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FY2004 Annual Report · Renault
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Annual Report 2004

Principal Activities

Renold plc is an international engineering group, producing 
a wide range of precision engineering products, operating in
eighteen countries worldwide.

The principal activities of the Group are the manufacture and
sale of industrial chains and related power transmission
products, automotive cam drive systems and specialist machine
tools and rotors.

Contents

1
2
5
6
9
13
15
16
17
19
21
25
26
27
29
30
31
32
33
51
52
Inside back cover

Financial Summary
Group Overview
Chairman’s Statement
Chief Executive’s Review
Operations Review
Financial Review
Directors’ Biographies
Directors and Officers
Report of the Directors
Corporate Governance
Remuneration Report
Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities
Report of the Independent Auditors
Accounting Policies
Group Profit and Loss Account
Balance Sheets
Group Cash Flow Statement
Other Group Statements
Notes on the Accounts
Group Five Year Financial Review
Principal Subsidiary Companies
Financial Calendar

Financial Summary
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

Turnover

Operating profit

2004
£m

2003
£m

192.1

187.4

8.7

6.8

9.2 

6.1 

4.2 

5.2p

3.5p

4.5p

5.7 

Operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

7.7

Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

Profit before tax

Adjusted earnings per share

Basic and diluted earnings per share

Dividends per ordinary share, paid or proposed

Capital expenditure

5.4

6.4

5.4p

7.7p

4.5p

7.2

Gearing (net borrowings to shareholders’ funds)

24%

25%

1

Global
Strength

Renold has developed an 
international reputation for 
innovation and excellence, and
through its established global 
sales and service organisation, 
this makes Renold the leading 
partner of choice for industry.

Group Overview

Founded in 1879 by Hans Renold, the Swiss engineer who
invented the bush roller chain for bicycles, Renold is an 
international engineering group producing a wide range of
precision engineering products and operating in eighteen
countries worldwide.

The principal activities of the Group are the manufacture and sale of industrial
chains and related power transmission products, automotive cam drive systems
and specialist machine tools and rotors.

Renold is one of the world’s foremost suppliers of industrial chain. The Group’s
principal chain brands, Renold Synergy, A&S, Brampton, Jeffrey and Whitney
Renold are supported and developed by targeted marketing initiatives and by
new product introductions. Renold chains are specified and used in a wide
range of applications and environments, including high safety chains for
aerospace, nuclear and leisure ride industries, heavy chain for marine diesel,
open cast mining and steel mills; precision chain for printing machines, aircraft
and electronic component assembly; low maintenance chains for escalators,
food processing and pharmaceuticals; rugged, reliable chains for the timber,
material handling, water treatment and agricultural industries.

Renold’s gear and coupling operations produce worm, helical and bevel
gearboxes, variable speed drives and clutches and couplings. The US operation
produces specialist spindles and couplings for the mass transit sector.

The machine tool businesses of Holroyd and Jones & Shipman are world leaders
in the design and manufacture of specialist and precision production machine
tools. Holroyd operates in the screw compressor and pump screw sector and,
with Edgetek, has a superabrasive grinding solution for demanding applications
such as aerospace and automotive. Jones & Shipman produces surface and
cylindrical grinding machines for use in a variety of industries including medical,
electronics and defence.

Turnover analysis

14%

13%

9%

2%

13%

20%

33%

United Kingdom

Germany

Rest of Europe

Americas

Other countries

36%

Transmission Chain

Engineered Chain

Automotive Systems

Gears & Couplings

Machine Tool & Rotor

24%

20%

16%

Other

Geographical

Products

2

Delivering 
Strategy

Developing 
our Business

Innovative 
solutions

Leading
products

Renold Transmission (Shanghai)
Company Limited established to
develop this important market 
for Renold

Renold continues to develop its
position as a world leader in chain
and power transmission products

Holroyd won the Queen’s Award
for Enterprise 2004 for its 
revolutionary new form grinder
and thread grinder technology

Renold Synergy – simply the best
transmission chain in the world

3

Renold provides all-round solution
in the recycling industry

Renold has provided an all-round solution for a customer in the Recycling
industry. The application involved digging up landfill sites and sorting the
refuse into different grades. The waste had to be recycled properly, by
emptying it into a large rotating cylindrical sorter.

Rotating the drum allowed the refuse 
to fall through different sized holes. 
The filtering mechanism separates out
organic material; this is then put through
multiple stages of treatment to accelerate
decomposition. Magnets remove metal
objects where possible and the remaining
glass and metal can be recycled separately.

Renold Gears supplied the RP3 Unit with a
flange mounted 75Kw motor, which was
vertically mounted with a force feed 

lubrication system. Renold Chain supplied
the 5" pitch heavy duty drive chain, which
weighed almost 700Kg, 

Renold Clutches & Couplings supplied 
the double engagement GF45DA coupling.
The whole design, specification and 
installation process was project managed by
the team at Renold Gears. Renold’s design
expertise, problem solving capabilities and
our excellent product range help us to be a
total solution provider. 

4

Chairman’s Statement

Group performance for the financial year 2004 was in
line with expectations, with pre-tax profits of £6.4
million compared to £4.2 million, but nevertheless the
outcome was disappointing. Market conditions
continued to be challenging and, in the second half of
the year, the rapid weakening of the US Dollar against
Sterling and the Euro exacerbated the situation, leading
to a reduction in profit before goodwill amortisation
and exceptional items. Within the power transmission
segment, the chain based industrial power transmission
business struggled in difficult market conditions; the
automotive cam drive business productivity
improvements were offset by adverse currency effects.
The machine tool and rotor business returned a small
profit, a considerable improvement on 2003. 

During the year the Group established a trading
company in Shanghai, China and was successful in
generating increased orders from this rapidly growing
market. This is an area of opportunity for the Group
going forward.

Further progress was made in reducing Group borrowings
and the year end net debt was £19.2 million with
gearing at 24% (2003 – 25%). This was despite higher
capital expenditure and inventory re-build within the
automotive business.

During the first half of the year the former Jones &
Shipman site at Leicester was sold and the net cash
proceeds of £5.1 million received. 

The Board is recommending the payment of a final
dividend of 3.0 pence per share. Together with the
interim dividend of 1.5 pence per share paid on 
30 January 2004, this gives total dividends for the year
of 4.5 pence, the same as last year.

Subsequent to the year end, Ian Trotter retired as Chief
Executive and was succeeded by Bob Davies. Bob has
significant experience having held senior management
roles with Lucas and GE, both in the UK and North
America, and I welcome his appointment and wish him
well in his new role.

The Board thanks Ian for his significant contribution to
Renold over 13 years and wishes him a long and happy
retirement.

Finally, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank all
Group employees for their continued support and
efforts during 2004. 

Prospects
The year ended more positively in terms of order intake
with North America particularly strong. Markets in
Europe remain patchy and, as yet, have not matched the
improvement in demand seen in the USA. Overall, the
Group entered the new financial year with a healthier
order book; however concerns remain over commodity
prices and exchange rates.

The Group will continue to focus on growth markets
and growth customers. This coupled with a continuing
tight management of the cost base, should contribute
to a more satisfactory performance during 2005.

Roger Leverton, 
Chairman

Right: Pre-heater drive 
system as supplied to
operate in power stations
within China.
Far right: Vertical helical
gear unit designed for use
in the worldwide mineral
processing industry.

5

Chief Executive’s Review

I am delighted to join Renold, one of the UK’s leading engineering companies, with a long
track record of technology innovation.

Since my appointment in April, I have had the
opportunity to visit all the major manufacturing sites in
the UK, Europe, USA and Australasia. I have also spent
time with our larger National Sales Companies meeting
with key sales managers and engineers. I am encouraged
by the commitment and knowledge of the management
team at all levels and pleased to see a continuing
commitment to innovation and the introduction of new
products.

The feedback I have received from customers I have met,
since joining, confirms the Company’s position as a
supplier of high quality products.

Looking forward, my initial focus will be on developing 
a strategy to increase the rate of sales growth. Although
we have good market shares in many countries there are
still major opportunities where there has not been focus,
such as China. A wholly owned subsidiary has been
established, in Shanghai, and we will be rapidly
increasing the size of the sales team with a view to
ultimately manufacturing products there to support the
growth of sales within the region. 

A stronger marketing function will allow better
exploitation of the existing product range within the
Group and the identification of new product
development opportunities.

Currently the majority of products are manufactured
within the Group. We will look at where introducing
products made outside of the Group will allow us to
provide a wider offering to our customers and exploit
the strong channels to market we have in place.

operational efficiency. Lean manufacturing is being
introduced into all the Group’s operations to drive
efficiency and customer service but the rate of
introduction, within Automotive, will be accelerated.
Capacity has been increased by establishing a line at our
German facility to support customers within this country.
Facilities in the USA will be rapidly established to further
increase capacity and support the customers locally.

There are still excellent growth opportunities within all
our markets and we will continue an aggressive product
development programme to allow a further increase in
market share.

The Precision Technologies group has emerged 
from a period of restructuring with a sound platform 
for growth. The business will now be outward looking 
with an emphasis on sales growth. The recent
announcement of the Queen’s Award for ‘Enterprise:
Innovation 2004’ reinforces the technology
differentiation within this group.

There are significant challenges facing the Group with
the increases in commodity prices and pricing pressures
from manufacturers based in low cost regions of the
world. However, I believe we are in a position to exploit
our engineering and manufacturing strengths and grow
sales particularly in areas such as China and the USA
where we are currently under represented.

The Automotive group has experienced good sales
growth but must accelerate the improvement in

Robert Davies,
Chief Executive

Left: Variety, flexibility,
and availability; all this
and innovation.
Far left: Supplier to the
automotive industry's
key manufacturers.

6

Renold Transmission (Shanghai)
Company Limited

Renold has established a trading company located in Shanghai, People’s
Republic of China. The company will be able to offer first class local customer
service, including increased support for existing agents, configuration of
adapted and special products from local stocks and the facility to offer
superior technical and after-sales service from local personnel. 

The company will supply premium
specification chain and power 
transmission products, as well as 
package solutions to meet the most
demanding applications where high
performance and/or extended product
life are required.

It is planned to establish three regional
sales offices within the first year, with a
continuous roll-out of additional offices
in future years. This is an exciting 
development for Renold in a rapidly
growing market.

7

Holroyd recognised with Queen’s
Innovation Award for revolutionary new
form grinder and thread grinder technology

Our machine tool business, Holroyd, has been awarded the Queen’s Award for
Enterprise 2004, recognising the company’s technological achievement in
designing and manufacturing the revolutionary GTG2 gear grinding system and
the TG series of advanced CNC thread grinding machines.

The 2004 award – in the 
category for sustained 
innovation – is Holroyd’s
third, following similar 
successes in 1967 and 
1993, both of which were 
in the Technological
Achievement categories.

The Award was granted for the continuous
technical development and commercial 
success of Holroyd’s advanced computerised
profile control machining system, enabling
extremely high-accuracy, complex 3-D forms
to be scanned, manipulated and corrected
in-situ. This technology has provided the
core ‘intelligence’ underpinning the 
development of a range of machine tools

used to manufacture such demanding 
profiles onto complicated, precision 
components such as helical compressor
rotors, pump and metering screws, 
supercharger rotors and calibration gears. 

The TG and GTG systems are universally
acknowledged as technically outstanding
and have demonstrated a high degree of
commercial success, with machines alone
averaging over £2.5 million annual sales 
over each of the five years relevant to the
Queen’s Award. In addition, Holroyd has
invested in a number of these systems for 
its own manufacturing facility to support a
significant component supply business, and
they have delivered major improvements in
productivity and efficiency.

8

Operations Review

Our technology is regarded as world class

The Group had a difficult year with continuing dull markets in Europe and despite a
strengthening of demand in North America in the second half, the rapidly weakening
Dollar impacted returns in our UK and European factories which supply that market.

The chain based industrial power transmission business
performed reasonably but the automotive cam drive
business continued to experience production efficiency
issues.

The machine tool and rotor business returned a 
small profit and improved substantially on the previous
year.

During the year, the Group launched the Renold Fitness
programme which aims to utilise Lean management
techniques to improve the operational performance of
the business. This has included training and development
programmes and the establishment of a system of
metrics to enable progress to be monitored. The first
projects are already delivering improvements and more
will come online during the coming year.

POWER TRANSMISSION

Industrial chain and power transmission
The industrial chain and power transmission business
had a tough year with economic conditions in Europe
remaining weak. North American demand recovered
strongly in the second half, but the decline in the US
Dollar reduced margins on Group products exported
from Europe. On a like for like basis, sales were up 1%
with improvements in the United Kingdom and
reductions in France and other European markets.

The UK chain business performed well with sales
marginally up on the previous year despite a continuing
poor domestic industrial market and inventory reductions
by some major distributors. Improved demand from the
USA through Jeffrey Chain in the second half boosted
demand on the Bredbury chain factory. Burton had a
better year as demand for palm oil processing chain
from the Far East remained strong.

The UK gears and coupling businesses also improved
both sales and profits with increased demand for
Milnrow gears products in particular, including significant
new orders from China. The Hi-Tec couplings business
based at Halifax improved sales and profits whilst
performance at Cardiff was similar to the previous year.

In continental Europe, the major economies of France
and Germany remained difficult for power transmission
products. Transmission chain sales from the Einbeck
facility were similar to the previous year but profits were
lower reflecting the effect of the US Dollar/Euro
exchange rate movement on sales into the USA. 

The French chain business had a reasonable first half 
but suffered in the second half as the French economy
declined sharply. Sales and profits were significantly
lower than last year.

Elsewhere in Europe sales and profits reduced as market
conditions deteriorated over the year, particularly in
Benelux and Switzerland.

The North American operations had a mixed year with
weak performance in the first half and substantial
improvement in the second half especially at Jeffrey
Chain where OEM demand for engineered chain
increased considerably. The US chain factory finished the
year strongly with high output. Renold Ajax, which
produces specialised industrial couplings, had a good
year and won a significant new order for gear boxes and
couplings for the New York Mass Transit Authority.

The Australian business had a steady year and secured 
a large escalator chain order for the Melbourne
underground system.

The Malaysian and Singapore businesses performed well
during the year and continued the good sales of conveyor

Precision engineered
components from start 
to finish.

9

Operations Review continued

chain and industrial gearboxes into these markets 
with palm oil processing a particularly strong area. 
In addition, Renold has established a trading operation
in China, Renold Transmission (Shanghai) Company
Limited, and generated good new orders particularly for
gearboxes into the power station construction sector.
The manpower in this operation is now being increased
and we would expect further progress in sales in the
coming year.

