: benefiting from higher average prices despite lower volumes

In Catalysts, sales were up 5%. Through our stronger commercial focus we saw higher average prices across our portfolio, and delivered good growth in formaldehyde following recent project wins. We performed well across key syngas segments including ammonia and hydrogen. Overall catalyst refill volumes were down, largely due to an unplanned shut down at one of our plants.


Licensing: early sales from sustainable solutions portfolio

In Licensing, sales were up 6% supported by growth in our existing core portfolio as well as sustainable solutions. We continue to make good progress as we scale our business and target new opportunities in low carbon hydrogen and sustainable fuels. In the period, we saw early sales from these new opportunities and continued to win projects in these areas.


Across the rest of our licensing business, we saw growth in areas including oxoalcohols and BDO (butanediol) following recent project wins in China. Relating to these offerings (i.e. excluding sustainable solutions), we signed six licences in the half worth around £70 million in sales over five years. (1H 22/23: five licences).


Underlying operating profit

Underlying operating profit was up 84% to £35 million and margins grew significantly, up 480 basis points to 12.4%. This was largely driven by actions taken to improve performance including higher pricing reflecting our stronger commercial focus and efficiency benefits.


Business update

In Catalyst Technologies, we are growing our existing business alongside new opportunities in low carbon hydrogen (or carbon capture and storage - CCS-enabled hydrogen) and sustainable fuels. These sustainable solutions are based on syngas technology, where we have a market leading position and strong track record, and will transform the scale and profitability of our business.


In the near-term, we are focused on improving performance and delivering higher margins through initiatives across pricing, manufacturing efficiency and procurement. These actions are delivering immediate results, and we are on track to achieve our margin targets.


In our sustainable solutions portfolio, we continue to win early 'first of a kind' projects, which demonstrate the strength of our offering. In the period from April 2022 to November 2023, we won nine large scale projects across low carbon hydrogen and sustainable fuels worth c.£185 million in sales over five years, subject to project completion. This includes four projects which were won since we last reported in May 2023:


·   

Kellas Midstream's H2NorthEast low carbon hydrogen plant in Teesside, UK (October 2023)

·   

bp's H2Teesside low carbon hydrogen facility in Teesside, UK (October 2023)

·   

EDL's HyKero sustainable aviation fuel plant in Germany (October 2023)

·   

ABEL Energy's green methanol project in Australia (November 2023)


The new project wins include two low carbon hydrogen licences in the UK for H2NorthEast (Kellas) and also H2Teeside (bp) which aims to be one of the UK's largest low carbon hydrogen facilities. We also won two sustainable fuels projects including EDL's HyKero plant which would be the first of its kind at commercial scale in Germany, and also ABEL Energy's green hydrogen and methanol project in Australia. Across our sustainable solutions portfolio, we have a pipeline of more than 100 projects, which continues to grow.


In Catalyst Technologies, we are targeting high single digit sales growth in the short-term, accelerating to mid-teens growth over the medium to long-term. With the combination of our value creation programme and mix shift towards licensing we are targeting mid-teens margins by the end of 2024/25 and high teens by the end of 2027/28, with continued accretion beyond.



 

Hydrogen Technologies

 

Significant sales growth and continued disciplined investment to scale the business

·   

Sales up 61% driven by higher volumes for strategic customers in fuel cells, and growth in electrolysers from the supply of components and samples

·   

Underlying operating loss reflects continued disciplined investment to scale the business to meet demand, partly offset by higher volumes

 

 

Half year ended
30th September

% change

% change, constant FX rates

 

2023

2022

 

£ million

£ million

Sales





Hydrogen Technologies

37

23

+61

+61






Underlying operating loss

(26)

(24)

n/a

n/a

Underlying operating profit margin

n/a

n/a

 

 

Reported operating loss

(26)

(24)

 

 

 

In Hydrogen Technologies, we provide components across the value chain for fuel cells and electrolysers including catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) and membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs). Our ambition is to be the market leader in CCMs, which are the critical performance defining components at the centre of fuel cells, PEM (proton exchange membrane) and AEM (anion exchange membrane) electrolysers.


Performance commentary

Sales

In the half, sales in Hydrogen Technologies were up 61% to £37 million driven by growth in both fuel cells and electrolysers. Fuel cells - which represent the majority of our business today - grew strongly reflecting higher commercial volumes into both automotive and non-road transport applications for our strategic customers. In electrolysers, we saw higher sales from the supply of components as well as prototypes and samples.


Across our business, we saw higher manufacturing output as we focused on operational performance and continued to improve our processes and drive efficiency. As we further scale and develop long-term relationships, we are focusing our business towards strategic customers.


Underlying operating loss

Underlying operating loss of £26 million reflects increased investment in building capability and product development as we scale the business to meet customer demand, partly offset by higher volumes from strategic customers.


Business update

Since May 2022, we have agreed multi-year strategic partnerships with Plug Power in the US and Hystar in Europe. As we develop the business we are growing the number of strategic customers, and supply chain partnerships are improving security of supply.


In the UK, construction of our 3GW facility in Royston is on track to be complete by the end of 2023/24. In the US, we are planning to co-invest with Plug Power into a new manufacturing plant. This plant will initially have 5GW capacity scaling to 10GW over time. Based on process improvements with our current and planned UK capacity, we now expect increased output and will be able to serve more demand from these facilities. Consequently, together with Plug Power, we are optimising our planned investment in the US including the timing and level of capex required. We seek to maximise appropriate government support where available.


Although the global hydrogen value chain is in an early stage of development and continues to evolve, we continue to target sales of more than £200 million by the end of 2024/25. We anticipate the business to breakeven in 2025/26, with significant growth in sales and profitability thereafter.

 

 

 



 

Value Businesses

 

Disposals on track to be agreed by end of 2023/24

·   

Performance in the half largely reflects lower volumes in Battery Systems following exceptional customer demand in the prior period

·   

Sale of Diagnostic Services completed on 29th September 2023

 

 

Half year ended
30th September

% change

% change, constant FX rates

 

2023

2022

 

£ million

£ million

Sales





Value Businesses¹

190

235

-19

-21






Underlying operating profit²

14

21

-33

-33

Underlying operating profit margin

7.4%

8.9%

 

 

EBITDA margin

10.0%

11.1%

 

 

Reported operating profit

8

15

 

 

 

Value Businesses is managed to drive shareholder value from activities considered to be
non-core to JM, and comprises Battery Systems and Medical Device Components. In the period, we completed the sale of Diagnostic Services.


Overall, sales in Value Businesses were down 21% in the half. On a like for like basis (i.e.

excluding Advanced Glass Technologies and Battery Materials), sales were down 15%.


Sales performance was largely driven by a decline in Battery Systems. Volumes normalised following exceptional customer demand in the prior year, as supply chain constraints eased and we satisfied a backlog of orders. This was partly offset by pricing benefits from sales of higher value next generation e-bike products. Excluding the impact from the disposal of Piezo Products, sales in Medical Device Components grew reflecting recent project wins and higher production following investments to upgrade assets and drive efficiency. Diagnostic Services grew well, supported by a higher oil price which drove increased customer activity.


Underlying operating profit

Underlying operating profit was £14 million, a decline of £7 million on the prior period. This largely reflects lower volumes in Battery Systems as demand normalised, following strong growth in the prior year. We also experienced temporary dual running costs in Medical Device Components as we transferred manufacturing to a lower cost location.


Corporate

Corporate costs were £45 million, an increase of £16 million from the prior period, largely reflecting higher costs in relation to the implementation of new IT systems.

 

 

Notes:

1.  

Sales relating to divestments of Advanced Glass Technologies and Diagnostic Services: (1H 2022/23:
£41 million, 1H 2023/24: £37 million).

2.  

Operating profit related to divestments of Advanced Glass Technologies and Diagnostic Services: (1H 2022/23:
£2 million, 1H 2023/24: £3 million).

Financial review - continuing operations


Research and development (R&D)

R&D spend was £104 million in the half. This was broadly in line with the prior period spend of £106 million and represents c.5% of sales excluding precious metals. We are prioritising spend in our growth areas Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies, as we continue to commercialise our sustainable solutions, fuel cell and electrolyser offerings.

 

Foreign exchange

The calculation of growth at constant rates excludes the impact of foreign exchange movements arising from the translation of overseas subsidiaries' profit into sterling. The group does not hedge the impact of translation effects on the income statement. The principal overseas currencies, which represented 75% of the non-sterling denominated underlying operating profit in the half year ended 30th September 2023, were:


 


Share of 1H 2023/24
non-sterling denominated
underlying operating profit

Average exchange rate

Half year ended
30th September

% change


 

2023

2022

US dollar

22%

1.26

1.21

+4

Euro

39%

1.16

1.17

-1

Chinese renminbi

14%

8.99

8.18

+10

 

For the half, the impact of exchange rates decreased sales by £52 million and underlying operating profit by £9 million.


If average rates for November 2023 month to date (£:US$ 1.227, £:€ 1.145, £:RMB 8.937) are maintained throughout the year ending 31st March 2024, foreign currency translation will have an adverse impact of c.£15 million on underlying operating profit. A one cent change in the average US dollar and a ten fen change in the average rate of the Chinese renminbi have an impact of approximately £1 million on operating profit whilst a one cent change in the average rate of the Euro has approximately a £2 million impact on full year underlying operating profit.

