TIDMHFG
RNS Number : 0804U
Hilton Food Group PLC
27 March 2019
27 March 2019
Hilton Food Group plc
Building a significantly bigger and more diversified
business
Hilton Food Group plc, the leading specialist international food
packing business, today announces its preliminary results for the
52 weeks ended 30 December 2018.
Financial highlights
2018 2017 Change
---------------------
52 weeks 52 weeks Reported Constant
to to currency
30 December 31 December
2018 2017
Volume (1) (tonnes) 344,784 303,811 13.5%
GBP1,357.3m
Revenue GBP1,649.6m (3) 21.5% 21.9%
Adjusted results (2)
Adjusted operating profit GBP48.7m GBP38.3m 27.1% 28.2%
Adjusted profit before tax GBP45.7m GBP37.4m 22.2% 23.3%
Adjusted basic earnings per
share 42.3p 37.4p 13.1% 14.3%
IFRS results
Operating profit GBP46.3m GBP35.1m 31.9%
Profit before tax GBP43.3m GBP34.2m 26.7%
Basic earnings per share 39.9p 33.2p 20.2%
Cash flows from operating activities GBP53.5m GBP46.5m 15.1%
Net (debt)/cash GBP(26.8)m GBP25.4m
Dividends paid and proposed
in respect of the year 21.4p 19.0p 12.6%
Notes
1 Volume includes 50% share of the Australian and Portuguese joint venture activities
2 Adjustments comprise acquisition intangibles amortisation of
GBP2.4m (2017: GBP0.4m) and exceptional acquisition costs GBPnil
(2017: GBP2.8m) in connection with the 2017 Seachill
acquisition
3 2017 Revenue reduced by GBP2.2m in line with the new IFRS 15 accounting standard
Strategic highlights
-- Seachill successfully integrated into the Group and trading
well with new business wins to expand further
-- Commencement of Hilton production in Australia from satellite
facility in Brisbane; new factory expected to open ahead of
schedule in Q3 2019
-- Full operational control of Australian joint venture
facilities from July 2018 with 15 year long term supply agreements
in place
-- Joint venture agreement to invest in leading Dutch vegetarian
product manufacturer Dalco completed since the year end following
competition authority clearance
-- Launch of fresh convenience foods in Central Europe
Operating highlights
-- Volume growth of 13.5% driven by a full year contribution from Seachill plus Australia
-- Turnover up 21.5% and 21.9% on a constant currency basis
-- Adjusted operating profit growth of 27.1% and 28.2% on a
constant currency basis with IFRS growth of 31.9%
-- Strong operating cash generation and significant GBP99m
investment in facilities to support future growth
Commenting on the results Executive Chairman Robert Watson OBE
said:
"In 2018, we continued to deliver on our strategic objectives to
build a significantly bigger and more diversified business.
Seachill's integration together with the new shellfish business win
has driven volume and profit growth further supported in Australia
through the start of production and transfer of operational control
in the joint venture facilities. We are adding another protein to
our offering through an agreement to invest in leading vegetarian
producer Dalco and continue to explore further opportunities in
both domestic and overseas markets."
Enquiries
Hilton Food Group Tel: +44 (0) 1480 387214
Robert Watson OBE, Executive Chairman
Philip Heffer, Chief Executive Officer
Nigel Majewski, Chief Financial Officer
Citigate Dewe Rogerson Tel: +44 (0) 207 638 9571
Angharad Couch
Ellen Wilton
This announcement contains inside information.
Chairman's introduction
Strategic progress
I am pleased to report continued progress in 2018 against our
strategic objectives and further expansion of our global
footprint.
In March we commenced production in Australia from a satellite
facility in Brisbane, Queensland. This production will transfer
across to our new facility nearby which is now expected to open in
the third quarter of 2019. In July we restructured the Australian
joint venture taking operational control of the existing plants in
Bunbury, Western Australia and Melbourne, Victoria and also signed
15 year long term supply agreements with our customer Woolworths.
In October we agreed to invest in the leading vegetarian product
manufacturer, Dalco based in Oss in the Netherlands, which
completed following competition authority clearance since the year
end. This deal includes an option for the remaining 50% of Dalco's
shares in 2024.This enables Hilton to diversify into a further
protein and significantly expand its product offering in the
fast-growing vegetarian market. Seachill was integrated
successfully during the year with further business wins
secured.
We have continued to deliver on our strategies to build a
significantly bigger and more diversified business with broad
foundations for further growth.
Group performance
We grew our volume in 2018 maintaining a trend of continuous
growth achieved in every year since Hilton's flotation in 2007.
There was strong operating profit growth of over 27% including a
full year of trading at Seachill following the 2017 acquisition and
commencement of production in Australia whilst continuing to invest
in people and infrastructure to support growth. Growth in basic
earnings per share compared to last year was over 13%.
Hilton continued to generate strong operating cash flows during
2018 although, as expected, significant capacity investment
resulted in year end net debt of GBP26.8m, compared with net cash
of GBP25.4m at the end of last year. Our continued investment in
our facilities includes new technology to increase capacity,
improve operational efficiency and offer innovative solutions to
our retailer partners.
Dividend policy
The Board considers that the Group's progressive dividend policy
maintained since flotation remains appropriate, given both the
strategic progress achieved in 2018 and Hilton's continuing strong
level of cash generation. With the proposed final dividend of 15.8p
per ordinary share, total dividends in respect of 2018 will be
21.4p per ordinary share, an increase of 12.6% compared to last
year.
Our Board and governance
The Hilton Board is responsible for the long term success of the
Group and promoting the desired culture. To achieve this, it
contains an appropriate mix of skills, depth and diversity and a
range of practical business experience, which is available to
support and guide our management teams across a wide range of
countries.
During the year Colin Smith retired as Non-Executive Chairman
having made a significant contribution to Hilton's successful
growth over the last eight years culminating in Hilton's entry into
the FTSE 250 Index in June 2018. I transitioned into the role of
Executive Chairman with Philip Heffer being promoted to CEO. Angus
Porter was appointed as a new independent Non-Executive Director. I
would like to thank my colleagues on the Board for their support,
counsel and expertise during the year.
We remain committed to achieving good governance and compliance
with the UK Corporate Governance Code including succession planning
and maintaining a talent pipeline.
Sustainability
At Hilton Food Group we recognise our responsibility, as one of
the leading global companies in food protein, to support a balanced
and collaborative approach to all aspects of sustainability. Our
total partnership approach engages our leadership teams with our
customers and suppliers to address the risks and demonstrate best
practice. Our commitments show that we take environmental and
social sustainability seriously and the progress we make through
collaboration will further strengthen our business partnerships and
facilitate sustainable growth.
Outlook and current trading
Hilton's operating performance in the early months of 2019 has
been in line with the Board's expectations. We completed the
acquisition of a UK based sous vide manufacturer and continue to
explore opportunities for further geographical expansion in both
domestic and overseas markets.
With regard to Brexit, through our predominantly local sourcing
and operating model together with mitigating actions we believe
that the Hilton business is sufficiently resilient to withstand the
Brexit uncertainties whilst minimising disruption. Further details
are in the Risk management section.
Short and medium term growth is underpinned by new facilities
due to open in Australia and New Zealand in 2019 and 2020
respectively, expanding the fish category and, developing the
vegetarian category through Dalco, fresh convenience food category
in Central Europe and ready to cook sous vide category.
Annual General Meeting
This year's AGM will be held at the Old Bridge Hotel, 1 High
Street, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 3TQ on 21 May 2019 at noon
and my colleagues and I very much look forward to seeing those of
you who are able to attend.
Robert Watson OBE
Executive Chairman
26 March 2019
Chief Executive's summary
Strategic objectives
Our strategy continues to be to support our customers' brands
and their development in local markets, whilst achieving attractive
and sustainable growth in shareholder value. This clear and
straightforward approach has generated growth over an extended
period of time and with a strong reputation, well invested modern
facilities and a robust balance sheet, the Group remains well
positioned for continued success.
Hilton seeks to build long term customer and shareholder value
by focusing on:
-- Growing volumes and extending product ranges supplied and
services provided to its existing customers;
-- Optimising the use of its assets and investing in new
technology and capacity expansion as required;
-- Maintaining a vigilant focus on food safety and integrity and
reducing unit costs, while improving product quality and service
provision; and
-- Entering new territories and markets either with new
customers or in partnership with our existing customers.
We will continue to pursue measured geographical expansion and
range extension, whilst at the same time actively developing,
enriching, deepening and expanding the scope of our existing
business partnerships, playing a full and proactive role in
supporting our customers and the successful development of their
brands. We have successfully expanded our product range into new
proteins and categories such as fish, vegetarian, sous vide, food
service and fresh convenience foods.
