James Latham (AIM:LTHM) a whopping 25% increase in eps from the AIM old boy
The leading importer and distributor of wood-based sheet materials, joinery quality softwood and hardwood and hardwood flooring has delivered the usual set of excellent interim results. This is another high quality AIM business that has performed handsomely over the past 10 years and is no doubt set to continue to deliver sterling results over the next 10. Like many AIM shares the valuation is no longer in bargain territory but there is plenty to like nonetheless with the relocation of older depots set to inject new life into the Group. It was also a pleasure to read a set of results without the usual adjustments!
Revenue for the six months to 30 September 2015 was up 8% on the prior period at £96.2m, with operating profit up a whopping 20.4% at £6.5m, more reflective of a high growth technology play rather than a steady timber importer and distributor. The Group also benefitted from finance costs down to £227,000 (2014: £263,000), reflecting reduced interest charges on the lower pension scheme deficit. Profit before tax was up 21.2% to £6.3m and earnings per share were up 25.9% to 25.8p. The Group ended the period in a strong net cash position of £11.4m with the only blip the…