Porvair PlcLSE: PRV

Preliminary Results for the year ended 30 November 2024

· Issued by Porvair plc

For immediate release

10 February 2025

Porvair plc

Results for the year ended 30 November 2024

Porvair plc ("Porvair" or the "Group"), the specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology group, announces its results for the year ended 30 November 2024.

Highlights:

  • Record revenue and profits.
  • Revenue up 9% to £192.6 million (2023: £176.0 million), 13% higher on a constant currency basis*.
  • Adjusted operating profit* 8% higher at £24.5 million (2023: £22.6 million).
  • Operating profit 8% higher at £22.8 million (2023: £21.2 million).
  • Adjusted profit before tax* 6% higher at £22.7 million (2023: £21.4 million).
  • Profit before tax 4% higher at £20.9 million (2023: £20.1 million).
  • Adjusted basic earnings per share* 4% higher at 38.6 pence (2023: 37.2 pence).
  • Basic earnings per share 3% higher at 35.8 pence (2023: 34.8 pence).
  • Closing cash at £13.7 million (2023: £14.1 million) after investing £15.3 million (2023: £18.7 million) in capital expenditure and acquisitions.
  • Recommended final dividend of 4.2 pence (2023: 4.0 pence) bringing the full year dividend to 6.3 pence
    (2023: 6.0 pence).

Commenting on the performance and outlook, Ben Stocks, Chief Executive, said:

"Porvair delivered record revenue and profits in 2024, posting percentage revenue growth in line with its 20-year trading record. Trading conditions were mixed, with strength in aerospace and petrochemical markets offsetting weakness in laboratory and industrial consumables. The Group's strategy, unchanged since 2004, continues to deliver consistent results despite some end-market inconsistency. The Group focuses on markets with long- term secular growth drivers: tightening environmental regulation; the growth of analytical science; the need for clean water; the development of carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency. These trends underpin our trading record and enable the Board to make longer-term plans, as set out in our ESG report published alongside these results. In the nearer term there is much to look forward to in 2025: new product introductions in aerospace, Seal Analytical and Kbiosystems; the installation of a new manufacturing line for aluminium filtration; industrial demand recovery in the US; and increased Laboratory in-house manufacturing through Hungary. 2025 will also be a year of management transition as I will retire as CEO and the new team of Hooman Caman Javvi and James Mills will take the Group forward and build on the strength of our model. The Board is optimistic for the future."

* See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definitions and reconciliations.

For further information please contact:

Porvair plc

+44 (0)1553 765 500

Ben Stocks, Chief Executive

Hooman Caman Javvi, Chief Executive designate

James Mills, Group Finance Director

Burson Buchanan

+44 (0)20 7466 5000

Charles Ryland / Stephanie Whitmore / Jack Devoy

An analyst briefing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday 10 February 2025 at Burson Buchanan, please contact Burson Buchanan for details. An audiocast of the meeting and the presentation will subsequently be made available at www.porvair.com.

1

Operating review

As this will be my last operating review as Chief Executive of Porvair before I retire, I hope shareholders will forgive me if, before reviewing 2024, I comment on the Group's performance over the last 20 years. In 2001, the Board decided on a radical change of strategic direction and undertook a series of disposals. 2004 was the first full year of trading as a specialist filtration and environmental technology group, and our strategy has remained unchanged since then.

Over 20 years, a period including two recessions and a pandemic:

  • Compound revenue growth has been 8%;
  • Compound growth in adjusted earnings per share has been 13%; and
  • The total number of shares at issue has grown by less than 1% per year.

Shareholders will decide for themselves how they rate this performance. They are delivered through the confluence of well-engineered, regularly updated products; customers and markets supported by secular growth trends; and a group of outstanding people with whom I have been privileged to work for two decades. These three remain the cornerstones of the Group. Over this period Porvair has grown to now generate around £15 million of surplus cash per year after meeting its tax, dividend and pension liabilities. This is a solid basis for further compounding growth. Looking ahead and as outlined below, near-term opportunities are apparent across the Group. Longer term, with a new executive management team the future is bright and I have no doubt the best is yet to come.

Returning now to near-term trading, 2024 was a year of record revenues and profits, again achieved despite variable demand patterns across our markets. As expected, financial performance was better in the second half.

