Vesuvius plc announced group earnings results for the year ended December 31, 2017. For the full year, the company group reported revenue was £1,683.9 million against £1,401.4 million a year ago. Operating profit was £109.7 million against £92.9 million a year ago. Profit before tax was £97.1 million against £79.4 million a year ago. Profit from continuing operations was £42.7 million against £53 million a year ago. Profit attributable to owners of the parent was £38 million against £56.9 million a year ago. Basic and diluted earnings per share form continuing operations of 13.4 pence against 17.3 pence a year ago. Diluted earnings per share of 14 pence against 21 pence a year ago. Net cash inflow from operating activities was £125.5 million against £83.9 million a year ago. Capital expenditure was £39 million against £31.3 million a year ago. Net debt at 31 December 2017 was £274.3 million, a £46.0 million decrease from 2016. Return on Sales was 9.8%.

The company provides tax rate guidance for the full year 2018. The company expects the Group's effective tax rate for 2018 onwards to be between 27% and 28%, including the expected adverse impact of US tax reform, reflecting the tax benefit of initiatives being taken.