RNS Number:1676Z
Senior PLC
02 March 2006



Thursday 2 March 2006


Senior plc


Results for the year ended 31 December 2005



FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS                                 Year ended 31 December
                                                     
                                                      2005            2004 (1) 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                              

REVENUE FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS                  #338.6m         #306.8m   +10.4%

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS          #19.6m          #16.6m   +18.1%
                  
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS
(2)                                                  #16.6m          #12.5m   
                       
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE FROM CONTINUING
OPERATIONS (2)                                        4.59p           3.56p   
              
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADJUSTED PROFIT BEFORE TAXATION(3)                   #14.8m          #12.5m   +18.4%
              
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADJUSTED EARNINGS PER SHARE  (3)                      4.01p           3.59p   +11.7%
                        
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOTAL DIVIDENDS (PAID AND PROPOSED) PER SHARE         2.00p           2.00p       -
               
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

FREE CASH FLOW (4)                                    #2.2m          #10.5m
                     
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NET BORROWINGS                                       #62.4m          #50.6m
                       
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1) The figures for 2004 have been restated following the adoption of 
    International Financial Reporting Standards. 
(2) Profit before tax and basic earnings per share from continuing operations 
    includes the benefit of a #2.0m gain (2004: #nil) arising from foreign exchange 
    movements on long-term inter-company loans as required by IAS21. 
(3) Adjusted profit before taxation and adjusted earnings per share arise from 
    continuing and discontinued businesses before a #0.2m loss on disposal of fixed 
    assets (2004: #0.5m gain), #2.0m exchange gain on long-term inter-company loans 
    (2004: #nil) and loss on disposal of discontinued businesses of #nil (2004: #4.8m).
(4) See Note 10(b) for derivation of free cash flow.

Commenting on the results, James Kerr-Muir, Chairman of Senior plc, said:

"This is a healthy set of results with sales and adjusted earnings per share more 
than 10% ahead of the prior year. The ongoing recovery in the large civil aircraft 
market, the recent acquisition of Sterling Machine and the impending start of 
production of the new heavy truck diesel engine products mean prospects for future 
growth remain strong across the Group."

For further information please contact:

Graham Menzies, Group Chief Executive, Senior plc     01923 714702
Mark Rollins, Group Finance Director, Senior plc      01923 714738
Adrian Howard, Finsbury Group                         020 7251 3801

This announcement, together with other information on Senior plc may be 
found at: www.seniorplc.com 

Note to Editors:
Senior is an international manufacturing group with operations in 11 countries. 
Senior designs, manufactures and markets high technology components and systems 
for the principal original equipment producers in the worldwide aerospace, 
automotive and specialised industrial markets. 


CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
====================

Senior made good progress in 2005.  

The large civil aircraft market had a buoyant year with increased deliveries and 
a record number of new aircraft being ordered.  In automotive, whilst the demand 
for passenger vehicles in Europe and the USA remained steady, Senior made significant 
progress in getting its new diesel products in North America ready for the start of 
production scheduled for late 2006. The Industrial Division benefited from the recovery 
in the oil and gas market.

The year ended with an 18.4% improvement in adjusted profit before taxation and 
solid order books with which to enter 2006.

Financial Results
-----------------

Group turnover on continuing operations increased by 10.4% to #338.6m 
(2004 : #306.8m). Operating profit increased by 18.1% to #19.6m (2004 : #16.6m), 
whilst trading profit (which excludes any profit or loss on the sale of fixed assets) 
rose by 23.0% to #19.8m (2004 : #16.1m). Adjusted profit before tax, the measure 
which the Board believes best reflects the true underlying performance of the business, 
increased by 18.4% to #14.8m (2004 : #12.5m). Adjusted earnings per share increased 
by 11.7% to 4.01p per share (2004 : 3.59p).  The results for 2005, and the 
comparatives for 2004, have been prepared for the first time under International 
Financial Reporting Standards.  The derivation of trading profit, adjusted 
earnings per share and other non-statutory information is explained in the 
Business Review.

Trading profits in most of the Group's aerospace operations improved compared to 
2004 as a result of the generally healthier marketplace, with those providing 
parts for the wide-bodied commercial aircraft seeing the greatest gains. O
perations exposed to the regional jet market found trading conditions more c
hallenging as a result of the decline in build rates in this sector. Overall, 
the Aerospace Division improved trading profits by 16.1% over 2004 
(at constant currency).

As a result of the corrective actions taken early in the year, the French automotive 
operation recovered from its 2004 difficulties.  Its improved financial 
performance assisted the Automotive Division to report trading profits 9.9% 
ahead of 2004 (at constant currency).The Division accounted for #13.2m of the 
Group's total #16.6m of capital expenditure in the year, as plant and machinery 
began to be installed to produce the new heavy duty diesel engine parts for the 
North American market. Start of production remains firmly on track for late 2006 
onwards.

In the Industrial Division, trading profit more than doubled in a year of 
contrasting fortunes.  On the one hand, the year contained the loss making 
Wembley Stadium contract at Senior Hargreaves but, more significantly, the 
lower cost base and very buoyant oil and gas market helped the North American 
operations, particularly Pathway, to have a much improved year.

Net debt at the end of the year was #62.4m (2004 : #50.6m), with the increase 
due to the increased Automotive capital expenditure and the effect of the 
strengthening US dollar on the Group's reported borrowings. 

Acquisition
-----------

Senior made its first acquisition in six years, Sterling Machine, in January 
2006 and I am particularly pleased to be able to welcome all the employees of 
this company to the Group.  Sterling Machine, which will join the Aerospace 
Division, is a key supplier of critical components to the military helicopter 
market, a sector that has very good growth prospects.  The acquisition 
further widens the customer spread as well as increasing the military content 
of the division.  It is profitable, well run and respected by its main customer, 
Sikorsky, and it is expected to contribute to Group earnings in 2006.  
The acquisition was partially funded by a share placing of 15 million new shares 
in Senior plc at 60p per share.
 

Dividend
--------

The Board is recommending an unchanged final dividend of 1.35p per share in 
respect of 2005, bringing the total paid and proposed dividends for the year to 
2.00p per share (2004 : 2.00p).

Employees and the Board
-----------------------

Ian Much joined the Board in December 2005 after Gordon Campbell stood down 
due to his other commitments.  I would like to thank Gordon for his contribution 
and welcome Ian who brings with him much international experience of both the 
aerospace and automotive markets.  He will stand for election at the forthcoming 
Annual General Meeting.

I would like to thank all the Group's employees for another year of unstinting 
effort and commitment in dealing with the challenges our operations faced in 2005, 
a year of improving market outlook, but one of unrelenting pressure on performance.

Outlook
Recovery in the large civil aircraft market is well underway and build rates are 
being increased significantly. The business jet and the military and defence 
sectors are strong although the regional jet market is weak. Overall, 
notwithstanding the current difficulty in sourcing raw materials, the aerospace 
market sector is well positioned for Senior. In Automotive, whilst the build 
rates of passenger cars may remain flat in the Group's markets, production of 
the new heavy duty diesel products is on schedule for late 2006 and represents 
the beginning of significant organic growth potential. The strong oil and gas 
market will continue to sustain the industrial operations and the Wembley Stadium 
contract should be finished in the first half of 2006.

Trading in the first two months of 2006 has been satisfactory and in line with 
the Board's expectations. The Group can anticipate that 2006 will bring new 
challenges but improved prospects and further growth opportunities.


CHIEF EXECUTIVE'S STATEMENT
===========================

Aerospace
---------

During 2005, the aerospace industry continued its rapid recovery in build rates.  
Boeing delivered 290 aircraft, up from 285 in 2004, and booked a net 1,002 of 
new orders.  They plan to deliver 395 aircraft in 2006, a 36% increase. Airbus 
has not yet announced its build plan for 2006, but it delivered 378 aircraft in 
2005, an 18% increase over 2004, and booked an unprecedented net 1,055 in new 
orders during the year.  

Together, Boeing and Airbus delivered 668 aircraft in 2005 but took net orders 
for 2,057 aircraft - a book to bill ratio of 3.1.  This was a record year for 
the industry, both for the large civil aircraft builders and for the engine 
suppliers, such as Rolls-Royce, GE and Snecma.  In the smaller regional jet 
aircraft sector the two main assemblers fared less well.  Bombardier reduced 
regional jet deliveries by 26%, from 176 aircraft in 2004 to 130 in 2005, and 
Embraer by 10% from 134 to 120.  Bookings were also down with Bombardier, 
suffering from significant cancellations on its CRJ 200 programme, receiving net 
orders for only 4 aircraft in 2005 compared to 135 in 2004 and Embraer 
booking 90, down from 108.