 

Efficiency savings

Our group transformation programme which is expected to deliver savings in excess of
£150 million by 2024/25 is well underway. Associated costs to deliver the programme are around £100 million, all of which are cash. In the first half, we delivered c.£25 million of savings against our expected savings of c.£55 million for the year.


Items outside underlying operating profit

Non-underlying (charge) / income

(£ million)

As at
30th September
2023

As at
30th September 2022

Major impairment and restructuring charges

(42)

(9)

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(2)

(2)

Total

(44)

(11)

 

There was a £42 million charge relating to major impairment and restructuring charges comprising a net impairment charge of £12 million and restructuring charges of
£30 million. The net impairment charge of £12 million includes further impairment charges to production related assets in Clean Air as the business continues to consolidate its existing capacity into new and more efficient plants. Further impairment charges were also recognised in relation to amounts due from the sale of Battery Materials to EV Metals Group.


Finance charges

Net finance charges in the period amounted to £41 million, up from £21 million in the first half of 2022/23, largely reflecting higher average borrowings and increased interest charges related to our floating rate debt.


Taxation

The tax charge on underlying profit before tax for the half year ended 30th September 2023 was £31 million, an effective underlying tax rate of 22.0%, up from 19.9% in the first half of 2022/23 largely due to phasing differences between the first and second half.


The effective tax rate on reported profit for the half year ended 30th September 2023 was 22.8%. This represents a tax charge of £19 million, compared with £38 million in the prior period, largely due to lower profit before tax in the current period.


We currently expect the effective tax rate on underlying profit for the year ending
31st March 2024 to be around 20%.


Post-employment benefits

IFRS - accounting basis

At 30th September 2023, the group's net post-employment benefit position, was a surplus of £98 million.


The cost of providing post-employment benefits in the period was £11 million, down from
£16 million in the same period last year.


Capital expenditure

We are making disciplined investments to drive growth and deliver attractive returns. We have further prioritised our capital expenditure and now expect cumulative spend to decline by c.10% to c.£1 billion over the three year period to 2024/25.


In the half, capital expenditure was £157 million, 1.6 times depreciation and amortisation (excluding amortisation of acquired intangibles). In the period, key projects included:


·     

Hydrogen Technologies - investing to increase manufacturing capacity in the UK

·     

PGM Services - investing in the resilience, efficiency and long-term sustainability of our refinery assets


Strong balance sheet

Net debt as at 30th September 2023 was £1,044 million, an increase from £1,023 million at 31st March 2023 and £963 million at 30th September 2022. Net debt is £18 million higher at £1,062 million when post tax pension deficits are included. The group's net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to EBITDA was 1.7 times (30th September 2022: 1.5 times), in line with our target range of 1.5 to 2.0 times.


We use short-term metal leases as part of our mix of funding for working capital, which are outside the scope of IFRS 16. Precious metal leases amounted to £186 million as at
30th September 2023 (31st March 2023: £138 million, 30th September 2022: £129 million). 


Free cash flow and working capital

Free cash flow was £78 million in the half, compared to £133 million in the prior period, largely reflecting lower proceeds from disposals and reduced operating profit, partly offset by a net working capital inflow.


Excluding precious metal, average working capital days to 30th September 2023 increased to 57 days compared to 35 days to 30th September 2022. This largely reflects inventory build ahead of Clean Air site closures as well as higher working capital in Catalyst Technologies and Hydrogen Technologies to support growth.


Going concern

The group maintains a strong balance sheet with around £1.5 billion of available cash and undrawn committed facilities. Cash generation was positive during the period with free cash flow of £78 million. Net debt was in line with 31st March 2023 at £1,044 million.


As set out on page 31, the directors have reviewed the base case scenario forecasts for the group and have reasonable expectation that there are no material uncertainties that cast doubt about the group's ability to continue operating for at least twelve months from the date of approving these half-yearly accounts. In arriving at this view, the base case scenario was stress tested to a severe but plausible downside case which assumes lower demand across our markets to account for further disruptions and recession.


Additionally, the group considered scenarios including the impact from metal price volatility, a slow down in China and increase in the amount of metal that we would have to hold. Under all scenarios, the group has sufficient headroom against committed facilities and key financial covenants are not in breach during the going concern period. The directors have reviewed a range of scenario forecasts for the group and have reasonable expectation that there are no material uncertainties that cast doubt about the group's ability to continue operating for at least twelve months from the date of approving this half year accounts and so determine that it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

 



 

Risks and uncertainties


JM's principal risk landscape continues to be reviewed and updated to reflect our refreshed strategy and the challenges that come from operating within the current global environment and economic climate. JM is committed to improving its risk management approach and insights used to support various business decisions. The Group's principal risks are listed below.  


1. Significant change in demand or margin sustainability - Failure to correctly anticipate market trends driving demand and commoditisation of our products. With shifts being slower or faster than anticipated, we may fail to make the right and timely decisions to respond to these shifts. This risk, combined with a failure to identify other new markets relevant for JM, may adversely impact revenue, cash flow and profitability, including our position as technology and cost leader.

 

2. Significant geopolitical or macroeconomic event - Due to the nature of JM's global footprint, there is a risk that we may face disruption in operations, supply chain and/or customer markets due to geopolitical risks such as conflicts, trade disputes, sanctions, pandemics, inflation and economic recession in specific countries or regions where we operate or where our supply chains are located.

 

3. Failure to deliver value from capital projects - The success of our strategy, especially in growth areas, depends on our ability to effectively prioritise and deliver our strategic capital investment pipeline. There is a risk that we might be unable to meet production capacity expectations, breach budgeted costs or lose our competitive position.

 

4. Development of products that do not meet customer needs - Inability to develop products that are competitive enough to meet our market ambitions and our customer's needs. This includes our ability to identify and understand customer expectations, translate this into effective R&D and develop our nascent technologies into an industrial production scale.


5. A significant work related EHS incident - Failure to operate safely, resulting in injury or breach to applicable laws/regulations, which could lead to negative effects on our people, our reputation and/or the environment. This could also mean the loss of production time as well as attracting negative interest from the media and regulators, leading to significant fines and penalties.


6. Disruption to inbound goods or services provided - Given the nature of the products and services we provide, there are only a few suppliers that are approved to source certain important raw materials. If there was significant disruption in our supply chains this would impact the supply of our products and services.

 

7. A low performing culture undermines our strategy - A low-performing culture, characterised by an insufficiently engaged and inclusive workforce, lacking commitment to take accountability and drive results could impact the successful execution of our strategy.


8. Breach to security or control of platinum group metals in our processes - There is a risk that we have insufficient metal available for our manufacturing businesses and customer metal commitments. Metal price volatility affects how much our trading business earns. Our refining business earnings also depend on metal prices; a fall in these prices reduces revenue and operating profit. In addition, a failure of our security management systems may result in a loss of or theft of precious metal, which could lead to financial loss and / or failure to satisfy our customers. This could reduce customer confidence or result in legal action.

 

9. Failure in one or more of our critical operational assets - A failure in a critical asset at our sites may have a material effect on our supply chain, performance, share value and reputation. Also, more frequent extreme weather events and natural disasters may disrupt our operations and increase our costs

 

10. Unsuccessful delivery of key business transformation programmes - There are currently various transformation programmes in place across the group to support the delivery of our strategy and a more agile and streamlined organisation. In order to achieve this, JM's acceptance of calculated risk with corresponding need for mitigation has increased to enable several transformation activities to run in parallel. Failure to successfully deliver these programmes may delay the expected benefits, disrupt services to customers or trigger a loss of key talent.

 

11. Business failure through cyber-attack or other IT incidents - A failure to adapt our Information Technology to changing business requirements, the occurrence of significant disruption to our systems or a major cyber security incident may adversely affect our financial position, harm our reputation, and could lead to regulatory penalties or non-compliance with laws.

 

 



 

Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the half yearly report


The half yearly report is the responsibility of the directors. Each of the directors as at the date of this responsibility statement, whose names and functions are set out below, confirms that to the best of their knowledge:


·     

the condensed consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34 - 'Interim Financial Reporting'; and

·     

the interim management report included in the Half-Yearly Report includes a fair review of the information required by:


 

a)

DTR 4.2.7R of the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the financial year and their impact on the condensed consolidated accounts; and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and 


 

b)

DTR 4.2.8R of the Financial Conduct Authority's Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, being related party transactions that have taken place in the first six months of the current financial year and that have materially affected the financial position or performance of the company during that period; and any changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report that could do so. 


The names and functions of the directors of Johnson Matthey Plc are as follows: 


Patrick Thomas

Chair of the Board and of the Nomination Committee

Liam Condon

Chief Executive Officer

Stephen Oxley

Chief Financial Officer

Barbara Jeremiah

Senior Independent Non-Executive Director

Rita Forst

Non-Executive Director

Jane Griffiths

Non-Executive Director and Chair of Societal Value Committee

Xiaozhi Liu

Non-Executive Director

Chris Mottershead

Non-Executive Director

John O'Higgins

Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee

Doug Webb

Non-Executive Director and Chair of the Audit Committee


The responsibility statement was approved by the Board of Directors on 21st November 2023 and is signed on its behalf by: 


Patrick Thomas

Chair









Independent Review Report

to Johnson Matthey Plc

 

Report on the condensed consolidated accounts

 

Our conclusion

We have reviewed Johnson Matthey Plc's condensed consolidated accounts (the "interim financial statements") in the half year results of Johnson Matthey Plc for the 6 month period ended 30th September 2023 (the "period").


Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the interim financial statements are not prepared, in all material respects, in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.


The interim financial statements comprise:


·     

the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet as at 30th September 2023;

·     

the Condensed Consolidated Income Statement and Condensed Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income for the period then ended;

·     

the Condensed Consolidated Cash Flow Statement for the period then ended;

·     

the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity for the period then ended; and

·     

the explanatory notes to the interim financial statements.


The interim financial statements included in the half year results of Johnson Matthey Plc have been prepared in accordance with UK adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority.


Basis for conclusion

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK) 2410, 'Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity' issued by the Financial Reporting Council for use in the United Kingdom ("ISRE (UK) 2410"). A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.


A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and, consequently, does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.


We have read the other information contained in the half year results and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the information in the interim financial statements.


Conclusions relating to going concern

Based on our review procedures, which are less extensive than those performed in an audit as described in the Basis for conclusion section of this report, nothing has come to our attention to suggest that the directors have inappropriately adopted the going concern basis of accounting or that the directors have identified material uncertainties relating to going concern that are not appropriately disclosed. This conclusion is based on the review procedures performed in accordance with ISRE (UK) 2410. However, future events or conditions may cause the group to cease to continue as a going concern.

 

Responsibilities for the interim financial statements and the review

 

Our responsibilities and those of the directors

The half year results, including the interim financial statements, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the half year results in accordance with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority. In preparing the half year results, including the interim financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the group's ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the directors either intend to liquidate the group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

 

 

 

 

 

Our responsibility is to express a conclusion on the interim financial statements in the half year results based on our review. Our conclusion, including our Conclusions relating to going concern, is based on procedures that are less extensive than audit procedures, as described in the Basis for conclusion paragraph of this report. This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the company for the purpose of complying with the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority and for no other purpose. We do not, in giving this conclusion, accept or assume responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our prior consent in writing.

 

 

 

 

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants
London

21st November 2023

                       

 

 


Condensed Consolidated Income Statement

for the six months ended 30th September 2023















      Six months ended








30.9.23 


30.9.22






Notes

 

£ million 

 

£ million







 

 

 

 


Revenue

 

 

2, 3

 

6,531

 

7,328


Cost of sales




 

(6,084)

 

(6,841)


Gross profit




 

447

 

487


Distribution costs




 

(62)

 

(57)


Administrative expenses




 

(205)

 

(208)


Amortisation of acquired intangibles



4

 

(2)

 

(2)


Major impairment and restructuring charges



4

 

(42)

 

(9)


Operating profit

 

 


 

136

 

211


Finance costs




 

(71)

 

(48)


Investment income




 

30

 

27


Share of losses of associates




 

(13)

 

(2)


Profit before tax from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

82

 

188


Tax expense



5

 

(19)

 

(38)


Profit for the period from continuing operations

 

63

 

150


Profit after tax from discontinued operations

 

 


 

-

 

10


Profit for the period

 

63

 

160


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

pence 

 

pence 







 

 

 



Earnings per ordinary share

 



 

Basic 



6

 

34.7

 

87.5



Diluted



6

 

34.6

 

87.1


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

pence 

 

pence 







 

 

 



Earnings per ordinary share from continuing operations

 



 

Basic 



6

 

34.7

 

82.0



Diluted



6

 

34.6

 

81.7
















Condensed Consolidated Statement of Total Comprehensive Income

for the six months ended 30th September 2023
















 

      Six months ended







 

30.9.23 


30.9.22






Notes

 

£ million 

 

£ million







 

 

 

 


Profit for the period

 

 

63

 

160


Other comprehensive (expense) / income

 

 

 

 

 

 



Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement in subsequent years

 


 




Remeasurements of post-employment benefit assets and liabilities



13

 

(75)

 

(115)



Fair value losses on equity investments

 

(3)

 

(4)



Tax on items that will not be reclassified to the income statement



19

 

28


Total items that will not be reclassified to the income statement


(59)

 

(91)


Items that may be reclassified to the income statement:

 

 

 

 

 

 




Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations



 

 

(16)

 

187



Exchange differences on translation of discontinued operations




 

-

 

(32)



Amounts credited / (charged) to hedging reserve



 

 

2

 

(12)



Fair value losses on net investment hedges



 

 

(3)

 

(22)



Tax on items that may be reclassified to the income statement

 

 

(1)

 

4


Total items that may be reclassified to the income statement (in subsequent years)

 

(18)

 

125


Other comprehensive (expense) / income for the period

 

 

(77)

 

34


Total comprehensive (expense) / income for the period

(14)

 

194


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Total comprehensive income for the period arises from:

 

 




Continuing operations

 

 

 

 

(14)

 

216



Discontinued operations

 

 


 

-

 

(22)






 

 

(14)

 

194



 

 

 

 

 


 





Condensed Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

as at 30th September 2023













30.9.23 


31.3.23 





Notes

 

£ million 

 

£ million 






 

 

 

 


Assets

 

 


 

 

 



Non-current assets

 

 


 

 

 



Property, plant and equipment



8

 

1,378

 

1,332


Right-of-use assets




 

49

 

49


Goodwill




 

363

 

364


Other intangible assets



9

 

294

 

287


Investments in associates




 

63

 

75


Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income


 

45

 

49


Other receivables




 

114

 

113


Interest rate swaps



18

 

19

 

20


Other financial assets




 

52

 

48


Deferred tax assets




 

145

 

121


Post-employment benefit net assets



13

 

134

 

203


Total non-current assets

 

 


 

2,656

 

2,661


 

 

 


 

 

 



Current assets

 

 


 

 

 



Inventories




 

1,517

 

1,702


Taxation recoverable




 

9

 

12


Trade and other receivables




 

1,759

 

1,882


Cash and cash equivalents



18

 

493

 

650


Other financial assets




 

58

 

47


Assets classified as held for sale



12

 

17

 

75


Total current assets

 

 

 

 

3,853

 

4,368


Total assets

 

 

 

 

6,509

 

7,029


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 



Current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 



Trade and other payables



 

 

(2,263)

 

(2,497)


Lease liabilities



18

 

(9)

 

(9)


Taxation liabilities



 

 

(90)

 

(105)


Cash and cash equivalents ─ bank overdrafts



18

 

(31)

 

(13)


Borrowings and related swaps



18

 

(71)

 

(155)


Other financial liabilities



 

 

(21)

 

(27)


Provisions



 

 

(71)

 

(63)


Liabilities classified as held for sale



12

 

-

 

(25)


Total current liabilities

 

 

 

 

(2,556)

 

(2,894)





 

 

 

 



Non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 



Borrowings and related swaps



18

 

(1,398)

 

(1,460)


Lease liabilities



18

 

(31)

 

(31)


Deferred tax liabilities



 

 

(9)

 

(19)


Interest rate swaps



18

 

(16)

 

(15)


Employee benefit obligations



13

 

(39)

 

(41)


Provisions



 

 

(23)

 

(28)


Trade and other payables



 

 

(4)

 

(2)


Total non-current liabilities

 

 

 

 

(1,520)

 

(1,596)


Total liabilities

 

 

 

 

(4,076)

 

(4,490)


Net assets

 

 

 

 

2,433

 

2,539


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 



Share capital



 

 

215

 

215


Share premium



 

 

148

 

148


Treasury shares



 

 

(19)

 

(19)


Other reserves



 

 

97

 

118


Retained earnings



 

 

1,992

 

2,077


Total equity

 

 

 

 

2,433

 

2,539


Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

for the six months ended 30th September 2023






 









      Six months ended







30.9.23 


30.9.22





Notes


£ million

 

£ million

 






 


 

 

Cash flows from operating activities





 


 

 

Profit before tax from continuing operations





82

 

188

 

Loss before tax from discontinued operations





-

 

(5)

 

Adjustments for:





 

 


 

 Share of losses of associates





13

 

2

 

Depreciation





72

 

73

 

Amortisation





23

 

16

 

 Share-based payments





7

 

8

 

 Decrease / (increase) in inventories





169

 

(169)

 

 Decrease in receivables





113

 

41

 

 (Decrease) / increase in payables





(217)

 

26

 

 Increase / (decrease) in provisions





6

 

(8)

 

 Contributions in excess of employee benefit obligations charge


(5)

 

(3)

 

 Changes in fair value of financial instruments





(17)

 

(9)

 

 Net finance costs





41

 

21

 

Income tax paid





(51)

 

(36)

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

 

 

 

 

236

 

145

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest received





19

 

11

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment





(125)

 

(111)

 

Purchases of intangible assets





(33)

 

(26)

 

Government grant income received





1

 

-

 

Net proceeds from sale of businesses





39

 

166

 

Net cash (outflow) / inflow from investing activities

 

 

 

 

(99)

 

40

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Cash flows from financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Purchase of treasury shares





-

 

(45)

 

Proceeds from borrowings





2

 

272

 

Repayment of borrowings





(151)

 

(259)

 

Dividends paid to equity shareholders



7


(101)

 

(100)

 

Interest paid





(53)

 

(38)

 

Principal element of lease payments





(6)

 

(6)

 

Net cash outflow from financing activities

 

 

 

 

(309)

 

