RNS Number:4095L
Findel PLC
22 May 2003
22 May 2003
FINDEL PLC
Findel p.l.c., the Yorkshire based home shopping and educational supplies
business, today announces its
Preliminary Results for the year ended 31 March 2003
FINDEL PLC
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
2003 2002 % change 2002 % change
(restated)* (reported)
Continuing Turnover #368.2m #333.1m +11% #333.1m +11%
Continuing operating
profit before goodwill
amortisation #41.2m #31.3m +32% #36.3m +14%
Profit before tax,
exceptional items and
goodwill amortisation #32.4m #23.2m +40% #28.2m +15%
Earnings per share 21.38p 14.69p +46% 19.03p +12%
Final dividend per share 9.80p 9.25p +5.9% 9.25p +5.9%
Total dividend
per share 12.6p 11.9p +5.9% 11.9p +5.9%
* The group has adopted a new accounting policy with regards to catalogue and
recruitment expenditure. Under the new policy, costs previously deferred are now
written off as incurred. The comparative figures for the year to 31 March 2002
have been restated accordingly.
Keith Chapman, Chairman, said
"I am pleased to report that Findel has enjoyed another record year.
Home Shopping sales have continued their strong growth. Sales increased again
this year from #136.9m to #171.4m, a 25% increase. This means that, over the
last 3 years, sales in the division have more than doubled. In the year,
operating profit improved by 37% to #25.0m. This is particularly pleasing when
viewed against market conditions, where home shopping has had a difficult
period.
Our Educational Supplies division has suffered as a result of the funding
difficulties experienced by schools. Nevertheless, the foundations laid over the
last 18 months mean that, not only are we well placed to benefit from a return
of confidence, but have the capability to develop the division even in difficult
market conditions. Sales for the year were marginally ahead of last year at
#114.4m (2002: #110.9m), but on a like for like basis sales were 2% lower.
Operating profit was marginally ahead at #14.7m
Home Shopping sales in the first seven weeks of the new financial year show over
25% growth over the comparable period last year. Our Educational Supplies
division, where the timing of school Easter holidays has impacted this year more
than last, is showing a 12% decrease in sales when compared against a
particularly strong seven week period last year. Although sales in Findel
Services for the first seven weeks are #700,000 (30%) less than the comparable
period last year this is entirely due to our decision to withdraw from certain
contracts. Contribution to date is in line with expectations."
Contacts:
Keith Chapman, Chairman, Findel p.l.c. 01943 864686
Tony Johnson, Group Chief Executive, Findel p.l.c 01943 864686
Richard Fallowfield, CardewChancery 020 7930 0777
Jonathan Smith, CardewChancery 020 7930 0777
FINDEL PLC
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
I am pleased to report that your company has enjoyed another record year. Sales
from continuing operations were 11% higher at #368.2m (2002: #333.1m) whilst
operating profit for continuing operations grew by 32% to #39.1m (2002: restated
#29.6m). Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and non operating exceptionals
rose by 40% to #32.4m (2002: restated #23.2m). Earnings per share, before
exceptionals, improved by 40% from 18.06p to 25.30p. After exceptionals earnings
per share rose from 14.69p to 21.38p, an increase of over 45%
Notwithstanding the excellent progress the group has made in the last year,
there have been two major changes which have held back these results. First,
with the withdrawal of Parcelforce from a large part of the carrier market,
market prices for carriage over the last two years have risen steeply. In 2002/
03, on a like for like basis, the group's carriage costs increased by #4.1m
(26%). Second, insurance costs have increased dramatically, with this year's
charge having increased by #1.3m (106%) These costs have been only partially
offset by increased charges to our customers.
In February 2003 we announced that the board had decided to adopt a new
accounting policy concerning catalogue costs and customer recruitment
expenditure whereby all costs would be written off as incurred. As indicated at
the time, this change did not have a material effect on operating profit for
2002/3, although in restating the numbers for the prior year operating profit
for 2001/02 is reduced by #5.0m to #30.0m and net assets at 31 March 2002 by
#22.9m to #84.2m.
