I NEED A CHART VIEW ON AVON RUBBER SINCE SHARES TIPPED THE STOCK IT HAS GONE SIDEWAYS VIEWS APPERICATED CHEERS

Woodie,

I would give you a chart view if you could explain how!http://pet_ob@latinmail.com

Investors have had to be patient with this one over the last few years but, after the sale of its automotive side management can now concentrate on the more lucrative security masks and argicultural component interests. Prudential have announced a 4.5% interest which could prove timely.

Avon Rubber PLC
17 May 2007

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 17 May 2007


AVON RUBBER p.l.c.


UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2007


31 March 31 March
2007 2006
Millions Millions
_________ _________
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

REVENUE 37.7 33.8

OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT (0.7) 0.5

PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 0.1 0.1

(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Basic (0.5)p (58.3)p

Continuing operations (0.5)p 0.1p

DIVIDENDS PER SHARE 3.7p 3.7p



O Group returns to profit following loss of 5.9million in 6 months to 30
September 2006

O Dividend maintained

O First major orders for new US military respirator delivered and follow on
orders received

O Operational performance improving

O Strong performance from Dairy and Engineered Fabrications

O Board restructured to reflect new Group focus



Commenting on the results, Terry Stead, Chief Executive said:

'The first half of the year has seen the continuation of our transition to a
group focused on protection and defence and dairy markets. We are beginning to
see the benefits of our new respiratory protection products moving into
production whilst still supplying our legacy respirators from the UK.

Our dairy business in North America continues to perform well and the European
dairy operation has improved considerably, while Engineered Fabrications continues to
grow profitably. The North American respiratory protection facility in Cadillac,
Michigan has become fully operational. Some additional costs were incurred in
the first quarter in achieving this, but we have seen an improving operational
performance in the second quarter and expect the improvement to continue as
volumes increase. In the UK we are operating with a higher than acceptable cost
base which management will continue to address.

The first half of this year has seen a significant improvement over the second
half of last year despite the additional cost of introducing our new products.
The Board is confident that, whilst timing remains uncertain, significant growth,
particularly in respiratory protection, will be achieved.'



For further enquiries, please contact:


Avon Rubber p.l.c

Terry Stead, Chief Executive 020 7067 0700
Peter Slabbert, Group Finance Director (until 1.00 p.m.)

(Local/Trade Press)
Fiona Stewart 01225 896871

Weber Shandwick Financial
Richard Hews 020 7067 0700
Rachel Taylor
Hannah Marwood

An analyst meeting will be held at 9.30 a.m. at the offices of Weber Shandwick
Financial, Fox Court, 14 Gray's Inn Road, WC1X 8WS


NOTES TO EDITORS: Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international polymer engineering
group adding value through material, manufacturing and industry sector
expertise. The Group is currently capitalised at approximately 50million.





AVON RUBBER p.l.c.



UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2007


INTRODUCTION


Following our major strategic restructuring which has repositioned the Group in
our chosen markets of respiratory protection, dairy and engineered fabrications,
the half year to 31 March 2007 has seen the Group make significant progress
towards our strategic objectives.

We successfully completed the important milestone of the delivery of the first
Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) order for the new generation M50 military
respirators for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and received further follow
on orders from this customer. We achieved NIOSH certification for the non
military C50 version of this product to complement the existing European CE
certification and have started to receive orders for this mask. Operationally we
made significant improvements in the transition to volume production of both
respirators and filters in our Cadillac facility during this period,
particularly in the second quarter. Our UK facility at Hampton Park West also
showed improvement, benefiting from the cost reductions made in the previous
financial year. Despite these reductions our overall UK cost base remains too
high and management will continue to address this. In addition, we continue to
be impacted negatively by the depressed fire protection market in the USA and by
the inherent uncertainty in the timing of sales to military and other
governmental organisations.

This overall progress is reflected in our return to profit for the period of
138,000 (2006: 147,000) following the loss from continuing businesses of
5,872,000 in the second half of last year.


RESULTS

Revenue increased by 3,983,000 (12%) to 37,749,000 from 33,766,000 in the six
months to 31 March 2006 but by 21% from the second half of the 2006 financial
year. We incurred an operating loss of 713,000 (2006: 492,000 profit) in the
period which again was a significant improvement from the 2,953,000 loss
(including 464,000 of reorganisation costs) in the second half of the 2006
financial year.

Net interest costs fell from 1,801,000 in 2006 to 417,000 reflecting the
reduced debt following the disposal of Automotive in August 2006. The finance
credit arising from the accounting for pensions remained largely unchanged at
1,251,000 (2006: 1,260,000). This resulted in a profit before tax of 121,000
(2006: 49,000 loss) and a profit after tax of 138,000 (2006: 147,000).

The loss per share on continuing operations was 0.5p (2006: 0.1p earnings).

Net debt increased from 1.1million at the 2006 year end to 10.0million at 31
March 2007. Cash outflows in the first half held over from the sale of the
Automotive business, the sale of our UK property and restructuring charges, all
reflected in the 2006 report and accounts, amounted to 3.4million. We invested
a further 3.4million (2006: 5.1million) in fixed assets mainly in the Cadillac
facility and the development of our filter and respiratory protection product
range. Whilst we will continue to invest in order to access further markets with
a more comprehensive product range, we expect the rate of capital spend to
reduce going forward. Working capital increased due to both the increased level
of business compared to the second half of last year and seasonal factors.

Following the disposal of Automotive in 2006, the Group has amended the primary
segmental analysis to reflect the remaining business sectors of Protection and
Defence, Dairy and Other Engineered Products.


Protection and Defence

The Protection and Defence segment includes our respiratory protection
businesses in the US and UK and our US based fabrications operation. Revenue of
19,327,000 (2006: 18,045,000) grew by 7.1% from the corresponding period last
year and by 34.3% from the preceding six months. A loss of 794,000 (2006:
943,000 profit) was incurred.

Revenue growth came primarily from the new Cadillac facility which supplied the
initial LRIP order of M50 military respirators and further follow on orders from
the DoD for the M53 derivative. Significant resources were applied in the first
quarter to ensure the success of this first stage of what we believe will be a
long term revenue stream. We did, however, make rapid progress during the second
quarter towards achieving targeted manufacturing process efficiencies and we
enter the second half year with a significantly improved capability and cost
base. Our UK operation continued to trade profitably despite a slower than
expected take up by the UK government of the newly introduced rapid escape hood.
These shortfalls were offset by continuing demand, particularly from the MOD for
our existing products. Challenging market conditions remained for ISI supplying
the fire services market in the US with delays in the release of Federal grants
throughout the 2006 calendar year. In addition the proposed introduction of new
regulatory standards in September 2007 has led to delays in procurement
decisions. We expect to see some benefits later in the calendar year as grant
funds are spent but the extent to which this will benefit the current financial
year is unclear.