(176)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net (decrease) / increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

(172)

 

9

 

Exchange differences on cash and cash equivalents





(3)

 

14

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year





637

 

346

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

 

 

18

 

462

 

369

 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 

Cash and deposits





193

 

161

 

Money market funds





300

 

253

 

Bank overdrafts





(31)

 

(45)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

18

 

462

 

369

 






 

 

 

 


 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the six months ended 30th September 2023









 



















Share


Share


Treasury


Other


Retained


Total 




capital


premium


shares


reserves


earnings


equity 




£ million


£ million


£ million


£ million


£ million


£ million 










 

 

 

 



At 1st April 2022


218


148


(24)


50

 

2,049


2,441


Total comprehensive income for the period

-


-


-


121

 

73


194


Dividends paid (note 7)


-


-


-


-

 

(100)


(100)


Purchase of treasury shares


(3)


-


-


3

 

-


-


Share-based payments


-


-


-


-

 

12


12


Cost of shares transferred to employees

-


-


4


-

 

(8)


(4)


At 30th September 2022


215


148


(20)


174

 

2,026


2,543


Total comprehensive (expense) / income for the period

-


-


-


(56)

 

91


35


Dividends paid (note 7)

-


-


-


-

 

(41)


(41)


Purchase of treasury shares


-


-


-


-

 

(1)


(1)


Share-based payments


-


-


-


-

 

6


6


Cost of shares transferred to employees

-


-


1


-

 

(6)


(5)


Tax on share-based payments


-


-


-


-

 

2


2


At 31st March 2023


215


148


(19)


118

 

2,077


2,539


Total comprehensive (expense) / income for the period

-


-


-


(21)

 

7


(14)


Dividends paid (note 7)

-


-


-


-

 

(101)


(101)


Share-based payments


-


-


-


-

 

12


12


Cost of shares transferred to employees

-


-


-


-

 

(3)


(3)

 

At 30th September 2023

 

215

 

148

 

(19)

 

97

 

1,992

 

2,433










 

 

 









1

Basis of preparation and statement of compliance

 

This condensed consolidated interim financial report for the half-year reporting period ended 30th September 2023 has been prepared in accordance with the UK-adopted International Accounting Standard 34, 'Interim Financial Reporting' and the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules sourcebook of the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. The accounting policies, estimates and judgements applied in this condensed consolidated interim financial report are consistent with the accounting policies, estimates and judgements applied by the group in its consolidated accounts as at, and for the year ended, 31st March 2023, with the exception of the adoption of amended accounting policies and standards as explained below.

 

These condensed consolidated accounts do not constitute statutory accounts within the meaning of Section 435 of the Companies Act 2006. The interim report does not include all of the notes of the type normally included in an annual financial report. Accordingly, this report is to be read in conjunction with the annual report for the year ended 31st March 2023, which has been prepared in accordance with UK-adopted International Accounting Standards (IAS) and with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

 

Information in respect of the year ended 31st March 2023 is derived from the company's statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those statutory accounts was unqualified, did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditor drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying its report and did not contain any statement under Section 498 (2) or Section 498 (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

 

The half-yearly accounts are unaudited but have been reviewed by the auditors. They were approved by the board of directors on 21st November 2023.

 

Going concern

The directors have reviewed the base case scenario, and the severe but plausible downside case scenario and have reasonable expectation that there are no material uncertainties that cast doubt about the group's ability to continue operating for at least twelve months from the date of approving these half-yearly accounts.

 

As at 30th September 2023, the group maintains a strong balance sheet with around £1.5 billion of available cash and undrawn committed facilities. Cash generation was positive during the period with free cash flow of around £78 million. Net debt was in line with 31st March 2023 at £1,044 million. Net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to EBITDA, was within our target range at 1.7 times.

 

Despite the significant headwinds faced in the current macroeconomic environment such as continued high levels of inflation and economic and political uncertainties, the group's performance during the period was resilient, both in terms of underlying operating profit and cash flow. For the purposes of assessing going concern, we have revisited our financial projections using the latest forecasts for our base case scenario. The base case scenario was stress tested to a severe but plausible downside case which reflects lower demand across our markets to account for further ongoing disruptions and a deeper recession.

 

Additionally, the group considered scenarios including the impact from metal price volatility and increases in the amount of metal that we would have to hold, along with a slowdown in operations in China. We have also considered the impact of a refinery shutdown for a prolonged period. Whilst the combined impact would reduce profitability and EBITDA against our latest forecast, our balance sheet would remain strong.

 

The group has a robust funding position comprising a range of long-term debt and a £1 billion five year committed revolving credit facility maturing in March 2027 which was entirely undrawn at 30th September 2023. There was £300 million of cash held in money market funds. Of the existing loans, around £105 million of term debt matures in the period to December 2024 which has been included in our going concern modelling. As a long time, highly rated issuer in the US private placement market, the group expects to be able to access additional funding in its existing markets should it need to. The group also has a number of additional sources of funding available including uncommitted lease facilities that support precious metal funding. Whilst we would fully expect to be able to utilise the metal lease facilities, they are excluded from our going concern modelling.





1

Basis of preparation and statement of compliance (continued)

 

Going concern (continued)

Under all scenarios above, the group has sufficient headroom against committed facilities and key financial covenants are not in breach during the going concern period. There remain risks to the group including more extreme economic outcomes. Against these, the group has a range of levers which it could utilise to protect headroom including reducing capital expenditure and future dividend distributions.

 

The directors are therefore of the opinion that the group has adequate resources to fund its operations for the period of twelve months following the date of this announcement and so determine that it is appropriate to prepare the accounts on a going concern basis.

 

Non-GAAP measures

The group uses various measures to manage its business which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The group's management believes these measures provide valuable additional information to users of the accounts in understanding the group's performance. The group's non-GAAP measures are defined and reconciled to GAAP measures in note 18.

 

Amended standards adopted by the group

The IASB has issued the following amendments, which have been endorsed by the UK Endorsement Board, for annual periods beginning on or after 1st January 2023:

-       Amendments to IFRS 17, Insurance Contracts;

-       Amendments to IAS 1 and IFRS Practice Statement 2;

-       Amendments to IAS 8, Accounting Policies, Changes in Accounting Estimates and Errors; and

-       Amendments to IAS 12, Deferred Tax related to Assets and Liabilities arising from a Single Transaction

These changes have not had a material impact on the group. The group has not early adopted any standard, interpretation or amendment that was issued but is not yet effective.

On the 19th July 2023, the UK endorsed the amendments to IAS 12 Income Taxes, issued by the International Accounting Standards Board on 23rd May 2023, which grants companies a temporary exemption from applying IAS 12 to the International Tax Reform: Pillar Two Model Rules. For the half year report, the group has adopted the amendments to IAS 12, and applied the exception to recognising and disclosing information about deferred tax assets and liabilities related to Pillar Two income taxes. The group has commenced Pillar Two impact analysis but is, as yet, not in a position to provide quantified analysis of the potential future impact.

 











 

2

Segmental information

 

 

 











 











 


Revenue, sales and underlying operating profit by business

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Clean Air - provides catalysts for emission control after-treatment systems used in light and heavy duty vehicles powered by internal combustion engines.

 

PGM Services - enables the energy transition through providing circular solutions as demand for scarce critical materials increases. Provides a strategic service to the group, supporting the other segments with security of metal supply, and manufactures value add PGM products.

 

Catalyst Technologies - enables the decarbonisation of chemical and fuel value chains.

 

Hydrogen Technologies - providing catalyst coated membranes that are a critical component for fuel cells and electrolysers.

 

Value Businesses - a portfolio of businesses managed to drive shareholder value from activities considered to be non-core to the Group. This includes Battery Systems, Medical Device Components and Diagnostic Services (sold on 29th September 2023 - refer to note 11). Battery Materials UK and Battery Materials Canada were sold on 26th May 2022 and 1st November 2022 respectively and are included within the prior period balances.

 

The Group Leadership Team (the chief operating decision maker as defined by IFRS 8, Operating Segments) monitors the results of these operating businesses to assess performance and make decisions about the allocation of resources. Each operating business is represented by a member of the Group Leadership Team. These operating businesses represent the group's reportable segments and their principal activities are described on pages 14 to 21 of the 2023 Annual Report. The performance of the group's operating businesses is assessed on sales and underlying operating profit (see note 18). Sales between segments are made at market prices, taking into account the volumes involved.


 



 



 












2

Segmental information (continued)

 
























Six months ended 30th September 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

 

 


 

 

 

 



Clean 

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value



 




Air 

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Corporate

Eliminations

Total

 



£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 













Revenue from external customers

2,768

3,169

308

45

241

-

-

6,531

 


Inter-segment revenue

-

1,364

11

-

-

-

(1,375)

-

 


Revenue

2,768

4,533

319

45

241

-

(1,375)

6,531

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


External sales1

1,286

182

272

37

190

-

-

1,967

 


Inter-segment sales

-

48

10

-

-

-

(58)

-

 


Sales1

1,286

230

282

37

190

-

(58)

1,967

 


Underlying operating profit1

124

78

35

(26)

14

(45)

-

180

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Six months ended 30th September 2022

 

 






























Clean 

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value







Air 

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Corporate

Eliminations

Total




£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 














Revenue from external customers

2,995

3,682

342

27

282

-

-

7,328



Inter-segment revenue

-

1,679

7

-

-

-

(1,686)

-



Revenue

2,995

5,361

349

27

282

-

(1,686)

7,328














External sales1

1,278

240

269

23

235

-

-

2,045



Inter-segment sales

-

42

6

-

-

-

(48)

-



Sales1

1,278

282

275

23

235

-

(48)

2,045



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



Underlying operating profit1

108

125

21

(24)

21

(29)

-

222



 






















1 Sales and underlying operating profit are non-GAAP measures (see note 18 for reconciliation to GAAP measures). Sales excludes the sale of precious metals. Underlying operating profit excludes profit or loss on disposal of businesses, gain or loss on significant legal proceedings, together with associated legal costs, amortisation of acquired intangibles and major impairment and restructuring charges.