The small business jet sector was very buoyant and the military and defence 
sector remained at a healthy level.

Senior Aerospace has a good spread of customers in the aerospace industry with 
about 30% of sales being to the military and defence sector.  The industry 
recovery, however, is being powered by the demand for  Boeing and Airbus 
large civil aircraft  that should see build rates at a higher level for a 
number of years to come. 

In addition, there are a variety of new programmes that are helping demand.  
The very large Airbus A380 flew for the first time in 2005 and is due into 
service in 2007.  Work has commenced on the European military transport 
aircraft, the A400M,  and production of the Eurofighter has been extended 
into its second tranche of around 250 aircraft.  Both Boeing and Airbus have 
launched new mid-size large civil aircraft - respectively the B787 and A350 - 
and had received orders of 291 and 87 aircraft for these models by the end of 
2005.  The new aircraft are planned to cost less to buy and fly compared to 
the current equivalent aircraft.  

Growth in the aerospace industry is not, however, without its challenges.  
The availability and price of raw materials is a major concern and this could 
slow the industry efforts to increase build rates.  The industry uses a variety
 of specialist materials in higher volumes than most other industries.  One such 
material is titanium, where by January 2006 the price had risen by over 65% 
from a year earlier and the delivery lead time for supplies of titanium had 
stretched to around 72 weeks.  

In addition to build rates increasing, and new aircraft being launched, 
Senior Aerospace now has an additional member company.  Sterling Machine was 
bought from its private owners in January 2006. Located in Connecticut, USA, 
it is a well run, profitable, growing and well invested business which makes 
transmission and rotor-head components for military helicopters - primarily 
for its main customer Sikorsky.  The build rate of the Sikorsky Blackhawk is 
forecast to grow substantially in the near term as a result of a strong order 
book.  In the medium term, the US government has agreed financing to recommence 
production of the heavy lift Sikorsky Super Stallion.  Sterling Machine is a 
welcome addition to the Group.

Automotive
----------

In both Europe and North America, automotive markets were flat in 2005.  
Within these markets, diesel engined vehicles in Europe continued to gain market 
share as common rail diesel technology became available to most engine assemblers.  
This high pressure fuel technology increases power output, reduces noise and 
vibration, improves fuel consumption and helps meet emission standards which 
authorities around the world continue to tighten.  In North America, the rise in 
fuel prices during 2005 precipitated a switch from large sports utility vehicles 
to smaller regular passenger cars.  Fortunately, the Group's products in production 
today are more likely to be fitted on the latter rather than the former.  
In addition, the "Big 3" continued to have their market share eroded by the 
Japanese and Korean assemblers.  These two factors resulted in some distress 
in the industry with General Motors, Ford and Daimler Chrysler announcing 
rationalisations, cost reductions and plant closures.

In Senior Automotive, material price pressures slackened somewhat in 2005 
compared to 2004 when the industry had witnessed dramatic price increases in 
a variety of metals.  Senior almost exclusively uses varieties of stainless 
steels where price increases of its component metals (nickel, molybdenum, 
cobalt etc.) had led to the need to negotiate surcharge mechanisms with both 
raw material suppliers and customers.  The supply chain in the industry now 
has surcharge mechanisms in place that largely address variations in raw material 
prices.

Investment by the Division over the last three years in new product programmes 
is now bearing fruit.  The diesel engine manufacturers in the USA, who build 
essentially for heavy truck assemblers, have adopted common rail high pressure 
fuel systems for their 2007 model year. It is currently the most economic way 
to meet 2007 emission standards.  Today, the Division has little exposure to 
heavy trucks but, by 2007, sales in this sector will increase substantially 
and the dependence upon diesel engines, both large in the USA and small in 
Europe, will increase significantly. This will dilute Senior's exposure to 
regular passenger vehicles.

Industrial
----------

In 2005, there were conflicting fortunes in the Industrial Division.  Trying to
complete the Wembley Stadium ducting contract on cost, and on time, proved 
impossible on a very difficult site where the main contractor, Multiplex, has 
regularly reported on its own financial and operational difficulties.  The contract
is near to completion with the adverse financial impact of the contract being 
recognised in the 2005 results.  By contrast oil and gas, in North America, has
been a very healthy market and looks set to continue as long as the crude oil 
price remains high.  Together with the cost reductions affected in 2004, this 
helped the performance of the Industrial Division improve significantly in 2005,
particularly at Pathway. 

Operational Excellence
----------------------

Throughout the Group, engineered products are manufactured for large original 
equipment assemblers.  Consequently, demand levels in the Group's factories are
a direct function of the success of the Group's customers in selling their own
products together with the dynamics of the marketplaces themselves.  In order 
to continue to be a successful and growing business, the Group remains committed 
to operational improvements, cost reduction and value enhancement through product
and process design and development.  Operational excellence, impeccable customer
service and profitable pricing remain core objectives.

These policies and improving markets leave Senior well placed to grow in the future. 


BUSINESS REVIEW
================

GROUP ACTIVITIES
----------------

Senior is a global engineering group, with operations in 11 countries, principally 
serving the aerospace and automotive markets. The aerospace business is relatively
evenly spread across the large commercial, military and regional jet marketplaces
supplying both airframe, engine and aerospace component manufacturers. The 
Automotive Division principally produces products using the Group's flexible 
thin-walled metal "Flexonics" technology supplying exhaust, fuel, turbocharger, 
engine emission and cooling parts to both the car assemblers themselves and also 
their Tier 1 suppliers. The Group also supplies a variety of industrial markets 
including the oil and gas, chemical and HVAC industries.

Acquisition
-----------

Subsequent to the year end, the Group completed the acquisition of Sterling 
Machine Co., Inc. a US manufacturer of precision machined parts for the aerospace 
industry. Sterling is a pre-eminent manufacturer of transmission and rotor-head 
helicopter components for military platforms, principally to Sikorsky Aircraft 
Corporation. The business operates from a freehold site in Connecticut, USA.  
In 2005, Sterling reported sales of US$ 18.8m and profit before interest and tax 
of US$ 4.2m. The cash consideration, including assumed net debt, was US$ 37.6m 
which was funded through a combination of a placing of 15 million new Senior plc 
shares at #0.60 each and utilisation of the Group's existing borrowing facilities.

Future Structure of the Group
-----------------------------

Starting with the 2006 interim results, the plan is to present the Group as 
having two divisions. The Senior Aerospace Division will have eleven subsidiaries, 
including the newly acquired Sterling Machine, while a newly named Senior Flexonics 
Division will include both the existing eight automotive operations and the three 
industrial operations.  The reason for this move is threefold:  the Group's 
dependence upon traditional automotive components is diminishing with the increase 
in heavy duty diesel applications; the Group already has an industry recognised 
common brand in "Flexonics" and much common technology across the automotive and 
industrial  market sectors; and the move to only two divisions signifies the end 
of a period of rationalisation of the Group and marks the beginning of a sustained 
period of growth for Senior both as a result of new products and expanding markets.


CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICY
============================

Companies listed on security exchanges within the European Union were required 
to adopt International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 31 December 2004. Accordingly, the Group's 2005 Financial 
Statements represent the first time the Group has reported under IFRS. The 
Company, Senior plc, is also reporting under IFRS for the first time. All 
comparative figures for 2004 have been restated with Note 13 explaining the 
effect of the transition to IFRS on the balance sheets at the start and end of 
2004 and the income statement for 2004. The most significant effects relate to 
the non-amortisation of goodwill, the non-accrual for period end dividends and a 
change in the treatment of previously written-off goodwill upon the disposal of
operations. The reconciliation at Note 13 shows that other effects were minor 
with the Group trading profit on continuing operations for 2004 being #0.3m lower
under IFRS than previously reported under UK GAAP.


FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF THE GROUP
==================================

Sales
-----
Total sales from continuing operations were #338.6m compared to #306.8m in 2004,
an increase of #31.8m or 10.4%. Exchange rate movements had little year-on-year
impact accounting for only #3.4m of the improvement. The underlying improvement 
was widely spread with each of the three divisions reporting improved turnover 
levels.

Operating Profit 
-----------------
The Group's operating profit on continuing operations was #19.6m, an 18.1% 
increase on the #16.6m reported for 2004. This result includes a loss on sale
of fixed assets of #0.2m (2004 : #0.5m profit) which, when added back, results
in a Group trading profit from continuing operations of #19.8m. This is #3.7m 
or 23.0% ahead of 2004's #16.1m with only #0.3m of the increase due to exchange
rate movements. All three divisions reported improved profitability.

Investment Income and Finance Costs
-----------------------------------
Investment income fell to #1.3m from #2.1m in 2004 due to a one-off benefit in 
2004 when #0.8m of interest relating to a US tax refund was received.

