TIDMLPA
RNS Number : 0668J
LPA Group PLC
26 June 2017
LPA GROUP PLC
Half-Yearly Report for the six months to 31 March 2017
LPA Group PLC ("LPA" or "the Group"), the LED lighting and
electro-mechanical system manufacturer and distributor, announces a
strong performance for the six months to 31 March 2017.
KEY POINTS
-- Revenue increased 3.1% to GBP10.81m (2016: GBP10.48m)
-- Operating profit before exceptional items GBP772,000 (2016: GBP782,000)
-- Net exceptional gain GBP226,000 (2016: GBP14,000)
-- Profit before tax increased to GBP976,000 (2016: GBP782,000)
-- Diluted earnings per share substantially increased to 6.81p (2016: 5.34p)
-- Interim dividend increased 5.0% to 1.05p (2016: 1.00p)
-- Order entry increased 7.7% to GBP14.85m (2016: GBP13.78m)
-- Order book stands at GBP22m (2016: GBP22m)
-- Lighting operation successfully relocated in the period
Michael Rusch, Chairman, comments:
"In my comments at the Annual General Meeting, I reported that
the Group had established itself on a new trading level and that
this was being sustained with excellent levels of orders and sales.
I am delighted to report that this remains the case.
"Our new manufacturing facilities give us the capacity and
improved productivity to continue to grow and prosper.
"Our current order book underpins expected progress in the
remainder of this financial year and in the medium term.
"As a measure of our continued confidence, the interim dividend
has been increased by 5.0% to 1.05p."
26 June 2017
ENQUIRIES:
LPA Group plc
Peter Pollock, Chief Executive Tel: 07881 626123 or 01799
512844
Steve Brett, Finance Director Tel: 07881 626127 or 01799
512860
Cairn Financial (Nominated Adviser) Tel: 020 7213 0880
James Caithie / Tony Rawlinson
WH Ireland (Broker) Tel: 0113 394 6600
Tim Feather / Ed Allsopp
Instinctif Partners (PR Adviser) Tel: 020 7457 2020
Mark Garraway / Helen Tarbet
CHAIRMAN'S STATEMENT
In my comments to the Annual General Meeting on 14 March 2017, I
reported that the Group had established itself on a new trading
level and that this was being sustained with excellent levels of
orders and sales. I am delighted to report that this remains the
case.
Order entry increased 7.7% to a new record of GBP14.85m (2016:
GBP13.78m) and sales increased 3.1% to GBP10.81m, also a record
(2016: GBP10.48m). Despite the previously reported lower margin due
to a change of product mix (higher proportion of project work,
reduced aerospace & defence activity), operating profit before
exceptional items exceeded our internal forecasts at GBP772,000
(2016: GBP782,000). The period includes a net exceptional gain of
GBP226,000 comprising a property disposal gain on the sale of our
former lighting factory in Yorkshire of GBP341,000 (2016:
GBP14,000) less GBP115,000 of relocation and other nonrecurring
costs. Profit before tax amounted to GBP976,000 (2016: GBP782,000)
and diluted earnings per share were 6.81p (2016: 5.34p).
Electro-mechanical, and, in particular, Transport+, performed
well during the period. Lighting suffered the failure of a large
oil and gas customer and relocated its factory during the first
half, but still performed well. Engineered component distribution
faced reduced demand from the aerospace and defence sector and some
delayed projects in the rail sector, but delivered a satisfactory
result.
The order book at the end of the period was unchanged at GBP22m
(2016: GBP22m). There are a number of project orders in the
pipe-line for which we have been selected but which remain
un-entered because we have not yet received confirmed delivery
schedules: these amount to approximately GBP4.6m (2016: GBP4.4m).
Interest in our LED lighting, ethernet backbone, USB outlet
charging technology and Transport+ remains strong: our efforts in
export markets will continue.
With the relocation of our lighting activity in March, the Group
has completed the reorganisation of its two manufacturing
operations (that for electro-mechanical was completed in 2015).
Substantial investments in new buildings and plant have been made,
in large part funded from the sale of former properties, which
provide the Group with expanded capacity, improved productivity and
excellent facilities for the future.
The loss of a working majority for the Government, coupled with
the Brexit negotiations may prolong a period of uncertainty.
However we trust that the Government will continue with its
investment in the rail sector and that the Group will continue to
enjoy success in exports to Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Following the significant investment in facilities and a working
capital build to fund growth over the year, gearing amounted to
31.6% as compared to 29.2% at the start of the financial year. Cash
flow is expected to be increasingly positive through the second
half and beyond.