 

2

Segmental information (continued)

 











 


Net assets by business









 











 


At 30th September 2023

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 







 


 

 

 




Clean 

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value



 




Air 

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Corporate

Total

 




£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 











 


Segmental net assets


1,496

107

723

165

226

547

3,264

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Net debt (see note 18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,044)

 


Post-employment benefit net assets and liabilities


 

 

 

95

 


Deferred tax net assets

 

 

 

 

136

 


Provisions and non-current other payables

 

 

 

 

(98)

 


Investments in associates

 

 

 

 

63

 


Net assets held for sale (see note 12)

 

 

 

17

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,433

 



 







 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


At 31st March 2023









 











 











 




Clean 

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value



 




Air 

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Corporate

Total

 




£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 











 


Segmental net assets


1,784

(2)

680

114

175

515

3,266

 











 


Net debt (see note 18)

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,023)

 


Post-employment benefit net assets and liabilities


 

 

 

162

 


Deferred tax net assets

 

 

 

 

 

102

 


Provisions and non-current other payables

 

 

 

 

 

(93)

 


Investments in associates

 

 

 

 

 

75

 


Net assets held for sale

 

 

 

 

 

50

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Net assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,539

 



 








 



 


 












 

3

Revenue

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

Products and services

 

 

 

 

 








 


The group's principal products and services by operating business and sub-business are disclosed in the table below, together with information regarding performance obligations and revenue recognition. Revenue is recognised by the group as contractual performance obligations to customers are completed.

 

 

 

 









 


Sub-business

Primary industry

Principal products and services

Performance obligations

 

Revenue recognition

 


Clean Air

 


Light Duty Catalysts

Automotive

Catalysts for cars and other light duty vehicles

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 












 


Heavy Duty Catalysts

Automotive

Catalysts for trucks, buses and non-road equipment

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 












 


PGM Services

 


Platinum Group Metal Services

Various

Platinum Group Metal refining and recycling services

Over time

 


Based on output

 








 


Platinum Group Metal trading

Point in time


On receipt of payment

 








 


Other precious metal products

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 








 


Platinum Group Metal chemical, industrial products and catalyst

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 










 


Catalyst Technologies

 


Catalyst Technologies

Chemicals / oil and gas

Speciality catalysts and additives

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 








 


Process technology licences

Over time

 


Based on costs incurred or straight-line over the licence term1

 








 


Engineering design services

Over time

 


Based on costs incurred

 








 


Hydrogen Technologies

 


Fuel Cells technologies

Various

Fuel cell catalyst coated membranes

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 












 


Electrolysis Technology

Various

Electrolyser catalyst coated membrane

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 












 


Value Businesses

 


Other Markets (excluding Diagnostic Services)

Various

Precious metal pastes and enamels, battery systems and products found in devices used in medical procedures

Point in time


On despatch or delivery

 












 


Diagnostic Services

Oil and gas

Detection, diagnostic and measurement solutions

Over time

 


Based on costs incurred

 








 

 

 


 


1 Revenue recognition depends on whether the licence is distinct in the context of the contract.

 












 


Metal revenue: Metal revenue relates to the sales of precious metals to customers, either in pure form or contained within a product. Metal revenue arises in each of the reportable segments in the Group. Metal revenue is affected by fluctuations in the market prices of precious metals and, in many cases, the value of precious metals is passed directly on to customers. Given the high value of these metals this makes up a significant proportion of revenue

 


 


 


 

3

Revenue (continued)






 

 

 












 


Revenue from external customers by principal products and services

 


 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


 


Six months ended 30th September 2023

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Clean

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value

 

 








Air

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Total

 








£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 









 

 

 

 


 









 

 

 

 


 


Metal

1,482

2,987

36

8

51

4,564

 


Heavy Duty Catalysts

454

-

-

-

-

454

 


Light Duty Catalysts

812

-

-

-

-

812

 


Platinum Group Metal Services

-

182

-

-

-

182

 


Catalyst Technologies

-

-

272

-

-

272

 


Fuel Cells

-

-

-

37

-

37

 


Battery Systems

-

-

-

-

106

106

 


Diagnostic Services

-

-

-

-

37

37

 


Medical Device Components

-

-

-

-

45

45

 


Other

20

-

-

-

2

22

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 








 

 

 

 

 


 

 

Revenue

2,768

3,169

308

45

241

6,531

 








 

 

 

 

 


 









 

 

 

 


 









 

 

 

 


 


Six months ended 30th September 2022

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Clean

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value


 








Air

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Total

 








£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 









 

 

 

 


 









 

 

 

 


 


Metal





1,717

3,442

73

4

47

5,283

 


Heavy Duty Catalysts



447

-

-

-

-

447

 


Light Duty Catalysts



814

-

-

-

-

814

 


Platinum Group Metal Services

-

240

-

-

-

240

 


Catalyst Technologies



-

-

269

-

-

269

 


Fuel Cells





-

-

-

23

-

23

 


Battery Systems





-

-

-

-

135

135

 


Diagnostic Services





-

-

-

-

34

34

 


Medical Device Components

-

-

-

-

46

46

 


Other





17

-

-

-

20

37

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 


 

 







 

 

 

 

 


 


Revenue

 

 

 

 

 

2,995

3,682

342

27

282

7,328

 









 

 

 

 


 

 

Revenue

2,995

3,682

342

27

282

7,328

 








 

 

 

 

 


 








 

 

 

 

 


 



 














 














 


The contract receivables balance at 30th September 2023 is £46 million (31st March 2023: £70 million).

 








 

 

 

 

 


 

3

Revenue (continued)

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


Revenue from external customers by point in time and over time performance obligations

 


 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


 


Six months ended 30th September 2023

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 

 








Clean

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value

 

 








Air

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Total

 








£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 










 

 

 


 










 

 

 


 


Revenue recognised at a point in time

2,768

3,081

255

45

213

6,362

 


Revenue recognised over time

-

88

53

-

28

169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 


 


 










 


 


 

 

Revenue

2,768

3,169

308

45

241

6,531

 








 

 

 

 

 


 


 

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 


 


Six months ended 30th September 2022

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Continuing operations


 














 








Clean

PGM

Catalyst

Hydrogen

Value


 








Air

Services

Technologies

Technologies

Businesses

Total

 








£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

 










 


 


 










 


 


 


Revenue recognised at a point in time

2,995

3,541

270

27

264

7,097

 


Revenue recognised over time

-

141

72

-

18

231

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




 


 


 










 


 


 

 

Revenue

2,995

3,682

342

27

282

7,328

 








 

 

 

 

 


 

4

Operating profit

 


 


 









Six months ended

 









30.9.23

30.9.22

 









£ million 

£ million

 


Operating profit is arrived at after charging / (crediting):


 


 




 


 


Research and development expenditure charged to the income statement


104

106

 


Less: External funding received - from governments


(7)

(7)

 


Net research and development expenditure charged to the income statement

 

97

99

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


Depreciation of:

 

 

 

 

 

 



 


   Property, plant and equipment

 

66

67

 


   Right-of-use assets

 

6

6

 








 



 


Depreciation

 

72

73

 








 



 


Amortisation of:






 



 


   Acquired intangibles

2

2

 


   Other intangible assets

21

14

 








 



 


Amortisation

 

23

16

 











 


Major impairment and restructuring charges:




 


   Inventories



2

-

 


   Trade and other receivables



10

-

 











 


Impairment losses






12

-

 











 


Restructuring charges


30

9

 


Major impairment and restructuring charges

 

42

9

 



 























































 

Profit on disposal of businesses

On 15th June 2023, the group completed the sale of Johnson Matthey Catalysts LCC, and on 29th September 2023, the group completed the sale of its Diagnostic Services business, see note 11.

 

Major impairment and restructuring charges

Major impairment and restructuring charges are shown separately on the face of the income statement and excluded from underlying operating profit, see note 18.

Major impairments - the group's net impairment charge of £12 million includes further impairment charges to production related assets in Clean Air as the business continues to consolidate its existing capacity into new and more efficient plants. Further impairment charges were also recognised in relation to amounts due from the sale of Battery Materials to EV Metals Group.

 

Major restructuring - the group's transformation programme was launched in May 2022 and was designed to drive increased competitiveness, improved execution capability and create financial headroom to facilitate further investment in high growth areas. Restructuring charges of £17 million have been recognised of which the majority is redundancy and implementation costs. The remaining £13 million charge is related to Clean Air's ongoing plant consolidation initiatives, of which the majority is redundancy costs.