Aerospace and petrochemical markets remained robust through the year while industrial consumable orders remained patchy. Laboratory product demand was consistent, albeit still at levels below those seen in 2022.

Revenue growth was 9%, 13% on a constant currency basis (see note 1). Operating profit was up 8% and includes a £0.9 million charge for damage remediation caused by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Strong cash generation meant that the year finished with £13.7 million of net cash on the balance sheet (2023: £14.1 million) after spending around £20 million on acquisitions, capital expenditure, dividends and pension costs.

Porvair's devolved management structure is helpful in volatile trading conditions, enabling key commercial decisions to be made closer to customers and suppliers. Annual objectives for general managers were again to deliver earnings growth, cash generation and improvements in selected ESG metrics. Details of our ESG programme are set out in a separate report published alongside these financial results.

In common with most filtration companies, the Group has a diverse operating spread, manufacturing over 4,000 products and shipping to over 15,000 customers. The benefit of this is shown in the relatively consistent financial results of recent years, despite inconsistent demand across sectors. We serve a range of markets in various parts of the world and trading is affected by both local and global events. However, Porvair's underlying growth drivers did not change in 2024: tightening environmental regulation; the growth of analytical science; the need for clean water; the development of carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency.

2

Financial results

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Revenue

192.6

176.0

9

Operating profit

22.8

21.2

8

Adjusted operating profit*

24.5

22.6

8

Profit before tax

20.9

20.1

4

Adjusted profit before tax*

22.7

21.4

6

Pence

Pence

Earnings per share

35.8

34.8

3

Adjusted earnings per share*

38.6

37.2

4

£m

£m

Cash generated from operations

25.7

24.1

Cash and cash equivalents

13.7

14.1

* See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definitions and reconciliations.

Revenue increased by 9% to £192.6 million (2023: 2% to £176.0 million). Profit before tax increased by 4%

(2023: 7%). Adjusted profit before tax grew by 6% (2023: 10%) and adjusted earnings per share by 4% (2023: 12%).

Strategy and purpose

Porvair's strategy and purpose have remained consistent for over 20 years, a period that now encompasses two recessions and a pandemic. The Group's record for growth, cash generation and investment is:

5 years

10 years

15 years

20 years

Revenue CAGR*

6%

6%

9%

8%

Earnings per share CAGR*

9%

10%

23%

12%

Adjusted earnings per share CAGR*

9%

10%

19%

13%

* Compound annual growth rate

5 years

10 years

15 years

20 years

£m

£m

£m

£m

Cash from operations

104.5

175.5

227.3

250.1

Investment in acquisitions and capital expenditure

51.3

102.1

120.7

141.6

This longer-term growth record gives the Board confidence in the Group's capabilities and is the basis for capital allocation and planning decisions.

Strategic statement and business model

Porvair's strategic purpose is the development of specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders. Principal measures of success include consistent earnings growth and selected ESG measures as set out in the Group's ESG report.

The Group is positioned to benefit from global trends as outlined above.

Porvair businesses have certain key characteristics in common:

  • specialist design, engineering or commercial skills are required;
  • product use and replacement is mandated by regulation, quality accreditation or a maintenance cycle; and
  • products are typically designed into a system that will have a long life-cycle and must perform to a given specification.

Orders are won by offering the best technical solutions or commercial service at an acceptable cost. Technical expertise is necessary in all markets served. New products are often adaptations of existing designs with attributes validated in our own test and measurement laboratories. Experience in specific markets and applications is valuable in building customer confidence. Domain knowledge is important, as is deciding where to direct resources.

3

This leads the Group to:

  • focus on markets with long-term growth potential;
  • look for applications where product use is mandated and replacement demand is regular;
  • make new product development a core business activity;
  • establish geographic presence where end-markets require; and
  • invest in both organic and acquired growth.