The interest charge remained similar to last year at #8.8m (2002: #8.5m) and
interest cover was 4.7 times (2002: restated 3.7 times)
Dividends
The directors are recommending a final dividend of 9.8p (2002: 9.25p) per share,
to be paid on 7 July to shareholders on the register at 6 June. This would make
the total dividend for the year 12.6p (2002: 11.9p), an increase of 5.9%.
Home Shopping
Home Shopping sales have continued their strong growth. Sales increased again
this year from #136.9m to #171.4m, a 25% increase. This means that, over the
last 3 years, sales in the division have more than doubled. In the year,
operating profit improved by 37% to #25.0m (2002: restated #18.3m). Spring
activity has been strong, with sales in the 12 weeks to 31 March 2003 growing by
32% to #40m, continuing the group's strategy of reducing the seasonality of
sales in this division. The expanded product range, together with the
availability of credit, have been the principal reasons for our growth, which is
particularly pleasing when viewed against market conditions. Successful high
street retailers continue to price aggressively, and overall the home shopping
market has had a difficult period.
We have targeted our product offering to appeal to a customer base aged 25 to 45
and predominantly female with children, our brands offer unique and exclusive
product at a discount, and we remain focussed on value. We continue to extend
our ranges to increase order frequency and average order value.
Our active customer base grew by just under 10% last year to over 1.4 million.
Average order value also rose by 10% to #37.31. It is our intention to recruit a
similar number of new customers in the current year, which would take us to
comfortably over 1.5 million customers.
We concentrate more than ever before on customer care, outsourcing much of
telephone ordering and thereby enabling us to focus on customer enquiries and
marketing. We are investing over #2m in the current year on software and support
equipment to improve the service we give to our customers. We are also investing
in the expansion and development of our e-commerce site where we saw a 40% year
on year increase in sales; this channel now accounts for 7% of all product
sales.
The new discounted offer on branded clothing and footwear, which we tested in
Spring 2003, has been very successful. A second catalogue has been released with
two further ones planned to be launched before Christmas.
Our financial services offering continues to perform well, with income growth of
61% in the year. Bad debt costs remain firmly under control at 5% of sales.
Early trading in the current financial year is encouraging, with sales in the
first 6 weeks over 25% ahead of last year.
Educational Supplies
Sales for the year were marginally ahead of last year at #114.4m (2002:
#110.9m), but on a like for like basis sales were 2% lower. Operating profit was
marginally ahead at #14.7m (2002: restated #14.5m).
A year ago, we were operating in a buoyant market. Increased funding for
education had been announced and we had every reason to believe that the growth
we had enjoyed over the previous decade would continue. In the event, for
reasons that have been well documented, schools were left short of funds after
paying for additional teachers' salary costs, and this obviously impacted on our
own sales. I do not believe this situation will improve until schools have
confidence that adequate funding is available, and we have planned accordingly.
The integration of Novara is now complete. As planned, during the year we moved
the NES Arnold brand to Hyde, which will result in operational cost savings and
improved purchasing. We have withdrawn from all major manufacturing activities
and therefore losses from these activities have been eliminated. The three
departments handling export and international projects have been streamlined
into one unit thereby reducing costs. We have invested in in-house catalogue
production which will be more cost effective and provide greater flexibility.
We are sourcing an increasing percentage of the division's product overseas,
with much coming from India and the Far East. The cost savings achieved through
this allow us to have a very competitive pricing structure. The benefits from
these actions will start to be felt in the current year.
Philip Harris, our science brand, is working closely with government agencies to
make science more relevant and accessible to the young. Philip Harris is also
investing in new datalogging hardware and software. This equipment allows
students to monitor experiments using electronic measurement devices. The
product will be available towards the end of 2003 with an official launch in
January 2004.
We continue to work with local authorities in the development of e-procurement
and to assist them to meet the government's target of being fully operational
before 2005.
The team we established to control our PFI initiative achieved sales of over
#2.5m within the year. We expect that figure to grow substantially in the
current year.
Direct Care, which is our integrated community equipment loan service provider,
with sales last year of #6.5m, will expand over the next few years. The Surrey
contract we signed in January, which commenced on 1 April 2003, will contribute
approximately #3m additional sales annually. Our Direct Care team are currently
working on several other such tenders.
