Interim Statement


09/11/2004

Electrocomponents plc, the major international high service distributor of electronic, electrical, industrial and commercial supplies, today announces its results for the half year ended 30 September 2004.

The summary results, against the first half of last year, were:

Sales£379.5m Up5.8%*
Before amortisation of goodwill
Operating profit£51.6mUp12.2%
Profit before tax£51.5m Up13.7%
Earnings per share8.4pUp13.5%
After amortisation of goodwill
Operating profit£46.8m Up15.3%
Profit before tax£46.7mUp17.0%
Earnings per share7.3pUp17.7%
Dividend per share5.8pUp3.6%
Net debt£61.1m Better by£8.2m
* Adjusted for trading days and exchange rates.

Bob Lawson, Chairman, commented:

After the strong second half of last year, I am pleased to report further improvement in the Group's performance.

Management’s priorities remain to drive sales growth and to manage successfully the major changes in systems that will occur during the coming year. The Purchasing Managers Indices have weakened in recent months and we remain cautious on the trading backdrop in our major markets.

The half year performance demonstrates the sales and profit potential of the Group and our continued investment underlines our confidence in our long term prospects.

Bob Lawson
9 November 2004

Enquiries:

Bob Lawson, ChairmanElectrocomponents plc0207 567 8000*
Ian Mason, Chief ExecutiveElectrocomponents plc0207 567 8000*
Jeff Hewitt, Deputy Chairman /
Finance Director		Electrocomponents plc0207 567 8000*
Diana Soltmann / Andy BerryFlagship Consulting Ltd0207 886 8440
* Available to 15:00 on 9 November, thereafter 01865 204000.

The results and analyst presentation with accompanying audiocast are published on the Corporate website at http://www.electrocomponents.com

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