Towards the end of the year there was a significant
improvement in order intake particularly driven by North
America which meant that the business entered the new
financial year with a much stronger order book. The
major European economies still remain patchy and there
is considerable effort and emphasis on increasing orders
in these market areas. The business continues to develop
its differentiated product range with Renold Synergy
launched last year and new maintenance free chains
being launched during the coming year. 

The Group’s chain and power transmission
manufacturing facilities are moving forward with Lean
manufacturing initiatives, which will drive productivity
improvements and reduce inventory levels. However,
there is now severe pressure on input costs as steel
prices have escalated over recent months.

Automotive cam drive systems
The Calais facility continued to experience production
inefficiency issues as a result of the rapid surge in demand
for particular engine programmes. Progress has been
made during the year in improving the position and work
is under way to develop the German facility at Einbeck as
an automotive supplier.

In addition the Group is looking to establish a similar
facility to that at Einbeck in the USA to supply our
customers in North America and it is intended that this
facility will be developed during the 2004/05 financial
year. This will meet the strategic aims defined last year
of reducing dependence on the Calais facility whilst also
giving the business a truly global dimension.

Demand for the Renold cam drive system technology

remains strong and a number of new engine contracts
were concluded during the year.

Work continues to improve operational efficiency and
the Lean process which has been introduced elsewhere
in the Group is also being applied aggressively to Calais
to deliver production improvements.

MACHINE TOOL AND ROTOR
The machine tool business had a good year with a 
£1.1 million improvement in operating profit 
compared with the previous year. Towards the end of
the year order activity began to pick up and a strong
order performance in the last quarter especially for 
the superabrasive Edgetek machines for aerospace
applications meant the business carries a healthy order
book into 2004/05. After a number of years of weak
demand there appears to be real prospect of an up-turn
in investment in machine tools and the Renold business
is well positioned to take advantage following the
restructuring of the business.

Work continues to value engineer the products and 
take advantage of sourcing manufactured components
from low cost economies with the engineering design
and assembly operations based in the UK.

During the year, Holroyd won the Queen’s Award for
Technology for Innovation. This recognises the technological
achievement in designing and manufacturing the
revolutionary GTG2 gear grinding centre and TG series
of thread grinders. This is the third Queen’s Award won
by Holroyd and underlines Renold’s commitment to
technological innovation and development.

SUMMARY
The year was disappointing overall for Renold but a
stronger order intake in the final quarter gives some
positive impetus to the new year. Potential threats 
are the continuing weakness of major European
economies and substantial material price increases 
such as oil and steel. Potential opportunities are the
improving US economy and prospects in the rapidly
growing economies of the Far East, particularly China.

Renold Group products, 
setting the highest standards
of excellence.

10

Synergy’s most 
prestigious appointment

Renold Synergy has received one of the most prestigious endorsements
possible of its world beating reputation. The team at the Tower of
London responsible for maintaining the mechanism that controls
access to the Crown Jewels specified Renold Synergy by name to
ensure the precision and reliability of the display in the Jewel House.

Arguably the finest collection of its
kind anywhere in the world, the
Queen’s personal collection represents
a unique part of the nation’s heritage
and what more fitting partnership than
the superior performance and reliability
of Renold Synergy.

Now virtually dry-to-the-touch, Renold
Synergy features a platinum coloured
connecting link plate, contrasting with
the black surface treatment of the

plates to make for easy identification.
The black surface treatment resists the
onset of corrosion and ensures that,
along with the wear resistance and
fatigue resistance that have given
Synergy its reputation, it continues to
represent the best transmission chain 
in the world.

The world’s finest; British and best –
and that’s just the chain!

Renold Synergy provides
strong, powerful performance. 

11

Renold Hi-Tec turns the screw 
on Marine Propulsion Systems

Renold Hi-Tec Couplings of Halifax, West Yorkshire, England is about to complete two
major contracts for power transmission shafts and couplings, to be installed in main
propulsion drive systems on military fighting ships.

The largest order is for 12 DCB 825.5 cardan
shafts and couplings to be installed in six mine
hunter vessels (MHV 54 Class) for the Turkish
Navy. A vital part of the transmission system, 
the shaft system connects the vessel’s ZF-460-1
gearbox to the propeller. 

The shafts and couplings are completely 
non-magnetic, and also extremely robust and
resilient, having been designed to withstand
shock loads up to 100 ‘g’ and still operate. 
Other features of the shaft system include the
incorporation of a bearing and seal interface
where the shaft passes through a fire and 
explosion proof bulkhead, while a self-contained
hydraulic connection is also employed to allow
for length compensations due to fabrication 
variations from one ship to another. 

A second order is for Renold Hi-Tec DCB 848.0
cardan shaft type couplings to be supplied for
the power transmission system on five high-
speed frigates for the Norwegian Navy. The
couplings are fitted between the main diesel
engine and a flexible mounted gearbox and
have to accommodate up to 60mm 
misalignment under shock loads as well as 
provide noise and torsional vibration damping
under normal operation. Renold Hi-Tec 280WB
couplings are also specified to connect the
gearbox to the propeller shaft. The couplings
are able to accept some degree of 
misalignment and withstand a shock force 
of over 100,000 tonnes in an environmental
temperature between –2º and +57º C.

12

Financial Review

PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT
Turnover was £192.1 million compared with £187.4
million in the previous year. The Group operates in two
sectors as shown in Note 1 to the accounts which
analyses activities. Power transmission sales were 2%
higher at constant exchange rates with growth in
Automotive Systems offset by lower domestic sales in
the major industrial markets of the UK and France.
Machine tool and rotor sales were 3% higher at
constant exchange rates as the capital goods market
showed some improvement.

Operating profit, before goodwill amortisation and
exceptional items, was £7.7 million, compared with 
£9.2 million in 2003. The industrial power transmission
businesses showed a reduction in operating results, with
Automotive Systems similar year on year despite a
significant adverse exchange effect resulting from the
weakening of the US Dollar in the second half. The machine
tool and rotor businesses recorded an operating profit of
£0.3 million, significantly better than the £0.8 million loss
in 2003, reflecting the benefit of a reduced cost base and
some improvement in activity in the machine tool and
rotor market. Manpower numbers have been reduced by
close to half in this sector over the last three years.

Operating profit improved in the UK but was lower in
Germany, France and the rest of Europe. The reduction
in France was primarily due to a weaker industrial
performance while Germany was mainly due to the
weakness of the Dollar. North America was down 
although the second half showed a stronger performance.
Redundancy and restructuring costs were £0.5 million 
in the year.

The return on average operating assets for the Group was
8.7% down from 9.9% last year; while the power
transmission businesses achieved 9.6% return on
average operating assets.

Net interest payable reduced to £2.3 million, compared
with £3.1 million in 2003. Profit before tax for the year
before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items was
£5.4 million compared with £6.1 million last year. The
profit on the disposal of the former Jones & Shipman site
in Leicester, completed in May 2003, produced a profit
of £2.8 million which resulted in a profit before tax for
the year of £6.4 million, an increase of 52% over the
previous year.

The taxation charge of £1.0 million compares with a
taxation charge of £1.7 million in the previous year. 
The effective tax rate on profit before goodwill
amortisation, exceptional redundancy and 
restructuring costs and property sale was 30% compared
with 40% in 2003, reflecting a higher proportion of 
UK profits. 

Reported profit after tax was £5.4 million compared
with £2.5 million last year. Excluding goodwill
amortisation and exceptional items, this represented
adjusted earnings per share of 5.4 pence, compared
with 5.2 pence earnings per share last year. Total
dividends paid and proposed of 4.5 pence per share is
the same as last year.

BALANCE SHEET
Goodwill stands at £18.8 million after an amortisation
charge of £1.3 million in the year.

Group trading assets at the year end of £88.5 million
were similar to last year. Fixed assets at £47.0 million
were £3.0 million lower. Capital additions totalled 
£7.2 million compared with £5.7 million last year; the
depreciation charge was £8.8 million compared with
£8.9 million last year. New investment was mainly in 
the Automotive Systems business in France and
Germany and in the UK and German industrial chain
manufacturing businesses.

Shareholders’ funds were £81.2 million at the year end
(last year £82.1 million).

CASH FLOW AND BORROWINGS
Cash flow from operating activities was £9.2 million
which compared with £17.9 million the previous year.
Working capital was higher by £7.0 million compared
with a reduction of £1.3 million in 2003; stocks were
£2.7 million higher reflecting inventory re-build in
Automotive Systems; debtors increased £3.5million
reflecting higher sales levels in March and creditors
reduced by £0.8 million. Payments for fixed assets
amounted to £6.0 million, whilst tax and dividends cost
£4.8 million. After exchange differences and non-cash
movements there was a net inflow of £1.7 million
reducing year end borrowings to £19.2 million. 
This represented 24% of shareholders’ funds or 31% of
net tangible assets. 

13

Financial Review continued

TREASURY AND FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
The Group Treasury policy, approved by the directors, is
to manage its funding requirements and treasury risks
without undertaking any speculative risks. The Group
does not use financial derivatives to hedge currency
translation exposure on its investments in overseas
subsidiaries. Except for the arrangements referred to
below for the management of foreign currency and
interest rate risks, the Group has not made use of
financial derivatives.

The Group’s net debt of £19.2 million at 3 April 2004 is
represented by gross debt of £28.1 million less cash and
short-term deposits of £8.9 million. 

At 3 April 2004 the Group had 63% of its gross debt at
fixed interest rates. All borrowings in the UK are
secured. The undrawn committed borrowing facilities
are more than adequate to meet the foreseeable
requirements of the Group. Cash deposits are placed
short-term with banks where security and liquidity are
the primary objectives.

transactions are covered, as commitments are made,
primarily by forward foreign exchange contracts. 
Such commitments generally do not extend more than
six months beyond the balance sheet date, although
exceptions can occur where longer term projects are
entered into.

PENSION ACCOUNTING
In accordance with the transitional arrangements for 
the introduction of FRS 17 – Retirement Benefits, the
accounts have been prepared in accordance with SSAP
24 – Accounting for Pension Costs, whilst additional FRS
17 disclosures are given in Note 15. 

On the basis required by FRS 17 the Group’s funded
defined benefit schemes have a net deficit, after tax, of
£15.5 million at 3 April 2004 (£23.5 million at 29
March 2003). The deficit has reduced from last year due
to the recovery of equity markets in the year. FRS17
calculations are very susceptible to short-term changes
in equity values and interest rates. 

A major exposure of the Group relates to currency risk
on its sales and purchases made in foreign (non-
functional) currencies and to reduce such risks these

Steve Mole, 
Finance Director

14

Directors’ Biographies

Roger Leverton, 
Chairman

Robert Davies,
Chief Executive

Steve Mole, 
Finance Director

Tony Brown, 
Managing Director – Chain and
Power Transmission Products

Mark Smith, 
Non-Executive Director

Tim Fortune,
Non-Executive Director

Roger Leverton FCA (age 65) 
Chairman
was appointed to the Board and became Chairman in 1998.
He is also Chairman of Betts Group Holdings Limited and was
formerly Chairman of Infast Group plc and Group Chief
Executive of Pilkington plc.

Steve Mole BSc Hons FCMA (age 48)
Finance Director
joined the Group in 2000 as Group Financial Controller and
was appointed a Director in February 2003. A chartered 
management accountant, his previous finance roles were at
BTP plc, Zeneca plc and Unilever plc.

Robert Davies BSc Hons CEng MIEE (age 50) 
Chief Executive
joined the Group in March 2004 and was appointed Chief
Executive in April 2004. A Member of the Institute of
Electronic Engineers, he was previously Chief Executive of
Druck Holdings PLC and prior to that held a number of senior
management positions in the Lucas Group and at General
Electric, holding posts in the UK and USA.

Tony Brown BSc Hons ACMA (age 57)
Managing Director – Chain and Power Transmission 
joined the Group in 1990 as Chain Division Finance Director. In
1991 he became Group Financial Controller and was appointed
Finance Director in August 2000. He was appointed to his 
present role in February 2003. A chartered management
accountant, he had previously held a number of senior financial
positions at Courtaulds PLC both in the UK and in North America.

Tim Fortune CEng MIMechE (age 65)
Non-Executive Director
was appointed to the Board in 1997. He is also Chairman and
was formerly Chief Executive of Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc.

Mark Smith FCA (age 65)
Non-Executive Director
was appointed to the Board in 1994 and is the Senior 
Non-Executive Director. He was formerly a Director of The
Laird Group PLC (to May 2004), Bradford & Bingley plc 
(to December 2003) and was a Director and Vice Chairman 
of S G Warburg & Co Ltd.

15

Directors and Officers

CHAIRMAN
R F Leverton

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
R J Davies Chief Executive
D A Brown Managing Director – Chain and Power Transmission
S R Mole Finance Director

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
T B Fortune
M A Smith

COMPOSITION OF BOARD COMMITTEES

AUDIT COMMITTEE
M A Smith (Chairman)
T B Fortune
R F Leverton

NOMINATION COMMITTEE
R F Leverton (Chairman)
T B Fortune
M A Smith

REMUNERATION COMMITTEE
T B Fortune (Chairman)
R F Leverton
M A Smith

COMPANY SECRETARY

G R Newton

REGISTERED OFFICE

Renold House

Styal Road
Wythenshawe
Manchester M22 5WL
Registered No. 249688
Telephone: +44 (0)161 498 4500
Fax: +44 (0)161 437 7782
e-mail: enquiry@renold.com
Website: www.renold.com

AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Manchester

MERCHANT BANKERS
UBS Investment Bank

STOCKBROKERS
UBS Investment Bank

REGISTRAR
Capita Registrars
Northern House
Woodsome Park
Fenay Bridge
Huddersfield HD8 0LA
Telephone: 0870 162 3131
E-mail: shareholder.services@capitaregistrars.com
Website: www.capitaregistrars.com 

16

Report of the Directors
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

To be presented to the seventy-fourth Annual General Meeting
of RENOLD plc to be held at Renold House, Styal Road, Wythenshawe,
Manchester M22 5WL on Thursday, 22 July 2004 at 2.30 p.m.

given in the Remuneration Report on pages 21 to 24. No director
had any interests in contracts of significance in relation to the
Company’s business during the year.

A separate letter has been sent to shareholders containing the
Notice of Meeting and the resolutions to be proposed.