Demand from the US military for our fuel and water storage tanks has increased,
resulting in further progress being achieved at our Mississippi based
fabrications business. We are optimistic that this trend will continue and that
profitable long term revenue streams will be secured from these products.


Dairy

Our dairy business remains stable and consistent. Revenue was largely unchanged
at 9,670,000 (2006: 9,579,000) with the negative effect of the weaker US
dollar on sales from our US business offsetting revenue growth in the European
operation. Operating profit increased from 893,000 in 2006 to 1,281,000 with
the revenue growth in Europe coming primarily from our higher margin own brand
Milk-Rite products. This business also benefited from the lower cost base in our
Hampton Park West facility following the restructuring last year.


Other Engineered Products

This segment includes our aerosol gasket business, the remaining business
machines products and our mixing operation. Revenue increased to 8,752,000
(2006: 6,142,000) with increased sales of mixed rubber to Automotive now being
recorded as external revenue. The significantly weaker US dollar prevented our
achieving planned growth in sales of aerosol gaskets although opportunities
remain in that market. The losses incurred in these businesses reduced to
1,200,000 (2006: 1,344,000) due to cost reductions. We remain committed to
finding solutions to eliminate these losses.


Dividends

The Board announces an unchanged interim dividend of 3.7p per share payable on 9
July 2007 to holders of ordinary shares on the register at the close of business
on 8 June 2007. The Board recognises that the dividend remains uncovered by
current earnings but continues to believe that progress in current trading and
opportunities available to the Group will lead to the restoration of cover in
due course.


Pensions

The financial position of our retirement benefit obligations as measured under
IAS 19 (International Accounting Standard 19 Employee Benefits) has improved
during the period with the deficit reducing to 7.7million from 14.6million at
September 2006. This gain is a combination of updated asset values and, more
importantly an increase in the discount rate applied to the UK pension
obligations from 5.0% to 5.4%, in line with market movements. The triennial
valuation of this fund effective 1 April 2006 has also been finalised and it is
pleasing to report that improved asset returns together with the effects of
recent actions has led to a fund surplus of 2.4million (2003 valuation
45.4million deficit) despite more prudent mortality assumptions. The Group will
continue to work closely with the Trustees of the fund to manage this risk.


BOARD CHANGES

As the Group makes its transition to be focused on the protection and defence
and dairy markets, the Board has felt the need to alter its composition to
reflect these changes. In particular we have sought independent directors with
experience of operating in defence and related markets.

In January Sir Richard Needham was appointed as Chairman. Sir Richard was
Northern Ireland Economy Minister for seven years and UK Minister for Trade for
a further three years. He was International Director for GEC-Marconi for two
years and a Non-Executive Director with Meggitt plc for five years. His
experience is proving invaluable in supporting the changing Group.

We are now delighted to announce a further significant addition to the Board
with the appointment of David Evans as a Non-Executive Director with effect from
1 June 2007. David is a Non-Executive Director of Chemring Group PLC, having
previously been their Chief Executive during a period of significant growth.
Earlier in his career he spent seventeen years with GEC-Marconi in the defence
industry and has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Defence
Manufacturers' Association for the last nine years.


OUTLOOK

The first half of the year has seen the continuation of our transition to a
group focused on protection and defence and dairy markets. We are beginning to
see the benefits of our new respiratory protection products moving into
production whilst still supplying our legacy respirators from the UK.

Our dairy business in North America continues to perform well and the European
dairy operation has improved considerably, while Engineered Fabrications
continues to grow profitably. The North American respiratory protection facility
in Cadillac, Michigan has become fully operational. Some additional costs were
incurred in the first quarter in achieving this, but we have seen an improving
operational performance in the second quarter and expect the improvement to
continue as volumes increase. In the UK we are operating with a higher than
acceptable cost base which management will continue to address.

The first half of this year has seen a significant improvement over the second
half of last year despite the additional cost of introducing our new products.
The Board is confident that, whilst timing remains uncertain, significant
growth, particularly in respiratory protection, will be achieved.

sp up 6p to 184p following interim results anouncement.

gus been watching for the last year when the turnaround will come looks like it will be soon.

One lives in hope Woodie. The Board seems to be making the right moves but, events occur that seem to delay things. The latest being the U.S. government order delay on the new masks. However, with a modestly sized Capitalisation compared to the potential future sales of the new advanced masks both to goverments and commercially, the sp could show a marked improvement. Meanwhile a Gross yield of 4.5% is useful. I purchased these around the 170p level as a recovery situation.

Avon Rubber PLC
13 June 2007


For Immediate Release 13 June 2007

Avon Rubber p.l.c. ('Avon' or the 'Company')

Employee Share Ownership Trust

Avon Rubber p.l.c. (the 'Company') announces that, the Company has recommended
to Towers Perrin Share Plan Services (Guernsey) Limited (the 'Trustee'), the
Trustee of the Company's Employee Share Ownership Trust (the 'ESOT'), that it
revise the current hedging arrangements in respect of the Company's Performance
Share Plan 2002 (the 'Plan'). The ESOT currently holds 666,190 shares in the
Company which are being held to hedge potential awards under the Plan. Given the
likely vesting profile of these awards the Company has recommended that the
Trustee consider disposing of up to 666,190 ordinary shares of 1 each in the
Company, at such time as the Trustee sees fit.

The original purchase of the shares held by the Trustee was funded by payments
from the Company to the Trustee made for the purposes of establishing the
hedging arrangement relating to the ESOT. To ensure that there is no prejudice
to the beneficiaries of the ESOT, the Trustee will apply the proceeds of any
disposal to subscribe for up to 666,191 new ordinary shares of 1 each in the
Company.

Once the disposal by the Trustee has taken place a formal application for the
listing of up to 666,191 ordinary shares of 1 each in the Company will be made
to the UK Listing Authority and the London Stock Exchange. The shares are being
allotted to trade on the London Stock Exchange and to be admitted to the
Official List upon allotment and will be held by the Trustee in order to satisfy
awards under the Plan.

The total number of ordinary shares subject to awards currently outstanding
under the Plan is 812,765 (representing 2.87% of the Company's issued share
capital).

Guscavalier comment: T/over today 676,000 shs. Maybe some or all of the Trustees' holding included in this figure. Presumably, this will in effect raise additional cash for the Company if new shares are to be issued.