Business model
The Hilton business model is proven and sustainable, whilst
being relatively simple and straightforward. We operate large
scale, extensively automated and robotised food processing and
packing facilities for major international retailers on a largely
dedicated basis.
Raw materials are sourced, in conjunction with our retail
partners, from a combination of local sources and a wide
international base of proven suppliers. It is then processed,
packed and delivered to the retailers' distribution centres or
stores. Our plants are highly automated and use advanced robotics
for the storage of raw materials and finished products. Developing
robotics technology has been extended in recent years both in the
production environment and to the sorting of finished products by
retailer store order, achieving material supply chain efficiencies
for our customers.
We seek to keep ourselves at the forefront of the food packing
industry, which helps ensure our continued competitiveness. We
constantly look to drive efficiencies, always maintaining a
pipeline of clear identifiable cost reduction initiatives and an
open minded approach designed to continually challenge the status
quo. We consider our modern, very well-invested facilities to be a
key factor in keeping unit packing costs as low as possible. Over
the past fourteen years we have invested continuously across all
areas of our business, including the sourcing of raw materials, the
design of packaging materials, increased efficiency in processing
and storage solutions and updating our IT infrastructure. Group
capital expenditure over the period 2004-2018 has totalled
GBP336m.
We have facilities in six countries in Europe, each run by a
local management team enhanced by specialist central leadership,
expertise, advice and support. These businesses operate under the
terms of five to fifteen year long term supply agreements with our
retailer partners, either on a cost plus, packing rate or volume
based reward basis. These contractual arrangements, combined with
our customer dedication, serve to maximise achievable volume
throughput whilst minimising unit packing costs thereby delivering
value to our customers. In Australia and Portugal, together with
our retailer partners, facilities are operated under joint venture
companies who receive volume related management fees.
Under the long term supply agreements we have in place with our
customers, the parameters of our revenue are clearly defined. As
well as income derived from the supply of retail packed food
products, there are also provisions whereby our income can be
increased or decreased subject to achievement of certain pre-agreed
and pre-defined key performance measures and targets designed to
align our objectives with those of our customers.
We are a committed and loyal partner with a continuing record of
delivering value through quality products with the highest levels
of food safety, traceability and integrity, whilst providing a
range of services which enable our customers to evolve and improve
their food supply chain management. Our customer base comprises
high quality retailers and our in-depth understanding of our
customers' needs, together with those of their consumers, enables
us to play an active role in managing their food supply chains
whilst providing agile solutions to supply chain challenges as they
arise. As our customers' markets change and competition increases,
we need to keep a constant focus on the challenges they face so we
can put forward flexible solutions, together with continuing
increases in efficiency and cost competitiveness. This flexible
approach and understanding of our local markets remains one of our
core strengths.
The strength of our long term partnerships with our retail
customers has been a key driver of our growth since the Group was
formed and will continue to underpin the Group's strategy. Hilton's
business model has proved successful across a range of European
countries and in Australia, appropriately adapted in each case by
working in close collaboration with its local customers to meet
their specific requirements. Our experience to date continues to
indicate that our business model, appropriately adapted, can be
successfully transferred to a number of new countries.
As well as our ability to provide excellent execution locally,
we also have at our disposal a wide and deep expertise on a number
of areas of specialism, such as engineering, food related IT
applications, category management support and market intelligence.
We are able to apply these skills to a number of markets to support
our customers where required, and to do so in a cost-effective
way.
Business development
The Group's expansion is based on its established and proven
track record, international reputation and experience and the
recognised success of the close partnerships it has forged and
maintained with successful retail partners over many years. We are
an international business and operate production facilities in six
countries across Europe and work with joint venture partners in two
further countries. Products from these facilities are sold in
fourteen European countries and Australia.
Progress in 2018
Following the acquisition of Seachill last year we have
successfully integrated the business into the Group. Seachill
traded well during the year and secured new business for shellfish
and also coated fish which will commence in early 2019.
We commenced production in Australia to support our customer
from a satellite facility in Brisbane, Queensland. The construction
of our new facility is proceeding well and is now expected to open
ahead of schedule in Q3 2019. We restructured the joint venture
with Woolworths taking operational control of two facilities and
signed 15 year long term supply agreements. Following a transition
period Hilton will purchase the relevant plant assets in 2020. Work
is proceeding well on the construction of a new facility in New
Zealand which is due to open in 2020.
There was agreement during the year to form a joint venture with
Dalco, a Dutch leading vegetarian product manufacturer. This
transaction completed since the year end following competition
authority clearance. 2018 also saw the launch of fresh convenience
foods in Central Europe.
In 2018 over 70% of the Group's volumes were produced in
countries outside the UK.
Currency translation
The wide geographical spread of the Group increases its
resilience by minimising its reliance on any one individual
economy. This means that Hilton's results, as reported in Sterling,
are sensitive to changes in the value of Sterling compared to the
range of overseas currencies in which the Group trades. During
2018, the average exchange rates for the Euro and Polish Zloty
appreciated against Sterling by 1.0% and Danish Krone by 0.8% with
the Swedish Krona and Australian Dollar depreciating against
Sterling by 5.1% and 5.9% respectively.
Performance overview
2018 saw a significant expansion of Hilton's operations thereby
building a significantly bigger more diversified business.
Overall volume which includes the 50% share of the Australian
and Portuguese joint venture activities increased by 13.5%. The
performance of our three operating segments is outlined below.
Western Europe
Adjusted operating profit of GBP51.5m (2017: GBP41.5m) on
turnover of GBP1,550.4m (2017: GBP1,265.7m)
This operating segment covers the Group's businesses in the UK,
Ireland, Holland, Sweden, Denmark and Portugal. Volume growth was
11.6% mainly driven by the UK including the first full year of
Seachill, and Ireland although volumes were slightly lower in
Holland, Sweden and Denmark. Sales on a constant currency basis
grew by 22.1% reflecting the higher volumes boosted by higher unit
fish raw material pricing. Operating margins were unchanged at 3.3%
(2017: 3.3%).
Central Europe
Operating profit of GBP2.3m (2017: GBP1.2m) on turnover of
GBP89.6m (2017: GBP91.6m)
In Central Europe the Group's meat packing business, based at
Tychy in Poland, supplies customers across Central Europe, from
Hungary to the Baltics. Volumes increased by 4.9% with constant
currency sales up 8.2%. Operating margins recovered to 2.6% (2017:
1.3%) as the business continues its performance resurgence.
There was a limited launch of fresh convenience foods produced
from a secondary facility including baguettes, sandwiches, wraps
and garlic bread while we extend our facility in Tychy.
Central costs and other
Adjusted net operating cost GBP5.1m (2017: GBP4.4m) on turnover
of GBP9.6m (2017: GBPnil)
This segment includes the results of our operations in
Australasia and our central costs.
In Australia the Group operates a joint venture with Woolworths,
under which it earns a fifty per cent share of the agreed service
fees charged by the joint venture company based on the volume of
retail packed meat delivered to Woolworths' stores produced by its
plants in Bunbury, Western Australia and Melbourne, Victoria. We
took full operational control of these plants from July 2018 and
also commenced production from a satellite facility in Brisbane.
Volume increased by 36.2% compared with last year. We continue to
construct a new facility in Brisbane which is now expected to open
earlier in the third quarter of 2019 and additionally we are
building a new facility in New Zealand. Our profit including
service fee income and turnover after deducting operating costs
during the year was GBP5.5m (2017: GBP2.8m).
Central costs were higher at GBP10.6m (2017: GBP7.2m excluding
exceptional one-off acquisition costs of GBP2.8m) as we
progressively increase resources to manage our growth
successfully.
Resourcing for growth: culture and people
Successful businesses are principally about having the right
people in the right positions at the right time working together as
"one team", with local management teams empowered, encouraged and
advised in specialist areas enabling them to support their local
customers. The Group benefits from each of its businesses being
part of a larger organisation, which enables them to share best
practice solutions, including equipment selection, IT solutions and
ways of working along with the collaborative sharing of new
learnings, ideas and techniques.
We are committed to providing an inclusive working environment
where everyone feels valued, respected and able to fulfil their
potential. We recognise that people from different backgrounds,
countries and experiences can bring benefits to our business. We
fully recognise the benefits of gender diversity and details of the
gender composition of our staff are set out in our Corporate and
social responsibility report.
The Group currently employs over 4,700 employees across Europe
and Australia. Our business model is largely decentralised, with
capable, largely self-sufficient management teams running our
businesses in each local country. We consider this devolved
structure to be a critical success factor, achieving close working
relationships with our customers, who benefit from personal,
dedicated, flexible and rapid local support.
