AGM Statement

FIH group plc, the AIM quoted international specialist services group with businesses in the Falkland Islands and UK, is holding its Annual General Meeting ("AGM") today.

At the meeting, the Chairman, Nick Henry, will make the following statement:

"On behalf of the board, I am delighted to welcome shareholders to the FIH Group AGM.

Performance for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

It was a challenging year for the Group, particularly in the Falkland Islands Company ("FIC"). The market remained difficult for Momart, but this continued to be addressed by focussing on client relationships, process efficiency and cost management. Passenger numbers at Portsmouth Harbour Ferry were slightly reduced but this was mitigated by a combination of fare pricing, cost management and the maximisation of secondary revenues.

Although an underlying loss before tax and non-trading items of £6.2m was reported for the year, the second half showed signs of operational improvement across most sectors of our businesses.

Following the payment of an interim dividend of 1.25 pence per share in January 2025, a final dividend of 5.5 pence per share is proposed. This would result in a total regular dividend for the year ended 31 March 2025 of 6.75 pence per share, in line with the previous year.

In addition, following the £22.65 million sale and leaseback of Momart's warehousing facility in Leyton, the Directors are also proposing a special dividend of 70 pence per share, to be paid together with the final dividend.

Taking the interim dividend, the proposed final dividend and the proposed special dividend together, the total dividend would be 76.75 pence per share (2024: 16.75 pence per share, including a special dividend of 10 pence per share).

Post Year End Performance

Trading in FIC continues to be challenging, with the biggest impact arising in the construction division as a result of a lack of tender opportunities and ongoing delays related to the contract to build 70 Houses for the Falkland Islands Government and the Ministry of Defence. The main issue has been the lack of power to the Mount Pleasant Complex site, which is the responsibility of the client. Encouragingly, power was provided on site in September, which should facilitate improved progress in the coming Austral summer. Claims negotiations on this contract are progressing well with the client. A new managing director and finance director of FIC were appointed post year end and have been tasked with delivering a programme of improvement across all areas of the business.

At Momart, ongoing issues in the art market due to global economic uncertainty have resulted in significantly lower trading activity than in the prior year, for both Museum Exhibitions and Gallery Services. However, Storage income has remained consistent. In mitigation, the business continues to focus on client relationships, process efficiency and the cost base, with a number of savings already having been identified and delivered.

Whilst passenger numbers are marginally below prior year at Portsmouth Harbour Ferry Company, this is being offset by the April 2025 fare rises and additional secondary revenue, as well by maintaining a tight control on costs.

Outlook

Whilst there are challenges ahead, particularly in FIC and Momart, management teams are now in place in all businesses, action plans are underway and progress is being made."