We are continuing to follow a progressive dividend policy: the
interim dividend will be increased by 5.0% to 1.05p (2016: 1.00p)
which will be paid on 22 September 2017 to those shareholders
registered at the close of business on 1 September 2017.
We expect good progress in orders and sales through the
remainder of this year and the current order book underpins the
situation for the medium term. The future looks encouraging.
MICHAEL RUSCH
Chairman
26 June 2017
LPA GROUP PLC
Interim Unaudited Group Results for the Six Months ended 31
March 2017
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
6 months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept 2016
31 March Unaudited Audited
2017 GBP000's GBP000's
Unaudited
GBP000's
Revenue 10,807 10,483 21,422
=========== ============== ==============
Operating profit before exceptional
items 772 782 1,533
Gain on sale of property 341 14 14
Relocation and other nonrecurring (115) - -
costs
Operating profit 998 796 1,547
Finance costs (32) (40) (85)
Finance income 10 26 54
Profit before tax 976 782 1,516
Taxation (78) (100) (54)
Profit for the period 898 682 1,462
=========== ============== ==============
Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the parent 898 682 1,462
=========== ============== ==============
Earnings per share (see note 2)
- Basic 7.37p 5.75p 12.30p
- Diluted 6.81p 5.34p 11.35p
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
6 months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept 2016
31 March Unaudited Audited
2017 GBP000's GBP000's
Unaudited
GBP000's
Profit for the period 898 682 1,462
----------- -------------- --------------
Other comprehensive income / (expense)
Items that will not be reclassified
to profit or loss
Actuarial gain / (loss) on pension
scheme 294 64 (692)
Tax on actuarial gain / (loss) (57) (23) 119
Other comprehensive income / (expense)
net of tax 237 41 (573)
----------- -------------- --------------
Total comprehensive income for the
period 1,135 723 889
=========== ============== ==============
Attributable to:
- Equity holders of the parent 1,135 723 889
=========== ============== ==============
LPA GROUP PLC
Interim Unaudited Group Results for the Six Months ended 31
March 2017
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As at As at As at
31 March 1 April 2016 30 Sept 2016
2017 Unaudited Audited
Unaudited GBP000's GBP000's
GBP000's
Non-current assets
Intangible assets 1,190 1,204 1,194
Property, plant and equipment 6,686 4,722 5,624
Retirement benefits 1,195 1,519 841
9,071 7,445 7,659
----------- -------------- --------------
Current assets
Inventories 3,593 2,866 3,030
Trade and other receivables 4,721 4,502 4,678
Cash and cash equivalents 138 4 149
----------- -------------- --------------
8,452 7,372 7,857
----------- -------------- --------------
Total assets 17,523 14,817 15,516
Current liabilities
Bank overdraft (640) (384) (138)
Bank loans and other borrowings (265) (246) (247)
Current tax payable (199) (134) (122)
Trade and other payables (4,061) (3,582) (3,803)
(5,165) (4,346) (4,310)
----------- -------------- --------------
Non-current liabilities
Bank loans and other borrowings (2,327) (1,471) (2,305)
Deferred tax liabilities (251) (369) (193)
Other payables - (20) (19)
----------- -------------- --------------
(2,578) (1,860) (2,517)
----------- -------------- --------------
Total liabilities (7,743) (6,206) (6,827)
----------- -------------- --------------
Net assets 9,780 8,611 8,689
=========== ============== ==============
Equity
Share capital 1,231 1,189 1,196
Share premium account 610 480 504
Un-issued shares reserve 183 191 183
Merger reserve 230 230 230
Retained earnings 7,526 6,521 6,576
Equity attributable to shareholders
of the parent 9,780 8,611 8,689
=========== ============== ==============
LPA GROUP PLC
Interim Unaudited Group Results for the Six Months ended 31
March 2017
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
6 months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept 2016
31 March Unaudited Audited
2017 GBP000's GBP000's
Unaudited
GBP000's
Opening equity 8,689 7,987 7,987
Total comprehensive income 1,135 723 889
Transactions with owners:
Dividends (185) (119) (238)
Proceeds from issue of shares 141 20 51
Closing equity 9,780 8,611 8,689
=========== ============== ==============
LPA GROUP PLC
Interim Unaudited Group Results for the Six Months ended 31
March 2017
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
6 months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept
31 March Unaudited 2016
2017 GBP000's Audited
Unaudited GBP000's
GBP000's
Profit before tax 976 782 1,516
Finance costs 32 40 85
Finance income (10) (26) (54)
Operating profit 998 796 1,547
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 230 224 442
Amortisation of intangible assets 17 19 39
Gain on sale of property, plant and
equipment (341) (14) (14)
Loan arrangement fees 4 - 19
908 1,025 2,033
Movements in working capital:
Change in inventories (563) (208) (372)
Change in trade and other receivables (43) (1,036) (1,212)
Change in trade and other payables 259 617 873
----------- -------------- ----------
Cash generated from operations 561 398 1,322
Retirement benefits (50) (50) (100)
----------- -------------- ----------
Net cash from operating activities 511 348 1,222
----------- -------------- ----------
