Johnson Matthey Plc (JMAT.L) Bundle
A Brief History of Johnson Matthey Plc
Founded in 1817 by goldsmith Donald Matthey, Johnson Matthey Plc has evolved significantly from its humble beginnings in precious metals trading to a major player in sustainable technologies. Over the years, the company has branched out into various sectors, including catalysis, precious metals, and fine chemicals.
In 1965, Johnson Matthey acquired the business of John R. Smith & Sons, which helped expand its reach in the precious metals market. By the 1980s, the company had developed a strong reputation in the automotive catalytic converter market, establishing itself as a vital supplier to manufacturers worldwide.
The late 1990s saw Johnson Matthey transition towards environmental technologies, which was a strategic move aligning with global trends towards sustainable practices. During this period, the company began focusing on emission control technologies, contributing to a significant rise in revenue.
In 2006, Johnson Matthey acquired the Haldor Topsøe business, enhancing its product offerings in the catalytic technologies segment. This acquisition was instrumental in consolidating its position as a leader in the market.
Financial performance has shown steady progress over the years. In the fiscal year 2022, Johnson Matthey reported revenues of approximately £4.9 billion, a slight increase from £4.6 billion in 2021. The company’s adjusted operating profit for 2022 was around £884 million, compared to £836 million the previous year.
Below is a table summarizing key financial metrics over the past five fiscal years:
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (£ Billion) | Adjusted Operating Profit (£ Million) | Earnings per Share (EPS) (£) | Dividend per Share (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 4.9 | 884 | 2.78 | 1.60 |
| 2021 | 4.6 | 836 | 2.68 | 1.55 |
| 2020 | 4.4 | 756 | 2.26 | 1.50 |
| 2019 | 4.5 | 805 | 2.57 | 1.45 |
| 2018 | 4.1 | 733 | 2.37 | 1.40 |
In 2021, Johnson Matthey launched its new “Sustainable Solutions” strategy, which aims to transform the company’s operations towards sustainability. This initiative is expected to generate an additional £1 billion in revenue by 2025.
In recent years, the company has also made substantial investments in battery technologies and hydrogen solutions, responding to market demand for cleaner energy sources. As of October 2023, Johnson Matthey announced plans to expand its manufacturing capabilities for these technologies in order to meet the growing demand in the automotive and energy sectors.
The company’s stock has shown resilience in the face of market fluctuations. As of September 2023, Johnson Matthey’s share price was around £23.50, reflecting a 15% increase year-to-date. The company's market capitalization stood at approximately £4.5 billion.
Johnson Matthey’s commitment to sustainability and innovation positions it well in the evolving market landscape, particularly as global trends shift towards environmentally friendly technologies. The company continues to leverage its historical expertise in precious metals while navigating new opportunities in the green economy.
A Who Owns Johnson Matthey Plc
Johnson Matthey Plc is a leading specialty chemicals company based in the UK, primarily recognized for its expertise in sustainable technologies and precious metal products. Understanding its ownership structure entails examining the distribution of shares among institutional investors, retail investors, and corporate stakeholders.
| Ownership Type | Percentage of Holdings | Number of Shares Owned | Major Stakeholders |
|---|---|---|---|
| Institutional Investors | 82.4% | 201 million | BlackRock, Vanguard Group, Invesco |
| Retail Investors | 9.5% | 22 million | Individual Shareholders |
| Employee Ownership | 2.1% | 5 million | ESOP programs |
| Other Entities | 6.0% | 14 million | Private equity firms |
As of the latest reports, Johnson Matthey's market capitalization stands at approximately £4.5 billion. The company has seen a steady increase in institutional ownership over recent years, reflecting growing confidence from large investors in its transition to sustainable technologies.
The top three institutional shareholders are significant players in the market. BlackRock holds approximately 12.5% of the shares, while Vanguard Group and Invesco own about 10.3% and 8.1%, respectively. This institutional dominance is indicative of a trend where larger funds recognize the long-term value in companies focused on sustainability and innovation.