The Board fully understands and appreciates just how much our
progress relies on the effort, personal commitment, enthusiasm,
enterprise and initiative of our employees. I would like to take
this opportunity, on behalf of the Board, to personally thank all
of them both for their dedicated efforts during 2018 and their
continuing commitment to the Group's ongoing growth and
development.
Past and future trends
Over recent decades major retailers have progressively
rationalised their supply base through large scale, centralised
packing solutions capable of producing private label packed fresh
food products. This achieves lower costs with higher consistent
food safety, food integrity, traceability and quality standards
allowing supermarket groups to focus on their core retail business
whilst addressing consumers' continuing requirement for quality and
value. This trend towards increased use of centralised packing
solutions is likely to continue albeit at different speeds across
the world representing potential future geographical expansion
opportunities for Hilton.
Consumer buying patterns are evolving with more fish and
vegetarian proteins being eaten. Through Hilton's acquisition of
Seachill and investment in Dalco we are well placed to grow our
business across these proteins.
Philip Heffer
Chief Executive
26 March 2019
Performance and financial review
Summary of Group performance
This performance and financial review covers the main highlights
of the Group's financial performance and position in 2018. Hilton's
overall financial performance saw strong growth in volumes, sales,
profitability and basic earnings per share. Cash flow generation
was strong with significant investment in facilities.
The Board uses adjusted profit, before acquired intangibles
amortisation and exceptional items, to measure performance and
considers this metric better reflects the underlying performance of
the business. Adjustments made to reported IFRS metrics comprise
adding back acquisition intangibles amortisation of GBP2.4m (2017:
GBP0.4m) and exceptional acquisition costs GBPnil (2017: GBP2.8m)
in connection with the 2017 Seachill acquisition.
Basis of preparation
The Group is presenting its results for the 52 week period ended
30 December 2018, with comparative information for the 52 week
period ended 31 December 2017. The financial statements of the
Group are prepared in accordance with International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union
(EU).
2018 Financial performance
Volume and revenue
Volumes, which include 50% share of the Australian and
Portuguese joint venture activities, grew by 13.5% in the year
including a full year contribution from Seachill as well as higher
volumes in UK, Ireland, Central Europe and Australia offset by
lower volumes in Holland, Sweden and Denmark. Additional details of
volume growth by business segment are set out in the Chief
Executive's summary. Revenue increased 21.5% and 21.9% on a
constant currency basis boosted by higher raw material prices.
Operating profit and margin
Adjusted operating profit of GBP48.7m (2017: GBP38.3m) was 27.1%
higher than last year and 28.2% higher on a constant currency basis
driven by a full year trading at Seachill. IFRS operating profit
was 31.9% higher at GBP46.3m (2017: GBP35.1m). The adjusted
operating profit margin in 2018 increased to 3.0% (2017: 2.8%), and
the operating profit per kilogram of packed food sold increased to
14.1p (2017: 12.5p).
Net finance costs
Net finance costs increased to GBP3.0m (2017: GBP0.9m)
reflecting higher borrowings following our Seachill acquisition and
increased investments in our facilities. Interest cover in 2018
decreased to 16 times (2017: 39 times) accordingly.
Taxation
The taxation charge for the period was GBP8.6m (2017: GBP7.2m).
The effective taxation rate was 19.9% (2017: 19.3% excluding
exceptional items) reflecting a change in the mix of profits taxed
at different rates in overseas countries, particularly
Australia.
Net income
Adjusted net income, representing profit for the year
attributable to owners of the parent of GBP34.5m (2017: GBP28.0m
before exceptional items) was 23.0% higher than last year. IFRS net
income after exceptional items was GBP32.5m (2017: GBP24.9m).
Earnings per share
Adjusted basic earnings per share before exceptional items of
42.3p (2017: 37.4p) was 13.1% higher than last year. Reported basic
earnings per share were 39.9p (2017: 33.2p). Diluted earnings per
share were 39.5p (2017: 32.8p).
Earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and
amortisation (EBITDA)
EBITDA, which is used by the Group as an indicator of cash
generation, increased by 18.9% to GBP70.7m (2017: GBP59.5m
excluding exceptional acquisition costs and IFRS GBP56.7m) mainly
reflecting the increase in operating profits together with higher
depreciation charges.
Free cash flow and net cash position
Cash flow was strong in 2018 with cash flows from operating
activities of GBP53.5m (2017: GBP46.5m). Free cash outflow after
capital expenditure of GBP99m before dividends and financing was
GBP35.5m (2017: GBP47.3m including Seachill acquisition costs).
Group borrowings were GBP114.8m at the end of 2018 and, with net
cash balances of GBP88.0m including the other financial asset
comprising a treasury deposit, resulted in a closing net debt
position of GBP26.8m, as compared with net cash of GBP25.4m at the
end of 2017. At the end of 2018 the Group had undrawn committed
loan facilities under its syndicated banking facilities of
GBP201.0m (2017: GBP160.0m).
Dividends
The Board aims to maintain a dividend policy that provides a
dividend level that grows broadly in line with the underlying
earnings of the Group and has recommended a final dividend of 15.8p
per ordinary share in respect of 2018. This, together with the
interim dividend of 5.6p per ordinary share paid in November 2018,
represents a 12.6% increase in the full year dividend, as compared
with last year. The final dividend, if approved by shareholders,
will be paid on 28 June 2019 to shareholders on the register on 31
May 2019 and the shares will be ex dividend on 30 May 2019.
Key performance indicators
How we measure our performance against our strategic
objectives
The Board monitors a range of financial and non-financial key
performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the Group's performance
over time in building shareholder value and achieving the Group's
strategic priorities. The nine headline KPI metrics used by the
Board for this purpose, together with our performance over the past
two years, is set out below:
2018 2017 Definition, method of calculation
and analysis
(52 weeks) (52 weeks)
Financial KPIs
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Revenue growth (%) 21.5% 10.1% Year on year revenue growth expressed
as a percentage. The 2018 increase
mainly reflected volume growth including
the first full year of Seachill and
related higher unit fish raw material
pricing.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Adjusted operating 3.0% 2.8% Adjusted operating profit expressed
profit margin (%) as a percentage of turnover. The operating
profit margin % in 2018 was boosted
by contributions from Seachill and
Portugal
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Adjusted operating 14.1 12.5 Adjusted operating profit per kilogram
profit margin (pence processed and sold in pence. The increase
per kg) in 2018 is attributable to higher
unit fish raw material pricing at
Seachill.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Earnings before interest, 70.7 56.7 Operating profit before depreciation
taxation, depreciation and amortisation. The increase reflected
and amortisation higher operating profits less the
(EBITDA) (GBPm) 2017 exceptional item, together with
higher depreciation charges.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Free cash flow (GBPm) (35.5) (47.3) Cash outflow before minorities, dividends
and financing. Cash flow generation
from operating activities was strong
at GBP53m (2017: GBP46m) before spend
on facilities capex spend of GBP99m
(2017: GBP12m). 2017 also included
GBP84m spend on acquisitions.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Gearing ratio (%) 37.9% n/a Year end net debt as a percentage
of EBITDA. The Group was ungeared
at the end of 2017 being in a net
cash position.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Non-financial KPIs
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Year on year volume growth. Volume
growth was seen principally in the
Growth in sales volumes UK including the first full year of
(%) 13.5% 10.4% Seachill plus Australia.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Employee and labour 48.1 38.7 Labour cost of producing food products
agency costs (pence as a proportion of volume. The increase
per kg) primarily reflects a mix change with
higher costs per kg for additional
proteins and categories particularly
fish.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
Packs of product delivered as a %
Customer service of the orders placed. Little year
level (%) 98.1% 98.7% on year change.
------------ ------------ --------------------------------------------
In addition, a much wider range of financial and operating KPIs
are continuously tracked at business unit level.
Going concern statement
The Directors have performed a detailed assessment, including a
review of the Group's budget for the 2019 financial year and its
longer term plans, including consideration of the principal risks
faced by the Group. Following this review, the Directors are
satisfied that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to
continue to operate and meet its liabilities as they fall due for
the foreseeable future, a period considered to be at least 12
months from the date of signing these financial statements. For
this reason they continue to adopt the going concern basis for
preparing the financial statements.
The Group's bank borrowings are detailed in the financial
statements and the principal banking facilities, which support the
Group's existing and contracted new business, are committed. The
Group is in full compliance with all its banking covenants and
based on forecasts is expected to remain in compliance. Future
geographical expansion which is not yet contracted, and which is
not built into our internal budgets and forecasts, may require
additional or extended banking facilities and such future
geographical expansion will depend on our ability to negotiate
appropriate additional or extended facilities, as and when they are
required.