Gartmore Investments have announced an increase in its holding from 1,775,000 to 3,241,926 shares representing 11.439%. All the shares are held for various Gartmore named funds, except for 54,550 shares beneficially owned by Strathclyde Pension Fund, managed by Gartmore. This represents some solid support. sp 184p.

I decided to exit these for now at 168p. The lack of progress re US Gov mask orders and the probable further weakness of the us$ to my mind may put the dividend at risk. I shall be keeping an eye on these though as they may offer a better opportunity at a lower level. Politics in the US may well be the stumbling block to orders at present. sp 167p.

Looks like the Gas mask contract is a done deal.
Deal value about 1.2b with a 10% profit margin.

harry are you in this?

No, but am seriously considering it.
This has gone nowhere for quite a while, though divi is good, but with this new contract potential profits are looking encouraging. A number of things could go wrong & I am sure there are penalty clauses if deliveries are not made on time, but it looks to be a solid medium term investment.
It's on my watch list & once the Fed interest rate announcement is out of the way, I will try & free up some cash.

Avon Rubber PLC
23 January 2008

Embargoed for 10.30 a.m. 23 January 2008

Avon Rubber p.l.c.
('the Group')

AGM Statement

At the Annual General Meeting to be held today the Chairman, The Rt. Hon. Sir
Richard Needham, will make the following statement to shareholders:

'At the time of our preliminary statement at the end of November 2007, we said
that the Group had reached a number of significant milestones. We had announced
that the full rate production decision had been made on our new military
respirator and that we had received NFPA certification for our new
self-contained breathing apparatus product, manufactured at ISI in Georgia.

The growth in our Protection and Defence business has been slower than we
anticipated. However, we are now agreeing the detail of the multi-year contract
for the new military respirator, which will commence with an annual rate of
100,000 units, and expect this order to be confirmed in the very near future. We
anticipate that this will quickly be followed by a requirements order to cover
additional demand for the US military.

We have also received a funded development contract from the US Department of
Homeland Security for the new EH15 emergency hood which we believe has
significant long-term potential.

At Avon-ISI, whilst enquiries have remained at a high level, the conversion of
these to firm orders is taking longer than we anticipated. We are confident that
this is a timing issue and would expect to see growth at this business in the
second quarter continuing into the second half of the year.

Sales of our dairy products in North America continue at a consistently high
level. We expect this to remain the case and we have also seen a continuation of
the growth in sales in our European operations.

Avon Engineered Fabrications is in the process of confirming some long-term
contracts for supply of fluid storage tanks and we believe this will give a
strong base for growth in this business over the next few years.

Overall the Group performance in our first quarter of the financial year has
been below expectations. Net debt increased by 2.3million to 12.7million at 31
December 2007, with increased inventory relating to the delayed deliveries to
the DoD and a seasonal reduction in payables.

We also said in November that we were committed to the sale of our UK Mixing
facility at the earliest opportunity or, if a solution could not be reached, we
would close it. In the absence of any sale of this operation being concluded, we
are now starting the process of closure.

Whilst the growth in our respiratory protection business has been delayed in the
first quarter, the levels of enquiries and expected orders give us confidence
that in the next few months we will see the expected enhanced performance for
the Group. The Board remains confident that the work already carried out,
together with continued investment in new product development, will lead to a
period of sustainable and profitable growth for the Group.'

-Ends

Yet more delay with orders, without which, the market must start worrying about dividend maintenance. No doubt the Company has good products but, probably remains too reliant short term on the US government order position. However, at these levels, they could well attract a preditor with more financial muscle.

seems delay after delay would be surprised if the divi is kept at these levels still on my watch list

08 February 2008

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 8 February 2008

AVON RUBBER p.l.c.
( 'the Group' or 'the Company')

Sale of Aerosol Gasket business ('the business')

The Board of Avon Rubber p.l.c. today announces that it has exchanged contracts
for the sale of its Aerosol Gasket business to Crosslinks Limited, based in
South Wales and Corsham, Wiltshire, for a consideration of 1.75 million
payable in cash on completion of the sale.

The business, currently located in Avon's Wiltshire facility, manufactures and
supplies cupseals and stem gaskets for a global customer base. It currently
employs approximately 68 staff and incurred an operating loss of 0.1 million
(before an allocation of 1.1 million of shared service costs from our UK
manufacturing facility) on a turnover of 4.7 million, in the financial year to
30 September 2007. The gross assets of the disposed business were 3.2 million
and the net assets 2.1 million as at that date.

Completion is expected to be in early March 2008 and the proceeds will be
utilised to reduce current borrowings.

Commenting on the sale, Terry Stead, Chief Executive of Avon Rubber p.l.c. said:
'The sale is a further step in the rationalisation of the Group. It allows the
Company and its management to add focus and time on the Protection and Defence
and Dairy businesses which are the cornerstones of the Group's future.'

Guscavalier comment: sp currently around 104p having fallen significantly recently and should reflect some doubt that the dividend will be maintained. Looks like the above sale was made at a discount to net assets & company was probably not in a good bargaining position a current time, particularly with the company sold being loss making & Avon probably happy to reduce its gearing. Still watching for now.

LONDON (Thomson Financial) - Avon Rubber PLC said chairman Richard Needham bought 15,000 shares at 100 pence each, and now holds 41,246, or a 0.14 pct stake

Good spot WOODIE. Other Director holdings:

S. Stone 59,655 T.Stead 57,608 L.Richards 39,534 B.Duckworth 31,000
Stella Pierce 21,000

Be interesting to see if any of these Directors buy as well. Still just the sort of guide we are looking for. sp100p

21 April 2008
AVON RUBBER p.l.c.

('Avon', the 'Group' or the 'Company')

TRADING UPDATE AND BOARD CHANGES

The Company is issuing the following update in respect of the half year ended on
31 March 2008.

In our AGM statement we noted that growth in our Protection and Defence business
had been slower than we anticipated and that the Company was expecting
confirmation of the multi-year contract for the new M50 US military respirator
in the very near future. The regulatory and administrative processes undertaken
by the US Government for contracts of this value and duration have taken much
longer than previously projected. We are however now in final contract
negotiations with the Department of Defense for this 5 year contract worth in
excess of US$100million. A follow-on requirements option to cover significant
additional demand over a period of up to 10 years will be executed at the same
time. In the interim, government funding has already been committed for long
lead items to allow us to commence production immediately under this programme.

The effect has been to delay sales on the main production contract into the
second half of the year. This will mean that the Group will incur a loss for the
half year. Once the multi-year contract is received however, it will provide the
basis for increased turnover and a return to profitability in the second half of
the year making a profit for the year as a whole. The 2009 financial year should
reflect the full benefit of this new business.