Finance costs remained relatively stable at #6.3m (2004: #6.2m) despite the 
slightly higher levels of net debt in the year. Finance costs include #1.1m 
(2004 : #1.2m) of net finance costs in respect of retirement benefit obligations.

Profit before Tax
-----------------
Adjusted profit before tax (that arising from continuing and discontinued 
businesses before a #0.2m loss on disposal of fixed assets (2004 : #0.5m gain), 
#2.0m exchange gain on long-term inter-company loans (2004 : #nil) and a loss 
on disposal of discontinued businesses of #nil (2004 : #4.8m)) increased by 
18.4% to #14.8m (2004 : #12.5m). Profit before tax on continuing operations was 
#16.6m (2004 : #12.5m). This includes the #2.0m gain (2004 : #nil) from foreign 
exchange movements on long-term inter-company loans as required by IAS21 
("The Effects of Changes in Foreign Exchange Rates"), as currently endorsed by the 
European Union. It should be noted that an amendment to IAS21 was issued in 
December 2005 which, when endorsed by the European Union, will require such 
foreign exchange differences to be taken to reserves rather than the income 
statement.

Taxation
--------
The total tax charge on continuing operations increased to #2.5m (2004 : #1.6m). 
The effective tax rate, expressed as a percentage of profit before tax on 
continuing operations (excluding the foreign exchange gain on inter-company loans)
was 17.1% (2004 : 12.8%). The low effective tax rate for 2004 benefited from #0.9m 
of adjustments in respect of prior periods whereas 2005 benefited by only #0.5m.

Disposals
---------
There were no disposals in the year. In 2004 a loss of #4.4m was recognised in 
respect of discontinued operations being a profit before tax of #0.5m less tax 
of #0.1m and less the loss on disposal of #4.8m.

Earnings
--------
Basic earnings per share from continuing operations was 4.59p an increase of 
28.9% over 2004 (3.56p), reflecting both the underlying trading improvement and 
the #2.0m foreign exchange gain on inter-company loans discussed above. Adjusted
earnings per share, the measure which the Board believes best reflects the true 
underlying performance of the business and whose derivation is set out at Note 8, 
increased by 11.7% to 4.01p (2004 : 3.59p). Adjusted earnings per share exclude 
the effect of the disposal of businesses and fixed assets and also foreign 
exchange gains or losses on long-term inter-company loans.

Dividend
--------
As noted in the Chairman's statement, an unchanged final dividend of 1.35p per 
share is proposed. Together with the unchanged interim dividend of 0.65p, the 
total dividend for 2005 will be 2.00p (2004 : 2.00p) assuming the final dividend 
is approved. The total dividend is covered 2.0x (2004 : 1.8x) by adjusted 
earnings per share.


Cashflow
--------

                                                          2005            2004
                                                            #m              #m
                                                       ---------       ---------
Net cash from operating activities                        16.5            17.7
Interest received                                          1.4             2.5
Capital expenditure                                      (16.6)          (10.4)
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets                         0.9             0.7
                                                       ---------       ---------
Free cash flow                                             2.2            10.5
Dividends paid                                            (6.1)           (6.1)
Acquisitions/disposals                                    (0.1)            4.5
Share issues                                               0.5               -
Effect of exchange rates                                  (7.8)            4.7
                                                       ---------       ---------
Change in net borrowings                                 (11.3)           13.6
New borrowings under IFRS                                 (0.5)              -
Opening net borrowings                                   (50.6)          (64.2)
                                                       ---------       ---------
Closing net borrowings                                   (62.4)          (50.6)
                                                       =========       =========


Free cash flow, as set out above and in Note 10(b), decreased from #10.5m to #2.2m. 
This was largely due to an increase of #6.2m in capital expenditure to #16.6m 
(2004 : #10.4m) with the increase arising in the Automotive Division where capital 
expenditure rose to #13.2m (2004 : #4.4m) as plant and machinery began to be 
installed ready for the manufacture of the new heavy duty diesel engine products 
for North America which are scheduled to go into production towards the end of 2006.

Net Borrowings
--------------
At the end of 2005, the Group had net borrowings of #62.4m, an increase of #11.8m 
in the year (31 December 2004 : #50.6m). The increase was due in part to exchange 
movements as well as increased capital expenditure. The Group primarily finances 
its borrowings through the US private placement market in US $ and through two 
revolving credit facilities (one US $; one multi-currency). The US $ strengthened
from $1.92 : #1 at the start of the year to $1.72 : #1 at the end and this, 
together with other currency movements, caused #7.8m of the increase in net 
borrowings.

At the end of 2005 the Group had total borrowing facilities of #138.3m, of which
#119.2m were committed facilities. #53.3m (2004 : #59.0m) of the committed 
facilities remained undrawn at the end of the year. Gearing at the year-end was
68% (2004 : 61%) measured on total net assets of #92.3m (2004 : #83.7m).

Shareholders' Equity
--------------------
The increase in total shareholders' equity of #8.6m in the year, to #92.3m, 
largely arose from the #14.1m profit for the period less the #6.1m of dividends 
paid. Also of note was a #0.2m increase in share capital and a #0.3m increase 
in the share premium account following the exercise of options over 1.8 million 
shares under employee share save schemes.




DIVISIONAL REVIEW
=================


Aerospace Division
------------------

#m                                     2005             2004            Change
--                                     ----             ----            ------

Sales (1)                             156.2            140.3            +11.3%
Trading Profit (1)                     13.0             11.2            +16.1%
Margin (1)                              8.3%             8.0%               -

(1) 2004 results translated at 2005 exchange rates


In the Aerospace Division (ten operations in 2005), sales grew by 11.3% to #156.2m 
(2004 : #140.3m at constant currency). Recovery in build rates within the industry 
helped this growth along with new programmes coming on stream.  Trading profit 
increased by 16.1% to #13.0m (2004 : #11.2m at constant currency) as a result 
of the growth in revenue, maintained control of spending and a continued focus 
on process improvement and efficiency. The improved operating margin of 8.3% 
(2004 : 8.0%) arose as a result of better throughput in the factories partially 
offset by the steady rise in raw material prices.  Whilst the large civil aircraft 
builders finished 2005 with record order-books, the smaller regional jet builders 
recorded poor bookings in the year.  Business jet and defence and military demand 
remained at a good level and a number of sectors, military helicopters for instance, 
move into 2006 with growing order books.

Another important consequence of the ongoing industry growth, is the increasing 
opportunity for the Division to take on work being outsourced by the aircraft 
and engine assemblers as they seek to free up manufacturing space at their own 
factories. Bird Bellows benefited, during 2005, from Airbus outsourcing some 
ducting parts, whilst Ketema won outsourced engine parts from Rolls-Royce 
which will add to sales from 2006 onwards. On the other hand, the decline 
in the regional jet market impacted Ketema particularly hard during 2005 and 
there is little sign of recovery in this market. As well as benefiting generally 
from the increase in aircraft build-rates, the Division also saw improved 
performances as a result of the business and factory rationalisations carried 
out at Stainless Steel Products, in the USA, and Bosman, in Holland, during the 
prior year.

Overall, the recent addition of Sterling Machine and the generally healthy 
marketplace mean prospects for the Aerospace Division should remain positive 
for the foreseeable future. 



Automotive Division
-------------------


#m                                      2005              2004           Change
--                                      ----              ----           ------

Sales (1)                              135.9             125.1            +8.6%
Trading Profit (1)                       8.9               8.1            +9.9%
Margin (1)                               6.5%              6.5%              -

(1) 2004 results translated at 2005 exchange rates


Despite the flat markets, sales in the Automotive Division (eight operations) 
grew by 8.6% to #135.9m (2004 : #125.1m at constant currency) and trading profits 
by 9.9% to #8.9m (2004 : #8.1m at constant currency) as new programmes came on 
stream at a number of locations. The operating margin remained unchanged at 6.5% 
with the gearing benefit of the increase in sales offset by the additional 
engineering resource and start-up costs associated with bringing the new heavy 
duty diesel engine parts into production at Bartlett, in the USA.

The lower cost operations in Brazil, India and South Africa continued to perform 
well, with new automotive programmes starting up in all three locations. Sales 
in the Crumlin factory in Wales, however, fell as MG Rover went into bankruptcy 
and replacement exhaust programmes started up in South Africa rather than Crumlin. 
More positively, Crumlin's newly developed EGR Cooler for diesel engine passenger 
vehicles continues to attract interest from a number of vehicle manufacturers which 
may lead to orders being placed in the coming months. As anticipated, the French 
operation, having resolved its material supply problems, made a profit in the 
second half of the year after a difficult 2004 and its prospects remain encouraging 
for 2006.