Group results
The  profit  for  the  year  on  ordinary  activities  before  tax  was 
£6.4 million compared with £4.2 million for the previous year.
After taxation, the profit attributable to ordinary shareholders
was £5.4 million compared with £2.5 million last year.

There was a profit of £2.2 million after charging the cost of
dividends of £3.2 million. Last year there was a loss of £0.7 million
after dividends of £3.2 million.

The principal activities of the Group are the manufacture and sale
of power transmission products and the manufacture and sale of
specialist machine tools and rotors. A review of the development
of the business is contained in the Chief Executive’s Review on
page 6 and in the Operations Review on pages 9 and 10.

An indication of future developments and prospects is also given in
those pages and in the Chairman’s Statement on page 5.

Dividends
An interim dividend of 1.5 pence per ordinary share was paid on
30 January 2004.

A  final  dividend  of  3.0  pence  per  ordinary  share  is  now
recommended which would bring the total payment for the year
to 4.5 pence per share, the same as for the year 2002/03. If
approved, the final dividend will be paid on 12 August 2004 to
members appearing on the register on 16 July 2004.

Preference dividend payments were made on 1 July 2003 and 1
January 2004.

Directors
The  present  constitution  of  the  Board  and  of  the  Audit,
Nomination and Remuneration Committees at the date of this
Report is set out on page 16. All these directors were directors
throughout the year except for Mr R J Davies who was appointed
on 8 March 2004. Mr Davies will be standing for election at the
forthcoming Annual General Meeting.

Mr I R Trotter retired on 6 April 2004.

Mr D A Brown and Mr T B Fortune retire by rotation and, being
eligible, offer themselves for re-election. Mr M A Smith has served
for longer than nine years and under the Combined Code offers
himself for re-election a year after he was last elected. Mr Fortune
and Mr Smith do not have service contracts with the Company
or any of its subsidiaries.

Biographical details of the directors are on page 15.

Directors’ interests
The interests of the directors and their families in the share capital
of Renold plc and in options held under share option schemes are

Share capital
Changes in share capital during the year are set out in note 16
to the Accounts on page 44.

As at 3 June 2004, the Company had been notified of the following
interests in its issued ordinary share capital:

(i)

Interests equal to or more than 10% (which may include
“material interests” notified to the Company under (ii) below)

Prudential plc

Henderson Global Investors Limited

(ii)

“Material interests” equal to or more than 3%
Lowland Investment Trust Plc

Platinum Investment Trust plc

%

14.51

12.41

7.21

6.61

Employment policies
Arrangements for consulting and involving employees on matters
affecting their interests at work, and informing them of the
performance of their employing business and the Group, are
developed in ways appropriate to each business. A variety of
approaches is adopted aimed at encouraging the involvement
of employees in effective communication and consultation, and the
contribution of productive ideas at all levels.

Employment policies are designed to provide equal opportunities
irrespective of race, caste, national origin, religion, age, disability,
gender, marital status, sexual orientation or political affiliation.
Further information is published on the Company’s website.

The policy of the Company and its UK subsidiaries is to ensure
that disabled applicants for employment are given full and fair
consideration, and that existing disabled employees are given
equal access to training, career development and promotion
opportunities. In the event of employees becoming disabled
whilst in the employment of the Company, all reasonable means
are explored to achieve retention in employment in the same or
an alternative capacity.

Environmental policy
The Board has overall responsibility for the environmental policy
and the Chief Executive is the director with specific responsibility
for  health,  safety  and  environmental  matters.  The  Group’s
environmental policy is published on the Company’s website.

The Company is committed to managing its activities so as to
provide proper levels of care and safety for the environment, and
for its customers and employees. In line with this policy, local
management is responsible for ensuring that appropriate systems
and organisations are implemented, maintained and monitored
in the areas for which they are responsible. Each business has
issued a local environmental statement which complies with
Group policy and local legislation.

17

Report of the Directors continued
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

Employees
At  3  April  2004  the  Renold  Group  employed  2,656  people,
including 1,060 in the UK and 964 in the rest of Europe.

At 3 April 2004 trade creditors of the Group’s businesses in the
UK and overseas represented 69 days’ purchases, compared with
66 last year.

Research and development
The research and development activities of the Group continue
to  be  principally  directed  towards  the  development  of  new
products and manufacturing methods, and the improvement of
performance and cost effectiveness of existing products.

Expenditure  on  research  and  development  in  the  year  2004
amounted to £2.0 million.

Policy on payment of suppliers
Individual operating businesses are responsible for agreeing the
terms and conditions under which transactions with their suppliers
are conducted, including the terms of payment. It is the Group’s
policy that payments to suppliers are made in accordance with
these terms, provided that the supplier complies with all relevant
terms and conditions.

Donations
During the year there were no contributions to UK organisations
for charitable purposes nor any contributions made to political
parties.

Auditors
A resolution will be proposed at the Annual General Meeting to
re-appoint  PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP  as  auditors  and  to
authorise the directors to fix their remuneration.

By order of the Board
G R Newton
Secretary

14 June 2004

18

Corporate Governance

The Combined Code and Statement of Compliance
The Company remains committed to high standards of corporate
governance.  This  statement  describes  how  the  principles  of
corporate governance, contained in the Combined Code issued
by the Financial Services Authority as an appendix to its Listing
Rules, have been applied by the Company.

Throughout  the  year  ended  3  April  2004  the  Company  has
complied with the provisions of the Combined Code with the
exception of the notice period under the service contract of Mr I
R Trotter. Following Mr Trotter’s retirement on 6 April 2004 there
are no directors on notice periods over one year.

In July 2003 the Financial Reporting Council issued the new
Combined Code on Corporate Governance which will apply to
Renold plc for the 2004/05 financial year.

The Board has considered the implications of the new Combined
Code and the principles and provisions of the new Code have
been adopted by the Board.

Board
The  Board  comprises  a  non-executive  Chairman,  two  other
independent  non-executive  directors  and  three  executive
directors. The roles of Chairman and Chief Executive are separated
with a clear division of responsibilities agreed by the Board. The
Chairman’s primary role is to ensure the effectiveness of the Board
in setting the direction of the Company. The Chief Executive has
the responsibility for managing the business and implementing
the strategy agreed by the Board. Biographical details of the
directors appear on page 15.

New  directors  are  provided  with  an  appropriate  induction
programme. A formal process for evaluating the performance of
the Board has been introduced and was conducted internally by
means of a detailed questionnaire completed by each director.

The Board meets on a regular basis with an agenda and necessary
papers for discussion distributed in advance of each meeting.

Board Committees
The Board delegates specific responsibility to Committees, all of
which have written terms of reference. During the year the Board
reviewed the terms of reference for each of the principal Board
Committees and these are available on the Company’s website.
The Company Secretary acts as secretary to all these Committees.
The principal Board Committees are described below.

The Board considers that each of the non-executive directors is
independent and free from any business or other relationship that
could interfere with the exercise of their independent judgement.
This remains true for the Senior Independent Director, Mr M A
Smith, who was first appointed in 1994 and brings a wealth of
relevant financial experience to the Group. The Board is pleased
that he has agreed to remain a member of the Board and, in
accordance with best practice, will seek re-election at the Annual
General Meeting in July 2004.

Board members are able to seek independent legal or other
professional advice in respect of their duties as they may require

at the Company’s expense and have access to the advice and
services of the Company Secretary.

The Board initially appoints all new directors upon recommendation
from the Nomination Committee. All directors are subject to
election by shareholders at the first opportunity following their
appointment and to re-election thereafter at intervals of no more
than three years.

Audit Committee
The Audit Committee is a committee of the Board comprised of the
non-executive directors. The Committee is chaired by Mr M A Smith
and normally meets three times a year. Mr Smith and Mr Leverton
are qualified accountants and all three Committee members have
considerable  experience  on  audit  committees  in  other  listed
companies.  The  Chief  Executive,  Finance  Director  and  other
Directors and Managers attend meetings at the request of the
Committee. Its terms of reference include the review of the Group’s
financial statements, the review of internal financial control systems
and the conduct of the external audit. The external auditors are
invited by the Committee to advise them of any matters which
they consider should be brought to the Committee’s attention in
the absence of executive management.

Nomination Committee
The  Nomination  Committee  is  a  committee  of  the  Board
comprised of the non-executive directors and chaired by the
Chairman of the Board, Mr R F Leverton. The Committee meets as
required and its terms of reference are to select and recommend
to the Board any new appointments of either executive or non-
executive directors. The Committee also reviews, on an annual
basis, the Company’s senior executive succession plan.

Remuneration Committee
The  Remuneration  Committee  is  a  committee  of  the  Board
comprised of the non-executive directors and is chaired by Mr T
B Fortune. The Chief Executive attends meetings at the request of
the  Committee.  This  Committee  determines  the  terms  and
conditions of employment including remuneration and benefits
of the executive directors including performance related bonus
schemes and pension rights. The main Board determines the
remuneration of the non-executive directors.

The Remuneration Report is set out on pages 21 to 24.

Risk Monitoring Committee
The Risk Monitoring Committee is a committee of the Board
comprised of the executive directors and is chaired by the Chief
Executive. Its role is to oversee risk management and to ensure
that appropriate internal controls are in place.

Internal control
The directors have the overall responsibility for the Group’s system
of internal control and for reviewing its effectiveness. Management
is accountable to the directors for implementing Board policies
on risk and control and for monitoring and reporting to the Board
that it has done so. The review of the system of internal controls
by the directors has been completed for the year ended 3 April

19

Corporate Governance continued

2004, as required by the UK Listing Authority and in accordance
with the guidance issued by the Turnbull Committee.

Internal controls are designed to manage rather than eliminate
the risk of failure to achieve business objectives and can provide
only reasonable and not absolute assurance against material
misstatement or loss.

The key features of the Group’s internal control system are
• the Risk Monitoring Committee which meets quarterly to
review how business risks are being managed and to ensure
that policies are in place and are being applied. The minutes
of this Committee are circulated to Board members so that
any significant control issues are brought to their attention
and a formal report is made at least annually to the Board
so that it can review how business risks have and are being
managed;

• risk assessments completed by senior management at each
operating unit who undertake a continuous process of risk
assessments and reporting which are reviewed by the Risk
Monitoring Committee;

• an  organisation  structure  which  supports  clear  lines  of

communication and tiered levels of authority;

• a schedule of matters reserved for the Board’s approval to
ensure it maintains control over appropriate strategic, financial,
organisational and compliance issues;

• the preparation of detailed annual profit plans covering profit
and cash flow, which are approved by the Board; the review
of monthly detailed reports comparing actual performance
with plans, and of updated financial forecasts;

• procedures for the appraisal, approval and control of capital
investment proposals including acquisitions and disposals;
• monitoring procedures which include a system of key financial
controls questionnaires supported by internal audit reviews.
The results of this work are reported to the Audit Committee.

the  terms  of  their  management  agreements  the  investment
managers of the schemes’ assets are not permitted to invest in
the securities of Renold plc. The Boards of Trustees of the principal
schemes include employee representatives.

In April 2002 the Renold Group Pension Scheme and the Jones
& Shipman plc Retirement Benefits Plan (1971) were closed to
new entrants subject to appropriate transitional arrangements
for existing eligible employees and a defined contribution scheme
was established as from that date.

Neither the Chairman nor the Chief Executive is a Trustee of the
defined benefit or the defined contribution schemes.

Going concern
After  making  enquiries,  the  directors  have  a  reasonable
expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue
in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly,
they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the
accounts.

Relations with shareholders
Meetings between directors of the Company and major institutional
shareholders  and  fund  managers  are  held  at  regular  intervals
including presentations after the Company’s announcements of
interim and preliminary annual results. These presentations are also
available  on  the  Company’s  website.  Reports  of  any  dialogue
between shareholders and directors are given to all directors at the
next Board meeting.

All shareholders are invited to participate in the Annual General
Meeting where the Chairman of the Board and of the Audit,
Remuneration and Nomination Committees, together with the
executive directors, are available to answer questions. Notice of
the Annual General Meeting is sent to shareholders at least 20
working days before the meeting. Details of the proxy votes
lodged on each resolution are available after the result of the
votes of the members present.

UK pension schemes
The UK pension schemes are largely defined benefit type schemes
with assets held separately from those of the Group in trustee
administered funds, managed by independent managers. Under

The Company’s website at www.renold.com presents additional
information about the Group, is regularly updated and includes
the posting of the interim and final preliminary results on the
day they are announced.

20

Remuneration Report

The directors present the Remuneration Report for the year ended
3 April 2004.

In  accordance  with  the  Directors’  Remuneration  Report
Regulations 2002, this report is submitted to shareholders for
approval at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting on 22 July
2004 although the vote is advisory only and no entitlement of a
person to remuneration is made conditional on the resolution
being passed. 

Remuneration Committee
The  Remuneration  Committee  is  a  committee  of  the  Board
comprised of the non-executive directors and is chaired by Mr T
B Fortune. The Committee operates under the terms of reference
agreed by the Board.

The members of the Committee during the year were Mr T B
Fortune, Mr R F Leverton and Mr M A Smith. The Chief Executive
attends meetings at the request of the Chairman to assist the
Committee in their deliberations but does not take part in the
Committee’s recommendations on his own remuneration.

The non-executive directors do not have service agreements and
have  no  automatic  right  of  re-appointment.  They  do  not
participate in the Company pension or share option schemes and
apart from their fees and expenses do not receive any benefits
from the Company. The determination of the remuneration of
non-executive directors is the responsibility of the whole Board.

The  Committee  determines  the  terms  and  conditions  of
employment, including remuneration, for the executive directors.
The  Committee  appointed  Monks  Partnership  (part  of
PricewaterhouseCoopers  LLP)  to  provide  advice  on  matters
relating to directors’ remuneration. Over a number of years the
total remuneration package of the directors has been reviewed
annually with the help of salary survey information provided by
Monks Partnership. The Committee is also responsible for the
allocation  of  options  under  the  Company’s  Executive  Share
Option Scheme. 

Executive remuneration policy
Base salary and benefits

The aim of the Committee is to ensure that the remuneration
package for directors is competitive and will attract and retain
directors  of  the  right  calibre  and  qualifications  to  meet  the
requirements of the Company. 