At the same time, Terry Stead has decided to stand down as Chief Executive with
immediate effect and will be succeeded by Peter Slabbert, Finance Director.

The Chairman, Sir Richard Needham, commented:

'Although the market and shareholders will be disappointed with our first half
Protection results, the Board is confident that the Company is very close to
receiving the multi-year order for the Joint Service General Purpose Mask from
the US Government. It is not unusual for there to be teething problems with new
and advanced programmes of this nature and we have experienced further
unexpected delays. The order should deliver a long-term growing and profitable
revenue stream for our Protection operation to complement the already successful
Dairy business. To win the world's largest contract for the world's most
advanced respirator represents an enormous achievement for the Company.'

'We have now reached the point of restructuring where Avon Rubber is a high
value-added, defence and dairy focused company. Terry Stead has therefore stood
down as CEO. His successor is Peter Slabbert our Finance Director. I am certain
that his experience and expertise make him the ideal candidate to take the
Company forward.'

Terry Stead said:

'Having completed the major reorganisation from a mainly automotive business,
and with the imminence of the multi-year order for the Joint Services General
Purpose Mask, I feel now is the right time for the Group to move forward under
new leadership. I wish Peter and his team every success in delivering the
benefits from these substantial opportunities.'

Commenting, Peter Slabbert said:

'I would like to pay tribute to Terry Stead's contribution to the company over
10 years as Finance Director and then CEO. During that time he has overseen the
repositioning of the company from a predominantly automotive business to one
focused on international defence and dairy markets.'

< END >

Mr Stead imho has tried to put a positive outlook on things,however, did he decide to go or was he pushed. Avon needs to get this US defense contract and these delays have given the market the jitters. However, if the contract comes through, the Company's return to profit over coming years ill propel the sp alot higher from the current 86p level. Moreover, if the outlook does now look more positive, a bid may emerge with a view to splitting the business up. With the shares totally unloved, this may be the appropriate time to take a modest interest.

Avon tumbles to loss - MoneyAM


Avon Rubber today reported a full-year loss of 19.5m, compared to a profit of 1.1m last time.

Group revenue grew to 54.6m in the year to September 30th 2008, up from 48.7m in 2007.

The company will pay no dividend.

Peter Slabbert, CEO, commented: 'Our Dairy business remains successful, while the 10 year US Government M50 respirator programme, awarded in 2008, will provide strong and consistent future sales volumes contributing to a return to profitability in our Protection & Defence business.

In the current difficult credit markets the agreement of facilities with our bankers to 30th June 2010 gives the Group a stable platform from which to capitalise on the opportunities available to it in its chosen markets.'

Now on the road to recovery with contracts from the ministries of defence in the US and UK. Results due in a couple of weeks.

Results out on 21st may, buy recommendation in Shares mag up 11% today.

sp up a further 7% today results due tomorrow.

not in these now looking good for you halifax

Avon is a trading share as it has little in terms of net assets ignoring pension fund, but has huge trading potential longer term. Although Avon's results are never likely to be predictable, the shares remain attractive. Buy

from ic

Buy/Hold recommendation from Growth Company Investor

http://www.growthcompany.co.uk/recommendations/1048937/avon-rubber.thtml

Broker support firmly behind this one and with a cheap rating of just over 10 to 2012 im not suprised, far to cheap.........

Avon Rubber PLC

FORECASTS 2011 2012
Date Rec Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p) Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p)

Edison Investment Research
08-08-11 None 11.77 31.00 2.50 13.24 33.10 2.80
Altium Securities
08-08-11 BUY 10.00 24.60 3.00 11.60 28.50 3.60
Arden Partners
05-08-11 BUY 9.70 24.00 3.00 11.20 26.90 4.50
Westhouse Securities
15-06-11 BUY 8.70 20.20 3.50 10.90 25.20 5.00
W H Ireland Ltd
02-02-11 BUY 9.20 19.80 3.00 10.80 23.60 3.60

2011 2012
Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p) Pre-tax () EPS (p) DPS (p)

Consensus 10.00 24.64 2.99 11.68 28.12 3.93
1 Month Change 0.03 0.10 -0.01 0.02 0.08 -0.03
3 Month Change -0.10 -0.25 0.05 -0.04 -0.10 0.12


GROWTH
2010 (A) 2011 (E) 2012 (E)

Norm. EPS 36.20% 70.67% 14.11%
DPS % % 31.32%

INVESTMENT RATIOS
2010 (A) 2011 (E) 2012 (E)

EBITDA 13.59m 15.33m 17.03m
EBIT 9.27m m m
Dividend Yield % 1.05% 1.38%
Dividend Cover x 8.24x 7.16x
PER 19.74x 11.57x 10.14x
PEG 0.54f 0.16f 0.72f
Net Asset Value PS -0.06p p p


Hemscott premium

Results thursday,

Avon Rubber focuses on three major businesses: it provides rubber products for defence companies, liners and tubing for dairies to milk the cows, and gas masks for the military and emergency services. The group announced yesterday it had landed a lucrative three-year contract with the US Department of Defense. The deal will see Avon provide filters for use with its M50 gas mask, with the maximum contract value at $38m, and an initial order value of $11m, which will be completed this year.

The analysts were happy with the news, with Edison saying it supports its positive view on Avon's business "in these uncertain times". Besides, investors should note that the stock trades on just 8.5 times estimated earnings for next year, according to Altium, offering ample scope for upside gains, the Independent says.

Avon Rubber is a fascinating small cap with a long and chequered history. With roots in the tyre industry, it repositioned into various speciality products over the last two decades, and three quarters of revenues now come from manufacture of CBRN protective suits and respirators (with a quarter from products for the dairy industry).

What in the Cold War were NBC (nuclear, biological and chemical) suits have evolved into CBRN: with the R highlighting the increased threat of radiological contamination from terrorist activity. Every cloud has a silver lining in the defence industry.

The US accounts for 90% of Avon revenues where it is a major supplier to the Defence Department. It has turned around operationally, with operating profit in the year to September 2011 up 20% on revenues down 8%, strengthened its balance sheet and brought a sizeable pension deficit under control.

On a P/E of 10 and yielding 1%, the shares aren't a steal. But with a strategic role in US civil defence supply, market-leading technology, a profitable business model and a tiny £100m market cap, it looks a prime takeover target to me

Avon Rubber issues confident outlook
Wed 21 Nov 2012

AVON - Avon Rubber


LONDON (SHARECAST) - Avon Rubber lifted full year profit and underlined its confidence in future trading by increasing its dividend payment 20 per cent.

