Xyratex 20-F 2004 FY Annual report (foreign)

QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

Exhibit 15.1

XYRATEX LTD

SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES

		Balance at beginning of period		Charged to costs and expenses		Acquisition		Charged to other accounts			Deductions			Balance at end of period
		(US dollars in thousands)
Year ended November 30, 2004
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	6,070		—		—	$	(1,800	)		—		$	4,270
	Warranty provision	$	1,231	$	1,561	$	508		—		$	(1,381	)	$	1,919
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	371	$	50		—		—		$	(223	)	$	198
Year ended November 30, 2003
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	17,684		—		—	$	(11,614	)		—		$	6,070
	Warranty provision	$	920	$	1,291		—		—		$	(980	)	$	1,231
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	583	$	22		—		—		$	(234	)	$	371
Year ended November 30, 2002:
	Deferred tax valuation allowance	$	11,659		—		—	$	6,025			—		$	17,684
	Warranty provision	$	560	$	920		—		—		$	(560	)	$	920
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	$	327	$	540		—		—		$	(284	)	$	583

        Note: The schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts previously filed in relation to the 2003 financial year does not appropriately reflect the amounts included in the underlying accounting records of the Company. Consequently, the deferred tax valuation allowances at November 30, 2003 and 2002 have been changed to $6,070 and $17,684 from $4,270 and $16,168, respectively, and, the amounts charged/(credited) to Other Accounts in 2003 and 2002 have been changed to ($11,614) and $6,025 from ($11,898) and $4,509, respectively, to agree to the underlying accounting records of the Company and to be consistent with the financial statement presentation.

        The information above relates to the continuing operations of the Company.

QuickLinks

XYRATEX LTD SCHEDULE II—VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS AND RESERVES