Johnson Matthey has also been a strong performer in terms of dividends. The company reported a total dividend payout of £114 million in the last fiscal year, reflecting a dividend yield of approximately 2.5% based on the current share price. This consistent dividend policy appeals to both institutional and retail investors alike, emphasizing its stability in a fluctuating market.
The company is also focusing on its green technology segments, which accounted for 40% of its total revenue in the last reported year, up from 35% the year before. This pivot aligns with investor interests in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors, further solidifying institutional support.
Overall, Johnson Matthey’s ownership is characterized by strong institutional backing, a modest but significant retail investor base, and a commitment to employee shares, reflecting a diverse and stable ownership structure that is well-positioned for future growth.
Johnson Matthey Plc Mission Statement
Johnson Matthey Plc aims to create a sustainable future by advancing clean air, enabling a low-carbon economy, and promoting efficient use of resources. The company positions itself as a leader in sustainable technologies and emphasizes its commitment to innovation and collaboration to drive progress in the environmental sector.
- Core Values: Integrity, Innovation, Sustainability
- Strategic Focus: Catalysis, Battery Materials, and Precious Metal Products
According to the company’s 2023 Annual Report, Johnson Matthey aims to reduce emissions from its operations by 30% by 2025, aligning with global sustainability targets.
| Year | Revenue (£ million) | Net Income (£ million) | EPS (£) | Dividend (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 3,400 | 431 | 1.53 | 0.70 |
| 2022 | 3,600 | 389 | 1.40 | 0.65 |
| 2021 | 3,200 | 340 | 1.20 | 0.60 |
In the fiscal year 2023, the growth in revenue was primarily driven by a 15% increase in demand for catalysts and a notable uptick in the battery materials segment, which has seen heightened interest from electric vehicle manufacturers. The company reported a gross margin of 32%, indicative of its strong operational efficiency amidst fluctuating raw material costs.
Johnson Matthey is also focusing on research and development, allocating approximately 6.5% of its revenue to R&D, underlining its commitment to innovation in sustainable technologies. This investment is critical as the company plans to expand its product offerings in areas such as hydrogen fuel cells and electric vehicle batteries.
The mission statement's focus on sustainability is reflected in Johnson Matthey's commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and Goal 13 (Climate Action). In 2023, the company reported a reduction of 25% in water usage and an increase in recycled materials input to 40%, showcasing its dedication to environmental stewardship.
To further support its mission, Johnson Matthey has embarked on strategic partnerships with leaders in the automotive and energy sectors to accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable economy. These collaborations aim to enhance technological advancements and facilitate the adoption of low-carbon solutions globally.
How Johnson Matthey Plc Works
Johnson Matthey Plc operates primarily as a global leader in sustainable technologies, focusing on catalysis, precious metals, and specialty chemicals. The company, headquartered in London, UK, is structured into several key business units, including Catalysis, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Technologies.
In the fiscal year 2023, Johnson Matthey reported a revenue of £4.56 billion, a decline from £5.04 billion in the previous fiscal year. The decrease was largely attributed to fluctuating demand in the automotive sector and falling precious metal prices. The operating profit for the same period was £571 million, down from £667 million in 2022, reflecting a margin of approximately 12.5%.
| Fiscal Year | Revenue (£ billion) | Operating Profit (£ million) | Net Income (£ million) | Dividend per Share (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 4.56 | 571 | 440 | 0.90 |
| 2022 | 5.04 | 667 | 520 | 1.10 |
| 2021 | 4.50 | 538 | 415 | 0.80 |
The Catalysis segment, which focuses on both automotive and industrial applications, represents around **44%** of total revenue. Notably, the demand for vehicle emissions control catalysts has been impacted by the automotive industry's transition towards electric vehicles (EVs). In 2023, the automotive market faced challenges with a projected decline in new vehicle registrations by **5%** in key regions. Despite these challenges, Johnson Matthey aims to pivot towards EV components and battery technologies.
In the Battery Materials segment, Johnson Matthey has invested significantly in developing advanced battery materials for electric vehicles. The company announced plans to invest **£200 million** in a new plant in the UK, aiming to produce **30 GWh** of battery materials by 2025. This is part of a broader strategy to increase their market share in the EV sector, which is expected to grow rapidly, with global EV sales forecasted to reach **25 million units** by 2030.