 





5

Tax expense


 

 

 


The charge for taxation at the half year ended 30th September 2023 is £19 million (1H 2022/23: £38 million), an effective tax rate of 22.8%. The tax charge on underlying profit before tax was £31 million, an effective tax rate of 22.0%, an increase from 19.9% in the half year ended 30th September 2022. The tax rate on underlying profit for the year ending 31st March 2024 is estimated to be 20% (2022/23: 19%).

 






 

6

Earnings per ordinary share

 

 

 

 



 





      Six months ended






30.9.23 


30.9.22 






pence

 

pence






 

 

 

 


Basic



34.7


87.5



Diluted



34.6


87.1



Basic from continuing operations



34.7


82.0



Diluted from continuing operations



34.6


81.7






 





Earnings per ordinary share have been calculated by dividing profit for the period by the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period.
















      Six months ended



Weighted average number of shares in issue



30.9.23 


30.9.22 






 

 

 



Basic



183,213,834


183,006,485



Dilution for long term incentive plans



907,731


665,316



Diluted



184,121,565


183,671,801






 
















 





7

Dividends


 

 

 


An interim dividend of 22.00 pence (1H 2022/23: 22.00 pence) per ordinary share has been proposed by the board which will be paid on 6th February 2024 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 1st December 2023. The estimated amount to be paid is £40 million (1H 2022/23: £42 million) and has not been recognised in these accounts.

 





      Six months ended


 





30.9.23 


30.9.22 


 





£ million 

 

£ million 


 





 

 

 

 

 


2021/22 final ordinary dividend paid ─ 55.00 pence per share



-


100


 


2022/23 final ordinary dividend paid ─ 55.00 pence per share



101


-


 


Total dividends

 

 

101


100


 












8

Property, plant and equipment






 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 




Assets in


 

 

 

 

 

 

Freehold land 

Leasehold

Plant and

the course of








and buildings 

improvements

machinery 

construction 

Total 







£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 
























Cost







At 1st April 2023

599

28

2,151

360

3,138


Additions

-

-

16

111

127


Transfers from assets in the course of construction

9

1

39

(49)

-


Disposals

(1)

-

(8)

-

(9)


Disposals of businesses (note 11)

(1)

-

(4)

-

(5)


Exchange adjustments

(9)

-

(18)

(4)

(31)









At 30th September 2023

597

29

2,176

418

3,220




















Accumulated depreciation and impairment






At 1st April 2023

284

15

1,499

8

1,806


Charge for the period

8

-

58

-

66


Disposals

(1)

-

(8)

-

(9)


Disposals of businesses (note 11)

(1)

-

(4)

-

(5)


Exchange adjustments

(4)

-

(12)

-

(16)









At 30th September 2023

286

15

1,533

8

1,842




















Carrying amount at 30th September 2023

311

14

643

410

1,378













Carrying amount at 1st April 2023

315

13

652

352

1,332































 

 












9

Other intangible assets






 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

 





 

 

 

 

 

Customer


Patents,

Acquired



 

 

 

 

 

contracts and 

Computer 

trademarks

research and 

Development 







relationships 

software 

and licences 

technology 

expenditure 

Total 






£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 
























Cost








At 1st April 2023

116

475

43

37

135

806


Additions

-

29

1

-

-

30


Disposals

-

-

(12)

-

-

(12)


Exchange adjustments

(1)

-

-

(1)

(1)

(3)










At 30th September 2023

115

504

32

36

134

821





















Accumulated amortisation and impairment

 






At 1st April 2023

101

209

39

37

133

519


Charge for the period

1

21

1

-

-

23


Disposals

-

-

(12)

-

-

(12)


Exchange adjustments

(1)

-

(1)

(1)

-

(3)










At 30th September 2023

101

230

27

36

133

527










Carrying amount at 30th September 2023

14

274

5

-

1

294













Carrying amount at 1st April 2023

15

266

4

-

2

287























 







10

Investments in associates

 

 


 



As part of the disposal of our Health business in the prior year, we received £75 million in the form of shares which constitutes approximately 30% equity interest in the re-branded business (Veranova). The group determined that it has significant influence and therefore has equity accounted this stake as an investment in associate. The group has also disclosed a contingent liability relating to this associate, see note 17.

 








 


 


Associates


 




 


 


£ million 


 







 







At 1st April 2023





75


Group's share of losses for the period





(13)


Exchange adjustments





1


At 30th September 2023





63







 

11

Disposals

 

 

 


 



 


















Diagnostic Services

On 29th September 2023, the group completed the sale of its Diagnostic Services business for an enterprise value of £55 million (£47 million on a debt free basis, after working capital adjustments). The business was disclosed as a disposal group held for sale as at 31st March 2023.

 













Diagnostic Services


30th September 2023










£ million 


Proceeds











Cash consideration









47


Cash and cash equivalents disposed









(3)


Net cash consideration









44


Disposal costs paid









(2)


Net cash inflow









42















Assets and liabilities disposed











 

 

 











Non-current assets











Property, plant and equipment









19


 

 

 











Current assets











Inventories









5


Trade and other receivables









32


Cash and cash equivalents









3


Deferred tax











3


 

 

 











Current liabilities











Trade and other payables









(9)


 

 

 











Non-current liabilities











Lease liabilities









(11)















Net assets disposed









42















Cash consideration









47


Deferred consideration









4


Working capital adjustments at time of disposal







4


Less: carrying amount of net assets sold


(42)


Less: disposal costs









(8)


Cumulative currency translation gain recycled from other comprehensive income




(1)


Profit recognised in the income statement







4














 

Johnson Matthey Catalysts LLC

On 15th June 2023, the group completed the sale of Johnson Matthey Catalysts LLC, its operations in Russia, to Catalysts and Technologies LLC for a cash consideration of £11 million. All assets excluding cash had previously been impaired. The sale resulted in a net loss on sale of £4 million due to a cumulative currency translation loss being recycled from other comprehensive income.

 

 

 

12

Assets and liabilities classified as held for sale


The group strategically drives for efficiency and disciplined capital allocation to enhance returns, as such we continue to actively manage our portfolio. In line with this strategy and to focus on our core businesses, during the period we completed the sale of our Diagnostic Services business (refer to note 11).

Held for sale at 30th September 2023 is the land and buildings of our previous Battery Materials business in Poland. This has been classified as held for sale at fair value.

The major classes of assets and liabilities comprising the businesses classified as held for sale are:

 

 













 







 

 


 

 

 

 







 

 


 

 

 

 







 

 


30.9.23

 

31.3.23


 




 

 

 

 

£ million

 

£ million







 



 





 

 

 

 

 









Non-current assets

 

 

 









Property, plant and equipment

 



 

17


27


Right-of-use-assets




 



 

-


9


Goodwill

 



 

-


1


Other intangible assets

 



 

-


3







 



 




 

Current assets




 



 





Inventories

 



 

-


5


Trade and other receivables

 



 

-


30







 



 




 

Current liabilities




 



 




 

Trade and other payables



 



 

-


(14)

 

Lease liabilities





 



 

-


(1)

 

Taxation liabilities




 



 

-


(1)

 






 



 




 

Non-current liabilities




 



 




 

Lease liabilities

 



 

-


(9)

 






 



 




 






 



 




 

Net assets of disposal group

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

 

50

 






 

 

 

 

 






 

13

Post-employment benefits


 

 

 


 

















Background

The group operates a number of post-employment benefit plans around the world, the forms and benefits of which vary with conditions and practices in the countries concerned. The major defined benefit plans are pension plans and post-retirement medical plans in the UK and the US.

 

 

 

Financial assumptions

 

 

 

 

 



 






The financial assumptions for the major plans are as follows:






















30.9.23

31.3.23








UK plan

 

US plans 

 

UK plan


US plans 








 

 


%


First year's rate of increase in salaries





3.50

 

4.50

 

4.40


4.50


Ultimate rate of increase in salaries





3.50

 

4.50

 

3.40


4.50


Rate of increase in pensions in payment





2.95

 

-

 

2.90


-


Discount rate





5.60

 

5.80

 

4.80


4.90


Inflation






-

 

2.50

 

-


2.50


 - UK Retail Prices Index (RPI)





3.20

 

-

 

3.10


-


 - UK Consumer Prices Index (CPI)





2.75

 

-

 

2.65


-


Current medical benefits cost trend rate





12.50

 

-

 

12.50


-


Ultimate medical benefits cost trend rate





5.40

 

-

 

5.40


-








 

 

 

 



















The financial assumptions for the other plans are reviewed and updated annually.