As mentioned previously in the Chief Executive's Statement, the introduction 
of the heavy duty diesel engine products in the USA remains firmly on track 
with production scheduled to start in late 2006. To put these new products into 
production requires substantial capital investment in new capacity to be able 
to produce the necessary volumes.  Capital expenditure, at #13.2m for the 
Division, was over double depreciation for the year, and is expected to be at 
least this level in 2006.  The sales are scheduled to come through in 2007.

With such a large number of new products being introduced and the associated 
plant and equipment being installed, 2006 is likely to bring a number of 
challenges. 2007 is anticipated to be the first year to benefit from the 
additional volumes. Significant enquiries continue to be received for 
opportunities beyond those already booked which, together with growing 
volumes at a number of other locations, leave the Division well placed for 
growth from 2007 onwards.


Industrial Division
-------------------


#m                                       2005            2004           Change
--                                       ----            ----           ------

Sales (1)                                47.8            45.4            +5.3%
Trading Profit (1)                        2.2             0.9            +144%
Margin (1)                                4.6%            2.0%              -

(1) 2004 results translated at 2005 exchange rates


Sales in the Industrial Division (three operations) increased by 5.3% to #47.8m 
(2004 : #45.4m at constant currency) with trading profits improving to around two 
and a half times 2004 levels (2005 : #2.2m; 2004 : #0.9m at constant currency). 
This significant improvement was achieved despite Senior Hargreaves being adversely 
impacted by the losses incurred on its Wembley Stadium ducting contract as 
previously described. Whilst the Canadian operation once again improved its 
performance, the main driver for the Divisional improvement was the larger 
Pathway operation, in the USA, where improved markets, such as oil and gas, 
and the site consolidation and operational improvement actions undertaken 
during 2004, drove its performance well ahead of the break-even position 
reported in 2004. Its markets remain strong and, with the completion of Wembley 
Stadium in the first half of 2006, the Division can anticipate improved prospects 
for 2006.


OTHER FINANCIAL MATTERS
=======================

Financial Risk Management
-------------------------
The main financial risks faced by the Group continue to be movements in interest 
rates and foreign currency exchange rates as well as funding and liquidity risks. 
All such risks are managed by a centralised treasury department which reports to 
the Group Finance Director. It operates under the guidance of the Treasury Committee, 
which meets quarterly and acts according to the laid-down objectives, policies 
and authority levels approved by the Board. The Group's external auditors normally 
attend the Treasury Committee once a year. All activities are focused on the management 
and hedging of risk and it is Group policy not to engage in speculative financial 
transactions.

The Group is exposed to movements in exchange rates for both foreign currency 
transactions and the translation of net assets and income statements of overseas 
operations. The Group has a policy of hedging its net investment in overseas 
operations through currency denominated loans and forward contracts but it does 
not hedge the effects of currency movements on the translation of its overseas 
earnings into sterling. Transaction exposures are, however, normally hedged 
through forward exchange contracts on a rolling 12 month basis. Changes in the 
fair value of derivative financial instruments that are designated and are 
effective as a cash flow hedge are recognised through reserves with any ineffective 
portion recognised in the income statement.

It is Group policy to have the majority of its gross borrowings subject to fixed 
rates of interest. This is achieved through having a mixture of fixed and variable 
rate borrowings and by entering into interest rate swaps. 

Pensions
--------
The Group operates a number of defined benefit pension plans, with the largest 
being the UK scheme, as well as a number of geographically based defined 
contribution and government sponsored arrangements. 

At the end of 2005, total IAS 19 pension and post-retirement net liabilities 
were #39.9m (2004: #41.4m), a reduction of #1.5m (2004: #2.8m) in the year. 
Whilst equity returns were very strong, with the Group's pension fund assets 
increasing by #11.0m more than anticipated in the year, interest rates on 
long-term index-linked government bonds fell such that the liabilities of the 
Group's pension schemes, as calculated at the year end, rose by #10.8m more 
than anticipated, effectively cancelling out the increase in asset valuations.

The UK defined benefit scheme with around 5,200 members, 460 of which are active 
members, accounted for the vast majority, #31.3m (2004 : #33.7m), of the Group's 
total net pension liabilities. The latest actuarial valuation of the UK scheme was 
carried out during 2004 with the past service deficit calculated at that time as #18.5m. 
From 2006 onwards this is being funded by additional company contributions of #3.0m 
per annum (2005: #2.6m). The actuarial deficit for the UK scheme is lower than the 
IAS 19 deficit primarily due to the different discount rates used to value the 
liabilities.

In total, #1.8m (2004 : #2.0m) was charged to the profit and loss account in the 
year in respect of defined benefit schemes, in addition to the #1.1m (2004 : #1.2m) 
of net finance costs discussed earlier. The total charge for the Group's defined 
contribution schemes was #2.2m (2004 : #2.2m). 

Non-Statutory Information
-------------------------
In the commentary to the year's results reference is made to non-statutory 
financial information. Such information includes:

    -    Trading profit - this is used to illustrate the underlying trading 
         performance of the Group and excludes any profit or loss on the sale 
         of fixed assets. The Consolidated Income Statement provides the 
         information to reconcile this to operating profit. 
    -    Adjusted earnings per share - this indicates the overall performance of 
         the Group before the effect of the disposal of businesses and fixed assets and 
         foreign exchange gains or losses on long-term inter-company loans. 
         Note 8 reconciles this to the reported results.
    -    Free cash flow - this highlights the total net cash generated by the Group 
         prior to corporate activity such as acquisitions, disposals and dividend payments. 
         Note 10(b) reconciles this to the reported results.

Going Concern
-------------

Having assessed the future funding of the Group, the Directors are of the opinion 
that it is appropriate for the financial statements to be prepared on a going concern basis. 




Consolidated income statement
=============================

For the year ended 31 December 2005

                                                          
                                             Notes   Year ended     Year ended
                                                           2005           2004
                                                             #m             #m
                                                         -------       --------
Continuing operations

Revenue                                        3          338.6          306.8
                                                         -------       --------

Trading profit                                             19.8           16.1

(Loss)/profit on sale of fixed assets                      (0.2)           0.5
                                                         -------       --------

Operating profit                               3           19.6           16.6

Exchange gain on long-term intercompany
loans                                          4            2.0              -

Investment income                                           1.3            2.1

Finance costs                                              (6.3)          (6.2)
                                                         -------       --------

Profit before tax                                          16.6           12.5

Tax                                            5           (2.5)          (1.6)
                                                         -------       --------

Profit for the period from continuing
operations                                                 14.1           10.9

Discontinued operations

Loss for the period from
discontinued operations                        6              -           (4.4)
                                                         -------       --------

Profit for the period                                      14.1            6.5
                                                         =======       ========

Attributable to:

Equity holders of the parent                               14.1            6.5
                                                         =======       ========

Earnings per share

From continuing operations

Basic                                          8           4.59p          3.56p
                                                         =======       ========

Diluted                                        8           4.51p          3.51p
                                                         =======       ========

From continuing and discontinued operations

Basic                                          8           4.59p          2.12p
                                                         =======       ========

Diluted                                        8           4.51p          2.09p
                                                         =======       ========



The comparative figures for 2004 have been restated to reflect the adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards. See Note 13 for details.



Consolidated statement of recognised income and expense
=======================================================

For the year ended 31 December 2005


                                                            
                                                       Year ended   Year ended
                                                             2005         2004
                                                               #m           #m
                                                           -------    --------
Initial recognition of financial instruments                 (0.2)          -

Gains on cash flow hedges                                     0.5           -

Net losses on revaluation of financial instruments           (1.8)          -

Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations     2.2        (0.5)

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes   0.2        (0.3)

Tax on items taken directly to equity                        (0.7)        1.0
                                                           -------    --------

Net income recognised directly in equity                      0.2         0.2

Amounts transferred to profit or loss on cash flow hedges    (0.3)          -

Amounts transferred to loss on disposal                         -         0.2

Profit for the period                                        14.1         6.5
                                                           -------    --------

Total recognised income and expense for the period           14.0         6.9
                                                           =======    ========

Attributable to:


Equity holders of the parent                                 14.0         6.9
                                                           =======    ========



The net liability of #0.2m shown on the initial recognition of financial
instruments comprises a #0.5m asset related to forward contracts taken out as
cash flow hedges of future transactions and a #0.7m liability related to an
interest rate instrument.



The comparative figures for 2004 have been restated to reflect the adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards. See Note 13 for details.



