24/07/2008
Thursday
INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT
SSL International plc is today publishing its Interim Management Statement relating to the period from 1 April 2008 to date.
Trading in the first quarter was in line with the Board's expectations with good underlying revenue growth and the continuing benefit of the Sterling: Euro exchange rate. Gross margin is being maintained despite input cost inflation and we continue to expect at least a constant gross margin on a full year basis. The Group's recent investments are performing well and results to date are fully consistent with the achievement of our publicly expressed double digit operating profit growth target for the year.
Our balance sheet remains strong and there have been no significant changes in the financial position during the period.
At the AGM later today, Gerald Corbett, Chairman will say:
“We have made a good start to the year. Our global brands, Durex and Scholl, continue to make good progress, driving us towards our target of growing operating profit by at least 10% again this year.”
For further information:
SSL International plc
Garry Watts, Chief Executive
Mark Moran, Group Finance Director
Paul Doherty, Head of Corporate Affairs |
020 7367 5780
|
|
Maitland
Brian Hudspith
Charlotte Walsh |
020 7379 5151 |
Notes:
This interim management statement may contain forward-looking statements based on current expectations of, and assumptions and forecasts made by management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to substantial differences between the actual future results, financial situation development or performance of the Group and the estimates and historical results given herein. Undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this document. The Group accepts no obligation to publicly revise or update these forward-looking statements or adjust them to future events or developments, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent legally required.