Performance Related Pay and share option 
scheme proposals 

The Committee has taken independent advice on current best
practice for incentivising directors and senior employees and,
with the approval of the Board, is proposing to shareholders at
the  forthcoming  annual  general  meeting  new  incentive
arrangements. If these are approved they will replace the existing

discretionary  annual  bonus  scheme  and  the  Renold  (1995)
Executive Share Option Scheme. At the same time shareholders
are being asked to approve a new SAYE Share Option Scheme to
replace the existing scheme which is due to terminate in 2005.

The details of the proposed new arrangements are set out in the
circular  to  shareholders  which  comprises  a  letter  from  the
Chairman of the Board, the Notice of the Annual General Meeting
and appendices which give further information on each of the
proposed schemes.

Existing arrangements for salary and benefits
The basic salary of each executive director is determined by taking
into account the responsibilities and performance of the individual
and  having  regard  to  the  external  market  for  manufacturing
companies of a similar size and international complexity and the
aim for executive directors’ pay is for basic salary to reflect the
relevant market median and for benefits to reflect market practice.
Above  median  levels  of  pay  may  be  agreed  for  outstanding
performance or to attract executives of the right calibre.

Benefits in kind incorporate all assessable tax benefits from each
director’s employment and comprise mainly the provision of a
fully expensed company car or an equivalent cash allowance and
private medical insurance. Neither the benefits in kind nor bonus
payments are pensionable.

Performance Related Pay
The  Company  operates  a  discretionary  performance  related
annual bonus scheme for the executive directors based upon the
achievement of the planned annual group profit before tax and
exceptional items. In this way the incentive for the executive
directors  is  directly  linked  to  the  Group’s  performance  and
shareholders’ interests. The total potential bonus payment has
been capped at 60% of basic salary with one-third of the award
paid in Renold shares which would be held in trust for two years.
The release of the shares is conditional upon the executive director
still being employed at the end of the two year period. No award
of shares has been made under this scheme to date.

Share option schemes
The Company operates a discretionary executive share option
scheme under which the Committee considers whether to invite
executive  directors  and  other  senior  executives  to  apply  for
executive share options which are exercisable after the third
anniversary of the date of grant. Options granted under the
Renold  (1995)  Executive  Share  Option  Scheme  are  only
exercisable if the performance condition, set by the Committee
at  the  time  of  grant,  is  met.  This  performance  condition  is
reviewed  from  time  to  time  by  the  Committee  and  options
granted under this scheme prior to June 2001 require the Group’s
earnings per share to grow from the year preceding the date of
grant, over three or more financial years, at a rate greater than

21

Remuneration Report continued

1.5 times the percentage increase in the UK Retail Prices Index
over the same period. Options granted from June 2001 have a
performance condition that requires the Group’s earnings per
share,  before  exceptional  items,  to  increase  from  the  year
preceding the date of grant, over three or more financial years,
at a rate greater than the percentage increase in the UK Retail
Prices Index over the same period plus 3% per annum. During the
financial year executive directors and other senior executives were
granted options under this scheme.

The exercise of options granted before 1995 is not subject to any
performance conditions being met. This is in line with market
practice at the time of grant of those options.

Options are also granted to the executive directors under the
Renold  (1995)  Savings  Related  Share  Option  Scheme  which
scheme is open to all UK employees who are eligible to participate
in accordance with the scheme rules. Options granted under this
scheme are exercisable on completion of either a three-year or
five-year savings contract. 

Details of directors’ interests in shares including options granted
to executive directors under the 1985 and 1995 Executive Share
Option Schemes and the 1995 Savings Related Share Option
Scheme are set out below. 

Directors’ pensions

The executive directors, other than Mr R J Davies, participate in
the Renold Supplementary Pension Scheme 1967, which is a
contributory defined benefits plan. Members’ contributions are
71⁄2% of pensionable pay (61⁄2% until April 2003). This provides for
a pension at age 62 of two-thirds of final pensionable salary up
to the Inland Revenue cap, where applicable, after 20 years’
service. On death in retirement, a dependant’s pension of two-
thirds of the member’s pension is payable and, on death in
service, a dependant’s pension of 50% of the member’s potential
pension is payable together with a lump sum of four times salary.
Early retirement can be taken from age 50 onwards but is subject
to Company consent until age 60 and actuarial adjustment where
appropriate. A member’s accrued pension is available from age
60 without any actuarial reduction. Pensions in payment are
guaranteed to increase by the lesser of 5% per annum and the
rate of increase in the Retail Price Index.

In addition, where Inland Revenue limits apply, an additional
benefit  is  provided.  The  Company  accumulates  25%  of  the
shortfall between projected final pensionable salary and the
earnings cap (currently £102,000). This amount is payable from

the Company’s own resources on retirement and approximates
to the cost to the Company of providing an uncapped pension
under the applicable defined benefit scheme.

Only basic salary is pensionable.

Mr R J Davies is not a member of a Company pension scheme and
no payments were made in 2003/04 to any fund in his name. In
2004/05 the Company will make annual contributions of some
11% of basic salary for personal pension provision. The Company
has no liability beyond making these annual contributions.

Service contracts

Prior to taking early retirement, Mr I R Trotter was employed on
a rolling contract dated 12 March 1992 which required two years’
notice to be given by the Company and one year’s notice to be
given by Mr Trotter. However, as Mr Trotter took early retirement
on the grounds of ill health, a retirement date of 6 April 2004 was
mutually agreed. However, the general policy is for executive
directors to have notice periods no greater than one year in line
with current corporate governance best practice.

Mr R J Davies is employed on a rolling contract dated 2 March
2004  which  requires  one  year’s  notice  to  be  given  by  the
Company and one year’s notice to be given by Mr Davies.

Mr  D  A  Brown  is  employed  on  a  rolling  contract  dated  26
February 1990 which requires one year’s notice to be given by the
Company and six months’ notice to be given by Mr Brown.

Mr S R Mole is employed on a rolling contract dated 5 July 2000
which requires one year’s notice to be given by the Company
and six months’ notice to be given by Mr Mole.

In  determining  the  amount  of  compensation  payable  on
termination of a service contract, it is the Committee’s policy to
apply normal principles of mitigation. In these circumstances, steps
would  be  taken  to  ensure  that  poor  performance  was  not
rewarded. None of the service contracts provide for compensation
payable on early termination of the contract.

External appointments

The Board recognises that invitations to executive directors to
become non-executives of other companies can broaden their
knowledge and benefit the Group. The policy is to allow executive
directors, if so authorised by the Board, to accept one such
appointment with fees normally paid to the Company unless
otherwise approved by the Committee.

22

Remuneration Report continued

Directors’ interests

The beneficial interests of the directors, who held office at 3 April 2004, in the ordinary shares of the Company, as appearing in the
Register of Directors’ Interests maintained under the Companies Act 1985, were as follows:

I R Trotter
R F Leverton
R J Davies
D A Brown
T B Fortune
S R Mole
M A Smith

3 April 2004

29 March 2003

Shares

Options

Shares

Options

112,170
8,000 
85,000 
65,502 
4,376 
10,000 
20,000 

398,774

125,000
180,850

78,220

112,170
8,000

10,000 (a) 
65,502
4,376

20,000

477,676

173,637

48,220

(a) as at date of appointment on 8 March 2004.

There were no non-beneficial interests held by the directors in the ordinary shares of Renold plc at the end of the year or at 3 June 2004.

At 3 April 2004 the only interest of the directors in the share capital of the Company was in the ordinary shares as stated above.

There have been no other changes in the interests of directors in the share capital of the Company between the end of the financial
year and 3 June 2004.

Performance graph

The graph, right, illustrates the performance of a hypothetical
holding of ordinary shares in the Company measured by total
shareholder return (share price growth plus dividends) against a
“broad equity market index” over the past five years. As the
Company has been within the FTSE Engineering and Machinery
sectoral index over this period, the directors consider that this is
the most appropriate index against which the total shareholder
return of the Company should be measured.

The auditors are required to report on the information contained in the remaining sections of this report.

Directors’ emoluments

Executive directors

I R Trotter (retired 6.4.04)
R J Davies (from 8.3.04)
D A Brown
S R Mole (from 18.2.03)

Non-executive directors

R F Leverton - Chairman
T B Fortune
M A Smith

Salaries
& fees
£000

Annual
bonus
£000

2004

Cash
£000

Benefits

Non-cash
£000

218
19
166
106
509

84
25
25
643

12

10
10
32

5
2
3
1
11

32

11

Total
£000

235
21
179
117
552

84
25
25
686

2003

Total
£000

219

155
12
386

71
21
23
501

23

Remuneration Report continued

Directors’ pension entitlements

Details of pension benefits earned in respect of each director in office at 3 April 2004 under the defined benefits scheme, and the cost
to the Company of amounts in respect of unfunded pension obligations provided for but not paid, are set out below:

Years’  
service
at year
end

13
14
3

Increase
in accrued
pension in
the year
(a)
£000
4
4
6

Transfer 
value of
the increase 
in accrued
pension
£000
41
34
43

Accumulated
total accrued
pension at
year end
(b)
£000
42
46
12

Transfer
value at
3.4.04
(c)
£000
684
642
110

Transfer
value at
29.3.03
(c)
£000
592
561
56

I R Trotter
D A Brown
S R Mole

Increased
transfer 
value in
the year
(d)
£000
85
74
46

Amounts
provided in the
year but not
paid in respect
of unfunded
obligations
£000
261
44
37

(a)

(b)

(c)

the increase in accrued pension during the year, including inflation.

the accumulated total accrued pension at year end is the pension that would be paid annually on retirement based on service to the end of the year.

transfer values have been calculated on the basis of actuarial advice in accordance with Actuarial Guidance Note GNII. The transfer value represents a
liability of the pension fund and not a sum due to the director and cannot therefore meaningfully be added to annual remuneration.

(d)

the increase in the transfer value of the accrued benefits during the year is after deducting the director’s personal contributions to the scheme.

Share options

I R Trotter
Executive scheme

Savings related scheme

R J Davies
Executive scheme
D A Brown
Executive scheme

Savings related scheme

S R Mole
Executive scheme

Savings related scheme

At
29.3.03

55,000
125,000
125,000
20,000
30,000
20,000
20,000
25,000
50,000
3,774
3,902

45,000
45,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
6,115
8,885
10,000
4,735
3,902

20,000
15,000
10,000
3,220

Number of share options 

Granted

Lapsed

(25,000)
(50,000)

(3,902)

(8,885)
(10,000)

(3,902)

125,000

30,000

30,000

At
3.4.04

55,000
125,000
125,000
20,000
30,000
20,000
20,000

3,774

Option
price
(pence
per share)

58.50
67.34
102.00
118.50
137.83
237.33
242.67
293.83
120.30
55.08
89.36

Date 
from
which
exercisable

27.11.05
28.11.04
18.6.04
19.7.03
16.7.02
17.7.01
18.7.00
16.7.99
30.11.96
1.2.06
1.2.03

Expiry
date

26.11.12
27.11.11
17.6.11
18.7.10
15.7.09
16.7.08
17.7.04
15.7.03
29.11.03
31.7.06
31.7.03

125,000

76.50

11.3.07

10.3.14

30,000
45,000
45,000
20,000
10,000
10,000
10,000
6,115

4,735

30,000
20,000
15,000
10,000
3,220

83.50
58.50
67.34
118.50
137.83
237.33
242.67
293.83
293.83
120.30
55.08
89.36

83.50
58.50
67.34
94.50
55.08

27.11.06
27.11.05
28.11.04
19.7.03
16.7.02
17.7.01
18.7.00
16.7.99
16.7.99
30.11.96
1.2.06
1.2.03

27.11.06
27.11.05
28.11.04
22.12.03
1.2.08

26.11.13
26.11.12
27.11.11
18.7.10
15.7.09
16.7.08
17.7.04
15.7.06
15.7.03
29.11.03
31.7.06
31.7.03

26.11.13
26.11.12
27.11.11
21.12.10
31.7.08

No options were exercised during the year.

The middle market price of ordinary shares at 3 April 2004 was 77 pence and the range of prices during the year was 51.5 pence to
102.5 pence.

On behalf of the Board

T B Fortune
Chairman of Remuneration Committee
14 June 2004

24

Statement of Directors’ Responsibilities

The following statement, which should be read in conjunction
with the Independent Auditors’ Report, is made with a view to
distinguishing for shareholders the respective responsibilities of
the directors and of the auditors in relation to the accounts.

The directors have responsibility for ensuring that the Company
keeps accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy
the financial position of the Company and which enable them to
ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 1985.

The directors are required by the Companies Act 1985 to prepare
accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of
the state of affairs of the Company and the Group as at the end
of the financial year and of the profit or loss for the financial year.

The directors confirm that, in preparing the accounts on pages 
27 to 50, the Company has used appropriate accounting policies,
consistently applied and supported by reasonable and prudent
judgements and estimates, and that all applicable Accounting
Standards have been followed.

The directors have general responsibility for taking such steps as
are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group
and to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The directors intend to publish the accounts on the Group’s
website, www.renold.com. The directors are responsible for the
maintenance and integrity of the website in accordance with UK
legislation  governing  the  preparation  and  dissemination  of
accounts. Access to the website is available from outside the UK,
where comparable legislation may be different.

25

Report of the Independent Auditors

To the members of Renold plc
We have audited the accounts which comprise the profit and
loss account, the balance sheets, the cash flow statement, the
statement of total recognised gains and losses, the reconciliation
of movements in shareholders’ funds, the related notes and the
accounting  policies  set  out  in  the  statement  of  Accounting
Policies. We have also audited the disclosures required by Part 3
of Schedule 7A to the Companies Act 1985 contained in the
directors’ Remuneration Report (“the auditable part”).

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditors
The directors’ responsibilities for preparing the Annual Report
and the accounts in accordance with applicable United Kingdom
law and accounting standards are set out in the Statement of
Directors’ Responsibilities. The directors are also responsible for
preparing the directors’ Remuneration Report.

Our responsibility is to audit the accounts and the auditable part
of the directors’ Remuneration Report in accordance with relevant
legal and regulatory requirements and United Kingdom Auditing
Standards issued by the Auditing Practices Board. This report,
including the opinion, has been prepared for and only for the
Company’s members as a body in accordance with Section 235
of the Companies Act 1985 and for no other purpose. We do
not, in giving this opinion, accept or assume responsibility for any
other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly
agreed by our prior consent in writing.