Consolidated balance sheet
==========================

For the year ended 31 December 2005

                                                        
                                             Notes   Year ended     Year ended
                                                           2005           2004
                                                             #m             #m
                                                         -------      --------
Non-current assets

Goodwill                                                   77.1           73.1
Other intangible assets                                     1.1            1.2
Property, plant and equipment                              76.1           68.8
Deferred tax assets                                         0.1            0.1
Trade and other receivables                                 3.8            3.8
                                                         -------       -------

Total non-current assets                                  158.2          147.0
                                                         -------       -------

Current assets
Inventories                                                47.7           38.4
Construction contracts                                      3.4            4.5
Trade and other receivables                                64.9           55.5
Cash and cash equivalents                                   8.5            7.4
                                                         -------       -------

Total current assets                                      124.5          105.8
                                                         -------       -------

Total assets                                              282.7          252.8
                                                         =======       =======

Current liabilities

Trade and other payables                                   69.7           59.6
Tax liabilities                                            10.0            9.5
Obligations under finance leases                            0.2            0.3
Bank overdrafts and loans                                   0.2            2.6
                                                         -------       -------

Total current liabilities                                  80.1           72.0
                                                         -------       -------

Non-current liabilities

Bank and other loans                                       66.3           52.6
Retirement benefit obligations               11            39.9           41.4
Deferred tax liabilities                                    2.1            0.9
Obligations under finance leases                            1.6            1.8
Others                                                      0.4            0.4
                                                         -------       -------

Total non-current liabilities                             110.3           97.1
                                                         -------       -------

Total liabilities                                         190.4          169.1
                                                         =======       =======

Net assets                                                 92.3           83.7
                                                         =======       =======



                                                      Year ended    Year ended
                                                            2005          2004
                                                              #m            #m
                                                         -------      --------
Equity  

Issued share capital                                        30.9          30.7
Share premium account                                        3.8           3.5
Equity reserve                                               0.4           0.2
Other reserve                                                  -          17.0
Hedging and translation reserve                              0.4           0.7
Retained earnings                                           58.1          32.9
Own shares                                                  (1.3)         (1.3)
                                                          -------      -------

Equity attributable to equity holders of
the parent                                                  92.3          83.7
                                                          -------      -------

Total equity                                                92.3          83.7
                                                          =======      =======



The comparative figures for 2004 have been restated to reflect the adoption of
International Financial Reporting Standards. See Note 13 for details.



Consolidated cash flow statement
================================

For the year ended 31 December 2005


                                                           
                                            Notes     Year ended    Year ended
                                                            2005          2004
                                                              #m            #m
                                                          -------     -------


Net cash from operating activities           10a)           16.5          17.7
                                                          -------      -------

Investing activities

Interest received                                            1.4           2.5
Disposal of subsidiary                                         -           4.7
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
equipment                                                    0.9           0.7
Purchases of property, plant and equipment                 (16.3)         (9.8)
Purchases of intangible assets                              (0.3)         (0.2)
Acquisition of subsidiary                      9            (0.1)         (0.2)
                                                          -------      -------

Net cash used in investing activities                      (14.4)         (2.3)
                                                          -------      -------

Financing activities

Dividends paid                                              (6.1)         (6.1)
Repayment of borrowings                                     (1.0)        (18.9)
Repayments of obligations under finance
leases                                                      (0.3)         (0.3)
Share issues                                                 0.5             -
New loans raised                                             7.1             -
Net cash (outflow)/inflow on forward
contracts                                                   (0.2)          4.5
                                                          -------      -------

Net cash from/(used in) financing activities                   -         (20.8)
                                                          -------      -------
                                                         

Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash
equivalents                                                  2.1          (5.4)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of
period                                                       5.9          11.5

Effect of foreign exchange rate changes                      0.5          (0.2)
                                                          -------      -------

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period   10c)            8.5           5.9
                                                          =======      =======




Notes to the preliminary financial statements
=============================================

For the year ended 31 December 2005



1. General Information
----------------------

The Preliminary Announcement of results for the year ended 31 December 2005 is
an excerpt from the forthcoming 2005 Annual Report and does not constitute 
the Group's statutory accounts of 2005 nor 2004. Statutory accounts for 2004 
(reported under UK GAAP) have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies, 
and those for 2005 will be delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. 
The Auditors have reported on both those accounts; their reports were unqualified 
and did not contain statements under Sections 237(2) or (3) of
the Companies Act 1985.



2. Accounting policies
----------------------

Whilst the financial information included in this preliminary announcement has been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) 
adopted for use in the European Union, this announcement does not itself contain 
sufficient information to comply with IFRS. The Company expects to publish full
financial statements that comply with IFRS on 14 March 2006. 


3. Segmental analysis
---------------------

Under IFRS, segmental detail is presented according to a primary segment and a
secondary segment. The Group's primary segmental analysis is based on the
industries that it serves; Aerospace, Automotive and Industrial. The secondary
analysis is presented according to geographic markets comprising North
America, Europe (split between the UK and Rest of Europe) and the Rest of the
World. This is consistent with the way the Group manages itself and with the
format of the Group's internal financial reporting.


a) Business segments

Segment information for revenue, operating profit and a reconciliation to entity
net profit is presented below.

                                   Inter                                      Inter
                    External     segment      Total   Segment    External   Segment      Total  Segment  
                     revenue     revenue    revenue    result     revenue   revenue    revenue   result
                        Year        Year       Year      Year        Year      Year       Year     Year   
                       ended       ended      ended     ended       ended     ended      ended    ended    
                        2005        2005       2005      2005        2004      2004       2004     2004
                          #m          #m         #m        #m          #m        #m         #m       #m
                     -------     -------    -------    -------    -------   -------    -------  -------
Aerospace              155.8         0.4      156.2      12.8       139.5       0.1      139.6     11.1
Automotive             135.2         0.7      135.9       8.9       122.6       0.3      122.9      8.4
Industrial              47.6         0.2       47.8       2.2        44.7       0.2       44.9      0.9
                     -------     -------    -------    -------    -------   -------    -------  -------
Sub total              338.6         1.3      339.9      23.9       306.8       0.6      307.4     20.4

Eliminations                        (1.3)      (1.3)        -                  (0.6)      (0.6)       -
Central costs                                            (4.3)                                     (3.8)
                     -------     -------    -------    -------    -------   -------    -------  -------
Total continuing 
operations             338.6           -      338.6      19.6       306.8         -      306.8     16.6
                     =======     =======    =======    =======    =======   =======    =======  =======
Exchange gain on 
long-term intercompany loans                             2.0                                          - 
Investment income                                        1.3                                        2.1 
Finance costs                                           (6.3)                                      (6.2)
                                                      -------                                    -------
Profit before tax                                       16.6                                       12.5
Tax                                                     (2.5)                                      (1.6)
Loss for the period 
from discontinued operations                               -                                       (4.4)
                                                      -------                                    -------
Profit after tax and 
discontinued operations                                 14.1                                        6.5
                                                      =======                                    =======

Segment results for 2005 shown above are stated after charging a #0.2m loss on
sale of fixed assets, attributed wholly to the Aerospace segment. Segment
results for 2004 shown above are stated after crediting profit of #0.5m on sale
of fixed assets attributed wholly to the Automotive segment.

The total Group revenue was #338.6m (2004: #325.9m), with discontinued
operations contributing # nil (2004: #19.1m). Details on the loss for the 2004
year from discontinued operations are shown in Note 6.

The discontinued operations related wholly to the Industrial segment.

Segment information for assets, liabilities, property, plant and equipment and
intangible assets and depreciation and amortisation is presented below.


                                        Additions      Depn                           Additions        Depn
                                         to PPE &       and                              to PPE &       and
               Assets   Liabilities   intangibles     amort     Assets  Liabilities  intangibles      amort
                 Year          Year          Year      Year       Year         Year         Year       Year
                ended         ended         ended     ended      ended        ended        ended      ended
                 2005          2005          2005      2005       2004         2004         2004       2004
                   #m            #m            #m        #m         #m           #m           #m         #m
               -------       -------       -------   -------    -------      -------      -------    -------
Aerospace       143.0          25.9           3.1       5.2      132.1         20.6          4.1        5.5
Automotive       91.9          22.7          13.2       6.1       73.2         21.8          4.4        6.5
Industrial       34.0           9.0           0.3       0.6       33.5          9.1          1.5        0.6
               -------       -------       -------   -------    -------      -------      -------    -------
Sub total continuing 
operations      268.9          57.6          16.6      11.9      238.8         51.5         10.0       12.6

Unallocated corporate 
amounts          13.8         132.8             -       0.1       14.0        117.6          0.1        0.1
Discontinued 
operations          -             -             -         -          -            -          0.3        0.6
               -------       -------       -------   -------    -------      -------      -------    -------
Total           282.7         190.4          16.6      12.0      252.8        169.1         10.4       13.3
               =======       =======       =======   =======    =======      =======      =======    =======


Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangibles during the year
amounting to #nil (2004: #0.4m) were financed by new finance leases. The
additions in 2004 were attributed wholly to the Aerospace segment.


b) Geographical segments


The Group's operations are principally located in North America and Europe.