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (1,354) (174) (1,294)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment 524 637 601
Capitalised development expenditure (13) (1) (11)
Net cash (used in) / from investing
activities (843) 462 (704)
----------- -------------- ----------
Drawdown of bank loans 500 - 2,475
Repayment of bank loans (603) (100) (1,750)
Repayment of obligations under finance
leases (27) (18) (40)
Interest paid (7) (40) (72)
Proceeds from issue of share capital 141 20 51
Dividends paid (185) (119) (238)
----------- -------------- ----------
Net cash (used in) / from financing
activities (181) (257) 426
----------- -------------- ----------
Net (decrease) / increase in cash and
cash equivalents (513) 553 944
Cash and cash equivalents at start
of the period 11 (933) (933)
----------- -------------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the period (502) (380) 11
=========== ============== ==========
6 months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept
31 March Unaudited 2016
Reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents 2017 GBP000's Audited
Unaudited GBP000's
GBP000's
Cash and cash equivalents in current
assets 138 4 149
Bank overdraft in current liabilities (640) (384) (138)
----------- -------------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the period (502) (380) 11
=========== ============== ==========
NOTES
1 - BASIS OF PREPARATION
These interim consolidated financial statements are for the six
months ended 31 March 2017. They do not include all of the
information required for full annual financial statements, and
should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial
statements of the Group for the year ended 30 September 2016.
They have been prepared in accordance with International
Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the EU and applicable
law (IFRS) and in accordance with the provisions of the Companies
Act 2006 applicable to companies applying IFRS. These financial
statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention
with the exception of certain items which are measured at fair
value.
These consolidated interim financial statements have been
prepared in accordance with the accounting policies adopted in the
last annual financial statements for the year to 30 September 2016.
The accounting policies have been applied consistently throughout
the Group for the purposes of preparation of these interim
financial statements and are expected to be followed throughout the
year ended 30 September 2017.
2 - EARNINGS PER SHARE
The calculations of earnings per share are based upon the profit
after tax attributable to ordinary equity shareholders and the
weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the
period. Details are as follows:
Six months Period to Year to
to 1 April 2016 30 Sept 2016
31 March Unaudited Audited
2017
Unaudited
Profit for the period - GBP000's 898 682 1,462
----------- -------------- --------------
Weighted average number of ordinary
shares in issue during the period 12.186m 11.856m 11.884m
Dilutive effect of share options 0.995m 0.924m 1.003m
----------- -------------- --------------
Number of shares for diluted earnings
per share 13.181m 12.780m 12.887m
----------- -------------- --------------
Basic earnings per share 7.37p 5.75p 12.30p
Diluted earnings per share 6.81p 5.34p 11.35p
3 - ANALYSIS OF NET DEBT
Finance lease Cash and
Bank loans obligations cash equivalents Net debt
GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's GBP000's
At 1 October 2016 2,457 95 (11) 2,541
New finance lease obligations - 141 - 141
Draw down of bank loans 500 - (500) -
Interest and arrangement
fees 29 - - 29
Repayment of borrowings (603) (27) 630 -
Cash absorbed - - 383 383
At 31 March 2017 2,383 209 502 3,094
============= ============== ================== ===========
4 - INFORMATION
LPA Group plc is the Group's ultimate parent company. It is
incorporated in England and Wales and domiciled in Great Britain.
The address of LPA Group plc's registered office, which is also its
principal place of business, is Light & Power House, Shire
Hill, Saffron Walden, Essex, CB11 3AQ. LPA Group plc's shares are
quoted on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.
LPA Group plc's consolidated interim financial statements are
presented in Pounds Sterling (GBP'000), which is also the
functional currency of the parent company. These consolidated
interim financial statements have been approved for issue by the
Board of Directors on 26 June 2017. The financial information for
the year ended 30 September 2016 set out in this interim report
does not constitute statutory accounts as defined in Section 434 of
the Companies Act 2006. The Group's statutory financial statements
for the year ended 30 September 2016 have been filed with the
Registrar of Companies. The auditor's report on those financial
statements was unqualified and did not contain statements under
Section 498(2) or Section 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.
Summarised copies of this Interim Report are being sent to
shareholders. Copies are also available from the Company's
registered office at the above address and will be made available
on the Company's website (www.lpa-group.com).
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
END
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