The Group's internal budgets and forward forecasts, which
incorporate all reasonably foreseeable changes in trading
performance, are regularly reviewed in detail by the Board and show
that it will be able to operate within its current banking
facilities, taking into account available cash balances, for the
foreseeable future.
Viability statement
In accordance with provision C.2.2 of the 2016 UK Corporate
Governance Code, the Directors confirm that they have a reasonable
expectation that the Group will continue to operate and meet its
liabilities, as they fall due, for the three years ending in
December 2021. A period of three years has been chosen for the
purpose of this viability statement as it is aligned with the
Group's three year plan, which is based on the Group's current
customers and does not incorporate the benefits from any potential
new contract gains over this period.
The Directors' assessment has been made with reference to the
Group's current position and strategy taking into account the
Group's principal risks and how these are managed. The strategy and
associated principal risks, which the Directors review at least
annually, are incorporated in the three year plan and such related
scenario testing as is required. The three year plan makes reasoned
assumptions in relation to volume growth based on the position of
our customers and expected changes in the macroeconomic environment
and retail market conditions, expected changes in food raw material
, packaging and other costs, together with the anticipated level of
capital investment required to maintain our facilities at state of
the art levels. The achievement of the three year plan is not
dependent on any new or expanded financing facilities.
Cautionary statement
This Strategic report contains forward-looking statements. Such
statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and
are subject to risk factors and uncertainties which we believe are
reasonable. Accordingly Hilton's actual future results may differ
materially from the results expressed or implied in these
forward-looking statements. We do not undertake to update or revise
any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.
Nigel Majewski
Chief Financial Officer
26 March 2019
Risk management and principal risks
Risks and risk management
In accordance with provision C.2.1 of the 2016 UK Corporate
Governance Code the Directors confirm that they have carried out a
robust assessment of the risks facing the Group that might impede
the achievement of its strategic and operational objectives as well
as might affect performance or cash position As a leading food
processor in a fast moving environment it is critical that the
Group identifies, assesses and prioritises its risks. The result of
this assessment is a statement of the principal risks facing the
Group together with a description of the main controls and
mitigations that reduce the effect of those risks were they to
crystalise. This, together with the adoption of appropriate
mitigation actions, enables us to monitor, minimise and control
both the probability and potential impact of these risks.
How we manage risk
Responsibility for risk management across the Group, including
the appropriate identification of risks and the effective
application of actions designed to mitigate those risks, resides
with the Board which believes that a successful risk management
framework carefully balances risk and reward, and applies reasoned
judgement and consideration of potential likelihood and impact in
determining its principal risks. The Group takes a proactive
approach to risk management with well-developed structures and a
range of processes for identifying, assessing, prioritising and
mitigating its key risks, as the delivery of our strategy depends
on our ability to make sound risk informed decisions.
Risk management process and risk appetite
The Board believes that in carrying out the Group's businesses
it is vital to strike the right balance between an appropriate and
comprehensive control environment and encouraging the level of
entrepreneurial freedom of action required to seek out and develop
new business opportunities; but, however skilfully this balance
between risk and reward is struck, the business will always be
subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, as outlined
below.
All types of risk applicable to the business are regularly
reviewed and a formal risk assessment is carried out to highlight
key risks to the business and to determine actions that can
reasonably and cost effectively be taken to mitigate them. The
Group's Risk Register is compiled through combining the set of
business unit risk registers supplemented by formal interviews with
senior executives and Directors of the Group. The Group has a Risk
Management Committee which reports regularly to the Board on the
substance of the risk assessment and any changes to the nature of
those risks or changes to the likelihood or materiality of the risk
in question. The Risk Management Committee also reviews progress in
control development and implementation of those key controls
related to principal risks listed in this section of the report.
Group Internal Audit derives its risk based assurance plan on the
controls after considering the Risk Assessment and reports its
findings to the Audit Committee. The Risk Management Committee also
oversees the scenario based business continuity management
exercises.
Not all the risks listed are within the Group's control and
others may be unknown or currently considered immaterial, but could
turn out to be material in the future. These risks, together with
our risk mitigation strategies, should be considered in the context
of the Group's risk management and internal control framework,
details of which are set out in the Corporate governance statement.
It must be recognised that systems of internal control are designed
to manage rather than completely eliminate any identified
risks.
Brexit
There is significant uncertainty concerning post Brexit trade
arrangements with potential wide-reaching impacts from a possible
'no deal' scenario requiring increasing diversion of resources to
prepare for the range of possible outcomes, as the possible exit
date draws nearer. These potential impacts on the Group include our
ability to hire employees from the EU, increased trade tariffs on
imported goods, possible border delays, currency volatility and
dis-harmonisation of UK and EU regulatory standards in a range of
areas. Hilton's exposure is somewhat mitigated through its
predominantly local sourcing and operating model. Additionally we
meet regularly with relevant industry bodies and have put in place
a range of contingency measures including rebalancing supply lines
to minimise border crossings, flexible buy models and ongoing
communication with suppliers to increase stock holding. Overall we
believe that the Hilton business is sufficiently resilient to
withstand these uncertainties whilst minimising disruption.
The most significant risks the Group faces
The most significant business risks that the Group faces have
changed little as might be expected with an unchanged and
relatively straightforward business model. These risks, which will
continue to affect the Group's businesses, together with the
measures we have adopted to mitigate these risks, are outlined in
the table below. This is not intended to constitute an exhaustive
analysis of all risks faced by the Group, but rather to highlight
those which are the most significant, as viewed from the standpoint
of the Group as a whole.
Description The Group is dependent on a small number of customers who
of risk can exercise significant buying power and influence when
it comes to contractual renewal terms at 5 to 15 year intervals.
Its potential The Group has a relatively narrow, but expanding, customer
impact base, with sales to subsidiary or associated companies of
the Tesco and Ahold groups still comprising the larger part
of Hilton's revenue. The larger retail chains have over many
years increased their market share of meat products in many
countries, as customers continue to move away from high street
butchers towards one stop convenience shopping in supermarkets.
This has increased the buying power of the Group's customers
which in turn increases their negotiating power with the
Group, which could enable them to seek better terms over
time.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group is progressively widening its customer base and
measures has maintained high level of investment in state of the art
and strategies facilities, which together with management's continuous focus
adopted on reducing costs, allow it to operate very efficiently at
very high throughputs and price its products competitively.
Hilton operates a decentralised, entrepreneurial business
structure, which enables it to work very closely and flexibly
with its retail partners in each country, in order to achieve
high service levels in terms of orders delivered, delivery
times, compliance with product specifications and accuracy
of documentation, all backed by an uncompromising focus on
food safety, product integrity and traceability assurance.
Hilton has long term supply agreements in place with its
major customers, with pricing either on a cost plus or agreed
packing rate basis.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Description The Group's growth potential is dependent on the success
of risk of its customers and the growth of their packed food sales.
Its potential The Group's products predominantly carry the brand labels
impact of the customer to whom packed food is supplied and it is
accordingly dependent on its customers' success in maintaining
or improving consumer perception of their own brand names
and packed food offerings.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group plays a very proactive role in enhancing its customers'
measures and brand values, through providing high quality, competitively
strategies priced products, high service levels, continuing product
adopted and packaging innovation and category management support.
It recognises that quality and traceability assurance are
integral to its customers' brands and works closely with
its customers to ensure rigorous quality assurance standards
are met. It is continuously measured by its customers across
a very wide range of parameters, including delivery time,
product specification, product traceability and accuracy
of documentation and targets demanding service levels across
all these parameters. The Group works closely with its customers
to identify continuing improvement opportunities across
the supply chain, including enhancing product presentation,
extending shelf life and reducing wastage at every stage
in the supply chain.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Description The progress of the Group's business is dependent on the
of risk macroeconomic environment and levels of consumer spending
which is influenced by publicity and the decline in the
consumption of meat in the countries in which it operates.
Its potential No business is immune to difficult economic climates and
impact the consequent pressure on levels of consumer spending,
such as those seen over recent years across Europe.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation With a sound business model including successful diversification
measures and within the vegetarian market, strong retail partners and
strategies a single minded focus on minimising unit packing costs,
adopted whilst maintaining high levels of product quality and integrity,
the Group has made continued progress over recent difficult
economic periods. It expects to be able to continue to make
progress.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Under growth conditions the Group's business is reliant
of risk on a small number of key personnel and its ability to manage
growth and change successfully. This risk has increased
with the Group's continued expansion with new customers
and into new territories with potentially greater reliance
on stretched skilled factory operatives resource and execution
of simultaneous growth projects.
