05/05/2005

ICI warns of slowing sales and rising costs

Chemical firm ICI has warned of slowing sales growth and said that further price increases will be “necessary” in order to offset rising costs in raw materials.

ICI, which manufactures paints, fragrances and personal care products, reported a “good start” to 2005, with a total pre-tax profit of £84 million – an increase of 33% on the same period last year. However, the firm warned that the outlook for the rest of the year was “less certain”.

John McAdam, ICI Chief Executive said that sales, profits and cash flow had all been improved by the benefits of price increases and restructuring savings. However, he said: “The outlook for the balance of the year, however, is less certain. Further price increases will be necessary to offset continued raw material cost inflation and sales growth slowed as the quarter progressed, suggesting weakness in a number of market sectors, particularly in Europe. That said, ICI’s visibility of future demand is always limited and, providing trading conditions are reasonably favourable, we continue to expect to make satisfactory progress in 2005.”

(KMcA/SP)

Related Northern Ireland Business News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

02 April 2002
CBI survey reveals shop sales remain strong
Retail sales remained strong in March but the annual rate of increase has edged down from the peaks over Christmas and the New Year, according to the CBI's latest monthly distributive trades survey. The survey, released on Tuesday April 2, was conducted between 5 and 20 March 2002 with 268 retail outlets taking part.
20 April 2004
Good year for Tesco as profits top £1.6bn
It has been a good year for the supermarket retailer Tesco which has seen pre-tax profits soar to £1.6 billion, according to the group's full-year preliminary statement issued today. In addition to driving up pre-tax margins by 17.6%, the company said that it had slashed its debts by £600 million, down to £4.1 billion. In the UK, sales grew by 14.
20 August 2019
NI Sights Showcased To Global Travel Brands
Local tourism, hospitality and entertainment facilities are being showcased to sales teams from across the globe this week as The Travel Corporation (TTC) brings its conference to Belfast.
23 July 2014
AES Achieves Rapid Sales Growth
Cookstown electronics company Advanced Electronic Solutions (AES) Distribution NI Ltd has achieved rapid sales growth and export success with support from Invest Northern Ireland. The Cookstown firm designs and manufactures the largest range of wireless and GSM intercom systems in the world, based on its innovative wireless technology.
24 June 2014
Firms Take Advantage Of New Sales Opportunities
Businesses are to take advantage of new sales opportunities within the public sector after completing the Smarter Procurement Programme.