The group, which makes high tech rubber-based respiratory protection to military, emergency and industrial markets, said pre-tax profit rose to £11m for the year ended September 30th 2012 from £10.2m the year before. Revenue slipped to £106.6m from £107.6m previously.

Revenue at protection and defence, which represents 70% of group revenues, fell 4% to £74.6m after lower filter sales to the US Department of Defence. Revenue at its dairy division increased 6% to £32.1m

Chief Executive Peter Slabbert commented: "We have continued our successful track record of growing profits, generating cash and reducing our debt and believe that our investment in industry leading technologies in both protection and defence and dairy will deliver future revenue growth and higher margins."

Order intake in protection and defence soared 42% to £85.2m and the closing order book stood at £45.7m with £40.7m for delivery in 2013.

Avon Rubber, which opened a sales and distribution centre in China, said earnings per share rose to 26.9p during the period from 25.2p before.

Operating margins improved 0.6% to 10.9% while cash generated from operating activities of £14.7m, representing 127% of operating profit.

Net debt reduced by £3.1m to £8.7m while the dividend has been increased to 3.6p from 3p per share the year before.

5% rise today, looks good

http://www.edisoninvestmentresearch.co.uk/researchreports/Avonrubber261112update.pdf

A buy in this weeks IC, moving into China couldgive the company access to Asias fast-growth markets. Broker Investec Securities expects adjusted pre-tax profit for 2013 of £12.3m, giving EPS of 28.3p {from11m and 25.4p in 2012} Expect further upside.

A N N U A L R E P O R T
2012
investing in innovation

http://www.avon-rubber.com/Downloads/corporate/0246AC%20AR_A%202012%20120pp%20WEB2.pdf

Tipped in the shares mag for 2013 - Should offer dependable growth owing to its niche positioning.

Military mask builder Avon rubber(AVON) can point to an enviable resilient performance in 2012 and expect more of the same in the new year. Fears over reduced government spend in the West leave numerous other defence plays under pressure but strong ties with the US should support the Wiltshire firm through to -end 2014, while a steady stream of innovation continues to build a solid platform for the future.
The outlook for defence remains strong despite last years 3.7% sales slide to £74.6
million . Although the timing of certain deals may remain unpridictable, owing to government austerity, product demand remains solid. A healthy order book stood at £85.2 million at the end of the year, up 42% from 2011, with £40.7 million due for delivery in 2013. The company continues to plough capital into innovation, particularly within the defence division , as well as property, plant, equiptment.
Avons move into Dairy provides a buttress against any uncertainty related to defence expenditure. The opening of a sales and distribution hub in China will provide
a base from which to push into lucrative markets of the Asia-pacific region.


Also in the final list of UK stock market awards 2013 run by shares in the Best industrial goods and services plc along with Babcock int,GKN,Halma, Rentokil initial and Serco.
The awards will also seek to answer who is truly creating shareholder value ?
The winners in each sector will be judged on their ability to allocate capital in the most effective manor possible. They will be scored on how well they balance risk with reward and ranked by their track record at generating the earnings or dividend growth that inturn yields the optimal total shareholder return

Not stopping for breath in 2013.

:-))

Trading statement due on Thursday 7th Feb.

Strong purchasing today

Strictly embargoed until 07:00 Thursday 7 February 2013



AVON RUBBER p.l.c. ("Avon", the "Group" or the "Company")

INTERIM MANAGEMENT STATEMENT FOR THE PERIOD FROM 1 OCTOBER 2012 TO 6 FEBRUARY 2013



Introduction

The financial year has started positively and the investments we have made and continue to make in innovative new products and to gain access to new markets have positioned us well to deliver further growth this year.



Protection & Defence

In Protection & Defence an improved order book was carried forward into this financial year and included the £14.7m Middle Eastern order announced in May 2012. This has resulted in a stronger first quarter performance compared to the previous year.



We have delivered M50 mask systems to the US Department of Defense (DoD) at a similar rate to 2012 and, despite continued uncertainty, we believe that we are well positioned and should not be significantly impacted by US Government cuts in the defence budget. We already have orders in hand for mask systems through to the end of our third quarter. As expected, we delivered 130,000 pairs of M61 filters during the period. We also secured orders for a further 100,000 pairs which we expect to deliver in our second quarter. So far sales to the US homeland security and first responder markets have been significantly stronger than in 2012.



Our first new product under Project Fusion was launched during the quarter. The PC50 is an air purifying respirator targeted specifically at the US correctional facilities market. Project Fusion as a whole, which is expected to deliver further organic growth from 2014, remains on track.



Dairy

The Milkrite ImpulseAir mouthpiece vented liner continues to perform well and we have seen further quarter on quarter sales growth at our newly established Chinese operation.



In other markets lower milk prices and higher feed costs in our traditional markets have reduced farmer revenues and margins, leading to fluctuating demand for our consumable products in the first quarter of our financial year. Planned new product introductions should provide opportunities for growth in the remainder of the year.





Net debt

The Group's balance sheet remains robust with net debt at 31 December 2012 at £10.1m (30 September 2012: £8.7m) due to the timing of working capital movements and the £1.8m of funding provided to the Employee Share Ownership Trusts to fund the purchase of the Company's shares for awards under the Performance Share Plan.





Board changes

As previously announced Sir Richard Needham will retire as a Director at the conclusion of today's Annual General Meeting.



Outlook

Given the positive start to the year, the Board is confident of meeting full year market expectations, despite the challenges provided by the uncertain economic and political environment, particularly in the US.



Half Year announcement

The Group will announce its results for the half year to 31 March 2013 on Wednesday 1st May 2013.

Avon Rubber: Investec raises target price from 390p to 420p and downgrades from hold to sell.

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber expects full year result to be comfortably ahead of current market forecasts.

Avon says trading in the second half of the financial year has continued to be strong and currency headwinds have also reduced since the trading update made on 5 August.

In Protection & Defence, in the second half of the financial year we have achieved a richer sales mix than previously expected, driven predominantly by a Middle Eastern order that we were able to ship earlier than anticipated. Operational flexibility to meet this customer's requirement at short notice was achieved by switching production from DoD orders and means that we will carry forward a stronger DoD order book into the 2015 financial year, with order coverage for the first half of 2015. Trading in the Dairy business has been at a level ahead of the previous year, as we expected it would be, with the innovative Cluster Exchange service continuing to make excellent progress in both North America and Europe.

The group will announce its results for the year to 30 September on 19 November.