We report to you our opinion as to whether the accounts give a
true and fair view and whether the accounts and the auditable
parts of the directors’ Remuneration Report have been properly
prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 1985. We also
report to you if, in our opinion, the Report of the Directors is not
consistent with the accounts, if the Company has not kept proper
accounting records, if we have not received all the information and
explanations we require for our audit, or if information specified
by law regarding directors’ remuneration and transactions is not
disclosed.

We read the other information contained in the Annual Report
and consider the implications for our report if we become aware
of any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the
accounts. The other information comprises only the Chairman’s
Statement, the Chief Executive’s Review, the Financial Review, the
Operations Review, the Report of the Directors, the Corporate
Governance  Statement,  the  unaudited  part  of  the  directors’
Remuneration Report and the Group Five Year Financial Review.

We review whether the Corporate Governance Statement reflects
the  Company’s  compliance  with  the  seven  provisions  of  the
Combined Code issued in June 1998 specified for our review by
the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority, and we report
if it does not. We are not required to consider whether the Board’s
statements on internal control cover all risks and controls, or to
form an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s or Group’s
corporate governance procedures or its risk and control procedures.

Basis of audit opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with Auditing Standards
issued  by  the  Auditing  Practices  Board.  An  audit  includes
examination, on a test basis, of evidence relevant to the amounts
and disclosures in the accounts and the auditable part of the
directors’ Remuneration Report. It also includes an assessment of
the significant estimates and judgements made by the directors in
the preparation of the accounts, and of whether the accounting
policies  are  appropriate  to  the  Company’s  circumstances,
consistently applied and adequately disclosed.

We planned and performed our audit so as to obtain all the
information and explanations which we considered necessary in
order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable
assurance that the accounts and the auditable part of the directors’
Remuneration Report are free from material misstatement, whether
caused by fraud or other irregularity or error. In forming our
opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation
of information in the accounts.

Opinion
In our opinion:
• the accounts give a true and fair view of the state of affairs
of the Company and the Group at 3 April 2004 and of the
profit and cash flows of the Group for the year then ended;
• the accounts have been properly prepared in accordance

with the Companies Act 1985; and

• those parts of the directors’ Remuneration Report required
by Part 3 of Schedule 7A to the Companies Act 1985 have
been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies
Act 1985.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
101 Barbirolli Square
Manchester M2 3PW

14 June 2004

26

Accounting Policies

A summary of the principal Group accounting policies is set out
below. These have been applied on a consistent basis.

Basis of consolidation – The Group accounts set out on pages
27 to 50, which comprise a consolidation of the Parent Company
and all its subsidiaries, have been prepared in compliance with the
Companies Act 1985 and in accordance with applicable accounting
standards. They have been prepared under the historical cost
convention, but include some past revaluations of properties and
equipment.

As permitted by Section 230 of the Companies Act 1985 the Parent
Company has not presented its own profit and loss account.

Acquisitions and goodwill – The results of businesses acquired
and disposed of during the year are included in Group profits
from/to the effective date of acquisition or disposal. The net assets
of businesses acquired are incorporated in the Group accounts at
their fair value to the Group, after making adjustments to reflect
the  alignment  of  the  accounting  policies  of  the  acquired
businesses to those of the Group. Acquisitions are accounted for
using the acquisition method of accounting.

Following the adoption of FRS 10, goodwill arising on acquisitions
prior to 29 March 1998 remains eliminated against reserves.
Goodwill arising on acquisitions since 29 March 1998 is capitalised
and classified as an intangible asset on the balance sheet. The
intangible asset is then amortised on a straight line basis over a
period not exceeding 20 years, such periods being chosen to
reflect the expected useful economic life.

On disposal of a previously acquired business any goodwill arising
on acquisition that was eliminated against reserves or that has not
been amortised through the profit and loss account is taken into
account in determining the profit or loss on disposal.

Overseas  currencies –  Assets  and  liabilities  of  overseas
subsidiaries are translated into Sterling at the exchange rates ruling
at the end of the financial year. Trading results are translated at the
appropriate average rates of exchange for the year. Differences on
exchange arising on the retranslation of net assets in overseas
subsidiaries at the beginning of the year, borrowings used to
finance or provide a hedge against those investments and from
the translation of the results at average rates are taken direct to
reserves. Other exchange rate differences are dealt with in the
profit and loss account for the year.

Financial instruments – Derivative financial instruments are
used by the Group to manage foreign currency and interest rate
exposures. Gains and losses on forward foreign exchange and
option contracts are recognised in the profit and loss account
when  the  hedged  transaction  occurs.  In  the  balance  sheet,
contract rates are used to record the hedged item to which they
relate. Amounts payable or receivable in respect of interest rate
swaps are recognised as adjustments to the interest expense over
the relevant period.

Tangible assets represented by properties and equipment are
stated at cost, being purchase cost plus any incidental costs of
acquisition, less accumulated depreciation. The book values of
certain assets which were the subject of past revaluations have
been retained as permitted by the transitional arrangements of

FRS 15 ‘Tangible Fixed Assets’. Depreciation is calculated by
reference to original cost at fixed percentages assuming effective
useful lives as follows:

Freehold properties – 80 years; land is not depreciated

Leasehold properties – 80 years or the period of the lease if less

Equipment (including plant and machinery) – 5 to 25 years
according to type of asset

Motor vehicles – 25% per annum for 3 years leaving 25%
residual value

Where appropriate, adjustments are made to the remaining
effective useful lives of assets to reflect changes in circumstances
to those envisaged when the asset was brought into use.

Leasing – Tangible assets held under finance leases, which are
those where substantially all the risks and rewards of ownership
of the asset have passed to the Group, are capitalised in the
balance sheet and depreciated over their effective useful lives at
the rates set out above. The corresponding liability to the leasing
company is included as an obligation under finance leases in
creditors. Finance lease costs are charged as interest based on a
constant periodic rate as applied to the outstanding liabilities.

Annual rentals in respect of operating leases are charged against
the profit of the year in which they are incurred.

Government grants in respect of capital expenditure are treated
as deferred credits in the balance sheet. An annual transfer is
made to the profit and loss account reflecting the benefit over the
expected useful lives of the assets concerned.

Investments – Shares in subsidiary companies are stated at their
net asset value at the end of the year. This basis has been adopted
because it is considered that it more fairly represents the value of
the investment to Renold plc.

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated net realisable
value. Cost includes all direct expenditure and attributable overhead
expenditure incurred in bringing goods to their current state under
normal operating conditions. The first in, first out or an average
method of valuation is used. Long term contract work in progress
is valued at cost, less amounts transferred to cost of sales and
provisions for foreseeable losses. In the Group accounts, unrealised
profit on sales within the Group is deducted from stocks.

Deferred tax is recognised on all timing differences that have
originated but not reversed at the balance sheet date, where
transactions or events that result in an obligation to pay more, or
a right to pay less, tax in the future have occurred at the balance
sheet date, with the following exceptions:
• Provision  is  not  made  for  tax  that  would  arise  on  the
remittance of retained earnings of overseas subsidiaries unless
the dividends have been accrued as receivable at the balance
sheet date.

• Deferred tax assets are recognised only to the extent that,
based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely
than not that there will be suitable taxable profits from
which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences
can be deducted.

27

Accounting Policies continued

Deferred tax is measured on a non-discounted basis at the tax
rates that are expected to apply in the periods in which the timing
differences are expected to reverse, based on tax rates and laws
enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date.

Turnover comprises the invoiced value of goods and services
provided to external customers after deducting value added tax or
other sales related taxes and trade discounts. Turnover also includes
the  value  of  work  done  on  long  term  contracts  which  are
substantially completed by the balance sheet date and for which the
outcome can be assessed with reasonable certainty. At, and from
this point, an appropriate portion of the anticipated contract profit
is recognised in the profit and loss account. If losses are envisaged
then these are provided as soon as the potential loss is identified.

The amount by which recorded turnover exceeds payments received
on account is classified separately as contract debtors.

Pensions – The costs of providing pensions for employees are
charged in the profit and loss account over the average working
life of employees in accordance with the recommendations of
qualified actuaries. Funding surpluses or deficits that may arise
from time to time are amortised over the average remaining
working life of employees. Further details are provided in note 15.

Research and development – Expenditure other than that on
tangible assets is charged against the profit of the year in which it
is incurred.

28

Group Profit and Loss Account
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

Turnover

Operating costs
– normal operating costs
– goodwill amortisation
– exceptional redundancy and restructuring costs
– exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale

Operating profit
Exceptional gain on disposal of fixed asset

Net interest payable

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Taxation

Profit for the financial year
Dividends (including non-equity)
Retained profit/(loss) for the year

Adjusted earnings per share
Basic and diluted earnings per share

All amounts relate to continuing operations.

The profit and loss account should be read in conjunction with the notes on pages 33 to 50.

Note

1

2

2

3

4

5

17

6

6

2004
£m

192.1

(184.4)
(1.3)
(0.5)
2.8
(183.4)

8.7

8.7
(2.3)

6.4
(1.0)

5.4
(3.2)
2.2

5.4p
7.7p

2003
£m

187.4

(178.2)
(1.4)
(1.0)

(180.6)

6.8
0.5
7.3
(3.1)

4.2
(1.7)

2.5
(3.2)
(0.7)

5.2p
3.5p

29

Balance Sheets
as at 3 April 2004

Fixed assets
Intangible asset – goodwill
Tangible assets
Investments

Current assets
Stocks
Debtors
Cash and short-term deposits

Creditors – amounts falling due within one year
Loans and overdrafts
Other creditors
Net current assets/(liabilities)

Total assets less current liabilities

Creditors – amounts falling due after more than one year
Loans
Other creditors

Provisions for liabilities and charges
Net assets

Capital and reserves (including non-equity interests)
Called up share capital
Share premium
Revaluation reserve
Profit and loss account
Shareholders’ funds

Note

Group

2004
£m

18.8
47.0

65.8

47.0
47.2
8.9
103.1

(12.1)
(44.4)
46.6

2003
£m 

22.6
50.0

72.6

46.1
46.7
9.3
102.1

(10.2)
(48.0)
43.9

Renold plc

2004
£m

2003
£m 

0.2
100.6
100.8

0.2
112.9
113.1

13.3
0.1
13.4

(14.9)
(3.6)
(5.1)

8.6
0.1
8.7

(10.0)
(4.7)
(6.0)

112.4

116.5

95.7

107.1

(15.5)
(1.4)

(14.3)
81.2

17.9
6.0

57.3
81.2

(20.0)
(0.6)

(13.8)
82.1

17.9
6.0

58.2
82.1

(13.7)

(25.0)

(0.8)
81.2

17.9
6.0
4.9
52.4
81.2

82.1

17.9
6.0
8.8
49.4
82.1

8

9

10

11

12

13

12

13

14

16

17

17

17

Approved by the Board on 14 June 2004 and signed on its behalf by:

Roger Leverton
Director

Robert Davies
Director

The balance sheets should be read in conjunction with the notes on pages 33 to 50.

30

Group Cash Flow Statement
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

2003

£m

(5.6)
0.6

Note

£m

2004

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Servicing of finance

Taxation

Capital expenditure and financial investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of fixed assets
Proceeds from disposal of property held for sale

Equity dividends paid

Net cash inflow before use of liquid resources and financing

Management of liquid resources
Transfers (to)/from short-term deposits

Financing
Decrease in debt and lease financing
(Decrease)/increase in cash in the year

Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt

21

22

22

23

23

(6.0)

5.1

£m

9.2

(3.3)

(1.6)

(0.9)

(3.2)

0.2

(1.0)

(6.4)
(7.2)

(Decrease)/increase in cash in the year
Cash flow from decrease in debt and lease financing
Cash flow from increase/(decrease) in liquid resources

(7.2)
6.4
1.0

8.6

(3.0)

Change in net debt resulting from cash flows
New finance leases
Other non-cash changes
Exchange translation difference

Movement in net debt in the year
Net debt at beginning of year
Net debt at end of year

0.2
(0.5)
(0.1)
2.1

1.7
(20.9)
(19.2)

The cash flow statement should be read in conjunction with the notes on pages 46 and 47.

£m

17.9

(2.8)

(1.3)

(5.0)

(3.2)

5.6

3.0

8.6

5.6

2.6

8.2
(29.1)
(20.9)

31

Other Group Statements
for the financial year ended 3 April 2004

Statement of total recognised gains and losses

Profit for the financial year
Exchange translation differences on net assets of overseas subsidiaries
Total recognised gains and losses relating to the financial year

Reconciliation of movements in shareholders’ funds

Profit for the financial year
Dividends

Retained profit/(loss) for the year

Exchange translation differences on net assets of overseas subsidiaries

Net reduction in shareholders’ funds

Opening shareholders’ funds (including non-equity of £0.6m)
Closing shareholders’ funds (including non-equity of £0.6m)

2004
£m

5.4
(3.1)
2.3

2004
£m

5.4
(3.2)

2.2

(3.1)

(0.9)

82.1
81.2

2003
£m

2.5
0.3
2.8

2003
£m

2.5
(3.2)

(0.7)

0.3

(0.4)

82.5
82.1

Historical cost profits and losses
There is no material difference between the result as disclosed in the profit and loss account and the result on an unmodified historical
cost basis.

32

Notes on the Accounts

1. Analysis of activities

(a) Activities classified by business segment:

Power transmission
Machine tool and rotor

Less:
Inter activity sales
Goodwill amortisation
Exceptional redundancy and 
restructuring costs
Add:
Exceptional gain on disposal of 
property held for sale

Turnover

£m

174.2
20.7
194.9

(2.8)

192.1

2004
Operating
profit
£m

7.4
0.3
7.7

(1.3)

(0.5)

2.8

8.7

Operating
assets
£m

76.9
11.6
88.5

Turnover

£m

168.3
20.0
188.3

(0.9)

Operating
assets
£m

75.2
13.6
88.8

2003
Operating
profit
£m

10.0
(0.8)
9.2

(1.4)

(1.0)

88.5

187.4

6.8

88.8

The exceptional redundancy and restructuring cost of £0.5 million is attributed £0.3 million to the power transmission segment
(2003 – £0.3 million) and £0.2 million to the machine tool and rotor segment (2003 – £0.7 million). Of the total goodwill
charge of £1.3 million, £1.1 million (2003 – £1.2 million) relates to the power transmission businesses and £0.2 million (2003
– £0.2 million) to the machine tool and rotor businesses. The exceptional gain of £2.8 million relates to the disposal of a non-
trading property held for sale. This property was part of the machine tool and rotor segment.

