TIDMAIEA
RNS Number : 2505J
Airea PLC
08 September 2016
AIREA plc
Preliminary results for the year ended 30th June 2016
Strategic Report
Airea plc is pleased to be able to report that the business has
made substantial progress in the year:
-- Operating profit up 86% to GBP2.0m
-- Basic earnings per share up 133% to 3.01p
-- EBITDA(1) before exceptional items up 48% to GBP2.8m
-- Proposed final dividend up 67% to 1.5p
Principal activity and strategy
The group remains focused on the manufacture, marketing and
distribution of floor coverings. Our approach to strategy is
uncomplicated; to develop products that sell, exploit the strength
of our combined manufacturing and distribution operation, and
deliver robust cash flows.
Overview
Airea plc is pleased to report an 86% increase in operating
profit following an improvement in UK contract sales and operating
margins and despite the adverse impact on international sales of
the strength of sterling against the Euro during the period.
As reported in the interim announcement, the second half also
benefited from a reduced cost base following the consolidation of
operations onto two existing sites occupied by the business at
Ossett and Wakefield. One of the properties came to the end of the
lease period and has been vacated. The other freehold property
remains in our ownership and has been leased to a third party. This
brings to fruition a process whereby the property footprint has
progressively reduced over the last four years, cutting the number
of sites occupied from six to two. The move not only delivers
considerable cost savings, but enhances our operational capability,
reducing lead times and thereby improving customer service.
The exceptional one off costs incurred as a consequence of site
reorganisation i.e. rationalisation of finished inventories,
redundancy payments to staff who were not able to transfer, and the
relocation of equipment and inventory have been highlighted in the
income statement.
Despite the deterioration in the financial climate, we were able
to reduce the pension deficit by completing a Pension Increase
Exchange exercise. The initiative allowed pensioners to opt for an
income stream more aligned to their personal circumstances and
preferences, whilst at the same time reducing the cost of past
service benefits to the scheme. The gain to profit is highlighted
as exceptional in the income statement. In addition, the pension
scheme investment strategy is constantly under review, and our
liability hedging strategy and increased diversification have
performed well.
As in previous years the cost base remains under constant review
and operating margin increased in the year.
A further repurchase of shares was completed in the period,
funded from cash flow generated in the year, and contributed to the
improvement in earnings per share. Cash generation increased and
the group continues to operate debt free.
Group results
Revenue for the period was GBP24.6m (2015 GBP25.5m) as the
strength of sterling against the Euro had an adverse impact on our
sales into continental Europe, especially in the first half of the
financial year the GBP/Euro exchange rate at 1.40-1.44 for long
periods had a detrimental effect on sales in highly competitive,
price sensitive markets. Operating profit before exceptional items
was GBP2,013,000 (2015: GBP1,212,000), due to improved operating
margin, and the lower cost base, largely resulting from the site
consolidation in the second half. The exceptional charge of GBP1.3m
relates to the costs associated with the consolidation of
manufacturing operations, and the exceptional income of GBP1.3m
related to the Pension Increase Exchange. The operating profit
after exceptional items was GBP2,042,000 (2015: GBP1,098,000).
Other finance costs relating to the defined benefit pension scheme
increased to GBP651,000 (2015: GBP447,000) as a result of changes
in the Pension Protection Fund Levy. After charging tax of
GBP114,000 (2015 GBP69,000), the profit for the year was
GBP1,277,000 (2015: GBP581,000).
Basic earnings per share were 3.01p (2015: 1.29p), and basic
adjusted earnings per share(2) were 2.96p (2015: 1.50p).
Operating cash flows before exceptional items, movements in
working capital and other payables were GBP2,844,000 (2015:
GBP1,928,000). After taking account of exceptional items of
GBP803,000 (2015: nil) operating cash flows before movements in
working capital and other payables were GBP2,041,000 (2015:
GBP1,928,000). Working capital decreased by GBP1,009,000 (2015:
increase GBP490,000) due to a reduction in inventories.