AVON

Beats consensus forecasts easily on adjusted pre tax and EPS.

19 Nov 2014 Avon Rubber PLC AVON N+1 Singer Buy 0.00 659.50 750.00 760.00 Reiterates

19 Nov 2014 Avon Rubber PLC AVON Investec Buy 672.50 659.50 720.00 800.00 Retains

Avon Rubber operating profits up

19 November 2014 | 07:45am
StockMarketWire.com - Avon Rubber's revenue for the year to the end of September was flat at £124.8m (2013: £124.9m) but increased 5% on a constant currency basis.

Operating profit before depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) rose 14% to £22.9m (2013: £20.0m) and operating profit rose 20% to £17.0m (2013: £14.2m) (an increase of 26% at constant currency).

The progressive strengthening of sterling during the year gave the group a foreign exchange translation headwind. The US $/£ average rate was $1.65 (2013: $1.56) and this 9 cent headwind was equivalent to £5.7m at a revenue level and £0.8m at an operating profit level.

Chief executive Peter Slabbert said: "2014 has been an excellent year reflecting the strategic decisions made over the last three years to invest in innovative new products and technologies while expanding our international markets. This strategy will continue to drive growth in the years ahead."
- See more at: http://www.stockmarketwire.com/article/4926141/Avon-Rubber-operating-profits-up.html#sthash.d5kADz82.dpuf

19 Nov 2014 Avon Rubber PLC AVON WH Ireland Securities Buy 671.25 659.50 800.00 825.00 Retains

AVON...........Avon Rubber

On the verge of a breakout.

AVON..... AVON RUBBER chart breakout on excelent results. Trades on a forward P/E of just over 15 to 2015.

Market Buzz

WH Ireland says buy Avon Rubber on positive FY results

Wed, 19 November 2014


WH Ireland says buy Avon Rubber on positive FY results



Avon Rubber
Price: 702.50

Chg: 43.00

Chg %: 6.52%


Broker WH Ireland is advising investors to inflate their portfolios with Avon Rubber after the maker of gas masks and milking equipment lifted its annual profits by 21.2% to £16.6m.


Avon said orders in its protection and defence division, which makes masks and other equipment for emergency services, the military and industrial and energy customers around the world, had risen 26% to £93m, while 2015 orders were already at £33m.

WH Ireland said the outlook for Avon was highly encouraging and raised its two-year fully diluted earnings per share expectations by 5.9% for both years.

"We maintain our 'buy' recommendation and raise our share price target to 825p from 800p," the broker said.

Shares rose 23.5p or 3.6% to 683p at 13:07 in London

>Avon Rubber jumps as profits beat expectations
Avon Rubber's rising profits have come in just as expected, says Questor


Avon Rubber makes products used in milking cows

By John Ficenec, Questor Editor6:00AM GMT 20 Nov 2014

Avon Rubber
702½p+43p
Questor says BUY
MANUFACTURING group Avon Rubber reported a strong rise in profits for the year, leading brokers to upgrade expectations, which helped to send the shares up more than 5pc yesterday.
The Wiltshire-headquartered group said adjusted pre-tax profits were up from £13.7m to £16.6m during the period, with revenue flat at £124.8m.
Chief executive Peter Slabbert hailed an “excellent year” during which Avon was steadily taking control of its distribution network, allowing it to charge retail prices rather than wholesale prices for its goods. The difference between the wholesale and retail price can be as much as 33pc.
Avon Rubber manufactures gas masks for the military and rubber items used by dairy farmers in the milking process; and the majority of the profit comes from the provision of those gas masks to defence clients.
Although defence budgets are under pressure worldwide, Avon said a strong order intake in Protection & Defence put the company in a good position for next year. It said it was well placed as the sole US defence supplier, where it is locked midway into a 10-year contract. Avon said orders of its M50 gas mask provided good revenue visibility.

The company now has a much stronger balance sheet position after it eliminated its £10.9m debt and turned it round to a £2.9m cash balance by the year end at September 30. Avon took charges of £2.3m during the year, the majority of which related to closing down old manufacturing facilities in the US. The company expects to make savings of £1m a year from next year following the closure.
Avon also generated plenty of cash during the year, the amount from operations almost doubling and investment spending falling sharply.
Meanwhile, the annual dividend was increased by 30pc to 5.61p, with the shares going ex-dividend on February 18 and payable on March 20. Although the dividend only offers a forecast yield of 0.9pc, it is expected to increase by more than 20pc and is covered eight times by earnings.
Questor recommended buying the shares as we flagged the possibility of upgrades (Buy, 627p, May 1), and we stick with this position for the long term. Buy.

AVON Avon Rubber breaking out from a 6 week range formation. As been tipped several times over the XMAS period. New Products new customers.

AVON one of the Telegraphs TIPS OF THE YEAR FOR 2015

Avon Rubber
John Ficenec

The Wiltshire-based gas mask maker Avon Rubber is enjoying a strong increase in profits as the US military places big orders for new kit.

Chief executive Peter Slabbert hailed an “excellent year” after strong demand from the US military. The company was placed as the sole US defence supplier, where it is locked midway into a 10-year contract. Avon said orders of its M50 gas mask provided good revenue visibility.

The company said pre-tax profits were up from £13.7m to £16.6m during the year, on revenue flat at £124.8m. The company reported a debt free balance at the year end. Avon also generated plenty of cash during the year, as it comes to the end of a major investment phase in a new facility. The annual dividend is expected to increase by more than 20pc and is covered eight times by earnings. The shares have been on a fantastic run rising more than 28pc in the past year to hit a new record high. However, trading on 16 times forecast earnings they still look good value given the growing profits and solid balance sheet.

AVON Trades so far this morning nearly all Buys.......