Therefore:

  • we focus on three operating segments: Aerospace & Industrial; Laboratory; and Metal Melt Quality. All have clear long-term growth drivers;
  • our products typically reduce emissions or protect complex downstream systems and, as a result, are replaced regularly. A high proportion of our annual revenue is from repeat orders;
  • through a focus on new product development, we aim to generate growth rates in excess of the underlying market. Where possible, we build intellectual property around our product developments;
  • our geographic presence follows the markets we serve. In the last twelve months: 44% of revenue was in the Americas; 16% in Asia; 28% in Continental Europe; 11% in the UK; and 1% in Africa. The Group has plants in the US, UK, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, the Netherlands, India and China. In the last twelve months: 45% of revenue was manufactured in the US; 27% in the UK; 25% in Continental Europe; and 3% in Asia; and
  • we aim to meet dividend and investment needs from free cash flow and modest borrowing facilities. In recent years we have expanded manufacturing capacity in the US, UK, Germany, Hungary and China, and made several acquisitions. All investments are subject to a hurdle rate analysis based on strategic and financial priorities.

Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG")

The Board understands that responsible business development is essential for creating long-term value for stakeholders. Most of the products made by Porvair are used to the benefit of the environment. Our water analysis equipment measures contamination levels in water. Industrial filters are typically needed to reduce emissions or improve efficiency. Aerospace filters improve safety and reliability. Nuclear filters confine fissile materials. Metal Melt Quality filters reduce waste and help improve the strength to weight ratio of metal components.

A full ESG report is published at the time of this results announcement, setting out:

  • Porvair's ESG management framework and goals;
  • how energy transition and climate change might affect markets served by the Group, and how these trends affect our long-term planning framework;
  • ESG metrics and results; and
  • how the Group has acted for the benefit of its stakeholders in 2024.

4

Divisional review

Aerospace & Industrial

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Revenue

84.2

67.6

25

Operating profit

10.8

9.3

16

Adjusted operating profit*

11.8

9.8

20

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Aerospace & Industrial division designs and manufactures a wide range of specialist filtration products, demand for which is driven by customers seeking better engineered, cleaner, safer or more efficient operations. Differentiation is achieved through design engineering; the development of intellectual property; quality accreditations; and customer service.

Revenue in the year grew by 25%. Aerospace revenues grew 21% as passenger air miles exceeded pre- pandemic levels. Petrochemical sales, which can be lumpy, were up 37% helped by tightening emissions standards, notably in India, and a gasification order, some of which will ship in 2025. Growth was further enhanced by EFC, acquired in December 2023, which had a good maiden year with the Group. These were offset by relative weakness in general US industrial markets, including microelectronics which remained sluggish for most of the year. A recovery in these markets, which picked up a little in the final quarter, is an opportunity for 2025.

Adjusted operating profits rose 20%. Adjusted operating margins eased to 14.0% (2023: 14.5%) due to a higher mix of petrochemical revenues and operational gearing in the US plants. It was a good year for product introductions with new filters specified on the LEAP aero engine programme and Blue Origin rockets and new customers for the line of de-misting filters acquired with EFC.

Laboratory

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Revenue

64.4

60.4

7

Operating profit

8.7

8.8

(1)

Adjusted operating profit*

9.5

9.2

3

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Laboratory division has two operating businesses: Porvair Sciences (including Finneran, Kbiosystems and Ratiolab) and Seal Analytical.

  • Porvair Sciences manufactures laboratory filters, small instruments and associated consumables, for which demand is driven by sample preparation in analytical laboratories. Differentiation is achieved through proprietary manufacturing capabilities; control of filtration media; and customer service.
  • Seal Analytical supplies instruments and consumables to environmental laboratories, for which demand is driven by water quality regulations. Differentiation is achieved through consistent new product development focused on improving detection limits, and improving laboratory automation.

Revenue growth of 7% and adjusted operating profit growth of 3% included a full year contribution from Ratiolab, acquired in July 2023. Without this, underlying revenues fell 1% and operating profits were broadly flat. After a quieter first half we had expected demand to pick up and, while order patterns did improve, this did not feed through into better revenues until late in the year. We took the opportunity of lower demand to address several longer-term issues which we expect to benefit from in 2025. Seal Analytical changed its partner in China; accelerated investments in Hungary increased capacity and in-house manufacturing capability; a new sales operation was opened in India; and new product trials on a range of instruments at both Seal and Kbiosystems were successful. All bode well for 2025 and beyond.

5

Metal Melt Quality

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Revenue

44.1

48.0

(8)

Operating profit

5.9

6.5

(9)

Adjusted operating profit*

5.9

6.5

(9)

* See notes 1 and 2 for definitions and reconciliations.