Contributions of GBP400,000 (2015: GBP400,000) were made to the
defined benefit pension scheme in line with the agreement reached
with the trustees based on the 2014 actuarial valuation. Capital
expenditure of GBP704,000 (2015: GBP459,000) remained focussed on
supporting new product launches and the ongoing improvement in the
flexibility, reliability and productivity of the manufacturing
process. A repurchase of 2,050,000 ordinary shares was completed at
a cost of GBP410,000.
The reduction of the pension deficit to GBP6.7m (2015 GBP7.4m)
stemmed from the net effect of the Pension Increase Exchange
exercise, the deterioration in corporate bond yields and the bigger
Pension Protection Fund Levy, which diverts company contributions
from funding the pension plan.
Key performance indicators
As part of its internal financial control procedures the board
monitors certain financial ratios. For the year to 30th June 2016
value added per employee (the ratio of sales less material costs to
average employee numbers) amounted to GBP70,000 (2015: GBP70,000),
operating return on sales (the ratio of operating profit before
exceptional items to revenue) was 8.2% (2015: 4.7%), return on
average net operating assets (the ratio of operating profit before
exceptional items to average operating assets) was 11.0% (2015:
7.1%) and working capital to sales percentage was 34.3% (2015:
38.2%). The improvement in the ratios demonstrates the reduction in
the cost base and the improvement in working capital
efficiency.
Principal risks and uncertainties
The board has responsibility for determining the nature and
extent of the significant risks it is willing to take in achieving
its strategic objectives, and ensuring that risks are managed
effectively across the group. Risks are identified as being
principally based on the likelihood of occurrence and potential
impact on the group. The group's principal risks are identified
below, together with a description of how the group mitigates those
risks.
The key operational risk facing the business continues to be the
competitive nature of the markets for the group's products. To
mitigate this risk the group seeks to improve existing products,
introduce new products and achieve high levels of customer service
and efficiency.
The majority of the group's revenue arises from trade with
flooring contractors and independent retailers. The activity levels
within this customer base are determined by consumer demand created
through a wide range of commercial refurbishment and building
projects and activity in the housing market. The general level of
activity in these underlying markets has the potential to affect
the demand for products supplied by the group. The group mitigates
these factors by closely monitoring sales trends and taking
appropriate action early, along with strengthening the product
range and developing new channels to market, both at home and
abroad, to grow demand across a wider range of markets.
The group operates a defined benefit pension scheme. At present,
in aggregate, there is an actuarial deficit between the value of
the projected liabilities of this scheme and the assets they hold.
The amount of the deficit may be adversely affected by changes in a
number of factors, including investment returns, long-term interest
rate and price inflation expectations, and anticipated members'
longevity. Further increases in pension scheme deficit may require
the group to increase the amount of cash contributions payable to
the scheme, thereby reducing cash available to meet the group's
other operating, investing and financing requirements. Following
the triennial funding valuation of the group's pension scheme in
2014, a revised deficit recovery plan was agreed. The performance
of the group's pension scheme and deficit recovery plan are
regularly reviewed by both the group and the trustees of the
scheme, taking actuarial and investment advice as appropriate. The
results of these reviews are discussed with the board and
appropriate action taken.
Other risks
Raw material costs are a significant constituent of overall
product cost, and are impacted by global commodity markets.
Significant fluctuations in raw material costs can have a material
impact on profitability. The group continuously seeks out
opportunities to develop a robust and competitive supply base,
substitute new materials and closely monitors selling prices and
margins.
The global nature of the group's business means it is exposed to
volatility in currency exchange rates in respect of foreign
currency denominated transactions, the most significant being the
euro. In order to protect itself against currency fluctuations the
group has taken advantage of the opportunity to naturally hedge
euro revenue with euro payments. This is done in combination with
foreign currency bank accounts and forward exchange contracts. No
transactions of a speculative nature are undertaken.
Other risks include the availability of necessary materials,
business interruption and the duty of care to our employees,
customers and the wider public. These risks are managed through the
combination of quality assurance and health and safety procedures,
and insurance cover.