The following table provides an analysis of the Group's sales by geographical
market, irrespective of the origin of the goods/services. The carrying amount of
segment assets and additions to property, plant and equipment and intangible
assets, are analysed by the geographical area in which the assets are located.

                                     Additions                              Additions
                Sales     Segment   to PPE and       Sales     Segment     to PPE and
              revenue      assets  intangibles     revenue      assets    intangibles
           Year ended  Year ended   Year ended  Year ended  Year ended     Year ended
                 2005        2005         2005        2004        2004           2004
                   #m          #m           #m          #m          #m             #m
              -------      ------      -------     -------     -------        -------
                                     
North America   178.5       137.9         10.6       158.5       112.2            5.7
UK               40.7        62.3          1.7        42.2        62.4            0.8
Rest of Europe   94.2        51.4          2.9        88.7        52.2            2.7
Rest of World    25.2        17.3          1.4        17.4        12.0            0.8
              -------      ------      -------     -------     -------        -------

Sub total continuing
operations      338.6       268.9         16.6       306.8       238.8           10.0

Unallocated corporate
amounts             -        13.8            -           -        14.0            0.1
Discontinued
operations          -           -            -        19.1           -            0.3
              -------      ------      -------     -------     -------        -------
Total           338.6       282.7         16.6       325.9       252.8           10.4
              =======      ======      =======     =======     =======        =======


Revenue from the Group's discontinued operations was derived from North America
(2005: # nil, 2004: #6.3m) , UK (2005: # nil, 2004: #4.2m ), Europe (2005: # nil,
2004: #7.4m ) and Rest of World (2005: # nil, 2004: #1.2m ).


The carrying value of segment assets all relate to continuing operations.

Additions to property, plant and equipment and intangibles during the year
amounting to #nil (2004: #0.4m) were financed by new finance leases. The
additions in 2004 were attributed wholly to North America.

The additions to property, plant and equipment and intangibles relating to the
Group's discontinued operations were as follows:-

North America (2005: # nil, 2004 #nil), UK (2005: # nil, 2004: #0.1m), Europe
(2005: # nil, 2004: #0.2m) and Rest of World (2005: # nil, 2004: # nil).



4. Exchange gain on long-term intercompany loans
------------------------------------------------


Under IAS21, as currently endorsed by the EU, exchange differences that arise on
retranslation of intercompany loans that are in a currency different to that of
either counterparty are taken to the income statement. An amendment to IAS21 was
issued in December 2005 stating such exchange differences are to be taken to
reserves. However, the amendment has not yet been endorsed by the EU and
consequently the Group has recognised a gain of #2.0m (2004: #nil) in the
income statement in respect of such loans. It is anticipated that the EU will
endorse the amendment to the Standard in 2006 at which time the Group will
recognise this #2.0m gain and any such future exchange differences in the
translation reserve.



5. Tax charge
-------------

                                                    Year ended      Year ended
                                                          2005            2004
                                                            #m              #m
                                                        -------         -------

Current tax:
UK corporation tax                                           -             0.1
Foreign tax                                                2.3             2.5
Adjustments in respect of prior periods                   (0.2)           (0.9)
                                                        -------         -------

                                                           2.1             1.7
                                                        -------         -------
Deferred tax:
Current year                                               0.7               -
Adjustments in respect of prior periods                   (0.3)              -
                                                        -------         -------

                                                           0.4               -
                                                        -------         -------

Continuing operations                                      2.5             1.6
Discontinued operations                                      -             0.1
                                                        -------         -------

                                                           2.5             1.7
                                                        =======         =======


UK Corporation tax is calculated at 30% (2004: 30%), of the estimated assessable
profit for the year. Taxation for other jurisdictions is calculated at the rates
prevailing in the respective jurisdictions.



6. Discontinued operations
--------------------------


There have been no disposals in 2005.


In August 2004, the Group's five Industrial Hose operations, comprising the
share capitals of Senior Flexonics Limited, Flexonics SAS, Senior Flexonics
B.V., Teknofluor Holding A.B. and the trade and assets of the US Hose Division
of Senior Operations Inc, were sold.



The results of the discontinued operations which have been included in the
consolidated income statement, were as follows:

                                                                    Year ended
                                                                          2004
                                                                            #m
                                                                        -------


Revenue                                                                   19.1
Expenses                                                                 (18.6)
                                                                        -------

Profit before tax                                                          0.5

Attributable tax expense                                                  (0.1)
                                                                        -------
Profit after tax                                                           0.4

Loss on disposal of discontinued operations                               (4.8)
                                                                        -------
Net loss attributable to discontinued operations                          (4.4)
                                                                        =======

During the year, discontinued operations used #nil (2004: #1.2m) of the Group's
net operating cash flows, paid #nil (2004: #0.3m) in respect of investing
activities and paid #nil (2004: #nil) in respect of financing activities.

A loss of #nil (2004: #4.8m) arose on the disposal of discontinued operations,
being the proceeds of disposal less the carrying amount of the subsidiary's net
assets and attributable balance sheet goodwill.


7. Dividends
------------

                                                     Year ended     Year ended
                                                           2005           2004
                                                             #m             #m
                                                         -------        -------


Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in
the period:
Final dividend for the year ended 
31 December 2004 of 1.35p (2003: 1.35p) per share           4.1            4.1
Interim dividend for the year ended
31 December 2005 of 0.65p (2004:0.65p) per share            2.0            2.0
                                                         -------        -------
                                                            6.1            6.1
                                                         =======        =======

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 
31 December 2005 of 1.35p (2004: 1.35p) per share          4.2             4.1
                                                         =======        =======

The proposed final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at
the Annual General Meeting and has not been included as a liability in these
financial statements.


8. Earnings per share
---------------------


The calculation of the basic and diluted earnings per share is based on the
following data:


Number of shares
                                                      Year ended    Year ended
                                                            2005          2004
                                                        millions      millions
                                                         -------       -------


Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the
purposes of basic earnings per share                       306.8         306.5

Effect of dilutive potential ordinary shares:
Share options                                                5.6           4.3
                                                         -------       -------

Weighted average number of ordinary shares for the
purposes of diluted earnings per share                     312.4         310.8
                                                         =======       =======



Earnings and earnings per share

                                   Year ended 2005        Year ended 2004
                               Earnings        EPS     Earnings         EPS
                                     #m      pence           #m       pence
                                 -------    -------      -------     -------


Profit for the period from
continuing operations              14.1        4.59        10.9        3.56
Loss for the period from
discontinued operations               -           -        (4.4)      (1.44)
                                 -------     -------     -------     -------
Profit for the period from
continuing and discontinued
operations                         14.1        4.59         6.5        2.12
Adjust:
Loss/(profit) on sale of fixed
assets net of tax of #nil 
(2004: #0.2m)                       0.2        0.07        (0.3)      (0.10)
Exchange gain on long-term
intercompany loan net of tax of
#nil (2004: #nil)                  (2.0)      (0.65)          -           -
Loss on disposal of discontinued
operations                            -           -         4.8        1.57
                                 -------     -------     -------     -------

Adjusted earnings after tax        12.3        4.01        11.0        3.59
                                 =======     =======     =======     =======


Earnings per share
           - basic continuing                  4.59p                   3.56p
           - basic discontinued                   -                   (1.44)p
                                             -------                 -------

           - basic                             4.59p                   2.12p
                                             =======                 =======

          - diluted                            4.51p                   2.09p

          - adjusted                           4.01p                   3.59p
          - adjusted and diluted               3.94p                   3.54p


The effect of dilutive shares on the earnings for the purposes of diluted
earnings per share is #nil (2004: #nil).


The denominators used for all basic, diluted and adjusted earnings per share are
as detailed in the "Number of shares" table above.


The provision of an adjusted earnings per share, derived in accordance with the
table above, has been included to identify the performance of operations, from
the time of acquisition or until the time of disposal, prior to the impact of
the following items:


-   gains or losses arising from the disposal of fixed assets

-   gains or losses arising from the disposal of discontinued operations

-   gains or losses arising from the re-translation of long-term intercompany loans



9. Acquisitions
---------------

The amount of #0.1m (2004: #0.2m) shown in the consolidated cash flow statement
relates to deferred consideration payable in respect of previous acquisitions.