The Metal Melt Quality division manufactures filters for molten aluminium, ductile iron and nickel-cobalt alloys. It has a well-differentiated product range based on patented products and extensive experience in melt quality assessment.

An 8% fall in revenue in 2024 followed record sales years in 2023 (+6%), 2022 (+21%), and 2021 (+14%). Aluminium revenue was flat in a year where global primary aluminium production fell around 23% [source: international aluminium.org]. Demand for aerospace-related turbine blade filters was robust, generating record revenues for the product line. Operations in China ran well, generating a modest profit; but US general industrial demand, notably for the auto, truck and agricultural markets, was lower. In the final quarter trading conditions improved, but operations in Hendersonville North Carolina were badly hit by Hurricane Helene in late September which caused extensive flooding in the plant. We are in negotiation with our insurers and FEMA, but reported operating profits include a charge of £0.9 million for remediation costs. Operating profit was reduced as a result with reported margins at 13.4%.

Looking ahead, benefits of US re-shoring, notably in aluminium recycling, are increasingly noticeable; and market share wins in turbine blade filtration in 2024 will benefit 2025. The Board has approved capital to replace one of the key ovens in Hendersonville. This is a significant investment for the Group. These assets require replacement on a 20-25 year cycle. The new oven will be commissioned at the end of 2025 and will increase capacity, lower unit costs and improve carbon intensity.

Dividends

The Board recommends a final dividend of 4.2 pence per share, at a value of £1.9 million (2023: 4.0 pence per share, at a value of £1.8 million). The full year dividend increases by 5.0% to 6.3 pence per share, a value of £2.9 million (2023: 6.0 pence per share, a value of £2.8 million). The Company had £57.1 million (2023: £45.5 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2024.

Staff

It is when challenged that the quality of our staff is most evident. A great example in 2024 was in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which caused significant damage in North Carolina. It took a huge team effort in Hendersonville to maintain production and customer service. The Board salutes the resourcefulness and perseverance of all our staff.

The Board maintains direct contact with all staff members through our Employee Engagement process which helps general managers in their communication and staff support activities. All staff comments and suggestions are read at Board level, and the overwhelming tone of these comments is constructive. We are very grateful for the hard work, enthusiasm and dedication of all our staff.

CEO succession

As announced on 16 April 2024, I have notified the Board of my decision to retire from the Group. As further announced on 23 September 2024, Hooman Caman Javvi has been appointed to the Board as Chief Executive Officer designate. Hooman joined the Group on 6 January 2025 and will assume the role of Chief Executive Officer on my retirement, following the Company's AGM on 15 April 2025.

6

Current trading and outlook

Porvair delivered record revenue and profits in 2024, posting percentage revenue growth in line with its 20-year trading record. Trading conditions were mixed, with strength in aerospace and petrochemical markets offsetting weakness in laboratory and industrial consumables. The Group's strategy, unchanged since 2004, continues to deliver consistent results despite some end-market inconsistency. The Group focuses on markets with long- term secular growth drivers: tightening environmental regulation; the growth of analytical science; the need for clean water; the development of carbon-efficient transportation; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process quality and efficiency. These trends underpin our trading record and enable the Board to make longer-term plans, as set out in our ESG report published alongside these results. In the nearer term there is much to look forward to in 2025: new product introductions in aerospace, Seal Analytical and Kbiosystems; the installation of a new manufacturing line for aluminium filtration; industrial demand recovery in the US; and increased Laboratory in-house manufacturing through Hungary. 2025 will also be a year of management transition as I will retire as CEO and the new team of Hooman Caman Javvi and James Mills will take the Group forward and build on the strength of our model. The Board is optimistic for the future.

Ben Stocks

Group Chief Executive

7 February 2025

7

Financial review

Group results

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Revenue

192.6

176.0

9

Operating profit

22.8

21.2

8

Profit before tax

20.9

20.1

4

Profit after tax

16.6

16.0

4

Revenue was 9% higher on a reported currency basis and 13% higher at constant currency (see note 1). Operating profit was £22.8 million (2023: £21.2 million) and profit before tax was £20.9 million (2023: £20.1 million). Profit after tax was £16.6 million (2023: £16.0 million). An operating review, together with a review of divisional performance, is included in the Chief Executive's report above.

