mcp=mcperson's

This looks similar to Nylex.Even the HLD(Leisureware who own Prestige) looks a bit the same.Maybe lots of firms have reduced earning first half of 2006& are hoping on a better second half.Maybe Nylex is following the Australian trend.Maybe blame the government a lot eg. lift tarrifs,free trade with USA, going to war in Iraq etc.

A.C.N. 00
McPHERSON’S LIMITED
ANNOUNCEMENT TO ASX
20th December 2005
McPherson's Directors today announced that pressure on profit margins experienced in the first four months of the financial year, and which had been reported at the Company’s AGM, had continued into the key pre-Christmas trading period. A slower than anticipated build-up in pre-Christmas sales volume had also been experienced.
Directors confirmed a previous outlook statement that earnings in the first half would be well down on those of the first half last year. Whilst earnings in the second half are still expected to exceed those of the previous year, Directors' latest forecasts suggest that full year 2005/06 earnings before interest, tax and amortisation are likely to be up to 20% below the $41.0 million achieved in 2004/05 (excluding the impact of business divestments and prior year provisioning).
In response to the tougher than anticipated trading conditions, management is more aggressively pursuing expense reductions and is on track to achieve the previously reported $3.5 million per annum in annual savings, most of which will impact 2006/07.
For further information, please contact Mr. David Allman, Managing Director, on telephone (03) 9566 3300 or facsimile (03) 9574 9083.