Its potential The Group is critically dependent on the skills and experience
impact of a small number of senior managers and specialists and
as the business develops and expands, the Group's success
will inevitably depend on its ability to attract and retain
the necessary calibre of personnel for key positions, both
for managing and growing its existing businesses and setting
up new ones.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation To continue to manage an increased rate of growth successfully,
measures and the Group carefully manages its skilled resources including
strategies succession planning and maintaining a talent pipeline. The
adopted Group is evolving its people capability in line with the
geographical expansion and product range. In particular
it recognises that the span of management responsibility
needs to be balanced with an appropriate management structure
within the overall organisation. Hilton continues to invest
in on-the-job training and career development, together
with the cost effective management of quality information
and control systems, whilst recruiting high quality new
employees, as required, to facilitate the Group's ongoing
growth and in deploying resource to support the growth projects
appropriately. The continuing growth of Hilton's business,
together with its growing reputation, is facilitating the
recruitment of more top class specialists with the key skill
sets required both to support our existing individual country
business units and manage the Group's future geographical
expansion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Description The Group's current rate of global growth places significant
of risk demands on the effectiveness of integration and compliance
across new political, legislative and regulatory environments.
This risk is further compounded due to the enormity of the
change and programme management activities.
Its potential The Group's ability to effectively manage simultaneously
impact the requirements of the external and internal environments
ensuring first class compliance, change and global programme
management systems.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation As a Group we have continued to strengthen our in house
measures and capabilities delivering strong investment strategies, best
strategies in class Infrastructure integration and governance and compliance
adopted framework. Resources are being put in place and structures
reviewed to enhance project management control and oversight.
Control systems embedded in project management enable the
risks of growth to be appropriately highlighted and managed.
To underscore our efforts we have active relationships with
strong industry experts across all areas of business growth.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Description The Group's business is dependent on maintaining a wide
of risk and flexible global food supply base operating at standards
that can continuously achieve the specifications set by
Hilton and its customers.
Its potential The Group is reliant on its suppliers to provide sufficient
impact volume of products, to the agreed specifications, in the
very short lead times required by its customers, with efficient
supply chain management being a key business attribute.
The Group sources certain of its food requirements globally.
Tariffs, quotas or trade barriers imposed by countries where
the Group procures meat, or which they may impose in the
future, together with the progress of World Trade Organisation
talks and other global trade developments, could materially
affect the Group's international procurement ability but
has not done so in recent years.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group maintains a flexible global food supply base,
measures and which is progressively widening as it expands and is continuously
strategies audited to ensure standards are maintained, so as to have
adopted in place a wide range of options should supply disruptions
occur.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Contamination within the supply chain including outbreaks
of risk of disease and feed contaminants affecting livestock and
fish and media concerns relating to these and instances
of product adulteration can impact the Group's sales.
Its potential Reports in the public domain concerning the risks of consuming
impact certain foods can cause consumer demand to drop significantly
in the short to medium term. A food scare similar to the
bovine spongiform encephalopathy ("BSE") scare that took
place in 1996 or the much more recent concerns with regard
to meat substitution can affect public confidence in our
products.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group sources its food from a trusted raw material supply
measures and base, all components of which meet stringent national, international
strategies and customer standards. The Group is subject to demanding
adopted standards which are independently monitored in every country
and reliable product traceability and high welfare standards
from the farm to the consumer are integral to the Group's
business model. The Group ensures full traceability from
source to packed product across all suppliers. Within our
factories the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety and our
own factory standards assessments drives the enhancement
of the processes and controls that are necessary to ensure
that the risks of contaminants throughout the processing,
packing and distribution stages are mitigated and traceable
should a risk ever materialise.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Description Significant incidents such as fire, flood or interruption
of risk of supply of key utilities could impact the Group's business
continuity.
Its potential Such incidents could result in systems or manufacturing
impact process stoppages with consequent disruption and loss of
efficiency which could impact the Group's sales.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group has robust business continuity plans in place
measures and including sister site support protocols enabling other sites
strategies to step in with manufacturing and distribution of key product
adopted lines where necessary. Continuity management systems and
plans are suitably maintained and adequately tested including
building risk assessments and emergency power solutions.
There are appropriate insurance arrangements in place to
mitigate against any associated financial loss.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Description The Group's IT systems could be subject to cyber attacks
of risk including fraudulent external email activity. These kinds
of attacks are generally increasing in frequency and sophistication.
Its potential The Group's operations are underpinned by a variety of IT
impact systems. Loss or disruption to those IT systems or extended
times to recover data or functionality could impact the
Group's ability to effectively operate its facilities and
affect its sales and reputation.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk mitigation The Group has a robust IT control framework which is tested
measures and frequently by internal staff and by specialist external
strategies bodies. This framework is established as the key control
adopted to mitigate cyber risk and is applied consistently throughout
the Group. The increased prominence of IT risk is mitigated
by investments in IT infrastructure and now forms a regular
part of the Group Risk Management Committee agenda and presentations
to the Board. In accordance with Group strategy IT risk
is considered when looking at new ventures and control measures
implemented in new sites follow the Group common standards.
There is internal training and resources available with
emphasis on prevention, user awareness and recovery. Increasingly,
IT forms part of site business continuity exercises which
test and help develop the capacity to respond to possible
crises or incidents. The technical infrastructure to prevent
attacks and the resilience to recover are continuously developed
to meet emerging threats. IT systems including financial
and banking systems are configured to prevent fraudulent
payments.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: References in this preliminary announcement to the
Strategic report, the Corporate and social responsibility report,
the Directors' report and the Corporate Governance statement are to
reports which will be available in the Company's full published
accounts.
Responsibility statement of the Directors in respect of the
Annual report and financial statements
Each of the Directors whose names and functions are set out
below confirms that to the best of their knowledge and belief:
-- the Group and parent company financial statements, which have
been prepared in accordance with applicable law and in conformity
with IFRS, as adopted by the EU, give a true and fair view of the
assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the Group and
the Company; and
-- the management reports, which comprise the Strategic report
and the Directors' report, include a fair review of the development
and performance of the business and the position of the Group and
the Company, together with a description of the principal risks and
uncertainties they face.
This responsibility statement was approved by the Board of
Directors on 26 March 2019 and is signed on its behalf by:
Directors
R Watson OBE Executive Chairman
N Majewski Chief Financial Officer
Consolidated income statement
2018 2017*
52 weeks 52 weeks
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Continuing operations
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Revenue 3 1,649,591 1,357,281
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Cost of sales (1,440,193) (1,195,424)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 209,398 161,857
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Distribution costs (18,283) (11,953)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Administrative expenses (150,030) (116,337)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Exceptional item - acquisition costs 4 - (2,843)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Share of profit in joint venture 5,213 4,387
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 46,298 35,111
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Finance income 5 49 66
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Finance costs 5 (3,015) (970)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Finance costs - net 5 (2,966) (904)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Profit before income tax 43,332 34,207
=================================================== ===== =========== ===========
Income tax expense 6 (8,626) (7,167)
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Profit for the year 34,706 27,040
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Attributable to:
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Owners of the parent 32,534 24,887
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Non-controlling interests 2,172 2,153
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
34,706 27,040
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Earnings per share attributable to owners of the
parent during the year
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Basic (pence) 7 39.9 33.2
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
Diluted (pence) 7 39.5 32.8
--------------------------------------------------- ----- ----------- -----------
* Restated following adoption of IFRS 15, see note
2.
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
2018 2017
52 weeks 52 weeks
GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Profit for the year 34,706 27,040
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive (expense)/income
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Currency translation differences (671) 2,134
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Other comprehensive income/(expense) for the year net of
tax (671) 2,134
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income for the year 34,035 29,174
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Total comprehensive income attributable to:
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Owners of the parent 31,788 26,801
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
Non-controlling interests 2,247 2,373
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
34,035 29,174
----------------------------------------------------------- -------- --------
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Consolidated balance sheet
Group Company
2018 2017* 2018 2017
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Assets
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Non-current assets
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Property, plant and equipment 9 158,549 80,596 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Intangible assets 10 66,960 68,572 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Investments 5,209 10,273 157,221 102,985
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Trade and other receivables 1,227 2,455 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Deferred income tax assets 1,653 1,624 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
233,598 163,520 157,221 102,985
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Current assets
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Inventories 82,190 51,458 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Trade and other receivables 172,465 139,616 272 54,237
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Current income tax assets 769 - - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Other financial asset 7,813 7,913 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Cash and cash equivalents 80,234 70,853 82 204
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
343,471 269,840 354 54,441
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total assets 577,069 433,360 157,575 157,426
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Equity
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Equity attributable to owners of the parent
----------------------------------------------- -------- -------- ------- -------
Ordinary shares 8,160 8,135 8,160 8,135
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Share premium 63,628 62,335 63,628 62,335
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Employee share schemes reserve 5,505 5,723 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Foreign currency translation reserve 4,134 4,880 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Retained earnings 124,923 108,358 14,768 15,937
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Reverse acquisition reserve (31,700) (31,700) - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Merger reserve 919 919 71,019 71,019
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
175,569 158,650 157,575 157,426
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Non-controlling interests 5,677 5,094 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total equity 181,246 163,744 157,575 157,426
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Liabilities
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Non-current liabilities
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Borrowings 11 109,426 38,056 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Deferred income tax liabilities 6,104 6,166 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
115,530 44,222 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Current liabilities
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Borrowings 11 5,408 15,268 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Trade and other payables 274,885 209,586 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Current income tax liabilities - 540 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
280,293 225,394 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total liabilities 395,823 269,616 - -
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
Total equity and liabilities 577,069 433,360 157,575 157,426
---------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- ------- -------
* Restated following adoption of
IFRS 15, see note 2.