09:11:00 760.00 1,500 O 752.50 765.00 Buy 16,688 814
10:08:03 764.38 77 O 752.50 765.00 Buy 15,188 814
10:00:35 764.38 130 O 752.50 765.00 Buy 15,111 814
09:51:19 763.24 845 O 751.50 765.00 Buy 14,981 814
09:49:59 760.00 33 AT 750.50 765.00 Buy 14,136 814
09:44:51 761.25 368 O 760.00 765.00 Sell 14,103 814
09:33:18 765.00 443 AT 760.00 765.00 Buy 14,103 446
09:33:11 765.00 261 AT 751.50 765.00 Buy 13,660 446
09:21:28 765.00 261 O 751.50 765.00 Buy 13,399 446
09:18:49 764.33 63 O 751.50 765.00 Buy 13,138 446
09:12:02 762.00 500 AT 751.50 763.00 Buy 13,075 446
09:11:50 762.00 500 O 751.50 762.00 Buy 12,575 446
09:10:03 757.00 500 AT 750.50 760.00 Buy 12,075 446
09:09:06 757.00 261 O 750.50 757.00 Buy 11,575 446
08:56:18 756.53 128 O 747.50 757.00 Buy 11,314 446
08:56:09 756.50 212 AT 745.50 757.00 Buy 11,186 446
08:56:09 756.50 1 AT 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,974 446
08:55:59 756.50 656 O 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,973 446
08:48:00 755.95 23 O 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,317 446
08:46:30 755.95 66 O 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,294 446
08:40:58 755.95 132 O 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,228 446
08:37:37 755.95 66 O 745.50 756.50 Buy 10,096 446
08:34:47 750.00 2,500 AT 740.50 756.50 Buy 10,030 446
08:34:37 750.00 250 O 740.50 750.00 Buy 7,530 446
08:33:02 748.00 2,500 AT 740.50 750.00 Buy 7,280 446
08:33:02 747.50 330 AT 740.50 748.00 Buy 4,780 446
08:26:19 747.15 239 O 740.50 747.50 Buy 4,450 446
08:24:51 747.28 401 O 736.50 747.50 Buy 4,211 446
08:20:27 746.95 133 O 736.50 747.50 Buy 3,810 446
08:15:24 746.95 135 O 736.50 747.50 Buy 3,677 446
08:12:38 747.28 321 O 736.50 747.50 Buy 3,542 446
08:05:45 736.50 200 AT 736.50 747.50 Sell 3,221 446
08:02:30 738.50 246 O 735.50 747.50 Sell 3,221 246
08:01:55 744.81 666 O 735.50 747.50 Buy 3,221 0
08:01:12 743.50 500 AT 735.50 745.00 Buy 2,555 0
08:01:12 743.00 256 AT 735.50 743.50 Buy 2,055 0
08:00:43 741.50 248 AT 730.50 743.00 Buy 1,799 0
08:00:39 743.00 740 AT 730.50 743.50 Buy 1,551 0
08:00:39 743.00 273 AT 730.50 743.00 Buy 811 0
08:00:32 742.75 538 O 730.50 743.00 Buy 538 0

WEEKLY TRADES VOLUME HISTORY

Date Buy Vol Sell Vol Total Vol
24/12/2014 765 2,150 2,915
23/12/2014 6,489 2,668 9,157
22/12/2014 19,911 28,652 48,563

PERIODIC TRADES VOLUME SUMMARY

Date Low Vol High Vol Avg Vol
1 week 2,915 48,563 16,639
1 month 2,915 649,433 45,412
3 months 1,670 649,433 34,516
1 year 496 649,433 31,990

LATEST BROKER VIEWS

Date Broker New target Recomm.
19 Nov WH Ireland... 825.00 Buy
19 Nov Investec 800.00 Buy
19 Nov N+1 Singer 760.00 Buy
7 Oct N+1 Singer 750.00 Buy
3 Oct Investec 720.00 Buy
3 Oct N+1 Singer 720.00 Buy
6 Aug Investec 700.00 Add
10 Jun Investec 680.00 Add
6 Jun N+1 Singer 720.00 Buy
6 May N+1 Singer 720.00 Buy
Broker Recommendations for Avon Rubber

Annual General Meeting - trading update for the quarter ended 31 December 2014
Avon is pleased to report that trading in the first quarter of the financial year has continued in line with the Board's expectations.

Protection & Defence
In Protection & Defence, after delivering a high level of non-DOD orders during the 2014 financial year, mask systems production has, as planned, been focused on fulfilling deliveries to the DoD under our 10 year sole source contract for the JSGPM M50 mask. This is likely to continue for the remainder of the first half year.

Encouragingly, there is a high level of quotes out for our higher margin export military masks although, as always, the timing of order receipt remains unpredictable. We have seen year on year growth in our fire service products in the first quarter and the level of enquiries for our new Deltair SCBA have been strong. Our flexible fabrications business, AEF, has secured orders which will sustain production into the second half of the financial year.

Dairy
The positive momentum generated in the second half of 2014 in the Dairy business has continued and trading has been extremely strong in the first quarter. Take up by farms of the innovative Cluster Exchange service remains at encouraging levels in both North America and Europe.

We have also set up a sales and distribution facility in Brazil to service the Brazilian and wider South American dairy market.

Balance sheet
The Group continues to be strongly cash generative. Net cash at 31 December 2014 was £6.4m (30 September 2014: £2.9m).

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber has completed the acquisition of 100% of the share capital of Hudstar Systems for $5.1m in cash from existing cash resources.

Florida-based Hudstar is a leading designer and manufacturer of electronic control systems used in powered and supplied air respiratory protection systems, largely for Avon's award winning Deltair product.

Avon says that Hudstar is a private US company and does not produce audited accounts. Nevertheless, based on the cost savings that are expected to be achieved, Avon expects this acquisition to be modestly earnings enhancing to the group in its next full financial year.

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber's wholly owned subsidiary, Avon Rubber Italia, has acquired 100% of the share capital and shareholder loan notes of InterPuls, for an enterprise value of €29.75m, including the assumption of InterPuls's net debt of approximately €4.0m.

The cash consideration of €25.75m was paid on completion and was funded from existing Group cash balances and existing debt facilities.

InterPuls - etablished in 1974 and located in Albinea - is a private family owned company incorporated in Italy. InterPuls has developed a unique range of specialist milking components, including pulsators, milk meters, automatic cluster removers and vacuum pumps, enabling customers throughout the world to configure state of the art milking systems.

In addition to traditional milking components, InterPuls is expanding into high-technology sensors and devices to monitor the life cycle of a cow, analysing milk production, reproduction and health data to provide critical management information to increase operational efficiency of the farm. Following the acquisition its products will be sold under the new 'Milkrite-InterPuls' brand, which will be positioned as a leading provider of milking point technology, providing complete teat to pipeline solutions for the Dairy sector.

Avon expects the acquisition to be significantly earnings enhancing in its 2016 financial year.

Closing statement for the year end 30 September 2015
Avon is pleased to report that the financial year has ended strongly.

This was primarily driven by the receipt and rapid fulfillment of a late order for respirators from a customer in the Middle East. This, together with strong trading in our North American law enforcement market, leads the Board to anticipate that the adjusted operating profit for the year will be significantly ahead of current market expectations.

As reported in the 2 September 2015 trading update, a number of high value Middle Eastern opportunities remain in the pipeline and we still expect to see the benefit of these orders in 2016.