Alternative performance measures - profit

2024

2023

Growth

£m

£m

%

Adjusted operating profit

24.5

22.6

8

Adjusted profit before tax

22.7

21.4

6

Adjusted profit after tax

17.9

17.1

5

The Group presents alternative performance measures to enable a better understanding of its trading performance (see note 1). Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude items that are material and where treatment as an adjusting item provides a more consistent assessment of the Group's trading performance. Adjusting items comprise £1.7 million (2023: £0.9 million) for the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and £nil (2023: £0.4 million) for costs incurred in relation to the acquisition of certain business and assets from HRW Inc., which completed in March 2023; the 100% share capital of Ratiolab, which completed in July 2023; and the 100% share capital of EFC, which completed in December 2023.

Impact of exchange rate movements on performance

The international nature of the Group's business means that relative movements in exchange rates can affect reported performance. The rates used for translating the results of overseas operations were:

2024

2023

Average rate for translating the results:

US$ denominated operations

$1.28:£1

$1.24:£1

Euro denominated operations

€1.18:£1

€1.15:£1

Closing rate for translating the balance sheet:

US$ denominated operations

$1.27:£1

$1.27:£1

Euro denominated operations

€1.20:£1

€1.16:£1

During the year, the Group sold US$29.8 million (2023: US$28.5 million) at a net rate of US$1.26:£1 (2023:

US$1.21:£1) and purchased €3.8 million (2023: net €4.6 million) at a net rate of €1.20:£1 (2023: €1.15:£1). At 30

November 2024, the Group had US$4.0 million (2023: US$10.0 million) of outstanding forward foreign exchange contracts; hedge accounting has not been applied to these contracts.

Finance costs

Net finance costs comprise interest on borrowings; lease liabilities; and the Group's retirement benefit obligations; together with the cost of unwinding discounts on provisions and other payables. The Group also incurs undrawn commitment fees on the Group's available banking facilities. Net finance costs of £1.9 million (2023: £1.2 million) increased in the year primarily due to interest on borrowings; lease liability interest associated with a property lease renewal in the UK; and lease liability interest on properties which came with the Ratiolab and EFC acquisitions. Interest cover from operating profit was 12 times (2023: 18 times). Interest cover from operating profit on net bank finance costs only was 33 times (2023: 65 times).

8

Tax

The total Group tax charge for the year was £4.3 million (2023: £4.1 million), including the tax effect of the

adjusting items set out in note 1. The adjusted tax charge was £4.8 million (2023: £4.3 million), with the effective

rate of income tax on adjusted profit before tax at 21% (2023: 20%).

The Group has current tax provisions of £1.6 million (2023: £0.6 million), which includes £0.9 million (2023: £1.1 million) for uncertainties relating to the interpretation of tax legislation in the Group's operating territories, offset by payments on account and amounts recoverable for overpayments of tax.

The Group carries a deferred tax asset of £0.1 million (2023: £0.4 million) and a deferred tax liability of £3.7

million (2023: £3.6 million). The deferred tax asset relates principally to retirement benefit obligations and share- based payments. The deferred tax liability relates to accelerated capital allowances, acquired intangible assets arising on consolidation and other timing differences.

Total equity and distributable reserves

Total equity at 30 November 2024 was £153.3 million (2023: £140.4 million), an increase of 9% over the prior

year. The net increase in total equity includes profit after tax of £16.6 million (2023: £16.0 million), a net of tax

actuarial loss of £0.1 million (2023: gain £0.2 million), together with a £1.6 million exchange loss (2023: £4.6 million) on the retranslation of foreign subsidiaries.

The Company had £57.1 million (2023: £45.5 million) of distributable reserves at 30 November 2024. The Company's distributable reserves increased in the year from dividends received from Group companies, and decreased in the year from head office costs and dividends paid to shareholders.