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
The financial statements were approved by the Board on 26 March 2019 and
were signed on its behalf by:
R. Watson N. Majewski
Director Director
Hilton Food Group plc - Registered number: 06165540
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Attributable to owners of the parent
=================================================================================
Employee Foreign
share currency Reverse
Share Share schemes translation Retained acquisition Merger Non-controlling Total
capital premium reserve reserve earnings reserve reserve Total interests equity
Group Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 2
January
2017 7,355 7,273 5,250 2,966 96,419 (31,700) 919 88,482 6,613 95,095
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Profit for the
year - - - - 24,887 - - 24,887 2,153 27,040
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Other
comprehensive
income
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Currency
translation
differences - - - 1,914 - - - 1,914 220 2,134
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - 1,914 24,887 - - 26,801 2,373 29,174
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Issue of new
shares 780 55,062 - - - - - 55,842 - 55,842
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Adjustment in
respect
of employee
share
schemes - - 188 - - - - 188 - 188
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Tax on employee share
schemes - - 285 - - - - 285 - 285
--------------------- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Dividends paid 8 - - - - (12,948) - - (12,948) (3,892) (16,840)
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
transactions
with owners 780 55,062 473 - (12,948) - - 43,367 (3,892) 39,475
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 31
December
2017 8,135 62,335 5,723 4,880 108,358 (31,700) 919 158,650 5,094 163,744
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Profit for the
year - - - - 32,534 - - 32,534 2,172 34,706
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Other
comprehensive
income
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Currency translation
differences - - - (746) - - - (746) 75 (671)
--------------------- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - (746) 32,534 - - 31,788 2,247 34,035
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Issue of new
shares 25 1,293 - - - - - 1,318 - 1,318
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Adjustment in
respect
of employee
share
schemes - - (238) - - - - (238) - (238)
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Tax on employee share
schemes - - 20 - - - - 20 - 20
--------------------- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Dividends paid 8 - - - - (15,969) - - (15,969) (1,664) (17,633)
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total transactions
with owners 25 1,293 (218) - (15,969) - - (14,869) (1,664) (16,533)
--------------------- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 30
December
2018 8,160 63,628 5,505 4,134 124,923 (31,700) 919 175,569 5,677 181,246
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Company
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 2
January
2017 7,355 7,273 - - 15,685 - 71,019 101,332
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Profit for the
year - - - - 13,200 - - 13,200
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - 13,200 - - 13,200
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Issue of new
shares 780 55,062 - - - - - 55,842
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Dividends paid 8 - - - - (12,948) - - (12,948)
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
transactions
with owners 780 55,062 - - (12,948) - - 42,894
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 31
December
2017 8,135 62,335 - - 15,937 - 71,019 157,426
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Profit for the
year - - - - 14,800 - - 14,800
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total
comprehensive
income for
the year - - - - 14,800 - - 14,800
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Issue of new
shares 25 1,293 - - - - - 1,318
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Dividends paid 8 - - - - (15,969) - - (15,969)
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Total transactions
with owners 25 1,293 - - (15,969) - - (14,651)
--------------------- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
Balance at 30
December
2018 8,160 63,628 - - 14,768 - 71,019 157,575
-------------- ----- ------- ------- -------- ----------- -------- ----------- ------- -------- --------------- --------
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial
statements.
Consolidated cash flow statement
Group Company
2018 2017 2018 2017
52 weeks 52 weeks 52 weeks 52 weeks
Notes GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from operating activities
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash generated from operations 12 66,166 54,986 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest paid (3,015) (970) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Income tax (paid)/received (9,666) (7,561) - 41
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash generated from operating
activities 53,485 46,455 - 41
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Acquisition of subsidiary, net of
cash acquired - (80,901) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Investment in joint ventures - (3,177) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Disposal of investment - 46 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Purchases of property, plant and
equipment (98,412) (10,456) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment 308 140 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Purchases of intangible assets (930) (1,476) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Interest received 49 66 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends received - - 14,800 13,200
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends received from joint venture 9,958 2,008 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash (used in)/generated from
investing activities (89,027) (93,750) 14,800 13,200
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Proceeds from borrowings 69,646 42,695 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Repayments of borrowings (8,163) (16,560) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Repayment of inter-company loan - - - (56,139)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Issue of ordinary shares 1,047 57,465 1,047 57,465
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Equity raise costs - (1,623) - (1,623)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Other financial asset - (7,913) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends paid to owners of the parent (15,969) (12,948) (15,969) (12,948)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Dividends paid to non-controlling
interests (1,664) (3,892) - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities 44,897 57,224 (14,922) (13,245)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and
cash equivalents 9,355 9,929 (122) (4)
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the year 70,853 59,304 204 208
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Exchange gains on cash and cash equivalents 26 1,620 - -
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end
of the year 80,234 70,853 82 204
-------------------------------------------- ----- -------- -------- -------- --------
The notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
Notes to the financial statements
1 General information
Hilton Food Group plc ("the Company") and its subsidiaries
(together "the Group") is a leading specialist international food
packing business supplying major international food retailers in
fourteen European countries and Australia.
The Company is a public limited company incorporated and
domiciled in the UK. The address of the registered office is 2-8
The Interchange, Latham Road, Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire PE29 6YE.
The registered number of the Company is 06165540.
The Company maintains a Premium Listing on the London Stock
Exchange.
The financial year represents the 52 weeks to 30 December 2018
(prior financial year 52 weeks to 31 December 2017).
This preliminary announcement was approved for issue on 26 March
2019.
2 Summary of significant accounting policies
The accounting policies are consistent with those of the annual
financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2017, with the
exception of changes to the group's revenue policy following the
introduction of IFRS 15 Revenue form Contracts with Customers.
Following the adoption of IFRS 15 product licenses that had
previously been recognised as intangible assets have been
reclassified as contract balances and are included within other
receivables. These balances are amortised over the same period as
previously but amortisation is now recognised as a reduction in
revenue rather than an operating cost. As a result a prior year
adjustment has been recognised to reduce both revenue and operating
costs for the year ended 31 December 2017 by GBP2,237,000 with
product licenses of GBP4,691,000 being reclassified to other
receivables. There is no impact on previously reported profit
resulting from the changes.
Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements of Hilton Food Group plc
have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in
accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as
adopted by the European Union (IFRS), IFRIC interpretations and the
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under
IFRS.
The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the
going concern basis. The reasons why the Directors consider this
basis to be appropriate are set out in the Performance and
financial review.
The financial statements are presented in Sterling and all
values are rounded to the nearest thousand (GBP'000) except when
otherwise indicated.
The financial information included in this preliminary
announcement does not constitute statutory accounts of the Group
for the years ended 30 December 2018 and 31 December 2017 but is
derived from those accounts. Statutory accounts for 2017 have been
delivered to the Registrar of Companies and those for 2018 will be
delivered following the Company's Annual General Meeting. The
auditors have reported on those accounts; their reports were (i)
unqualified, (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to
which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without
qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement
under section 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.
3 Segment information
Management have determined the operating segments based on the
reports reviewed by the Executive Directors that are used to make
strategic decisions.
The Executive Directors have considered the business from both a
geographic and product perspective.
From a geographic perspective, the Executive Directors consider
that the Group has eight operating segments: i) United Kingdom; ii)
Netherlands; iii) Republic of Ireland; iv) Sweden; v) Denmark; vi)
Central Europe including Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia,
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia; vii) Portugal and viii) Central
costs and other including Australia (Hilton Food Australia Pty Ltd
and the share of profit from the joint venture). The United
Kingdom, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Denmark and
Portugal have been aggregated into one reportable segment 'Western
Europe' as they have similar economic characteristics as identified
in IFRS 8. Central Europe and Central costs and other comprise the
other reportable segments.