 

 

Financial information


 

 




 











Movements in the net post-employment benefit assets and liabilities, including reimbursement rights, were:

 






UK 


UK 


UK post- 




US post- 










pension -


pension -


retirement 




retirement 










legacy


cash balance


medical 


US 


medical 










section


section


benefits 


pensions 


benefits 


Other 


Total 






£ million 


£ million 


£ million 


£ million 


£ million 


£ million 


£ million 
















 

 




At 1st April 2023



169


27


(7)


6


(10)


(20)

 

165



Current service cost - in


















   operating profit



(1)


(7)


-


(1)


-


-

 

(9)



Administrative expenses - in


















   operating profit



(2)


-


-


-


-


-

 

(2)



Interest



3


1


-


-


-


-

 

4



Remeasurements



(70)


(3)


-


(3)


1


-

 

(75)



Company contributions



2


11


-


2


-


1

 

16



Benefits paid



-


-


-


-


-


-

 

-



Exchange



-


-


-


(1)


(1)


1

 

(1)



At 30th September 2023


 

101


29


(7)


3


(10)


(18)

 

98


13

Post-employment benefits (continued)


 










 

 

 




 










 

Financial information (continued)



 











The post-employment benefit assets and liabilities are included in the balance sheet as follows:










30.9.23 


30.9.23 


31.3.23 


31.3.23 










Post- 


 


Post- 












employment 

 

Employee 


employment 


Employee 










benefit 

 

benefit net


benefit 


benefit net










net assets 

 

obligations 


net assets 


obligations 










£ million 

 

£ million 


£ million 


£ million 














 

 




UK pension - legacy section



 

101

 

-


169


-



UK pension - cash balance section



 

29

 

-


27


-



UK post-retirement medical benefits



 

-

 

(7)


-


(7)



US pensions



 

3

 

-


6


-



US post-retirement medical benefits



 

-

 

(10)


-


(10)



Other



 

1

 

(19)


1


(21)



Total post-employment plans



 

134

 

(36)


203


(38)



Other long-term employee benefits



 

 

 

(3)




(3)



Total long-term employee benefit obligations

 


 

(39)




(41)





































 

14

Fair values


 

 

 


 


































Fair value hierarchy

Fair values are measured using a hierarchy where the inputs are:

·    Level 1 ─ quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

·    Level 2 ─ not level 1 but are observable for that asset or liability either directly or indirectly.

·    Level 3 ─ not based on observable market data (unobservable).

 

Fair value of financial instruments

Certain of the group's financial instruments are held at fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the balance sheet date.

The fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts, interest rate swaps, forward precious metal price contracts and currency swaps is estimated by discounting the future contractual cash flows using forward exchange rates, interest rates and prices at the balance sheet date.

The fair value of trade and other receivables measured at fair value is the face value of the receivable less the estimated costs of converting the receivable into cash.

The fair value of money market funds is calculated by multiplying the net asset value per share by the investment held at the balance sheet date.

There were no transfers of any financial instrument between the levels of the fair value hierarchy during the current or prior periods.

 

14

Fair values (continued)

 











Fair value

 







30.9.23


31.3.23


hierarchy








£ million

 

£ million

 

level








 

 


 



Financial instruments measured at fair value








 

 

 

 

 








Non-current

 

 

 

 








Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income1


45

 

49

 

1


Interest rate swaps - assets

19

 

20

 

2


Other financial assets2




52

 

48

 

2


Interest rate swaps - liabilities

(16)

 

(15)

 

2


Borrowings and related swaps



(5)

 

(5)

 

2


Other payables




(2)

 

-

 

2








 

 


 


 

Current






 

 


 



Trade receivables3

281

 

329

 

2


Other receivables4


12

 

21

 

2


Cash and cash equivalents - money market funds

300

 

521

 

2

 

Other financial assets2





58

 

47

 

2

 

Other financial liabilities2





(21)

 

(27)

 

2

 







 

 


 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 











Fair value

 







30.9.23


31.3.23


hierarchy








£ million

 

£ million

 

level








 

 


 



Financial instruments not measured at fair value

 

 


 



 

 

 

 

 


 

 


 



Non-current

 

 

 


 



Borrowings and related swaps

(1,393)

 

(1,455)

 

-


Lease liabilities





(31)

 

(31)

 

-


Other receivables




63

 

57

 

-


Other payables






(2)

 

(2)

 

-



 

 


 


 

Current





 

 


 


 

Amounts receivable under precious metal sale and repurchase agreements

320

 

222

 

-

 

Amounts payable under precious metal sale and repurchase agreements

(812)

 

(838)

 

-


Cash and cash equivalents - cash and deposits

193

 

129

 

-


Cash and cash equivalents - bank overdrafts

(31)

 

(13)

 

-


Borrowings and related swaps

(71)

 

(155)

 

-


Lease liabilities

 

(9)

 

(9)

 

-


Trade and other receivables

914

 

1,075

 

-


Trade and other payables

(1,230)

 

(1,478)

 

-









1 Investments at fair value through other comprehensive income are quoted bonds purchased to fund pension deficit (£35 million) and an investment held at fair value through other comprehensive income (£10 million).



2 Other financial assets includes forward foreign exchange contracts (£4 million), forward precious metal price contracts (£91 million) and currency swaps (£15 million). Other financial liabilities includes forward foreign exchange contracts (£16 million) and currency swaps (£5 million).



3 Trade receivables held in a part of the group with a business model to hold trade receivables for collection or sale. The remainder of the group operates a hold to collect business model and receives the face value, plus relevant interest, of its trade receivables from the counterparty without otherwise exchanging or disposing of such instruments.




4 Other receivables with cash flows that do not represent solely the payment of principal and interest.


























14

Fair values (continued)
















The fair value of financial instruments, excluding accrued interest, is approximately equal to book value except for:




















30.9.23

 

31.3.23



 




Carrying

 

Fair

 

Carrying 


Fair






amount

 

value

 

amount


value






£ million

 

£ million

 

£ million


£ million







 

 

 

 






US Dollar Bonds 2025, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030

(521)

 

(481)

 

(648)


(618)



Euro Bonds 2025, 2028, 2030 and 2032

(349)

 

(312)

 

(368)


(340)



Sterling Bonds 2024, 2025 and 2029

(145)

 

(134)

 

(145)


(137)



KfW US Dollar Loan 2024

(41)

 

(39)

 

(40)


(39)



 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 








 

 

 

 

 

 























 

The fair values are calculated using level 2 inputs by discounting future cash flows to net present values using appropriate market interest rates prevailing at the period end.

 




15

Precious metal leases


 

 


The group leases precious metals to fund temporary peaks in metal requirements provided market conditions allow. These leases are from banks for specified periods (less than 12 months) and the group pays a fee which is expensed on a straight-line basis over the lease term in finance costs. The group holds sufficient precious metal inventories to meet all the obligations under these lease arrangements as they fall due. At 30th September 2023, precious metal leases were £186 million at closing prices (31st March 2023: £138 million). Precious metal leases do not fall under the scope of IFRS 16.

 




16

Transactions with related parties


 

 


There have been no material changes in related party relationships in the six months ended 30th September 2023. During the half year ended 30th September 2023, the group had sales with associates totalling £11 million (1H 2022/23: £5 million). No other related party transactions have occurred which have materially affected the financial position or performance of the group during the period.

 




17

Contingent liabilities


 

 


The group is involved in various disputes and claims which arise from time to time in the course of its business including, for example, in relation to commercial matters, product quality or liability, employee matters and tax audits. The group is also involved from time to time in the course of its business in legal proceedings and actions, engagement with regulatory authorities and in dispute resolution processes. These are reviewed on a regular basis and, where possible, an estimate is made of the potential financial impact on the group. In appropriate cases a provision is recognised based on advice, best estimates and management judgement. Where it is too early to determine the likely outcome of these matters, no provision is made. Whilst the group cannot predict the outcome of any current or future such matters with any certainty, it currently believes the likelihood of any material liabilities to be low, and that such liabilities, if any, will not have a material adverse effect on its consolidated income, financial position or cash flows.

 

Following the sale of its Health business in May 2022, the purchaser of the Health business, Veranova Bidco LP, has issued a claim against the group in connection with: i) certain alleged representations said to have been made during the course of the negotiation of the sale and purchase agreement dated 16th December 2021 ("SPA"); and, ii) certain warranties given in the SPA at the time of signing. Having reviewed the claim with its advisers, the group is of the opinion that it has a defensible position in respect of these allegations and is vigorously defending its position. The outcome of the legal proceedings relating to this matter is not certain, since the issues of liability and quantum will be for determination by the court at trial. Accordingly, the group is unable to make a reliable estimate of the possible financial impact at this stage, if any.

 




18

Non-GAAP measures


 

 


The group uses various measures to manage its business which are not defined by generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The group's management believes these measures provide valuable additional information to users of the accounts in understanding the group's performance. Certain of these measures are financial Key Performance Indicators which measure progress against our strategy.

 

All non-GAAP measures are on a continuing operations basis.

 

18

Non-GAAP measures (continued)


 

 


Definitions

 

Measure

 

Definition

 

Purpose

Sales1

Revenue excluding sales of precious metals to customers and the precious metal content of products sold to customers.

Provides a better measure of the growth of the group as revenue can be heavily distorted by year on year fluctuations in the market prices of precious metals and, in many cases, the value of precious metals is passed directly on to customers.

Underlying operating profit2

Operating profit excluding non-underlying items.

Provides a measure of operating profitability that is comparable over time.

Underlying operating profit margin1,2

Underlying operating profit divided by sales.

Provides a measure of how we convert our sales into underlying operating profit and the efficiency of our business.

Underlying profit before tax2

Profit before tax excluding non-underlying items.

Provides a measure of profitability that is comparable over time.

Underlying profit for the year2

Profit for the year excluding non-underlying items and related tax effects.

Provides a measure of profitability that is comparable over time.

Underlying earnings per share1,2

Underlying profit for the year divided by the weighted average number of shares in issue.

Our principal measure used to assess the overall profitability of the group.

Average working capital days (excluding precious metals)1

Monthly average of non-precious metal related inventories, trade and other receivables and trade and other payables (including any classified as held for sale) divided by sales for the last three months multiplied by 90 days.