(b) Activities classified by geographical region of operation:

United Kingdom
Germany
France
Rest of Europe
North America
Other countries

Less:
Intra Group sales
Goodwill amortisation
Exceptional redundancy and 
restructuring costs
Add:
Exceptional gain on disposal 
of property held for sale

Turnover

£m

70.8
31.9
49.1
16.0
49.2
18.4
235.4

(43.3)

192.1

2004
Operating
profit
£m

Operating
assets
£m

37.8
12.3
14.8
3.9
13.2
6.5
88.5

2.8
2.4
(0.6)
0.4
2.2
0.5
7.7

(1.3)

(0.5)

2.8

8.7

Turnover

£m

69.2
30.4
43.0
16.3
51.2
17.4
227.5

(40.1)

2003
Operating
profit
£m

Operating
assets
£m

38.1
12.5
10.9
4.2
16.9
6.2
88.8

1.6
3.0
0.2
0.9
2.6
0.9
9.2

(1.4)

(1.0)

88.5

187.4

6.8

88.8

The exceptional cost of £0.5 million arises £0.2 million in the UK (2003 – £0.9 million) and £0.3 million in North America (2003
– £0.1 million). The goodwill amortisation is attributed to business acquisitions in North America.

Turnover by geographical region includes intra Group sales as follows: United Kingdom £29.1 million (2003 – £26.5 million),
Germany £11.4 million (2003 – £10.8 million) and France £2.1 million (2003 – £1.9 million).

Operating assets comprise fixed assets, current assets less creditors but exclude goodwill, cash, borrowings, dividends, current
and deferred corporate tax, finance lease obligations, property held for sale, pension prepayments and other provisions for
liabilities and charges.

33

Notes on the Accounts continued

1. Analysis of activities continued

(c) Geographical analysis of external turnover by market area:

United Kingdom
Germany
France
Rest of Europe
North and South America
Other countries

2. Operating costs and exceptional items

2004

£m

Change in stocks of finished goods and work in progress
Own work capitalised
Other operating income
Raw materials and consumables
Other external charges
Staff costs
Gross wages and salaries
Social security costs
Other pension costs (Note 15)
Redundancy and restructuring costs

Depreciation – owned assets
Amortisation of goodwill
Operating lease rentals
Equipment
Other

Remuneration of auditors for audit work
Exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale

62.5
8.8
4.9
0.5

0.6
1.4

2004
£m

24.4
25.4
9.2
36.8
70.1
26.2

2003
£m

27.2
25.4
9.4
33.2
66.9
25.3

192.1

187.4

2003

£m

60.2
8.1
4.2
1.0

0.7
1.3

£m

1.9
(1.0)
(3.0)
67.4
29.1

73.5

8.9
1.4

2.0

0.4

180.6

£m

(3.2)
(1.1)
(2.8)
72.9
31.2

76.7

8.8
1.3

2.0

0.4
(2.8)

183.4

The remuneration of the auditors for the parent company was £25,000 (2003 – £25,000). Remuneration of the auditors for non-
audit work amounted to £86,000 (2003 – £81,000) of which £49,000 (2003 – £21,000) was incurred in the UK. The non-audit
services were principally in respect of taxation, including £40,000 for compliance services and £11,000 for advisory services.

Expenditure on research and development charged against operating profit amounted to £2.0 million (2003 – £2.2 million).

In 2003 the non-operating exceptional gain of £0.5 million, shown in the profit and loss account, represented the profit on
disposal of a fixed asset, within the United Kingdom, and was associated with the power transmission segment.

The average number of persons employed by the Group during the year was:

United Kingdom
Germany
France
Rest of Europe
North America
Other countries

34

2004

1,067
368
500
87
386
245

2,653

2003

1,114
374
464
87
418
253

2,710

Notes on the Accounts continued

3. Net interest payable

Interest payable on loans and overdrafts
Less: interest receivable

4. Taxation

(a) Analysis of tax charge in the year

United Kingdom
UK corporation tax at 30% (2003 – 30%)
Less: double taxation relief

Overseas taxes
Corporation taxes
Total current tax

Deferred tax
United Kingdom
Overseas
Total deferred tax

Tax charge on profit on ordinary activities

2004
£m

(2.5)
0.2

(2.3)

2004
£m

0.8
(0.8)

1.2
1.2

0.3
(0.5)
(0.2)

1.0

2003
£m

(3.3)
0.2

(3.1)

2003
£m

1.6
(1.6)

1.7
1.7

0.3
(0.3)

1.7

As shown in (b) below, due to the availability of capital losses brought forward, no tax charge has arisen on the profit of £2.8 million
on the disposal of the property held for sale.

(b) Factors affecting the Group tax charge for the year

The tax assessed for the year is  lower (2003 – higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK (30%). The differences are
explained below:

Profit on ordinary activities before tax
Tax on ordinary activities at 30% (2003 – 30%)
Permanent differences
Overseas tax rate differences
Unrelieved tax losses
Utilisation of brought forward tax losses
Capital losses covering sale of property
Depreciation and other timing differences
Prior year adjustments

Current tax charge for the year

5. Dividends

Ordinary shares
Interim dividend paid of 1.5p (2003 – 1.5p)
Final dividend proposed 3.0p (2003 – 3.0p)

Dividends on the 6% Cumulative Preference Stock amounted to £35,000 (2003 – £35,000).

2004
£m

6.4
1.9

0.1
0.4
(0.4)
(0.8)
0.2
(0.2)

1.2

2004
£m

1.1
2.1

3.2

2003
£m

4.2
1.3
0.2
0.1
0.4
(0.4)
(0.1)
0.2

1.7

2003
£m

1.1
2.1

3.2

35

Notes on the Accounts continued

6. Earnings per share

Earnings per share is calculated by reference to the earnings for the year and the weighted average number of shares in issue during
the year as follows:

Basic and diluted earnings (after preference dividends)
Adjustments to earnings

Adjusted earnings

2004
£m

5.4
(1.6)

3.8

2003
£m

2.4
1.2

3.6

The adjustment of £1.6 million is comprised of the effect, after tax, of the gain on disposal of property held for sale (£2.8 million),
the cost of redundancy and restructuring (£0.4 million: 2003 – £0.8 million) and goodwill amortisation (£0.8 million: 2003 – £0.9
million). In 2003 the adjustment also included the gain on disposal of a fixed asset (£0.5 million).

In both 2003 and 2004 the basic and diluted earnings, and basic and diluted earnings per share, were the same value. At 3 April 2004
the weighted average number of shares in issue was 69,313,000 (2003 – 69,313,000). In 2004 the dilutive potential of employee
share options was 299,000, giving a diluted weighted average number of shares in issue of 69,612,000 (2003 – 69,354,000).

7. Directors’ emoluments

Aggregate emoluments
Amounts provided but not paid in respect of unfunded pension obligations

2004
£000

686
342

2003
£000

501
269

During the year, retirement benefits accrued to three directors (2003 – three) under a defined benefits scheme and to three
directors (2003 – three) under unfunded obligations in respect of salary in excess of the earnings cap.

Highest paid director
Aggregate emoluments
Amounts provided but not paid in respect of unfunded pension obligations
Accrued pension at end of year under defined benefits pension scheme

235
261
42

219
250
38

Further details are given under the headings ‘Directors’ emoluments’ and ‘Directors’ pension entitlements’ in the Remuneration
Report on pages 21 to 24.

8.

Intangible asset – goodwill

Cost
At beginning of year
Exchange adjustment

At end of year

Amortisation
At beginning of year
Exchange adjustment
Charge for the year

At end of year

Net book value at end of year
Net book value at beginning of year

36

Group
£m

26.8
(3.0)

23.8

(4.2)
0.5
(1.3)

(5.0)

18.8
22.6

Notes on the Accounts continued

9. Tangible assets

Cost
At beginning of year
Exchange adjustment
Additions at cost
Disposals

At end of year

Depreciation
At beginning of year
Exchange adjustment
Depreciation for the year
Disposals

At end of year

Net book value at end of year
Net book value at beginning of year

Properties
£m

Group

Equipment
£m

Total
£m

Properties
£m

Renold plc

Equipment
£m

19.8
(0.5)

(0.1)

19.2

8.9
(0.2)
0.4
(0.1)

9.0

10.2
10.9

125.9
(3.5)
7.2
(1.0)

128.6

86.8
(2.5)
8.4
(0.9)

91.8

36.8
39.1

145.7
(4.0)
7.2
(1.1)

147.8

95.7
(2.7)
8.8
(1.0)

100.8

47.0
50.0

0.1

0.1

0.1
0.1

Total
£m

0.9

0.1
(0.1)

0.9

0.8

0.1
(0.1)

0.8

0.7

0.7

0.7

0.1
0.1

0.7

0.2
0.2

Net book value at the end of the year includes £2.8 million (2003 – £3.2 million) in respect of leased assets (land and buildings
£2.6 million (2003 – £2.8 million), equipment £0.2 million (2003 – £0.4 million)).

The total cost of properties at 3 April 2004 comprises £13.6 million (2003 – £14.1 million) for freehold land and buildings and £5.6
million (2003 – £5.7 million) for leasehold land and buildings which relates to leases where the period unexpired is less than 50 years.

Included in cost above are properties of £4.0 million (2003 – £4.1 million) revalued in 1971 and equipment of £4.4 million (2003
– £4.6 million) revalued in 1974.

If all tangible assets had been determined under the historical cost convention, the values would not have been materially different
from the figures shown above.

Future capital expenditure

At 3 April 2004 capital expenditure contracted for but not provided for in these accounts amounted to £5.0 million (2003 – £1.3 million).

10. Investments

Renold plc

Subsidiary companies
Cost or valuation
At beginning of year
Net advances
Deficit on revaluation

At end of year

The principal subsidiary companies of Renold plc at 3 April 2004 are set out on page 52.

Shares
£m

Advances
£m

Total
£m

48.2

(3.9)

44.3

64.7
(8.4)

56.3

112.9
(8.4)
(3.9)

100.6

37

Notes on the Accounts continued

11. Current assets

Stocks
Raw materials and consumables
Work in progress
Finished products

Debtors
Trade debtors
Amounts owed by Group subsidiaries
Deferred tax asset
Contract debtors
Other debtors
Property held for sale
Prepayments and accrued income

Cash and short-term deposits
Cash at bank
Short-term deposits

Group

2003
£m

9.8
11.7
24.6

46.1

2004
£m

9.5
12.7
24.8

47.0

30.7

32.5

4.3
0.3
4.3

7.6

47.2

7.5
1.4

8.9

3.5
0.1
3.9
2.3
4.4

46.7

8.9
0.4

9.3

103.1

102.1

Renold plc

2004
£m

2003
£m

7.0

0.1

6.2

13.3

0.1

0.1

13.4

5.3
0.1

0.1

3.1

8.6

0.1

0.1

8.7

The Group figures for other debtors and prepayments and accrued income include £8.6 million (2003 – £5.5 million) of amounts
falling due after more than one year.

12. Loans and overdrafts

Group

Renold plc

Total borrowings
Less: repayable within one year or on demand

Amounts falling due after more than one year

Repayable:
In more than one year but not more than two years
In more than two years but not more than five years
In more than five years

Loans comprise:
UK term loans repayable by 2007
Bank loans – overseas

Less: repayable within one year

2004
£m

27.6
12.1

15.5

3.3
12.1
0.1

15.5

16.4
2.9
19.3
3.8

15.5

2003
£m

30.2
10.2

20.0

6.7
13.1
0.2

20.0

25.2
3.2
28.4
8.4

20.0

2004
£m

28.6
14.9

13.7

2.8
10.9

13.7

16.4

16.4
2.7

13.7

2003
£m

35.0
10.0

25.0

6.1
18.9

25.0

32.8

32.8
7.8

25.0

Included in Group borrowings are secured borrowings of £19.9 million (2003 – £26.3 million). Security is provided by fixed and
floating charges over UK assets and the assets of certain overseas subsidiaries.

38

Notes on the Accounts continued

13. Creditors

Group

Renold plc

Amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Dividends payable
Corporate taxes
Other taxation and social security
Advance payments from customers
Other creditors
Accruals
Finance lease obligations

Amounts falling due after more than one year
Finance lease obligations
Other creditors

Future minimum payments under finance leases are as follows:
Within one year
In more than one year, but not more than five years
After five years
Total gross payments
Less: finance charges

14. Provisions for liabilities and charges

At beginning of year
Exchange adjustments
Charge to profit and loss account
Utilised in year

At end of year

(a) Deferred Tax

2004
£m

22.7
2.1
0.9
4.6
0.3
4.3
9.4
0.1

44.4

0.4
1.0

1.4

0.1
0.4
0.1
0.6
(0.1)

0.5

Deferred tax
provision
£m

1.8
0.1
0.6

2.5

In summary the total deferred tax shown in the Group balance sheet is as follows:

At beginning of year
Exchange adjustment
Deferred tax recognised in the profit and loss account

At end of year

2003
£m

23.3
2.1
1.2
4.1
0.6
7.6
9.1

48.0

0.6

0.6

Group

Pension
provision
£m

12.0
(0.5)
1.1
(0.8)

11.8

Deferred
tax asset
£m

(3.5)

(0.8)

(4.3)

2004
£m

0.5
2.1

0.2

0.3
0.5

3.6

2003
£m

0.4
2.1

0.3

0.4
1.5

4.7

Total

£m

13.8
(0.4)
1.7
(0.8)

14.3

Renold plc

Deferred tax
provision
£m

0.8

0.8

Deferred tax
provision
£m

Net deferred
tax
£m

1.8
0.1
0.6

2.5

(1.7)
0.1
(0.2)

(1.8)

39

Notes on the Accounts continued

14. Provisions for liabilities and charges continued

(a) Deferred Tax continued

The total deferred tax shown in the Renold plc balance sheet is as follows:

At beginning of year
Deferred tax recognised in the profit and loss account

At end of year

The Group deferred tax recognised comprises:
Accelerated capital allowances
Other timing differences
Tax losses carried forward

Deferred
tax asset
£m

(0.1)
0.1

Deferred tax
provision
£m

Net deferred
tax
£m

0.8

0.8

2004
£m

(1.5)
0.9
(1.2)

(1.8)

(0.1)
0.9

0.8

2003
£m

0.2
(0.7)
(1.2)

(1.7)

During the year the Group has reported an operating profit of £7.7 million before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation.
The businesses in all jurisdictions where deferred tax assets have been recognised will, more likely than not, generate suitable
profits from which the future reversal of the underlying timing differences can be deducted.

