25th Jul 2006 12:00
Johnson Matthey PLC25 July 2006 For release at 12 noon on Tuesday 25th July 2006 Chairman's Statement At Johnson Matthey's AGM Commenting on current trading at today's Annual General Meeting, Sir JohnBanham, Chairman of Johnson Matthey, said: "Johnson Matthey has made an encouraging start to the new financial year with7% growth in earnings per share in the first quarter. Catalysts Division achieved good growth in sales and profits in the quarter.Environmental Catalysts and Technologies benefited from increased sales ofcatalysts for diesel cars in Europe. Autocatalyst sales were well up in Asiawith strong growth in Japan and China but demand from our major customers inNorth America remained weak. Process Catalysts and Technologies also achievedgood growth with a useful contribution from Davy Process Technology, which wasacquired at the end of last year, and continued strong demand for synthesis gascatalysts. Precious Metal Products Division enjoyed a strong first quarter benefiting fromfavourable trading conditions for platinum group metals and good growth in itsmanufacturing operations. The results of the two smaller divisions were in line with expectations.Pharmaceutical Materials Division's sales were ahead of last year but there wereno further developments in our customers' product launches in the quarter.Ceramics Division's sales were similar to last year with continued good cashgeneration. The outlook for the rest of the year remains very much as we set out in theoutlook statement in our annual report. We expect growth in the second half ofthe year to be stronger than the first with increased sales of catalysts forheavy duty diesel vehicles in Europe and North America as the new emissionslegislation comes fully into effect." Enquiries: Ian Godwin Director, IR and Corporate Communications 020 7269 8410John Sheldrick Group Finance Director 020 7269 8438Howard Lee The HeadLand Consultancy 020 7367 5225Laura Hickman The HeadLand Consultancy 020 7367 5227 www.matthey.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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