Provides a measure of efficiency in the business with lower days driving higher returns and a healthier liquidity position for the group.

Free cash flow

Net cash flow from operating activities after net interest paid, net purchases of non-current assets and investments, proceeds from disposal of businesses, dividends received from joint ventures and associates and the principal element of lease payments.

Provides a measure of the cash the group generates through its operations, less capital expenditure.

Net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to underlying EBITDA

Net debt, including post tax pension deficits and quoted bonds purchased to fund the UK pension (excluded when the UK pension plan is in surplus) divided by underlying EBITDA for the same period.

Provides a measure of the group's ability to repay its debt. The group has a long-term target of net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to underlying EBITDA of between 1.5 and 2.0 times, although in any given year it may fall outside this range depending on future plans.

1 Key Performance Indicator

2 Underlying profit measures are before profit or loss on disposal of businesses, gain or loss on significant legal proceedings, together with associated legal costs, amortisation of acquired intangibles, major impairment and restructuring charges, share of profits or losses from non-strategic equity investments and, where relevant, related tax effects. These items have been excluded by management as they are not deemed to be relevant to an understanding of the underlying performance of the business.

As noted in our 2023 annual report, our strategy involves making substantial investment in the coming years to support the growth and transformation of the group. Our businesses have different investment and return profiles and therefore we no longer use a group measure of Return on Invested Capital as a key performance indicator.

18

Non-GAAP measures (continued)


 

 

 


 

Reconciliations to GAAP measures

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Sales

 

 

 

 


 

See note 2.

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Underlying profit measures

 

 

 

 


 

 

Operating

Profit

Tax

Profit for


 


profit

before tax

expense

the period


 

Six months ended 30th September 2023

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 


 







 

Underlying

180

139

(31)

108


 

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(2)

(2)

-

(2)


 

Profit on disposal of businesses

-

-

(3)

(3)


 

Major impairment and restructuring charges1

(42)

(42)

13

(29)


 

Share of losses of associates

-

(13)

2

(11)


 

Reported

136

82

(19)

63


 






 

1 For further detail please see note 4.


 







 

 

Operating

Profit

Tax

Profit for


 


profit

before tax

expense

the period


 

Six months ended 30th September 2022

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 

£ million 


 







 

Underlying

222

201

(40)

161


 

Amortisation of acquired intangibles

(2)

(2)

-

(2)


 

Major impairment and restructuring charges

(9)

(9)

2

(7)


 

Share of losses of associates

-

(2)

-

(2)


 

Reported

211

188

(38)

150


 




 


 





 


 





 


 

Underlying earnings per share



Six months ended


 




30.9.23

30.9.22


 

 




 


 

Underlying profit for the period (£ million)



108

161


 

Weighted average number of shares in issue (million)



183.2

183.0


 

Underlying earnings per share (pence)



59.1

88.2


 





 


 



 

18

Non-GAAP measures (continued)


 

 

 


 

Average working capital days (excluding precious metals)

 

 

Six months

 

Year

 

Six months

 




ended

 

ended

 

ended





30.9.23 


31.3.23 


30.9.22





£ million 

 

£ million


£ million 





 

 





Inventories



1,517

 

1,702


1,781

 

Trade and other receivables



1,759

 

1,882


1,881

 

Trade and other payables



(2,263)

 

(2,497)


(2,567)

 

 

 

 

1,013

 

1,087


1,095

 

Working capital balances classified as held for sale

 

 

-

 

22


10

 

Total working capital

 

 

1,013

 

1,109

 

1,105

 

Less: Precious metal working capital

 

 

(371)

 

(622)


(502)

 

Working capital (excluding precious metals)

 

 

642

 

487


603

 

 

 

 

 

 




 

Average working capital days (excluding precious metals)

 

 

57

 

42


35

 

 

 

 

 

 


 


 

Free cash flow from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

Six months ended

 

 

 

 

 

 

30.9.23 

 

30.9.22 

 

 

 

 

 

 

£ million 


£ million

 

Net cash inflow from operating activities

 

 

 

 

236


145

 

Interest received

 

 

 

 

19


11

 

Interest paid

 

 

 

 

(53)


(38)

 

Purchases of property, plant and equipment

 

 

 

 

(125)


(111)

 

Purchases of intangible assets

 

 

 

 

(33)


(26)

 

Government grant income

 

 

 

 

1


-

 

Proceeds from sale of businesses

 

 

 

 

39


166

 

Principal element of lease payments


 

 

 

(6)


(6)


Less: Net cash inflow from discontinued operations

 

-


(8)


Free cash flow


 

 

 

78


133











 

 











18

Non-GAAP measures (continued)


 

 

 


 

Net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to underlying EBITDA

 

 






 




30.9.23 


31.3.23 


30.9.22 


 




£ million 

 

£ million

 

£ million


 




 






 

Cash and deposits



193

 

129

 

161


 

Money market funds



300

 

521

 

253


 

Bank overdrafts



(31)

 

(13)

 

(45)


 

Cash and cash equivalents



462

 

637

 

369


 

Interest rate swaps - non-current assets



19

 

20

 

31


 

Interest rate swaps - non-current liabilities



(16)

 

(15)

 

(14)


 

Borrowings and related swaps - current



(71)

 

(155)

 

(183)


 

Borrowings and related swaps - non-current



(1,398)

 

(1,460)

 

(1,113)


 

Lease liabilities - current



(9)

 

(9)

 

(12)


 

Lease liabilities - non-current



(31)

 

(31)

 

(41)


 

Lease liabilities - current - transferred to liabilities classified as held for sale



-

 

(1)

 

-


 

Lease liabilities - non-current - transferred to liabilities classified as held for sale



-

 

(9)

 

-


 

Net debt


 

(1,044)

 

(1,023)

 

(963)


 

 


 

 

 


 



 

(Decrease) / Increase in cash and cash equivalents



(172)


287


9


 

Less: Increase in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations

-


(8)


(8)


 

Less: Decrease / (increase) in borrowings



149


(391)


(13)


 

Less: Principal element of lease payments



6


14


6


 

Increase in net debt resulting from cash flows

 

 

(17)

 

(98)

 

(6)


 

New leases, remeasurements and modifications



(7)


(13)


(6)


 

Less: New leases, remeasurements and modifications from discontinued operations


-


-


6


 

Disposal of businesses



10

 

-

 

-


 

Exchange differences on net debt



2

 

(53)

 

(117)


 

Other non-cash movements



(9)

 

(3)

 

16


 

Movement in net debt

 

 

(21)

 

(167)

 

(107)


 

Net debt at beginning of year



(1,023)


(856)


(856)


 

Net debt at end of year



(1,044)

 

(1,023)

 

(963)


 




 






 

Net debt



(1,044)


(1,023)


(963)


 

Add: Pension deficits



(21)


(21)


(39)


 

Add: Related deferred tax



3


2


7


 

Net debt (including post tax pension deficits)



(1,062)

 

(1,042)

 

(995)


 

 



 

 


 



 

Underlying EBITDA for this period



273




309


 

Underlying EBITDA for prior year



647




724


 

Less: Underlying EBITDA for prior half year



(309)




(382)


 

Annualised underlying EBITDA



611

 

647

 

651


 

 



 

 


 



 

Net debt (including post tax pension deficits) to underlying EBITDA

1.7

 

1.6

 

1.5


 

 



 






 



 

18

Non-GAAP measures (continued)


 

 

 


 




30.9.23 


31.3.23 


30.9.22 


 




£ million 

 

£ million

 

£ million


 




 






 

Underlying EBITDA



273

 

647

 

309


 

Depreciation and amortisation



(95)

 

(187)

 

(89)


 

Profit on disposal of businesses



-

 

12

 

-


 

Gains and losses on significant legal proceedings



-

 

(25)

 

-


 

Major impairment and restructuring charges



(42)

 

(41)

 

(9)


 

Finance costs



(71)

 

(110)

 

(48)


 

Finance income



30

 

49

 

27


 

Share of losses of associates



(13)

 

(1)

 

(2)


 

Income tax expense



(19)

 

(80)

 

(38)


 

Profit for the period from continuing operations



63


 

150


 

 



 






 



 

 



 






 





















2023




22nd November


Announcement of results for the half year ending 30th September 2023




30th November


Ex dividend date




1st December


Interim dividend record date




2024




6th February


Payment of interim dividend




23rd May


Announcement of results for the year ending 31st March 2024




18th July


133rd Annual General Meeting (AGM)






Cautionary Statement


This announcement contains forward looking statements that are subject to risk factors associated with, amongst other things, the economic and business circumstances occurring from time to time in the countries and businesses in which the group operates. It is believed that the expectations reflected in this announcement are reasonable but they may be affected by a wide range of variables which could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated.









Johnson Matthey Plc


Registered Office: 5th Floor, 25 Farringdon Street, London EC4A 4AB


Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7269 8400


Fax: +44 (0) 20 7269 8433


Internet address: www.matthey.com


E-mail: jmpr@matthey.com




Registered in England ─ Number 33774


LEI code: 2138001AVBSD1HSC6Z10




Registrars


Equiniti, Aspect House, Spencer Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN99 6DA


Telephone: 0371 384 2344 (in the UK) *


+44 (0) 121 415 7047 (outside the UK)


Internet address: www.shareview.co.uk




* Lines are open 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday excluding public holidays in England and Wales.


 

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