A deferred tax asset amounting to £3.2 million has not been recognised in respect of losses in certain overseas subsidiaries
where, based on available evidence, it is considered unlikely that the losses will be recovered within the foreseeable future.

(b) Pensions

The provision in respect of pension liabilities is determined in accordance with SSAP 24 (note 15).

15. Pensions

(a) Pension disclosures in respect of SSAP 24

The Group operates a number of pension schemes throughout the world. In the UK, there are three defined benefit schemes and
one defined contribution scheme. The assets of the defined benefit schemes are held in trustee administered funds. Overseas
employees participate in a variety of different pension arrangements of the defined contribution or defined benefit type funded
in accordance with local practice. The total pension costs for the Group were as follows:

UK
Overseas

2004
£m

1.8
3.1

4.9

2003
£m

1.6
2.6

4.2

The UK cost for 2004 reflects the regular contribution rate less £0.4 million (2003 - £0.4 million) in respect of the actuarial
surplus on the main UK schemes, calculated in accordance with SSAP 24, which is being recognised over the average expected
remaining service life of active scheme members of approximately 15 years from 5 April 2001.

New UK employees are eligible to join the Renold Group Money Purchase Pension Scheme. Membership of the Renold Group
Pension Scheme and Jones & Shipman plc Retirement Benefits Plan (1971) was closed to all new employees joining the Group
on or after 6 April 2002. The pension costs relating to the defined benefit schemes have been assessed using the projected unit
method in accordance with the advice of William M Mercer Limited, consulting actuaries. The last actuarial valuations of the Renold
Group Pension Scheme and the Renold Supplementary Pension Scheme 1967 were carried out as at 5 April 2001. The assumptions
which have the most significant effect on the results of the valuations are those relating to the rate of return on investments and
the rates of increase in salaries and pensions. 

It has been assumed that the investment return will be 6.65% per annum before retirement and 5.65% per annum after
retirement, that salary increases will be in the range 3.4% to 3.9% per annum and that present and future pensions will increase
at rates of 2.4% per annum. At the date of the 2001 valuations the market value of the assets of these schemes totalled £103.9
million which represented 95% of the liabilities in respect of benefits accrued to members, allowing for expected future increases
in earnings.

40

Notes on the Accounts continued

15. Pensions continued

(a) Pension disclosures in respect of SSAP 24 continued

In respect of the Jones & Shipman plc Retirement Benefits Plan (1971), the actuarial value of the assets of this scheme was £29.9
million at the time of the last actuarial valuation in April 2003. This represented 93% of the liabilities in respect of benefits accrued
to members. The valuation assumed an investment return of 6.35% per annum before retirement and 5.35% per annum after
retirement, that salaries will increase at 3.5% per annum and that future pensions will increase at 2.5% per annum.

Overseas pension costs include £1.4 million (2003 – £1.5 million) in respect of Germany and Australia where the charge is
determined in accordance with SSAP 24. For other overseas countries, no adjustment has been made to the local pension costs,
since any differences from a charge calculated in accordance with SSAP 24 are not considered to be material.

A provision is included in respect of the excess of the accumulated pension cost over the amount externally funded as follows:

Overseas schemes

2004
£m

11.8

2003
£m

12.0

The movement in provision is set out in note 14. At 3 April 2004 the balance on UK schemes is an asset of £6.1 million 
(2003 – £2.9 million) and is therefore disclosed within prepayments (note 11).

(b) Pension disclosures in respect of FRS 17

The Group continues to account for pension arrangements in accordance with SSAP 24 “Accounting for Pension Costs”. Under
the transitional provisions of FRS 17 “Retirement Benefits” certain additional disclosures are required to illustrate the impact that
the new standard’s valuation methodology would have on the Group’s accounts at 3 April 2004. The transitional disclosure
information is provided below:

The valuations used for FRS 17 disclosures have been based on the most recent actuarial valuations. Where material, these have been
updated to 3 April 2004 by qualified independent actuaries. The disclosures provided below are presented on a weighted average
basis where appropriate.

The principal financial assumptions used to calculate scheme liabilities under FRS 17 as at 3 April 2004 are presented below.

The assumptions adopted by the schemes’ actuaries represent the best estimates chosen from a range of possible actuarial
assumptions which, due to the timescale covered, may not necessarily be borne out in practice.

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase in pensions in 
payment and deferred pensions
Discount rate
Inflation assumption

2004

3.7%

2.6%
5.5%
2.6%

UK
2003

3.7%

2.6%
5.4%
2.6%

2002

3.9%

2.8%
6.0%
2.8%

2004

3.5%

2.6%
6.3%
2.6%

Overseas
2003

3.4%

2.5%
6.2%
2.6%

2002

3.2%

2.3%
6.6%
2.3%

The expected long-term rates of return and market values of assets of the principal defined benefit schemes of the Group, together
with the present value of scheme liabilities, are shown below. It should be noted that the market values of the schemes’ assets
are stated as at the Group’s year end. It is not intended to realise the assets in the short-term and the value may therefore be
subject to significant change before being realised. The present values of the schemes’ liabilities are derived from cash flow
projections over long periods and are thus inherently uncertain.

41

Notes on the Accounts continued

15. Pensions continued

(b) Pension disclosures in respect of FRS 17 continued

Expected long term rates of return:

Equities
Bonds
Other

2004

8.0%
5.1%

Market values and present values of scheme liabilities:

UK
2003

8.0%
4.9%

UK
2003
£m

47.5
72.3

2002

8.0%
5.6%

2002
£m

61.3
70.5

2004

8.8%
7.0%
8.0%

2004
£m

5.6
3.6
0.8
10.0

(28.4)
(18.4)
2.4
(16.0)

Overseas
2003

8.6%
6.4%
7.2%

Overseas
2003
£m

5.3
2.8
0.8
8.9

(28.6)
(19.7)
2.7
(17.0)

2002

9.6%
7.3%
9.5%

2002
£m

8.7
4.7
1.1
14.5

(29.6)
(15.1)
1.8
(13.3)

Equities
Bonds
Other
Total market value of assets

2004
£m

64.4
68.6

133.0

119.8

131.8

Present value of scheme liabilities
Deficit in schemes
Related deferred tax asset
Net pension liability

(154.0)
(21.0)
6.3
(14.7)

(150.9)
(31.1)
9.3
(21.8)

(138.9)
(7.1)
2.1
(5.0)

The gross deficit disclosed above (FRS 17 basis) in respect of overseas schemes includes £ 16.9 million (2003: £16.9 million)
relating to unfunded arrangements in Germany and France; a pension liability of £11.6 million (2003: £11.7 million) has been
recognised in the balance sheet at 3 April 2004, under SSAP 24, in respect of these unfunded arrangements.

The effect of the FRS 17 liability on the net assets and reserves of the Group is set out below:

Net Assets
Net assets as stated in the balance sheet
Net pension liability recognised under SSAP 24
Net pension scheme asset recognised under SSAP 24
Net assets excluding defined benefit pension scheme assets/liabilities
FRS 17 net liability on UK schemes
FRS 17 net liability on Overseas schemes

Net assets including net defined benefit pension scheme liabilities assessed under FRS 17

Reserves
Profit and loss reserves as stated in the balance sheet
Pension liability recognised under SSAP 24
Pension asset recognised under SSAP 24
Profit and loss reserve excluding amounts relating to defined benefit assets/liabilities
FRS 17 net pension liabilities on UK schemes
FRS 17 net pension liabilities on Overseas schemes

Profit and loss reserve including amounts relating to net defined benefit liabilities 
assessed under FRS 17

2004
£m

81.2
11.9
(4.3)
88.8
(14.7)
(16.0)

58.1 

57.3
11.9
(4.3)
64.9
(14.7)
(16.0)

2003
£m

82.1
12.0
(2.9)
91.2
(21.8)
(17.0)

52.4

58.2
12.0
(2.9)
67.3
(21.8)
(17.0)

34.2

28.5

42

Notes on the Accounts continued

15. Pensions continued

(b) Pension disclosures in respect of FRS 17 continued

If the defined pension schemes had been accounted for under FRS 17, the following amounts would have been recorded in
the profit and loss account and statement of recognised gains and losses for the year ended 3 April 2004.

UK
£m

2004
Overseas
£m

Amounts charged to operating profit
Current service cost
Past service cost

(2.2)
(0.3)

Amounts credited/(charged) to 
net interest
Expected return on pension 
scheme assets
Interest on pension scheme liabilities

Amounts recorded in statement of 
total recognised gains and losses
Actual return less expected return on 
pension scheme assets
Experience gains/(losses) arising on 
scheme liabilities
Changes in assumptions underlying the 
present value of the scheme liabilities

(2.5)

7.3
(8.0)

(0.7)

8.4

0.7

(0.3)

8.8

(0.7)
(0.1)

(0.8)

0.8
(1.7)

(0.9)

0.8

(1.1)

0.9

0.6

Total
£m

(2.9)
(0.4)

(3.3)

8.1
(9.7)

(1.6)

UK
£m

(1.8)

(1.8)

8.7
(8.2)

0.5

9.2

(18.2)

(0.4)

1.6

0.6

9.4

(10.3)

(26.9)

The movement in the deficits in the schemes over the year to 3 April 2004 is analysed below:

UK
£m

2004
Overseas
£m

Deficit in schemes at beginning of year (31.1)

(19.7)

Current service cost
Past service cost
Employer contributions
Other finance income/(expense)
Actuarial gain/(loss) recognised in 
statement of total recognised 
gains and losses
Exchange adjustment

(2.2)
(0.3)
4.5
(0.7)

8.8

(0.7)
(0.1)
1.4
(0.9)

0.6
1.0

Total
£m

(50.8)

(2.9)
(0.4)
5.9
(1.6)

9.4
1.0

UK
£m

(7.1)

(1.8)

4.2
0.5

(26.9)

Deficit in schemes at end of year

(21.0)

(18.4)

(39.4)

(31.1)

2003
Overseas
£m

(0.7)

(0.7)

0.8
(1.6)

(0.8)

(1.9)

0.1

(1.8)

(3.6)

2003
Overseas
£m

(15.1)

(0.7)

1.2
(0.8)

(3.6)
(0.7)

(19.7)

Total
£m

(2.5)

(2.5)

9.5
(9.8)

(0.3)

(20.1)

1.7

(12.1)

(30.5)

Total
£m

(22.2)

(2.5)

5.4
(0.3)

(30.5)
(0.7)

(50.8)

43

Notes on the Accounts continued

15. Pensions continued

(b) Pension disclosures in respect of FRS 17 continued

The amounts that would have been charged to the Group statement of total recognised gains and losses under FRS 17 for the
year ended 3 April 2004 are set out below:

UK

2004
Overseas

Total

UK

2003
Overseas

Total

Difference between the expected and 
actual return on scheme assets:
Amount (£m)
Percentage of scheme assets

Experience gains/(losses) of 
scheme liabilities:
Amount (£m)
Percentage of the present value of 
the scheme liabilities

8.4
6.3%

0.8
8.0%

9.2
6.4%

(18.2)
15.2%

(1.9)
21.8%

(20.1)
15.6%

0.7

(1.1)

(0.4)

1.6

0.1

1.7

0.5%

3.7%

0.2%

1.1%

0.4%

0.9%

Total amount recognised in the statement 
of total recognised gains and losses:
Amount (£m)
Percentage of scheme liabilities

8.8
5.7%

0.6
2.1%

9.4
5.2%

(26.9)
17.8%

(3.6)
12.6%

(30.5)
17.0%

16. Called up share capital
Group and Company

Equity interests
Ordinary shares of 25p each
Non-equity interests
6% Cumulative Preference Stock (£1 units)

2004
£m

23.1

0.6

23.7

Authorised

Issued

2003
£m

23.1

0.6

23.7

2004
£m

17.3

0.6

17.9

2003
£m

17.3

0.6

17.9

At 3 April 2004 the issued Ordinary Share Capital comprised 69,313,292 (2003 – 69,312,574) ordinary shares of 25p each.

The preference shares, which comprise the only non-equity interest in shareholders’ funds, have the following rights:

(i)

(ii)

(iii)

a fixed cumulative preferential dividend at the rate of 6% per annum payable half yearly on 1 January and 1 July in each year;

they rank both with regard to dividend (including any arrears to the commencement of a winding up) and return of capital in
priority to all other stock or shares of the Company but with no further right to participate in profits or assets;

there is no right to attend or vote, either in person or by proxy, at any General Meeting of the Company or to have notice of 
any such meeting, unless the dividend on the preference stock is in arrears for six calendar months;

(iv)

there is no redemption entitlement.

44

Notes on the Accounts continued

17. Reserves

Profit
and loss
account
£m

Share
premium
account
£m

Revaluation
reserve

£m

Total
reserves

£m

Group
At beginning of year
Exchange translation differences on net assets of overseas subsidiaries
Retained profit for the year

At end of year

Renold plc
At beginning of year
Exchange adjustments
Retained profit for the year
Deficit on revaluation of shares in subsidiaries

6.0

6.0

6.0

58.2
(3.1)
2.2

57.3

49.4
(1.5)
4.5

At end of year

52.4

6.0

64.2
(3.1)
2.2

63.3

64.2
(1.5)
4.5
(3.9)

63.3

8.8

(3.9)

4.9

The consolidated profit for the financial year includes a profit of £7.7 million (2003 – £3.8 million) which is dealt with in the accounts
of the parent company.

Cumulative goodwill written off to Group reserves at 3 April 2004, subsequent to the capital reorganisation in January 1985, amounted
to £2.0 million (2003 – £2.0 million).

18. Operating lease obligations

At the end of the year there were annual commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Leases expiring:
Within one year
Between two and five years
Over five years

Total annual commitments

19. Contingent liabilities

2004

2003

Properties
£m

Equipment
£m

Properties
£m

Equipment
£m

0.3
0.3
0.9

1.5

0.2
0.4
0.1

0.7

0.2

0.8

1.0

0.1
0.3

0.4

Contingent liabilities at 3 April 2004 in respect of guarantees amounted to £1.8 million (2003 – £1.6 million) for the Group.

As previously reported, Jeffrey Chain LP is a co-defendant in an action commenced by the City of New York on 5 November 1999.
Although an award was made in April 2003 against Jeffrey Chain (for an amount lower than the indemnity given to the Group by
the previous owners), Jeffrey Chain has lodged an appeal. The directors believe that the outcome of this case will not have a material
adverse effect on the Group’s financial position or results of its operations.