The Sustainable Technologies division offers solutions for reducing carbon emissions and improving resource efficiency. One significant initiative is the collaboration with several leading automakers to develop hydrogen fuel cells, which presents a promising alternative energy solution. Johnson Matthey's hydrogen technology has the potential to reduce emissions by **30%** compared to traditional fuels.
In terms of market performance, Johnson Matthey's shares were trading at approximately **£18.50** per share as of October 2023, reflecting a year-to-date decline of **12%**. The company's market capitalization stood at around **£3.5 billion**, significantly below its **£5 billion** valuation two years prior. Challenges in the precious metals markets, where prices have seen a downward trend, have impacted the overall financial performance.
Another key aspect of Johnson Matthey's operations is its commitment to sustainability. The company aims to achieve **net zero** emissions by 2040, with interim targets set for reducing scope 1 and 2 emissions by **30%** by 2030. Their sustainability agenda includes significant investments in innovative technologies and processes that can contribute to a circular economy.
The company’s R&D expenditure reached **£150 million** in 2023, underscoring Johnson Matthey's commitment to innovation, particularly in areas such as catalytic converters and battery recycling technologies. This initiative positions the company well as global demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions continues to rise.
Overall, Johnson Matthey Plc continues to evolve in a rapidly changing market landscape, focusing on sustainable and innovative technologies while grappling with the challenges posed by shifts in consumer demand, especially in the automotive sector.
How Johnson Matthey Plc Makes Money
Johnson Matthey Plc operates primarily in sectors related to sustainable technologies and materials. The company generates revenue through various segments, including Catalysts, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Technologies.
Catalysts Segment
The Catalysts segment is a significant contributor to Johnson Matthey's revenue, primarily focusing on emissions control technologies for automotive and industrial applications. In the fiscal year 2022, this segment reported revenue of £1.75 billion, reflecting a 15% increase compared to the previous year. The demand for catalytic converters has surged due to stricter emissions regulations worldwide.
Battery Materials
Johnson Matthey has made inroads into the battery materials market, particularly for electric vehicles (EVs). In the fiscal year 2022, revenue from Battery Materials was approximately £650 million, driven by increased demand for lithium-ion battery components. The company has committed to investing over £400 million in expanding its battery materials production capacity by 2025.
Sustainable Technologies
Johnson Matthey's Sustainable Technologies segment focuses on hydrogen production and carbon capture technologies. Revenue from this segment in 2022 reached £300 million. The global push towards green hydrogen is expected to boost this segment significantly, with predictions of a market growth rate of around 10% annually over the next five years.
Key Financials
| Fiscal Year | Catalysts Revenue (£ Billion) | Battery Materials Revenue (£ Million) | Sustainable Technologies Revenue (£ Million) | Total Revenue (£ Billion) | Net Profit Margin (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 1.75 | 650 | 300 | 2.70 | 5.5% |
| 2021 | 1.53 | 550 | 250 | 2.45 | 4.8% |
| 2020 | 1.60 | 500 | 200 | 2.30 | 5.0% |
Market Position
As of October 2023, Johnson Matthey holds approximately 15% of the global market share in emission control catalysts. This strong market position is supported by its extensive research and development investment, which amounted to about £150 million in 2022, equating to nearly 6% of total revenue.
Future Outlook
The company's focus on sustainable technologies is reflected in its strategic goals, with plans to derive 50% of its revenue from sustainable solutions by 2030. This shift aligns with global trends towards decarbonization and sustainable industrial practices.
Competitive Landscape
Johnson Matthey faces competition from companies like BASF, Umicore, and Albemarle. However, its commitment to R&D and innovation in sustainable solutions positions it favorably in the evolving market landscape.
The company has also partnered with leading automotive manufacturers to develop next-generation catalysts and battery technologies, aiming to enhance performance while reducing environmental impact.
Conclusion
The diversified revenue streams from Catalysts, Battery Materials, and Sustainable Technologies, coupled with a strong commitment to innovation, underscore how Johnson Matthey Plc continues to generate earnings in the rapidly changing industrial landscape.

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