Strategic highlights
Post divestments, Chemring is now a far more focused business
Core competencies in market sectors with leading positions
Strengthened position on long-term Sensors & Electronics programmes
Acquisition of 3d-Radar broadens market position in ground penetrating radar
Financial highlights
Improving operational performance in the second half
Strategic divestments completed, strengthening the balance sheet
Improved loan note funding terms and new revolving credit facility put in place
Total dividend per share 4.1p (7.2p)
Significant reduction in net debt and improved working capital management
FY15 outlook unchanged, timing of Sensors & Electronics orders expected to result in H2 weighting
Michael Flowers, Chemring Group Chief Executive, commented:
"2014 has been an important and challenging year for Chemring, characterised by a stabilisation and subsequent improvement in operational performance, coupled with a strengthened position on major future US, NATO and broader global programmes. Against a backdrop of a subdued defence market, we see clear opportunities for future revenue growth and improving margins, although risks remain due to continued difficulty in predicting the timing of orders.
In 2015, the Group will seek to grow market share in Sensors & Electronics, particularly counter-IED. We are well-positioned on strategic programmes in the US, with success in capturing research and development phases of both counter-IED and chemical detection Programs of Record. Our immediate priorities are to secure orders in NATO and the Middle East for our US Sensors & Electronics products, while continuing to improve the performance of all our manufacturing operations. Overall, the outlook for 2015 is unchanged though the timing of Sensors & Electronics contracts is expected to lead to a weighting towards the second half."