Whilst divisional sales in the first seven weeks of the new financial year are
in line with expectations, they are 12% less than the comparable period last
year. It should be noted that the timing of the schools' Easter holidays
impacted this year more than last. Additionally, we are comparing against a very
strong sales performance, where sales were 26% ahead of prior year. It was not
until Summer that funding concerns led to sales weakening.
Findel Services
In December 2002 I advised you that we had taken steps to reduce our cost base
and eliminate a number of unprofitable contracts. This action has resulted in
sales in the division reducing by 3% from #85.2m to #82.5m whilst operating
profit was #1.6m as against a restated operating loss of #1.5m.
Although sales in the first seven weeks are #700,000 (30%) less than the
comparable period last year, the percentage is misleading due to low activity at
this time of year. I anticipate a further small reduction in the course of the
current year. This is entirely due to loss of sales contribution from activities
that we have chosen to withdraw from. We have planned for profitability to be
maintained and, consequently, contribution to date is in line with expectations.
During the year the legal status of our Indian office was changed to enable it
to trade with third party customers. This, together with the increased
proportion of sourcing that India is handling for the group (and particularly
the education division) increases the importance of this operation to the
division.
Our procurement business in Hong Kong had a successful year and now over half
the activity of this business is generated from third party customers.
Following the renegotiation of third party distribution contracts, which was
completed last Autumn, the contracts we retained operated smoothly, and in line
with expectations, through the busy Christmas season
Home Farm, our joint venture hamper business grew its sales by 7% to #38.4m.
This is a mature business but is still attractive to the division for its cash
flow and the profit it generates
Half Year Results
In accordance with our new accounting policy, catalogue and customer recruitment
costs will be written off as incurred in the first half of the current year. The
timing of marketing and recruitment expenditure is such that there will be a
material impact on profitability within that period. The comparative figures for
the half year to 30 September 2002 will be restated in accordance with the new
accounting policy, and this will result in operating profit for that period
being restated as #2.0m compared to the #5.8m previously reported.
Prospects
I am confident that the work we have undertaken in all divisions over recent
years will continue to pay dividends. Indeed, the sustained growth in our Home
Shopping customer base, together with increasing average order value and
accelerating financial services growth, give real grounds for optimism; with
over 25% sales growth seen in the first seven weeks of the current year. A
widening product range, increased mailing frequency, together with the
availability of credit will, I believe, continue to drive sales growth.
Our Educational Supplies division has suffered as a result of the funding
difficulties experienced by schools. Nevertheless, the foundations laid over the
last 18 months mean that, not only are we well placed to benefit from a return
of confidence, but have the capability to develop the division even in difficult
market conditions.
Findel Services has started the year in line with expectations.
The board is confident that the group will make further progress in the coming
year.
K. Chapman 22 May 2003
Chairman
Findel P.L.C.
Group Financial Statements
Consolidated Profit and Loss Accounts
Year ended 31 March 2003 Note 2003 2002 2002
(as originally
reported)
(unaudited) (restated)
#000 #000 #000
Turnover
Continuing operations 368,236 333,095 333,095
Discontinued operations - 7,356 7,356
--------- --------- ----------
3 368,236 340,451 340,451
========= ========= ==========
Operating Profit
Continuing operations 41,238 31,310 36,288
Amortisation of goodwill (2,183) (1,750) (1,750)
--------- --------- ----------
3 39,055 29,560 34,538
Discontinued operations - 403 403
Total operating profit 3 39,055 29,963 34,941
Exceptional Items
Net loss on disposal and termination
of discontinued businesses - (1,200) (1,200)
Reorganisation costs (4,304) (5,488) (5,488)
Interest (8,816) (8,504) (8,504)
--------- --------- ----------
Profit on ordinary
activities before taxation 25,935 14,771 19,749
Taxation (7,365) (1,922) (3,416)
--------- --------- ----------
Profit after taxation 18,570 12,849 16,333
Equity minority interests (713) (781) (700)
--------- --------- ----------
Profit for the financial year 17,857 12,068 15,633
Dividends Interim 2.80p (2.65p) per share (2,343) (2,214) (2,214)
Final 9.80p (9.25p) per share (8,056) (7,730) (7,730)
--------- --------- ----------
Retained profit for the year 7,458 2,124 5,689
========= ========= ==========
Earnings per share
Basic 4 21.38p 14.69p 19.03p
========= ========= ==========
Excluding exceptional items 4 25.30p 18.06p 22.40p
========= ========= ==========
Diluted 21.28p 14.59p 18.90p
========= ========= ==========
Findel P.L.C.