Management and personnel
The improvement in the financial performance of the business is
testament to the flexibility, hard work and outstanding commitment
of our staff, we once again thank everyone in the business for
their contribution.
Current trading and future prospects
After a number of years of strengthening sterling, we are now
enjoying a more competitive exchange rate, which offers potential
opportunities to restore growth in our export business, and improve
our competitive position against international competition in the
home market. Marginal pricing is however common in many of the
markets we serve and it is highly unlikely that our competition
will change pricing habits completely despite the additional
pressure from currency. Of most concern is the threat of depressed
market activity within the construction sector generally which has
the potential to overwhelm any price and cost advantages we may
enjoy.
As ever our plans do not assume any help from the market and
whilst the board notes the uncertainty arising from the political
and economic changes currently taking place, our focus is on
exploiting the expanding opportunities that arise from the
repositioning of the business over recent years.
The site consolidation is now almost complete although we are
reviewing our position concerning one of our remaining lease
properties, and is delivering cost savings and operational
improvements significantly ahead of expectations.
New strategic investment in manufacturing technology provides
the spring board for extending the product range to new market
sectors, and this combined with a lower cost base gives us real
cause for optimism for dealing with growing economic
uncertainty.
We believe the Group is well positioned for growth .
Given our confidence in the future prospects of the business,
the ongoing improvement in the performance of the business, and a
robust cash flow, we are once again able to support the progressive
dividend policy. If approved, a final dividend of 1.5p per share
will be paid on 24th November 2016 to shareholders on the register
at close of business on 28th October 2016. The ex dividend date is
27(th) October 2016.
(1) EBITDA, is earnings before depreciation, interest, taxation
and amortisation
(2) Adjusted earnings are earnings adjusted for exceptional
operating items (net of tax)
Enquiries:
Neil Rylance 01924 266561
Chief Executive Officer
Roger Salt 01924 266561
Group Finance Director
Richard Lindley 020 7496 3000
N+1 Singer
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes
of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014.
The financial information set out in the announcement does not
constitute the group's statutory accounts for the years ended 30
June 2016 or 30 June 2015. The financial information for the year
ended 30 June 2015 is derived from the statutory accounts for that
year which have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The
auditors reported on those accounts; their report was unqualified
and did not include any statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the
Companies Act 2006. The consolidated balance sheet at 30 June 2016,
the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of
comprehensive income, the consolidated cash flow statement and the
consolidated statement of changes in equity for the year then ended
have been extracted from the Group's 2016 statutory financial
statements upon which the auditor's opinion is unqualified and does
not include any statement under s498(2) or s498(3) of the Companies
Act 2006.
The announcement has been agreed with the company's auditor for
release.
Audited Consolidated Income
Statement
Year ended 30th June 2016
2016 2015
GBP000 GBP000
Revenue 24,577 25,538
Operating costs (22,535) (24,440)
-------------------------------------- ------- --------- ---------
Operating profit before exceptional
items 2,013 1,212
Exceptional costs (1,271) (114)
Pension credit 1,300 -
------------------------------------- ------- --------- ---------
Operating profit 2,042 1,098
--------- ---------
Finance income - 1
Finance costs (651) (449)
--------- ---------
Profit before taxation 1,391 650
Taxation (114) (69)
--------- ---------
Profit attributable to the
shareholders of the group 1,277 581
========= =========
Earnings per share (basic 3.01 1.29
and diluted) p p
All amounts relate to continuing
operations
Audited Consolidated Statement
of Comprehensive Income
Year ended 30th June 2016
2016 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Profit attributable to shareholders
of the group 1,277 581
--------- --------
Actuarial loss recognised
in the pension scheme (291) (1,635)
Related deferred taxation (83) 267
---------
(374) (1,368)
Unrealised valuation gain 3,009 -
Related deferred taxation (240) -
------- ---------
2,769 -
--------- --------
Total other comprehensive
income 2,395 (1,368)
--------- --------
Total comprehensive income
attributable to the shareholders
of the group 3,672 (787)
========= ========
All items will not be reclassified as profit and loss.