From a product perspective the Executive Directors consider that
the Group has only one identifiable product, wholesaling of food
protein products including meat and fish. The Executive Directors
consider that no further segmentation is appropriate, as all of the
Group's operations are subject to similar risks and returns and
exhibit similar long term financial performance.
The segment information provided to the Executive Directors
for the reportable segments is as follows:
Western Central 2018 Western Central 2017
Europe Europe Central Total Europe Europe Central Total
costs costs
and other and other
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Total segment revenue 1,584,185 100,102 9,640 1,693,927 1,303,475 91,625 - 1,395,100
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Inter-segment revenue (33,781) (10,555) - (44,336) (37,819) - - (37,819)
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Revenue from external
customers 1,550,404 89,547 9,640 1,649,591 1,265,656 91,625 - 1,357,281
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Operating profit/(loss)/segment
result before exceptional
items 51,456 2,307 (5,081) 48,682 41,496 1,195 (4,377) 38,314
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Exceptional item
- acquisition costs - - - - - - (2,843) (2,843)
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Acquisition intangibles
amortisation (2,384) - - (2,384) (360) - - (360)
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Operating profit/(loss)/segment
result after exceptional
items 49,072 2,307 (5,081) 46,298 41,136 1,195 (7,220) 35,111
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Finance income 4 45 - 49 16 49 1 66
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Finance costs (1,614) (14) (1,387) (3,015) (902) - (68) (970)
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Income tax (expense)/credit (9,796) (461) 1,631 (8,626) (8,032) (241) 1,106 (7,167)
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Profit/(loss) for
the year 37,666 1,877 (4,837) 34,706 32,218 1,003 (6,181) 27,040
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Depreciation and
amortisation 21,121 1,035 308 22,464 18,069 903 130 19,102
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Additions to non-current
assets 45,643 6,681 47,018 99,342 8,781 653 2,506 11,940
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Segment assets 431,896 26,590 116,161 574,647 379,268 18,603 33,865 431,736
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Current income tax
assets 769 -
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Deferred income
tax assets 1,653 1,624
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Total assets 577,069 433,360
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Segment liabilities 248,563 17,239 123,918 389,720 208,020 9,201 45,689 262,910
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Current income tax
liabilities - 540
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Deferred income
tax liabilities 6,104 6,166
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Total liabilities 395,824 269,616
------------------------------- --------- -------- ---------- --------- --------- ------- ---------- ---------
Sales between segments are carried out at arm's length. Revenue
from external customers reported to the Executive Directors is
measured in a manner consistent with that in the income
statement.
The Executive Directors assess the performance of each operating
segment based on its operating profit before exceptional items.
Operating profit is measured in a manner consistent with that in
the income statement.
The amounts provided to the Executive Directors with respect to
total assets and liabilities are measured in a manner consistent
with that of the financial statements. The assets are allocated
based on the operations of the segment and their physical location.
The liabilities are allocated based on the operations of the
segment.
The Group has four principal customers (comprising groups of
entities known to be under common control), Tesco, Ahold, Coop
Danmark and ICA Gruppen. These customers are located in the United
Kingdom, Netherlands, Republic of Ireland, Sweden, Denmark and
Central Europe including Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia,
Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Analysis of revenues from external customers and non-current
assets are as follows:
Non-current assets
Revenues from external excluding deferred
customers tax assets
------------------------ ---------------------
2018 2017 2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Analysis by geographical area
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
United Kingdom - country of domicile 856,611 563,037 135,760 129,042
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Netherlands 296,621 304,608 5,424 5,208
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Sweden 206,610 223,045 11,744 13,258
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Republic of Ireland 87,696 78,187 5,294 5,719
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Denmark 102,866 103,728 19,589 3,969
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Central Europe 89,547 84,676 9,374 3,743
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Australia 9,640 - 44,760 957
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
1,649,591 1,357,281 231,945 161,896
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Analysis by principal customer
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Customer 1 901,585 646,474
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Customer 2 316,788 321,090
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Customer 3 220,684 239,016
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Customer 4 100,792 101,860
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
Other 109,742 48,841
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
1,649,591 1,357,281
----------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ---------- ---------
4 Exceptional item
In the prior year transaction costs of GBP2.8m including due
diligence, legal and stamp duty were incurred in connection with
the acquisition of Seachill UK Limited.
There were no exceptional items in the current year.
5 Finance income and costs
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance income
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Interest income on short term bank deposits 46 64
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Other interest income 3 2
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance income 49 66
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance costs
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Bank borrowings (2,735) (563)
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance leases (60) (67)
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Other interest expense (220) (340)
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance costs (3,015) (970)
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Finance costs - net (2,966) (904)
-------------------------------------------- ------- -------
6 Income tax expense
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Current income tax
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Current tax on profits for the year 8,926 7,673
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years (253) (80)
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Total current tax 8,673 7,593
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Deferred income tax
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Origination and reversal of temporary differences (136) (504)
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years 89 78
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Total deferred tax (47) (426)
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Income tax expense 8,626 7,167
-------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Deferred tax credit directly to equity during the year in
respect of employee share schemes amounted to GBP20,000 (2017:
credit GBP174,000).
The tax on the Group's profit before income tax differs from the
theoretical amount that would arise using the standard rate of UK
Corporation Tax of 19% (2017: 19.25%) applied to profits of the
consolidated entities as follows:
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
========================================================== ======= =======
Profit before income tax 43,332 34,207
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Tax calculated at the standard rate of UK Corporation Tax
19% (2017: 19.25%) 8,233 6,585
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Expenses not deductible for tax purposes 737 610
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Joint venture received net of tax (990) (838)
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Adjustments to tax in respect of previous years (164) (2)
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Profits taxed at rates other than 19% (2017: 19.25%) 804 486
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Other 6 326
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Income tax expense 8,626 7,167
---------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
There is no tax impact relating to components of other
comprehensive income.
7 Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the profit
attributable to owners of the parent by the weighted average number
of ordinary shares in issue during the year.
Diluted earnings per share are calculated by adjusting the
weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding to assume
conversion of all dilutive potential ordinary shares. The Company
has share options for which a calculation is done to determine the
number of shares that could have been acquired at fair value
(determined as the average annual market share price of the
Company's shares) based on the monetary value of the subscription
rights attached to outstanding share options. The number of shares
calculated as above is compared with the number of shares that
would have been issued assuming the exercise of the share
options.
2018 2017
Group Basic Diluted Basic Diluted
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
Profit attributable to owners of
the parent (GBP'000) 32,534 32,534 24,887 24,887
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue (thousands) 81,482 81,482 74,977 74,977
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
Adjustment for share options (thousands) - 981 - 820
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
Adjusted weighted average number
of ordinary shares (thousands) 81,482 82,463 74,977 75,797
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
Basic and diluted earnings per
share (pence) 39.9 39.5 33.2 32.8
------------------------------------ ------------ ------ ------- ------ -------
8 Dividends
2018 2017
Group and Company GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Final dividend in respect of 2017 paid 14.0p per ordinary
share (2017: 12.5p) 11,400 9,248
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Interim dividend in respect of 2018 paid 5.6p per ordinary
share (2017: 5.0p) 4,569 3,700
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
Total dividends paid 15,969 12,948
----------------------------------------------------------- ------- -------
The Directors propose a final dividend of 15.8p per share
payable on 28 June 2019 to shareholders who are on the register at
31 May 2019. This dividend totalling GBP12.9m has not been
recognised as a liability in these consolidated financial
statements.
9 Property, plant and equipment
Land and
buildings
(including
leasehold Plant and Fixtures
improvements) machinery and fittings Motor vehicles Total
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Cost
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 2 January 2017 39,900 192,760 12,048 354 245,062
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Exchange adjustments 621 5,203 391 5 6,220
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Acquisition 7,159 10,108 246 - 17,513
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Additions 756 8,536 1,061 103 10,456
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Disposals (1) (1,217) (51) (117) (1,386)
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 31 December 2017 48,435 215,390 13,695 345 277,865
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Accumulated depreciation
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 2 January 2017 21,734 142,556 10,224 152 174,666
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Exchange adjustments 480 4,179 339 2 5,000
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Charge for the year 2,731 15,042 748 82 18,603
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Disposals (1) (847) (42) (110) (1,000)
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 31 December 2017 24,944 160,930 11,269 126 197,269
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Net book amount
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 2 January 2017 18,166 50,204 1,824 202 70,396
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 31 December 2017 23,491 54,460 2,426 219 80,596
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Cost
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 1 January 2018 48,435 215,390 13,695 345 277,865
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Exchange adjustments 421 80 (80) 1 422
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Additions 29,472 67,853 932 155 98,412
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Disposals (3,019) (463) (420) (149) (4,051)
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 30 December 2018 75,309 282,860 14,127 352 372,648
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Accumulated depreciation
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 1 January 2018 24,944 160,930 11,269 126 197,269
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Exchange adjustments 135 666 (69) 1 733
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Charge for the year 3,166 15,682 989 84 19,921
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Disposals (2,939) (382) (420) (83) (3,824)
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 30 December 2018 25,306 176,896 11,769 128 214,099
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Net book amount
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
At 30 December 2018 50,003 105,964 2,358 224 158,549
------------------------- -------------- ---------- ------------- -------------- -------
Land and buildings are held under short leaseholds. Details of
bank borrowings secured on assets of the Group are given in note
11. Depreciation charges are included within administrative
expenses in the income statement.