Group Financial Statements
Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at 31 March 2003
2003 2002 2002
(unaudited) (restated) (as originally
reported)
#000 #000 #000
Fixed assets
Intangible assets 40,426 40,648 39,789
Tangible assets 51,708 51,111 51,111
Investments 18,150 14,200 14,200
--------- -------- ----------
110,284 105,959 105,100
--------- -------- ----------
Current assets
Stocks 69,761 69,590 69,590
--------- -------- ----------
Debtors - Trade debtors subject to
non-recourse finance 100,951 83,572 83,572
- Non-recourse finance (58,534) (47,389) (47,389)
--------- -------- ----------
42,417 36,183 36,183
- Debtors not subject to
non-recourse finance 49,830 48,740 77,736
Cash at bank and in hand 9,712 3,576 3,576
--------- -------- ----------
171,720 158,089 187,085
--------- -------- ----------
Creditors: amounts falling due
within one year
Bank and other borrowings (3,439) (3,700) (3,700)
Other creditors (71,689) (75,008) (75,008)
--------- -------- ----------
Net current assets 96,592 79,381 108,377
--------- -------- ----------
Net assets less current liabilities 206,876 185,340 213,477
========= ======== ==========
Creditors: amounts falling due after
one year (112,197) (101,167) (101,167)
Provisions for liabilities and charges (2,364) - (5,219)
--------- -------- ----------
Net assets 92,315 84,173 107,091
========= ======== ==========
Capital and reserves
Called up share capital 4,185 4,178 4,178
Capital redemption reserve 403 403 403
Share premium account 21,257 21,057 21,057
Merger reserve 29,518 29,518 29,518
Profit and loss reserve 36,871 29,332 51,854
--------- -------- ----------
Equity shareholder's funds 92,234 84,488 107,010
Equity minority interests 81 (315) 81
--------- -------- ----------
92,315 84,173 107,091
========= ======== ==========
----------
Other group financial statements
Year ended 31 March 2003
Statement of total recognised gains and losses
2003 2002
(unaudited) (restated)
#000 #000
Profit for the financial year 17,857 12,068
Currency translation differences 81 (76)
----------- -----------
Total recognised gains and losses for the year 17,938 11,992
-----------
Prior year adjustment (note 2) (22,522)
-----------
Total gains and losses recognised since last annual
report (4,584)
===========
Reconciliation of movements in equity shareholder's funds
2003 2002
(unaudited) (restated)
#000 #000
Profit for the financial year 17,857 12,068
Dividends (10,399) (9,944)
New shares issued 207 30,291
----------- -----------
7,665 32,415
----------- -----------
Other recognised gains and losses relating to the year 81 (76)
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Net increase in equity shareholders funds 7,746 32,339
----------- -----------
Equity shareholders funds at 1 April as previously
stated 84,488 71,106
Prior year adjustment (note 2) (18,957)
----------- -----------
Equity shareholders funds at 1 April as restated 84,488 52,149
----------- -----------
----------- -----------
Equity shareholders funds at 31 March 92,234 84,488
=========== ===========
Group Financial Statements
Consolidated Cash Flow Statements
Year ended 31 March 2003
2003 2002 2002
(as originally
reported)
(unaudited) (restated)
#000 #000 #000
Operating profit 39,055 29,963 34,941
Depreciation and amortisation 8,332 7,389 7,389
Loss on disposal of fixed assets 135 661 661
Movements in working capital (14,942) (32,803) (37,781)
Reorganisation costs incurred (3,401) (3,149) (3,149)
--------- --------- -----------
Net cash flow 29,179 2,061 2,061
-------- --------- -----------
Returns on investments and servicing
of finance
Interest received 163 179 179
Interest paid (9,289) (8,785) (8,785)
Interest element of finance leases (44) (77) (77)
Dividends paid to minorities (700) (848) (848)
-------- --------- -----------
Net cash outflow (9,870) (9,531) (9,531)
-------- --------- -----------
Taxation: Corporation tax paid (241) (2,371) (2,371)
-------- --------- -----------
Capital expenditure and financial
investment
Purchase of tangible fixed assets (7,437) (8,214) (8,214)