10. Notes to the cash flow statement
------------------------------------

a) Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash from operating activities

                                                      Year ended    Year ended
                                                            2005          2004
                                                              #m            #m
                                                          -------       -------

Operating profit from continuing operations                 19.6          16.6
Discontinued operations profit before tax                      -           0.5

Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment               11.5          12.8
Amortisation of intangible assets                            0.5           0.5
Share options                                                0.2           0.1
Loss/(gain) on disposal of property, plant and
equipment                                                    0.2          (0.5)
Pension payments in excess of service cost                  (2.8)         (4.0)

                                                          -------       -------

Operating cash flows before movements in working
capital                                                     29.2          26.0

Increase in inventories                                     (9.3)         (4.4)
Increase in receivables                                     (8.1)         (3.3)
Increase in payables                                         7.9           3.1
Working capital currency movements                           2.6          (1.0)
                                                          -------       -------

Cash generated by operations                                22.3          20.4

Income taxes (paid)/received                                (0.9)          2.7
Interest paid                                               (4.9)         (5.4)
                                                          -------       -------

Net cash from operating activities                          16.5          17.7
                                                          =======       =======

Cash and cash equivalents comprise:
Cash                                                         8.5           7.4
Bank overdrafts                                                -          (1.5)
                                                          -------       -------
Total                                                        8.5           5.9
                                                          =======       =======



Additions to property, plant and equipment during the year amounting to #nil
(2004: #0.4m) were financed by new finance leases.


Cash and cash equivalents (which are presented as a single class of assets on
the face of the balance sheet) comprise cash at bank and other short-term highly
liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less.


b) Free cash flow


Free cash flow, a non statutory item, highlights the total net cash generated by
the Group prior to corporate activity such as acquisitions and disposals and
transactions with shareholders. It is derived as follows:

                                                      Year ended    Year ended
                                                            2005          2004
                                                              #m            #m
                                                          -------       -------

Net cash from operating activities                          16.5          17.7
Interest received                                            1.4           2.5
Proceeds on disposal of property, plant and
equipment                                                    0.9           0.7
Purchases of property, plant and equipment - cash          (16.3)         (9.8)
                                   - finances leases           -          (0.4)
Purchase of intangible assets                               (0.3)         (0.2)
                                                          -------       -------
Free cash flow                                               2.2          10.5
                                                          =======       =======



c) Analysis of net debt


                                  At                                          At
                           1 January      Cash  Non cash   Exchange  31 December
                                2005      Flow     Items   Movement         2005
                                  #m        #m        #m         #m           #m
                              -------   -------   -------   --------      -------

Cash                             7.4       0.6         -        0.5          8.5
Overdrafts                      (1.5)      1.5         -          -            -
                              -------   -------   -------   --------      -------
Cash and cash
equivalents                      5.9       2.1         -        0.5          8.5
Debt due within one year        (1.1)      1.0      (0.2)       0.1         (0.2)
Debt due after one year        (52.6)     (7.1)     (0.3)      (6.3)       (66.3)
Finance leases                  (2.1)      0.3         -          -         (1.8)
Forward exchange
contract losses                 (0.7)      0.2         -       (2.1)        (2.6)
                              -------   -------   -------   --------      -------
Total                          (50.6)     (3.5)     (0.5)      (7.8)       (62.4)
                              =======   =======   =======   ========      =======


Debt due within one year shown above includes short-term bank borrowings of #nil
(2004: #1.1m).


The forward exchange contract losses shown above are reported as #2.8m (2004:
#0.7m) in current liabilities within trade and other payables, and #0.2m (2004:
#nil) in current assets within trade and other receivables.


Non cash items shown above relate to the recognition of financial instruments
under IAS 39.


Additions to property, plant and equipment during the period of #nil (2004: #0.4m) 
were financed by new finance leases.



11. Retirement benefit schemes
------------------------------

Defined Benefit Schemes

Aggregate post-retirement benefit liabilities are #39.9m (2004: #41.4m). 
The primary components of this liability are the Group's UK pension
plan and US pension plans, with deficits of #31.3m (2004: #33.7m) and #4.9m 
(2004: #4.2m)respectively. These values have been assessed by an independent 
actuary using current market values and discount rates.



12. Events after the balance sheet date
---------------------------------------

On 27 January 2006, the Group acquired Sterling Machine Co., Inc, a manufacturer
of precision machined parts for the aerospace industry, based in Enfield,
Conneticut, USA. The cash consideration, including assumed net debt, was #21.4m 
including costs, of which #1.2m related to the purchase of property. The acquisition 
was funded in part by a placing of 15m ordinary shares generating net proceeds of #8.8m,
the balance being funded by the Group's existing revolving credit facilties.


13. Explanation of transition to IFRS
-------------------------------------


This is the first year that the company has presented its financial statements
under IFRS. The following disclosures are required in the year of transition.
The last financial statements under UK GAAP were for the year ended 31 December
2004 and the date of transition was therefore 1 January 2004.


(a) Reconciliation of equity at 1 January 2004 (date of transition to IFRS)



                                    Notes   UK GAAP    Adjustment         IFRS
                                                 #m            #m           #m
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Non-current assets

Goodwill                                      76.7             -          76.7
Intangible assets                   (i)          -           1.6           1.6
Property, plant and equipment       (i)       79.1          (1.6)         77.5
Deferred tax assets                            0.1             -           0.1
Financial assets                               1.0             -           1.0
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total non-current assets                     156.9             -         156.9
                                           ---------      --------      --------


Current assets

Inventories                                   40.1             -          40.1
Construction contracts                         4.9             -           4.9
Trade and other receivables                   62.0             -          62.0
Cash and cash equivalents                     11.6             -          11.6
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total current assets                         118.6             -         118.6

                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total assets                                 275.5             -         275.5
                                           ---------      --------     --------


Liabilities

Trade and other payables            (ii)      65.6          (4.1)         61.5
Current tax liabilities                        6.0             -           6.0
Obligations under finance leases               2.0             -           2.0
Interest bearing loans                        77.1             -          77.1
Retirement benefit obligations      (iii)     44.0           0.2          44.2
Deferred tax liabilities            (iv)       0.8           0.6           1.4
Others                                         0.5                         0.5
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total liabilities                            196.0          (3.3)        192.7
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total assets less total liabilities           79.5           3.3          82.8
                                           =========      ========     ========


Equity

Issued share capital                          30.7             -          30.7
Share premium account                          3.5             -           3.5
Equity reserve                      (v)          -           0.1           0.1
Other reserve                       (vi)      17.7          (0.7)         17.0
Hedging and translation reserve     (vi)         -             -             -
Retained earnings                   (vi)      28.9           3.9          32.8
Own shares                                    (1.3)                       (1.3)
                                           ---------      --------     --------

Total equity                                  79.5           3.3          82.8
                                           =========      ========     ========



i. Intangible assets

IFRS requires computer software to be recorded as an intangible asset and
amortised over its useful life. Accordingly, #1.6m of net book value has been
transferred from within plant and equipment to intangible assets.


ii. Dividends

Under UK GAAP, any dividend proposed in respect of a year is recognised in the
profit and loss account and provided for in the closing balance sheet. Under
IFRS, a declared dividend does not constitute an adjusting post balance sheet
event. Hence, the provision for the final dividend of #4.1m at the end of 2003
under UK GAAP has been reversed under IFRS.


iii. Retirement benefit obligations

IFRS requires that invested assets be valued at bid price, rather than at
mid-price as required under UK GAAP, by FRS17. This revaluation causes the
assets held by the funded plans to reduce in value by #0.2m, and consequently
the net balance sheet pension deficit to increase by the same amount.


iv. Deferred tax

IFRS changes the focus of deferred tax from the income statement to the balance
sheet and to the differences between the book value and tax base of assets and
liabilities. Under IFRS, deferred tax is provided on all temporary differences,
albeit that deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that they may
be regarded as recoverable. The Group has recognised a net increase in deferred
tax liabilities of #0.6m relating to the taxation of deferred foreign exchange
gains arising in overseas territories.


 v. Share based payments

Under IFRS there is an aggregate provision of #nil in respect of cash settled
share option plans, and a provision of #0.1m in respect of equity settled share
option plans.


vi. Share capital and reserves

In line with the available exemptions in IFRS1, the cumulative translation
differences were set to zero at the transition date. Also, as allowed under
IFRS1 exemptions, the existing UK GAAP value of property, plant and equipment
was taken as the deemed cost for IFRS. Hence, the revaluation reserve has been
reset to zero, with the previous balance of #0.7m having been transferred to the
retained earnings reserve.


