SIG reveals '˜disappointing' full year results

SIG, the specialist building products firm, said it had experienced a '˜disappointing' trading period in 2015, when its performance was hit by weak market conditions.
By The Newsroom
Published 9th Mar 2016, 07:51 BST
Updated 9th Mar 2016, 08:56 BST

In the year ended December 31 2015, the Sheffield-based company’s revenues from continuing operations decreased 1.4 per cent to £2.57bn having been badly affected by foreign exchange translation. Underlying operating profit declined 11.2 per cent to £98.7m.

However, SIG said it had recorded encouraging growth in value added businesses, and it was in the process of re-shaping its supply chain.

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Commenting on the results and outlook, Stuart Mitchell, the chief executive, said: “While making good progress on the strategic initiatives and infill acquisition programme, we were disappointed by the group’s 2015 performance, having been adversely affected by weak trading conditions in mainland Europe and the UK RMI market, as well as movements in foreign exchange.

“We have already taken a number of actions to improve performance including further increasing our customer focus, reducing procurement and supply chain costs, and growing our value added businesses.

“This year we continue to expect good growth in the UK new build construction market, primarily driven by the residential segment. Lead indicators also suggest that demand should pick up in the UK RMI sector as 2016 progresses. In mainland Europe, while the trajectory of any recovery at this stage remains uncertain, trading conditions in France have improved, with the housing market stabilising and a return to growth for SIG in Q4 2015.

“Following an encouraging start to the year, with positive LFLs in both the UK & Ireland and mainland Europe, the scope for further cost savings and growth opportunities within the group mean that we expect to make progress in 2016.”