Sale of tangible fixed assets 2,836 4,765 4,765
Purchase of investments (3,950) (1,326) (1,326)
-------- --------- -----------
Net cash outflow (8,551) (4,775) (4,775)
-------- --------- -----------
Acquisitions and Disposals
Purchase of subsidiary undertaking - (8,406) (8,406)
Net (costs)/proceeds in businesses
and assets held for resale (3,200) 6,147 6,147
Net overdrafts acquired with
subsidiary undertaking - (18,886) (18,886)
Net proceeds from sale of businesses - 11,874 11,874
-------- --------- -----------
Net cash outflow (3,200) (9,271) (9,271)
-------- --------- -----------
Dividends: Equity dividends paid (10,073) (8,533) (8,533)
-------- --------- -----------
Net cash outflow before financing (2,756) (32,420) (32,420)
Financing
Issue of ordinary share capital 207 232 232
Increase in borrowings 10,000 40,000 40,000
Capital element of finance lease payments (781) (1,202) (1,202)
-------- --------- -----------
Net cash inflow 9,426 39,030 39,030
-------- --------- -----------
Increase in cash 6,670 6,610 6,610
======== ========= ===========
Findel P.L.C.
Notes to the Group Financial Statements
1. Basis of preparation of consolidated financial statements
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared under the accounting
policies set out in the group's accounts for the year ended 31 March 2002, with
the exception that the policy in respect of catalogue costs and recruitment
expenditure has been changed as described in note 2 below.
2. Restatement of comparatives
The group has adopted a new accounting policy with regards to catalogue and
recruitment expenditure. Under the new policy, costs previously deferred are now
written off as incurred. The effect of this change is to decrease net assets by
#22.9m at 31 March 2002. The comparative figures for the year to 31 March 2002
have been restated accordingly.
3. Segmental analysis
2003 2002 2002
(as originally
reported)
(unaudited) (restated)
#000 #000 #000
Turnover
Home Shopping 171,364 136,945 136,945
Educational Supplies 114,410 110,941 110,941
Services 82,462 85,209 85,209
----------- ---------- -----------
368,236 333,095 333,095
Discontinued Activities - 7,356 7,356
=========== ========== ===========
368,236 340,451 340,451
=========== ========== ===========
Operating profit/(loss)
Home Shopping 24,992 18,286 20,912
Educational Supplies 14,671 14,509 15,107
Services 1,575 (1,485) 269
Goodwill amortisation (2,183) (1,750) (1,750)
----------- ---------- ===========
39,055 29,560 34,538
Discontinued Activities - 403 403
----------- ---------- -----------
39,055 29,963 34,941
=========== ========== ===========
4. Earnings per share
Basic earnings 17,857 12,068 15,633
Exceptional items 4,304 6,688 6,688
Tax attributable to exceptional items (1,036) (3,914) (3,914)
----------- ---------- -----------
Earnings excluding exceptional items 21,125 14,842 18,407
=========== ========== ===========
Weighted average number of shares 83,508,615 82,172,765 82,172,765
=========== ========== ===========
Earnings per share - basic 21.38p 14.69p 19.03p
=========== ========== ===========
Earnings per share - excluding
exceptional items 25.30p 18.06p 22.40p
=========== ========== ===========
5. Auditor's involvement
The financial information set out in the announcement does not constitute the
company's statutory accounts for the years ended 31 March 2003 or 2002. The
financial information for the year ended 31 March 2002 is derived from the
statutory accounts for that year which have been delivered to the Registrar of
Companies. The auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified
and did not contain a statement under s237(2) or (3) Companies Act 1985. The
statutory accounts for the year ended 31 March 2003 will be finalised on the
basis of the financial information presented by the directors in this
preliminary announcement and will be delivered to the Registrar of Companies
following the company's annual general meeting.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
FR SEFFWFSDSELI