(b) Reconciliation of equity at 31 December 2004 (date of last UK GAAP financial statements)


                                    Notes    UK GAAP   Adjustment         IFRS
                                                 #m            #m           #m
                                            --------      --------     --------

Non-current assets

Goodwill                            (i)       68.0           5.1          73.1
Intangible assets                   (ii)         -           1.2           1.2
Property, plant and equipment       (ii)      70.0          (1.2)         68.8
Deferred tax assets                            0.1             -           0.1
Financial assets                               3.8             -           3.8
                                            --------      --------    --------

Total non-current assets                     141.9           5.1         147.0
                                            --------      --------    --------


Current assets

Inventories                                   38.4             -          38.4
Construction contracts                         4.5             -           4.5
Trade and other receivables                   55.5             -          55.5
Cash and cash equivalents                      7.4             -           7.4
                                            --------      --------    --------

Total current assets                         105.8             -         105.8
                                            --------      --------    --------


Total assets                                 247.7           5.1         252.8
                                            --------      --------    --------


Liabilities

Trade and other payables            (iii)     63.7          (4.1)         59.6
Current tax liabilities                        9.5             -           9.5
Obligations under finance leases               2.1             -           2.1
Interest bearing loans                        55.2             -          55.2
Retirement benefit obligations      (iv)      41.2           0.2          41.4
Deferred tax liabilities            (v)        0.4           0.5           0.9
Others                              (vi)       0.3           0.1           0.4
                                            --------      --------    --------

Total liabilities                            172.4          (3.3)        169.1
                                            --------      --------    --------


Total assets less total liabilities           75.3           8.4          83.7
                                            ========      ========    ========


Equity

Issued share capital                          30.7             -          30.7
Share premium account                          3.5             -           3.5
Equity reserve                      (vii)        -           0.2           0.2
Other reserve                       (viii)    17.7          (0.7)         17.0
Hedging and translation reserve     (viii)       -           0.7           0.7
Retained earnings                   (viii)    24.7           8.2          32.9
Own shares                                    (1.3)            -          (1.3)

                                            --------      --------    --------

Total equity                                  75.3           8.4          83.7
                                            ========      ========    ========


i) Goodwill amortisation

Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions subsequent to 1 January 1998 was
capitalised and amortised over a period of up to 20 years. Under IFRS, goodwill
is held at its carrying value (the UK GAAP net book value as at 31 December
2003) and subjected to annual impairment testing. Hence the goodwill
amortisation charge of #5.1m has been reversed, leading to an equivalent
increase in the goodwill value on the balance sheet at the end of 2004 under
IFRS.


ii) Intangible assets

IFRS requires computer software to be recorded as an intangible asset and
amortised over its useful life. Accordingly, #1.2m of net book value has been
transferred from within plant and equipment to intangible assets.


iii) Dividends

Under UK GAAP, any dividend proposed in respect of a year is recognised in the
profit and loss account and provided for in the closing balance sheet. Under
IFRS, a declared dividend does not constitute an adjusting post balance sheet
event. Hence, the provision for the final dividend of #4.1m at the end of 2004
under UK GAAP has been reversed under IFRS.


iv) Retirement benefit obligations

IFRS requires that invested assets be valued at bid price, rather than at
mid-price as required under UK GAAP, by FRS17. This revaluation causes the
assets held by the funded plans to reduce in value by #0.2m, and consequently
the net balance sheet pension deficit to increase by the same amount.


v) Deferred tax

IFRS changes the focus of deferred tax from the income statement to the balance
sheet and to the differences between the book value and tax base of assets and
liabilities. Under IFRS, deferred tax is provided on all temporary differences,
albeit that deferred tax assets are only recognised to the extent that they may
be regarded as recoverable. The Group has recognised a net increase in deferred
tax liabilities of #0.5m relating to the taxation of deferred foreign exchange
gains arising in overseas territories.


vi) Liabilities

IFRS requires that the charge to the income statement for operating leases is
adjusted to take account of fixed inflationary elements over the period of a
lease, instead of when the payment is made. An additional #0.1m charge has been
made in 2004, resulting in an additional accrual of the same amount.


vii) Share based payments

Under IFRS, there is an aggregate provision of #nil in respect of cash settled
share option plans, and a provision of #0.2m in respect of equity settled share
option plans.


viii) Share capital and reserves

As stated above in Note 13 (a), the cumulative translation differences were set
to zero at the transition date. An amount of #0.7m has arisen in the year. Also,
as stated in Note 13 (a) above, the existing UK GAAP value of property, plant
and equipment was taken as the deemed cost for IFRS. Hence, the revaluation
reserve has been reset to zero, with the previous balance of #0.7m having been
transferred to the retained earnings reserve.


The Group adjustment to retained earnings reserve is shown below.



                                                                           #m
                                                                      --------
Opening adjustments                                                       3.9
Profit for the period                                                    13.4
Goodwill on Hose disposal                                                (8.7)
Transfer from hedging and translation reserve                            (0.4)
                                                                      --------
                                                                          8.2
                                                                      --------



(c) Reconciliation of income statement for the year ended 31 December 2004

                                        Notes      UK GAAP  Adjustment     IFRS
                                               Reformatted
                                                      2004        2004     2004
                                                        #m          #m       #m
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Continuing operations
Revenue                                              306.8          -    306.8
                                                   ---------   --------  -------

Trading profit                        (i), (ii)       16.9       (0.3)    16.6
Amortisation of goodwill                (iii)         (5.1)       5.1        -
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Operating profit                                      11.8        4.8     16.6
                                                   ---------   --------  -------

Interest receivable                      (iv)          2.2       (0.1)     2.1
Interest payable and similar charges     (iv)         (5.1)       0.1     (5.0)
Finance cost of net pension liability                 (1.2)         -     (1.2)
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Profit before taxation                                 7.7        4.8     12.5

Taxation                                 (v)          (1.7)       0.1     (1.6)
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Profit for the period from continuing
operations                                             6.0        4.9     10.9
                                                   ---------   --------  -------

Discontinued operations
Profit from operations before taxation   (i)           0.4        0.1      0.5
Taxation                                 (v)             -       (0.1)    (0.1)
Loss on disposal                         (vi)        (13.3)       8.5     (4.8)
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Loss for the period from discontinued
operations                                           (12.9)       8.5     (4.4)
                                                   ---------   --------  -------
Profit for the period                                 (6.9)      13.4      6.5
                                                   =========   ========  =======



(i) Trading profit

Trading profit of continuing businesses is reduced by #0.1m, which is offset by
the equivalent improvement in discontinued businesses. This relates to #0.1m of
central cost previously allocated to discontinued operations. Central costs will
now be disclosed separately within the segmental analysis, rather than being
allocated to segments as occurred previously under UK GAAP. Trading profit is
further reduced by #0.1m by the additional operating lease charge, as stated in
Note 13 (b) (vi).

(ii) Share based payments

Share based payment arrangements exist in relation to share and share option
schemes offered to senior management. Share options were issued in March 2003
and it is considered that these may ultimately vest. No cost was included in UK
GAAP accounts as the intrinsic value was nil. A cost of #0.1m has been included
in the IFRS financial statements. This expense has been based on the fair value 
at the date of the award, as calculated according to the Black-Scholes pricing model.


(iii) Goodwill amortisation

Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions subsequent to 1 January 1998 was
capitalised and amortised over a period of up to 20 years. Under IFRS, goodwill
is held at its carrying value (the UK GAAP net book value as at 31 December
2003) and subjected to annual impairment testing. Hence the goodwill
amortisation charge of #5.1m for 2004 under UK GAAP has been reversed for IFRS
purposes.


(iv) Interest receivable and interest payable

A benefit of #0.1m arising from interest rate swap agreements was previously
shown as interest receivable. This has now been offset against the related
interest payable amount.


(v) Tax charge

The tax charge has been analysed between that attributable to continuing
operations and that attributable to discontinued operations.


(vi) Loss on disposal of discontinued operations

Under UK GAAP, goodwill arising on acquisitions prior to 1 January 1998 was
written off directly to equity. When such a company was subsequently disposed,
the goodwill was 'recycled' through the profit and loss account as part of the
profit or loss on disposal. There is no such requirement under IFRS. Hence, the
UK GAAP loss is reduced by #8.7m. Additionally, IFRS requires cumulative
translation differences to be recognised in the disposal transaction. These
amount to #0.2m, making the aggregate adjustment #8.5m.


(d)  Explanation of material adjustments to the cash flow statement for 2004

Income taxes received of #2.7m and interest payments of #5.4m are classified as
part of operating cash flows under IFRS, but were included in separate
categories under UK GAAP. There are no other material differences between the
cash flow statement presented under IFRS and the cash flow statement presented
under UK GAAP.




                      This information is provided by RNS
            The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

END
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