Cash flow, cash and net debt

The table below summarises the key elements of the cash flow for the year:

2024

2023

£m

£m

Operating cash flow before working capital

31.7

29.1

Working capital movement

(3.8)

(2.8)

Post-employment benefits

(2.2)

(2.2)

Cash generated from operations

25.7

24.1

Interest

(0.7)

(0.3)

Tax

(3.4)

(3.0)

Capital expenditure

(5.1)

(4.8)

16.5

16.0

Acquisitions (net of cash acquired)

(10.2)

(13.9)

Share issue proceeds

0.6

0.1

Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust shares

(0.7)

(0.7)

Increase in borrowings

10.7

9.8

Decrease in borrowings

(10.7)

(9.8)

Dividends

(2.8)

(2.7)

Repayment of lease liabilities

(3.5)

(2.6)

Decrease in cash

(0.1)

(3.8)

Net (debt)/cash reconciliation

2024

2023

£m

£m

Net cash at 1 December

0.7

6.8

Decrease in cash

(0.1)

(3.8)

Net movement in borrowings

-

-

Increase in lease liabilities

(4.4)

(2.1)

Exchange

0.1

(0.2)

Net (debt)/cash at 30 November

(3.7)

0.7

Cash and cash equivalents

13.7

14.1

Lease liabilities

(17.4)

(13.4)

Net (debt)/cash at 30 November

(3.7)

0.7

9

Cash flow, cash and net debt (continued)

Generating free cash flow is central to the Group's business model. Cash generated from operations was £25.7 million (2023: £24.1 million), with net working capital increasing by £3.8 million (2023: £2.8 million). The Group started the year with cash and cash equivalents of £14.1 million and finished the year with £13.7 million, having invested £15.3 million in capital expenditure and acquisitions (2023: £18.7 million).

In August 2024, the Group agreed with Barclays Bank plc and Citibank N.A., London Branch, a new €20 million four year secured revolving credit facility with the option to extend by one year, plus a €20 million accordion. The agreement was a refinance of the Group's existing €28 million facilities and €17 million accordion. A margin benefit remains for delivering progress against certain sustainability targets. The Group continues to have a £2.5 million overdraft facility provided by Barclays Bank plc.

Bank borrowings at 30 November 2024 were £nil (2023: £nil). As at 30 November 2024, the Group had €19.6

million/£16.3 million (2023: €27.8 million/£24.0 million) of unused credit facilities and an unutilised £2.5 million

(2023: £2.5 million) net overdraft facility.

Capital expenditure

Capital expenditure on property, plant and equipment was £5.1 million (2023: £4.8 million), as the Group continued to invest in capital projects with a particular emphasis on automation, productivity and capacity. During the year, the Board approved a £5.5 million capital investment programme for the update and expansion of the Group's aluminium cast house production capabilities in Hendersonville. The project began in the second half of the year.

Acquisitions

On 4 December 2023, the Group acquired 100% of the share capital of European Filter Corporation NV ("EFC"), on a cash free, debt free basis and subject to an agreed level of working capital. Consideration paid was £10.3 million. Further details of the acquisition are disclosed in note 9.

Provisions

The Group has £3.6 million (2023: £3.6 million) of provisions for dilapidations and performance warranties. £0.7 million of provisions have been created for sales made in the year, whilst £0.2 million of provisions have been released following the latest estimate of the expected costs to be incurred and £0.5 million of provisions have been utilised.

Retirement benefit obligations

Retirement benefit obligations measured in accordance with IAS 19 Employee Benefits were £5.9 million (2023: £7.7 million). The Group supports its defined benefit pension scheme in the UK ("the Plan"), which is closed to new entrants, and provides access to defined contribution schemes for its other employees. The Plan's liabilities increased in the year to £31.3 million (2023: £30.8 million). The Plan's assets also increased in the year to £25.5 million (2023: £23.3 million). Following a change in financial and demographic assumptions, a net of tax actuarial loss of £0.1 million (2023: gain £0.2 million) was recognised within the statement of comprehensive income. Cash contributions paid to the Plan were £2.6 million (2023: £2.6 million), which included a deficit recovery payment of £2.1 million (2023: £2.1 million). The 31 March 2024 triennial valuation of the Plan is in progress and is expected to be finalised before 30 June 2025.

Finance and treasury policy

The treasury function at Porvair is managed centrally, under Board supervision. It seeks to limit the Group's trading exposure to currency movements. The Group does not hedge against the impact of exchange rate movements on the translation of profits and losses of overseas operations. The Group finances its operations through share capital, retained profits and, when required, bank debt. It has adequate facilities to finance its current operations and capital plans for the foreseeable future.

James Mills

Group Finance Director

7 February 2025

10