At the Annual General Meeting on 4 March 2021 the Chemring Group PLC shareholders approved a final dividend in respect of the year ended 31 October 2020 of 2.6p per ordinary share. This was paid on 23 April 2021 to shareholders on the register on 6 April 2021.
The Board continues to recognise that dividends are an important component of total shareholder returns. The Board's objective is for a growing and sustainable dividend and now it believes it is appropriate for the Group to target a medium-term dividend cover of c.2.5 times underlying EPS, subject inter alia to maintaining a strong financial position. Therefore, the Board has declared an interim dividend in respect of the 2021 financial year of 1.6p per ordinary share which will be paid on 10 September 2021 to shareholders on the register on 20 August 2021.
Other financial highlights include:
H1 performance was in line with expectations reflecting continued strong performance in both segments, despite FX translation headwind caused by the weakening US dollar.
Investment in the Group's manufacturing infrastructure continues to be a key enabler to deliver improved safety performance and operational excellence. Total Recordable Injury Frequency Rate is at 0.66 versus 1.13 for the same period last year.
Double digit growth in orders, revenue and operating profit for Roke as the market continues to be buoyant, underpinned by UK Government announced increased focus on Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities ("CEMA"), digital infrastructure, and science and technology.
Acquisition of Cubica Group (see separate announcement published today).
Continued progress in our US Sensors Programs of Record. Further orders received in the period for the next phase of HMDS delivery, valued at $63m, under the previously announced $200m IDIQ contract.
Secured new long-term contracts in Countermeasures & Energetics, including Chemring Countermeasures USA receiving a five-year IDIQ contract for the supply of infra-red decoy flares and Chemring Energetics UK securing a 15 year long-term partnering agreement with Martin Baker Aircraft Company.
Continued reduction in net debt with strong operational cash generation partially offset by scheduled capital expenditure. Net debt to underlying EBITDA of 0.5 times.
Board's full year expectations are unchanged (at current FX rates). Approximately 92% of expected H2 revenue is in the order book as at 30 April 2021.
