26th Jan 2005 10:15
Johnson,Matthey PLC26 January 2005 For Release at 10:15am Wednesday 26th January 2005 Johnson Matthey Trading Update Johnson Matthey is hosting an analysts' visit today at its technology centre atSonning Common in the UK. At the meeting Neil Carson, Chief Executive ofJohnson Matthey, gave the following update on current trading: "Trading in the second half of Johnson Matthey's financial year is progressingin line with expectations. Catalysts Division continues to perform well withEnvironmental Catalysts and Technologies benefiting from growth in the marketfor diesel cars in Europe. Demand for autocatalysts in China was down in thefinal three months of 2004 but sales in other parts of Asia continued to grow.Autocatalyst demand in North America is slightly down on last year. ProcessCatalysts and Technologies is benefiting from good growth in catalyst sales butplatinum group metal refining remains weak. Trading conditions for Precious Metals Division continue to be favourable withgood volume growth and the platinum price rising to $880 per ounce in November2004. Pharmaceutical Materials Division's profits are slightly down in thesecond half reflecting the anticipated drop in contribution from Carboplatinwhich came off patent in October 2004. The division continues to benefit fromgood growth in controlled drugs. Contract research revenues are down on lastyear but the order book for the remainder of the year is good. Colours &Coatings Division has continued its recovery with both the glass coatingsbusiness and the structural ceramics business performing well. The US dollar has weakened further since the end of Johnson Matthey's half yearon September 30th, 2004. Dollar weakness will have an adverse effect on thegroup's results for the full year but earnings per share (before exceptionalitems and goodwill amortisation) are still expected to be ahead of last year andin line with market expectations." The presentation given to analysts today at Sonning Common is available onJohnson Matthey's web site (www.matthey.com). Enquiries: Ian Godwin Group Corporate Communications Manager 020 7269 8410 John Sheldrick Group Finance Director 020 7269 8438 Howard Lee The HeadLand Consultancy 020 7036 0369 Laura Hickman Gavin Anderson & Co 020 7554 1400 www.matthey.com This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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