The cost and net book amount of property plant and equipment in
the course of its construction included above comprise plant and
machinery GBP52,923,000 (2017: GBP3,281,000).
Property, plant and equipment include the following amounts
where the Group is a lessee under a finance lease:
2018 2017
GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Cost - capitalised finance leases 3,683 3,626
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Accumulated depreciation (2,753) (2,527)
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Net book amount 930 1,099
---------------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------
Included in assets held under finance leases are land and buildings with
a net book amount of GBP930,000 (2017: GBP1,099,000).
10 Intangible assets
Brand and
Computer customer
software relationships Goodwill Total
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Cost
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 2 January 2017 3,703 - 836 4,539
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Exchange adjustments 198 - - 198
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Acquisition - 21,907 43,957 65,864
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Additions 1,484 - - 1,484
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Disposals (28) - - (28)
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 31 December 2017 5,357 21,907 44,793 72,057
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Accumulated amortisation
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 2 January 2017 2,821 - - 2,821
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Exchange adjustments 185 - - 185
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Charge for the year 139 360 - 499
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Disposals (20) - - (20)
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 31 December 2017 3,125 360 - 3,485
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Net book amount
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 2 January 2017 882 - 836 1,718
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 31 December 2017 2,232 21,547 44,793 68,572
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Cost
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 1 January 2018 5,357 21,907 44,793 72,057
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Exchange adjustments (14) - - (14)
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Additions 930 - - 930
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 30 December 2018 6,273 21,907 44,793 72,973
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Accumulated amortisation
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 1 January 2018 3,125 360 - 3,485
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Exchange adjustments (15) - - (15)
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Charge for the year 159 2,384 - 2,543
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 30 December 2018 3,269 2,744 - 6,013
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Net book amount
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
At 30 December 2018 3,004 19,163 44,793 66,960
------------------------- --------- -------------- -------- -------
Amortisation charges are included within administrative expenses
in the income statement.
Following the adoption of IFRS 15, product licenses with a net
book value of GBP4,691,000 at 31 December 2017 (2016: GBP6,866,000)
have been reclassified as contract assets and included within other
receivables.
Goodwill Impairment Testing
Goodwill recognised by the Group relates entirely to the
acquisition of the Seachill business in 2017. The recoverable
amount of the Seachill cash generating unit was determined on a
value-in-use basis, using cash flow projections based on 1-year
budgets approved by the board and longer term financial
projections, and exceeded the carrying amount. The key assumptions
used in the value-in-use calculations are projected EBITDA, the
pre-tax discount rate and the growth rate used to extrapolate cash
flows beyond the projected period. EBITDA is based on past
experience adjusted to take account of the impact of expected
changes to sales prices, volumes, business mix and margin. Cash
flows are discounted at 10% and a growth rate of 2% has been used
to extrapolate cash flows.
Sensitivity to changes in assumptions
The calculation is most sensitive to changes in the assumptions
used for projected cash flow, the pre-tax discount rate and the
growth rate. Management considers that reasonably possible changes
in assumptions would be an increase in discount rate of 1
percentage point, a reduction in growth rate of 1 percentage point
or a 10% reduction in budgeted cash flow. As an indication of
sensitivity, when applied to the value-in-use calculation neither a
1% reduction in growth rate, a 10% reduction in budgeted cash flow,
nor a 1% increase in the discount rate would have resulted in an
impairment of goodwill in the year.
No indicators of impairment were identified in respect of other,
amortised, intangible assets and therefore no impairment review has
been undertaken.
11 Borrowings
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Current
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Bank borrowings 5,118 14,989
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Finance lease liabilities 290 279
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
5,408 15,268
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Non-current
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Bank borrowings 107,923 36,206
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Finance lease liabilities 1,503 1,850
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
109,426 38,056
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Total borrowings 114,834 53,324
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Due to the frequent re-pricing dates of the Group's loans, the fair value
of current and non-current borrowings is approximate to their carrying
amount.
The carrying amounts of the Group's borrowings are denominated in the following
currencies:
2018 2017
Currency GBP'000 GBP'000
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
UK Pound 51,377 51,195
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Euro 25,271 2,129
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Australian Dollar 38,186 -
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
114,834 53,324
---------------------------------------------------- -------------- --------------
Bank borrowings are repayable in quarterly instalments by 2019 -
2022 with interest charged at LIBOR plus 1.3% - 1.6%. Bank
borrowings are subject to joint and several guarantees from each
active Group undertaking.
The Group has undrawn committed loan facilities of GBP201.0m
(2017: GBP160m) with the loan facilities expiring in 2022.
The undiscounted contractual maturity profile of the Group's
borrowings is described in a note to the full financial
statements.
The minimum lease payments and present value of finance lease
liabilities is as follows:
Minimum lease payments Present value
2018 2017 2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000 GBP'000
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
No later than one year 345 340 290 279
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
Later than one year and no later than five
years 1,380 1,359 1,252 1,198
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
Later than five years 259 679 251 652
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
1,984 2,378 1,793 2,129
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
Future finance charges on finance leases (191) (249) - -
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
Present value of finance lease liabilities 1,793 2,129 1,793 2,129
------------------------------------------- ----------- ----------- ------- -------
Lease liabilities are effectively secured as the rights to the
leased asset revert to the lessor in the event of default. The fair
value of the Group's finance lease liabilities is GBP1,984,000
(2017: GBP2,378,000). The fair values are based on cash flows
discounted using the European Central Bank benchmark main
refinancing operations fixed interest rate of 0% (2017: 0%).
Group net debt of GBP26,787,000 (2017: net cash of
GBP25,442,000) comprises borrowings, noted above, of GBP114,834,000
(2017: GBP53,324,000) cash and cash equivalents of GBP80,234,000
(2017: GBP70,853,000) and other financial assets of GBP7,813,000
(2017: GBP7,913,000).
12 Cash generated from operations
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Profit before income tax 43,332 34,207
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Finance costs - net 2,966 904
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Operating profit 46,298 35,111
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Adjustments for non-cash items:
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Share of post tax profits of joint venture (5,213) (4,387)
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment 19,921 18,603
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Amortisation of intangible assets 2,543 499
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Amortisation of contract assets - charged to revenue 2,068 2,237
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
(Gain)/loss on disposal of non-current assets (81) 209
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Adjustment in respect of employee share schemes (238) 188
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Changes in working capital:
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Inventories (30,742) (3,538)
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Trade and other receivables (34,006) (928)
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Prepaid expenses 660 (2,244)
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Trade and other payables 53,362 931
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Accrued expenses 11,594 8,305
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
Cash generated from operations 66,166 54,986
----------------------------------------------------- -------- -------
The parent company has no operating cash flows.
13 Related party transactions and ultimate controlling party
The Directors do not consider there to be one ultimate
controlling party. The companies noted below are all deemed to be
related parties by way of common Directors.
Sales made on an arm's length basis on normal credit terms to
related parties during the year were as follows:
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Woolworths Meat Co. Pty Limited - recharge of
joint venture costs - 329
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA
- fee for services 3,236 4,349
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA
- recharge of joint venture costs 790 209
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Amounts owing from related parties at the year end were as follows:
Owed from related
parties
2018 2017
Group GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Woolworths Meat Co. Pty Limited 5 14
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Foods Connected Limited 170 170
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Sohi Meat Solutions Distribuicao de Carnes SA 3,940 4,515
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
The Company's related party transactions with other Group companies during
the year were as follows:
2018 2017
Company GBP'000 GBP'000
--------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Hilton Foods Limited - dividend received 14,800 13,200
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
Hilton Foods Limited - acquisition funding - 54,237
---------------------------------------------------------------- ---------- ---------
At the year end GBP272,000 was owed by Hilton Foods Limited (2017: GBP54,237,000)
and GBPnil (2017: GBPnil) was owed by Hilton Foods UK Limited.
Details of key management compensation are given in a note to the full
financial statements.
This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the
London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct
Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United
Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution
of this information may apply. For further information, please
contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.
END
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