Audited Consolidated Balance
Sheet
as at 30th June 2016
2016 2015
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment 5,489 5,333
Investment property 2,701 -
Deferred tax asset 1,264 1,557
---------
9,454 6,890
Current assets
Inventories 9,338 10,647
Trade and other receivables 4,601 4,412
Cash and cash equivalents 3,114 1,883
-------- --------
17,053 16,942
---------
Total assets 26,507 23,832
--------- ---------
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (5,505) (5,308)
Provisions (125) -
-------- --------
(5,630) (5,308)
Non-current liabilities
Pension deficit (6,685) (7,443)
Deferred tax (241) (1)
-------- --------
(6,926) (7,444)
--------- ---------
Total liabilities (12,556) (12,752)
---------
13,951 11,080
========= =========
Equity
Called up share capital 10,339 10,851
Share premium account 504 504
Capital redemption reserve 3,617 3,105
Revaluation reserve 3,009 -
Retained earnings (3,518) (3,380)
---------
13,951 11,080
========= =========
Audited Consolidated Cash
Flow Statement
Year ended 30th June 2016
2016 2015
GBP000 GBP000
Cash flow from operating
activities
Profit for the year 1,277 581
Tax charged 114 69
Finance costs 651 448
Depreciation 837 830
Profit on disposal of property,
plant and equipment (6) -
Pension credit (1,300) -
Inventory Impairment 468 -
-------- -------
Operating cash flows before
movements in working capital 2,041 1,928
Decrease/(increase) in inventories 841 (427)
Increase in trade and other
receivables (189) (99)
Increase in trade and other
payables 232 151
Increase/(decrease) in provisions
for liabilities and charges 125 (115)
-------- -------
Cash generated from operations 3,050 1,438
Income tax received 61 -
Contributions to defined
benefit pension scheme (400) (400)
-------- -------
Net cash generated from operations 2,711 1,038
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (704) (459)
Proceeds on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 25 -
-------- -------
(679) (459)
Financing activities
Interest - (1)
Share repurchase (410) (348)
Equity dividends paid (391) (277)
-------- -------
(801) (626)
-------- -------
Net increase/(decrease) in
cash and cash equivalents 1,231 (47)
Cash and cash equivalents
at start of the year 1,883 1,930
-------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of the year 3,114 1,883
======== =======
Audited Consolidated Statement
of Changes in Equity
Year ended 30th June
2016
Share Share Capital Revaluation Profit Total
capital premium redemption Reserve and equity
account reserve loss
account
GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000 GBP000
At 1st July 2014 11,561 504 2,395 - (1,968) 12,492
Comprehensive income
for then year
Profit for the year - - - - 581 581
Other comprehensive
income for the year - - - - (1,368) (1,368)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - - (787) (787)
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share repurchase (710) - 710 - - -
Consideration paid on
share purchase - - - - (348) (348)
Dividend paid - - - - (277) (277)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
Total contributions
by and distributions
to owners (710) - 710 - (625) (625)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
At 30(th) June and 1st
July 2015 10,851 504 3,105 - (3,380) 11,080
Comprehensive Income
for the year
Profit for the year - - - - 1,277 1,277
Other comprehensive
income for the year - - - 3,009 (614) 2,395
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
Total comprehensive
income for the year - - - 3,009 663 3,672
Contributions by and
distributions to owners
Share repurchase (512) - 512 - - -
Consideration paid on
share purchase - - - - (410) (410)
Dividend paid - - - - (391) (391)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
Total Contributions
by and distributions
to owners (512) - 512 - (801) (801)
--------- --------- ------------ ------------ --------- --------
At 30th June 2016 10,339 504 3,617 3,009 (3,518) 13,951
========= ========= ============ ============ ========= ========
In accordance with Rule 20 of the AIM Rules, Airea confirms that
the annual report and accounts for the year ended 30th June 2016
will be available to view on the Company's website at
www.aireaplc.co.uk on 8th September 2016, and will be posted to
shareholders by 16(th) September 2016.
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange
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September 08, 2016 02:00 ET (06:00 GMT)