Commenting, Andrew Lewis, Interim Chief Executive Officer said, "We have world leading respiratory protection products and, while predicting the timing of orders is often difficult, the ability to meet this customer's requirement demonstrates our operational flexibility and the dedication of the team to exceed our customers' expectations."

Preliminary results for the year ended 30 September 2015 will be announced on 18 November 2015.

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber continues to be strongly cash generative despite dairy market conditions remaining soft in the first quarter.

In Protection & Defence, mask systems production has, as planned, been focused on fulfilling deliveries to the DOD under a 10 year sole source contract for the JSGPM M50 mask.

Avon says it continues to see a number of higher margin export opportunities although, as always, the timing of order receipt remains unpredictable.

It adds: "We are currently planning for one of these to be received and fulfilled in the first half of this financial year.

"The integration of the Argus business acquired in October 2015 has progressed well, with the manufacturing operation moved from Chelmsford to our Melksham facility during the Christmas period."

The group says that as previously highlighted, general market conditions for dairy farmers, particularly in Europe, have been weak as milk prices have been low.

It says this typically cyclical market dynamic has, as expected, reduced demand for its consumable products as farmers extend the life through over using product. The capital nature of the InterPuls product makes the replacement cycle longer. The take up by farms of the innovative Cluster Exchange service remains at encouraging levels in both North America and Europe.

It adds; "We are pleased with the integration of InterPuls, acquired in August 2015, into the wider Dairy business and expect to realise the long-term strategic benefits that have been identified in due course."

The group says it continues to be strongly cash generative. Net debt at 31 December was GBP10.0m (30 September: GBP13.2m).

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber has won an order for 166,623 M50 mask systems worth USD42m under its 10 year sole source contract with the US Department of Defense. This order secures the anticipated volume of M50 mask system sales to the DOD for our 2016 financial year.

Chief executive Rob Rennie said: "The continued fielding of our M50 mask to all US service personnel pursuant to the JSGPM contract vehicle continues in line with our expectations. The M50 provides US troops with state of the art protection against CBRN threats."

Ex-divi Thurs 6th Aug (3.16p)

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber expects full-year pre-tax profits to be in line with current market forecasts.

The group's trading update for the five months ended 31 August says: "In Protection & Defence, we are pleased to announce that our unique CBRN/CO Escape Hood has received NIOSH approval and we have received an order worth $9m from a major US city police department for this new product, the majority of which will be delivered this financial year.

"Mask systems production has, as planned, been focused on fulfilling deliveries to the US Department of Defense under our 10 year sole source contract for the JSGPM M50 mask systems. We continue to see a number of higher margin export opportunities for military masks although, as always, the timing of order receipt is unpredictable; these opportunities remain live and are being progressed, albeit more slowly than previously expected, with the result that we now expect to receive and deliver these orders in our 2017 financial year."

Dairy:

It says: "General market conditions for dairy farmers have been weak for the majority of the period, as milk prices have been low. This cyclical market dynamic has, as expected, reduced demand for our consumable products as farmers overuse product to extend its life. This has been more noticeable in the InterPuls business where the nature of the product is more capital/semi-consumable than consumable.

"Milk prices in our major markets do, however, appear to have bottomed-out and have started to improve in the final quarter.

"The programme for the roll out of InterPuls products through existing Milkrite distribution in the US has commenced with the first revenues seen in the final quarter of the financial year.

"This, together with our expectation that the recent improvement in milk price will continue and positively impact demand for our products, leaves the Board confident of the ability of the Dairy business to make progress in 2017."

Chief executive Rob Rennie said: "The 2016 result demonstrates the robustness of our business and we exit the year as a stronger business looking forward to the many opportunities available to us in 2017."

Full year results for the year ended 30 September will be announced on 16 November.

Excellent set of interim results this morning.

An unexpected 30% hike in the interim divi too.

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber has won contract to supply approximately 37,000 of its FM50 respirators together with a range of related spares and accessories to an unnamed customer.

Avon said it expected to fulfil the order during the first half of its 2018 financial year.

Chief executive Paul McDonald said "I am pleased to announce this contract award, which reflects our further expansion into foreign military markets.

"This will strengthen our year end order book and gives us continued confidence heading into our 2018 financial year."

anyone in the know re avon drop today?

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber has received confirmation from the US Department of Defense of the group's participation under the joint enterprise - research, development, acquisition and production/procurement contract vehicle.

The JE-RDAP is an $8.2bn, 10-year multiple award framework contract which establishes a group of qualified contractors to compete for orders in relation to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear and enhanced conventional weapons defence systems, equipment and material.

Avon said the JE-RDAP framework was important to the group as it was the procurement structure under which two CBRNe programmes, the M53A1 respirator and the M69 aircrew mask system would be purchased.

It added: 'These programmes are potentially significant to the group in the medium term and, having secured participation under JE-RDAP, initial task orders are expected to be received during the course of 2018.'

Jefferies International today initiates coverage of Avon Rubber PLC (LON:AVON) with a buy investment rating and price target of 1230p.

Avon calling!! (Had a S/L on at 900-glad it did not go that low)

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber has received an order for 53,000 M50 mask systems worth $14.3m from the US Department of Defense.

The company said this order together with the closing order book of 49,000 mask systems as at 30 Sep, secures the anticipated sales of M50 mask systems to the DoD for its 2018 financial year.

Berenberg today initiates coverage of Avon Rubber PLC (LON:AVON) with a buy investment rating and price target of 1715p.

US Department of Defense M50 Mask Systems Order
Avon Rubber p.l.c. is pleased to announce the receipt of an order for 93,000 M50 mask systems worth $25.0 million from the US Department of Defense ("DoD").

This order further contributes towards building the order book for our 2019 financial year and we continue to pursue a number of identified opportunities with the DoD and Rest of World Military customers to build the order book further.

StockMarketWire.com
Avon Rubber hiked its dividend Wednesday after reporting a rise in annual profits even as revenue growth was limited by a stronger pound.

For the 12 months ended 30 September, profit before tax grew to £21.6m from £18.9m a year earlier and revenue increased by 4.0% to £165.5m.

The stronger pound hurt performance as the company's US businesses accounted for over 70% of the group.

The closing order book of £37.8m was 23.4% higher than at the end of 2017, while the opening order book for 2019 provided 'good visibility heading into the new financial year,' the company said.

The company increased the final dividend by 30% to 10.68p

'The revenue opportunities from new products and customers is expected to offset the impact of the anticipated reduction in M50 mask system volumes,' Avon Rubber said.