Highlights
● Halma PLC warns of ongoing negative impacts from a strong pound affecting currency translation.
● The US and mainland Europe represent the largest revenue sources, contributing 44% and 21% respectively.
● Despite currency challenges, the company anticipates solid organic revenue growth and an adjusted EBIT margin of approximately 21%.
Overview
Safety products manufacturer Halma PLC (LSE:HLMA) has issued a cautionary statement regarding the persistent impact of a strong pound on its financial results. In a trading update, management highlighted that the appreciation of sterling is negatively affecting currency translation and indicated that this trend is likely to continue into the second half of the year.
Halma's two largest markets, the US and mainland Europe, account for 44% and 21% of revenue, respectively, as noted in its most recent annual report. In contrast, the UK contributes just 14% to the group's total revenue, making Halma particularly vulnerable to fluctuations in domestic currency markets.
Despite these currency headwinds, Halma maintains an optimistic outlook, expecting robust organic revenue growth in constant currency and an adjusted EBIT margin around 21% for the full year, consistent with prior guidance. The company reported that its order intake has exceeded both revenue and the comparable period from the previous year.
In addition to its financial updates, Halma announced four acquisitions within its Safety sector during the first half of the year, valued at approximately £85 million. These acquisitions include MK Test Systems in the UK, Global Fire Equipment in Portugal, Advantronic in Spain, and RemLive, also based in the UK, specializing in electrical safety.
Furthermore, Halma completed a small disposal during the period, selling Hydreka SAS for around £7 million, net of disposal costs. This strategic move reflects Halma's focus on optimizing its portfolio while expanding its capabilities in key safety markets. Overall, the company remains well-positioned to navigate current challenges and seize growth opportunities in the safety products sector.