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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Jon Robinson

James Fisher delays annual results by a month as debt talks continue

Maritime and engineering group James Fisher has delayed publishing its annual accounts by one month as talks over its debt continue.

The Barrow-headquartered company said it will now release the figures for its latest financial year on April 28 instead of March 28.

In a statement issued to the London Stock Exchange, James Fisher said the extra time would provide an "opportunity for the group to complete the previously announced discussions in relation to its existing debt facilities".

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It added that the group is also required to "resolve certain technical restrictions" relating to the JFN disposal which have been waived through to April 28.

On its results, the group said: "James Fisher made good strategic progress over the second half of 2022 and in early 2023, divesting non-core businesses, as well as selling a significant fixed asset.

"Important changes have been made at the senior management level across several of our businesses.

"This will improve financial and performance accountability, as well as promote energetic and disciplined leaders from inside the organisation who have a demonstrable track record in achieving operational targets.

"Additionally, in order to simplify the group further, from 1 January 2023 the company has been reorganised into three new divisions which reflect our customer verticals, namely Energy, Defence and Maritime Transport."

On its current trading, it added: "The group has made an encouraging start to 2023, with performance across January and February demonstrating continued progress, in line with the board's expectations.

"Group revenue in the Period saw strong year-on-year growth, with divisional trends similar to those seen towards the end of 2022.

"On both a continuing operations and total group basis (including discontinued operations), James Fisher generated a small underlying operating profit in the period, compared with a loss in the prior year.

"The group's net debt position is in line with management's expectations, benefiting from the receipt of Swordfish proceeds, and the board expects the group to continue to de-lever.

"Whilst the economic climate more generally remains challenging, the group has made clear strategic and financial progress over the last few months.

"With the benefit of a more focused portfolio and reinvigorated strategy, the board is confident that the group can carry forward this momentum through 2023, driving further financial and operational improvement."

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