45

Notes on the Accounts continued

20. Share options

Share options have been granted under the Executive Share Option Schemes and the Savings Related Share Option Schemes. 
At 3 April 2004 unexercised options for ordinary shares amounted to 3,130,071 (2003 – 3,562,706) made up as follows:

Option price
(pence per share)

Number
of shares
2004

Number
of shares
2003

Date normally exercisable

Executive Share Option Schemes
Within seven years from:
30 November 1996
1 December 1997
16 July 1999 (1995 Scheme)
18 July 2000 (1995 Scheme)
17 July 2001 (1995 Scheme)
16 July 2002 (1995 Scheme)
19 July 2003 (1995 Scheme)
22 December 2003 (1995 Scheme)
18 June 2004 (1995 Scheme)
28 November 2004 (1995 Scheme)
27 November 2005 (1995 Scheme)
28 July 2006 (1995 Scheme)
27 November 2006 (1995 Scheme)
11 March 2007 (1995 Scheme)

Within four years from:
16 July 1999 (1995 Scheme)
18 July 2000 (1995 Scheme)

Savings Related Share Option Schemes
Within six months from:
1 February 2003 (1995 Scheme)
1 February 2005 (1995 Scheme)
1 February 2006 (1995 Scheme)
1 February 2008 (1995 Scheme)

120.30
184.30
293.83
242.67
237.33
137.83
118.50
94.50
102.00
67.34
58.50
80.84
83.50
76.50

293.83
242.67

189,900
50,000
73,115
20,647
245,000
290,000
185,000
20,000
125,000
489,000
414,000

40,000
64,178
19,296
215,000
245,000
155,000
20,000
125,000
489,000
414,000
50,000
275,000
125,000

175,704

241,885
199,353

2,412,178

2,542,900

89.36
89.36
55.08
55.08

136,826
381,185
199,882

255,721
150,343
398,952
214,790

717,893

1,019,806

21. Reconciliation of operating profit to net cash inflow from operating activities

Operating profit
Depreciation charges (net of profit/loss on disposals)
Goodwill amortisation
(Increase)/decrease in stocks
(Increase) in debtors
(Decrease)/increase in creditors
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
Exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale

Net cash inflow from operating activities

2004
£m

8.7
8.8
1.3
(2.7)
(3.5)
(0.8)
0.2
(2.8)

9.2

2003
£m

6.8
8.7
1.4
1.3
(5.0)
5.0
(0.3)

17.9

Net cash flow from operating activities includes an outflow of £0.8 million (2003 – £1.9 million) which relates to exceptional redundancy
and restructuring costs; an amount of £0.1 million (2003 – £0.5 million) was retained in creditors. In 2003 the cash flow statement
included sale proceeds of £0.6 million in respect of the exceptional fixed asset disposal.

46

Notes on the Accounts continued

22. Analysis of cash flows for headings netted in the Cash Flow Statement

Servicing of finance
Interest received
Interest paid

Net cash outflow for servicing of finance

Financing
Debt due within one year: (decrease) in short-term borrowings
Debt due after one year: (decrease)/increase in long-term borrowings

Net cash outflow from financing

2004
£m

0.2
(3.5)

(3.3)

(5.0)
(1.4)

(6.4)

23. Analysis of net debt

Cash in hand and at bank
Overdrafts

Debt due after one year
Debt due within one year
Finance leases

Short-term deposits

Total

At beginning
of year
£m

8.9 
(1.8)
7.1 

(20.0)
(8.4)

(28.4)

0.4 

(20.9)

Cash flow

£m

(0.6)
(6.6)
(7.2)

1.4 
5.0 

6.4 

1.0 

0.2

Other non-cash
movements
£m

Exchange
movement
£m

(0.8)
0.1 
(0.7)

1.7 
1.1 

2.8 

1.4 
(1.5)
(0.5)
(0.6)

(0.6)

2.1

2003
£m

0.2
(3.0)

(2.8)

(2.4)
2.4

At end
of year
£m

7.5
(8.3)
(0.8)

(15.5)
(3.8)
(0.5)
(19.8)

1.4

(19.2)

47

Notes on the Accounts continued

24. Financial instruments

These notes should be read in conjunction with the narrative disclosures in the Financial Review on page 14.

(a) The Group does not trade in financial instruments.

(b) Short-term debtors and creditors

Short-term debtors and creditors have been excluded from all the following disclosures, other than the currency risk disclosures.

(c) Currency and interest rate profile of financial liabilities of the Group

Currency
2004
Sterling
Financial liabilities
Preference shares
US Dollar
Euro
Other

2003
Sterling
Financial liabilities
Preference shares
US Dollar
Euro
Other

Weighted
average
interest rate

%

9.5
6.0
6.8
4.7
8.1

9.5
6.0
8.3
4.7
8.1

Weighted
average
period for
which rate
is fixed
Years

Fixed
rate

Floating
rate

Total

£m

£m

£m

2.5
*
2.2
2.1
1.9

3.5
*
1.9
2.4
2.2

1.3
0.6
13.4
2.0
0.9

18.2

1.8
0.6
20.6
1.7
1.0

25.7

3.3

1.2
5.0
1.0

10.5

2.8

0.3
1.4
0.6

5.1

4.6
0.6
14.6
7.0
1.9

28.7

4.6
0.6
20.9
3.1
1.6

30.8

* Preference shares have no fixed repayment date.

The Sterling and US Dollar fixed rate financial liabilities take into account interest rate swaps.

Floating rate financial liabilities bear interest at rates, based on relevant national base rate equivalents, which can fluctuate
on a daily basis.

(d) Currency and interest rate profile of financial assets at 3 April 2004

Currency

Sterling
Euro
Other

Cash at bank
and in hand
£m

2004
Short-term
deposits
£m

0.1
5.5
1.9

7.5

0.6
0.8

1.4

Total

£m

0.1
6.1
2.7

8.9

Cash at bank
and in hand
£m

2003
Short-term
deposits
£m

0.2
7.2
1.5

8.9

0.3
0.1

0.4

Total

£m

0.2
7.5
1.6

9.3

Cash balances and short-term deposits are held with the Group’s bankers. These deposits are held largely in Germany and earn
interest at bank deposit interest rates for periods of up to three months.

48

Notes on the Accounts continued

24. Financial instruments continued

(e) Maturity of financial liabilities

The maturity profile of the carrying amount of the Group’s financial liabilities, other than short-term creditors such as trade
creditors and accruals, was as follows:

In one year or less, or on demand
In more than one year but not more than two years
In more than two years but not more than five years
In more than five years

2004
Total debt
£m

2003
Total debt
£m

12.2
3.4
12.3
0.8

28.7

10.2
6.7
13.1
0.8

30.8

Debt due in more than five years includes £0.6 million (2003 – £0.6 million) in respect of Renold plc’s preference shares.

(f) Borrowing facilities

The Group has the following undrawn committed borrowing facilities available at the year end date in respect of which all
conditions precedent had been met at that date:

Expiring within one year or less, or on demand
Expiring in more than one year but not more than two years
Expiring in more than two years

2004
£m

21.5
3.8
0.6

25.9

2003
£m

24.5
0.3
8.3

33.1

The facilities expiring in one year or less, or on demand, are primarily annual facilities subject to review at various dates during
the year ending 31 March 2005.

(g) Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities

Primary financial instruments held or issued to 
finance the Group’s operations:
Short-term borrowings (up to one year)
Long-term borrowings
Preference shares

Short-term deposits
Cash at bank and in hand

Derivative financial instruments held to manage 
the interest rate and currency profile:
Interest rate swaps

2004

2003

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

Book value
£m

Fair value
£m

(12.2)
(15.9)
(0.6)

1.4
7.5

(12.2)
(15.9)
(0.5)

1.4
7.5

(10.2)
(20.0)
(0.6)

0.4
8.9

(10.2)
(20.0)
(0.6)

0.4
8.9

(1.1)

(2.0)

Under the Group’s accounting policy, foreign currency assets and liabilities that are hedged using forward foreign exchange
contracts are translated at the forward rate inherent in the contracts. Consequently, the book value of the relevant asset or
liability effectively is the fair value of the forward foreign exchange contract.

Fair values of the preference shares and interest rate swaps are based on market values at the balance sheet date.

There is no significant difference between the book and fair value of forward foreign exchange contracts held or issued to hedge
currency exposures on expected future transactions.

49

Notes on the Accounts continued

24. Financial instruments continued

(h) Currency exposures

The analysis below shows the net unhedged monetary assets/(liabilities) of companies in the Group that are not denominated
in their functional currency. Exchange differences on these exposures will be recognised in the profit and loss account.

Sterling
£m

US Dollars
£m

Euro
£m

Other
£m

Total
£m

2004
Functional currency of companies
Sterling
US Dollars
Euro
Other currencies

2003
Functional currency of companies
Sterling
US Dollars
Euro
Other currencies

(0.2)
(0.6)
(0.3)

(1.1)

(0.1)
(0.2)
(0.5)

(0.8)

(0.3)

0.8

0.5

(0.4)

0.6
(0.1)

0.1

(0.2)
0.1

(0.1)

1.7

1.7

0.4

0.2

0.6

0.5

0.2

0.7

(0.1)
(0.1)
0.2
(0.1)

(0.1)

1.8
(0.1)
0.4
(0.4)

1.7

(i) Gains and losses on instruments used for hedging

There were no significant unrecognised or deferred gains and losses on hedges at 3 April 2004 or at 29 March 2003.

50

Group Five Year Financial Review

Profit and loss account

Turnover

Operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities before tax
Profit/(loss) after tax for ordinary shareholders

Balance sheet

Tangible fixed assets
Stocks
Debtors
Creditors

Operating assets
Goodwill
Properties held for sale
Net borrowings – including finance leases
Dividends and corporate tax
Provisions for liabilities and charges (net of pension prepayments)
Net assets

Key data 

Operating return on average operating assets
Operating profit on turnover
Capital expenditure
Basic earnings per share
Dividends per ordinary share
Employees at year end

1

1

%
%
£m
p
p

2004
£m

2003
£m

2002
£m

2001
£m

2000
£m 

192.1

187.4

190.2

216.7

174.2 

7.7

6.4
5.4

2004
£m

47.0
47.0
36.8
(42.3)

88.5
18.8

(19.2)
1.3
(8.2)
81.2

2004

8.7
4.0
7.2
7.7
4.5
2,656

9.2

4.2
2.5

2003
£m

50.0
46.1
38.0
(45.3)

88.8
22.6
2.3
(20.9)
0.2
(10.9)
82.1

2003

9.9
4.9
5.7
3.5
4.5
2,686

7.8

16.1

11.0 

(5.6)
(5.0)

11.1
7.4

9.6 
6.1 

2002
£m

54.6
46.9
34.8
(39.0)

2001
£m

59.2
52.0
41.7
(45.0)

97.3
26.2

107.9
27.7

(29.1)
0.7
(12.6)
82.5

2002

7.6
4.1
5.4
(7.2)
4.5
2,780

(28.3)
(5.3)
(12.7)
89.3

2001

15.1
7.4
9.5
10.7
9.25
3,238

2000
£m 

58.7 
50.1 
40.7 
(44.4)

105.1 
26.3 
5.0 
(33.5)
(5.7)
(10.8)
86.4 

2000

12.1 
6.3 
10.3 
8.6 
9.25 
3,187 

1.

Based on operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items

Figures presented for 2001 onwards are stated in accordance with FRS 19 “Deferred Tax”. Years prior to 2001 have not been 
adjusted.

51

Principal Subsidiary Companies
as at 3 April 2004

UNITED KINGDOM
Renold Power Transmission Limited*

Renold International Holdings Limited*

FACTORIES: BREDBURY, BURTON, CARDIFF, HALIFAX, LEICESTER, MILNROW

REST OF EUROPE
Austria

Renold GmbH

Belgium

Denmark

France

Germany

Holland

Sweden

Switzerland

NORTH AMERICA
Canada

USA

Renold Continental Limited (incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Renold A/S

Brampton Renold SA FACTORIES: CALAIS, LILLE
Jones & Shipman SARL

Renold (Deutschland) GmbH
Arnold & Stolzenberg GmbH FACTORY: EINBECK
Renold Automotive Systems Germany GmbH

Renold Continental Limited (incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Renold Transmission AB

Renold (Switzerland) GmbH

Renold Canada Limited

Renold Holdings Inc
Renold Inc FACTORY: WESTFIELD, NY
Renold Power Transmission Corporation
Jones & Shipman Inc
Edgetek Machine Corporation
Jeffrey Chain Acquisition Company Inc
Jeffrey Chain Corporation
Jeffrey Chain LP FACTORY: MORRISTOWN, TN

OTHER COUNTRIES
Australia

China

Malaysia

New Zealand

Singapore

South Africa

* Direct subsidiary of Renold plc

Renold Australia Proprietary Limited FACTORY: MELBOURNE

Renold Transmission (Shanghai) Company Limited

Renold (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd

Renold New Zealand Limited FACTORY: AUCKLAND

Renold Transmission Limited (incorporated in the United Kingdom)

Renold Crofts (Pty) Limited FACTORY: BENONI

Subsidiary companies listed above are those which, in the opinion of the directors, principally contributed to the results and assets of
the Group. Companies of minor importance are omitted by virtue of Section 231 and Schedule 5 of the Companies Act 1985.

All companies are direct or indirect subsidiaries of Renold plc, the parent company ultimately holding a 100% interest in the equity shares
and voting rights. Renold Power Transmission Limited and Renold International Holdings Limited are registered in England and Wales.
Overseas companies are incorporated in the countries in which they operate except where otherwise stated.

52

Financial Calendar

Ex-dividend date for final dividend

Record date for final dividend*

Annual General Meeting

Final ordinary dividend for 2003/04 – payment date

Half year end 2004/05

Half year 2004/05 results published

* shareholders on the register at this date will receive the dividend

Interim ordinary dividend for 2004/05 payable

Year end 2004/05

Preliminary announcement of annual results 2004/05

2004

14 July

16 July

22 July

12 August

30 September

mid November

2005

end January

31 March

early June

Other dividend payments
Preference dividends 

1 July and 1 January

Renold plc, Renold House, Styal Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester, England M22 5WL

Tel: +44 (0)161 498 4500 Fax: +44 (0)161 437 7782 E-mail: enquiry@renold.com

www.renold.com