Final Results

RNS Number : 3624I

Airea PLC

21 March 2018

 

AIREA plc

Preliminary results for the 18 month period ended 31st December 2017

HIGHLIGHTS

·   Commercial Floorcoverings business Operating Profit before exceptional items of £4.3m           

·   Export sales growth of 58 % over last six months following entry into new geographical markets, strengthening of international dealer network, and successful launch of new products

·   Broader product range of new products based on new technology investment in 2017 has opened up new markets & opportunities as planned

·   Closure of loss making residential carpet business (Ryalux) will be cash generative with receipts from stock realisation & sale of plant and machinery exceeding closure costs

·   The Group's simplification and focus on its core Burmatex business is expected to deliver considerable and sustainable free cash generation in the mid-term, creating considerable shareholder value.

·   At the AGM on 10^th May 2018 the board will be seeking authority to return some value to shareholders through a buy-back of up to 6m shares (14.5% of current share capital)

·   Pension deficit reduced by £4.5m to £2.2m with, statutory funding position deficit reduced to zero

·   Strong cash generation and closure of Ryalux businesses supports a 5p special final dividend

·   Total dividend payment (inclusive of the interim dividend) for the financial period of 6.75p

Strategic Report

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 to support a progressive dividend policy.

Overview

As recently announced the Company has entered into a formal consultation period with employees concerning the proposed closure of the residential carpets business.  Operating as Ryalux Carpets Limited ("Ryalux"), the residential carpets business offers high quality standard and custom broad loom carpets available through carpet retail outlets.      The Company has proposed the closure of Ryalux Carpets Limited as the business has been loss making for a number of years.  Airea has implemented a range of initiatives in recent years to improve the business, including new product development, rationalisation of sites and strict cost controls. Despite this, the trading environment for residential carpets has worsened and the ongoing trend to cheaper synthetic products has led to further declines in demand for high quality tufted woollen carpets.   In the 18 months to 31 December 2017 Ryalux Carpets Limited generated an operating loss before exceptional items of £3.1m on revenue of £9.9 million. The Company has incurred exceptional costs of £1.7m, inclusive of £1.1m of asset impairment and provisions, associated largely with a reduction in working capital and impairment of assets.  Overall, the closure is likely to be cash generative, with receipts from the realisation of assets being greater than closure costs. 

Going forward the increase in free cash generation arising from the proposed elimination of losses previously incurred by Ryalux will enable increased investment in the highly profitable commercial flooring business operated under the Burmatex brand ("Burmatex").  In the eighteen months to 31 December 2017 the commercial floorcoverings division generated an operating profit before exceptional items of £4.3m on sales of £26.9m.  The investment in new technology made earlier in the period is now coming to fruition with the launch of a series of new products, which will open up new higher value markets.  This adds to the successful launch of a competitively priced entry product, which has already established a significant market share in its own right as well as opening up new opportunities for the rest of the product range.   Burmatex now has a range of products to profitably compete across the broad spectrum of price points.  We are already seeing the benefit in sales growth both in the UK and internationally.

It is pleasing to report that the improved management of liabilities and a refocussed investment strategy has seen a considerable improvement in the funding position of the legacy defined benefits pension scheme.  The accounting deficit reduced by £4.5m to £2.2m. 

We also saw an increase in valuation of the investment property to £3.2m from £2.7m.  The gain, which is highlighted separately in the income statement, results from the increased rent potential following extensive refurbished carried out in the period.

As previously announced, the company's accounting reference date has been changed to the 31st December, necessitating an eighteen month reporting period.  The comparative figures cover a twelve month period, which means they are not directly comparable.  However, moving forward the new reporting period will be more closely aligned to the company's business cycle.

Group results

Revenue for the period was £36.7m (2016: £24.6m).  Operating profit before exceptional items was £1,156,000 (2016: £2,013,000).  The reduction in profitability resulted from the accelerating losses in the residential carpets business.        The exceptional costs of £2.2m (2016: £1.3m) relate in the main to the rationalisation of the residential carpets business and the associated impairment of assets.  The exceptional income of £0.4m arises from the revaluation of the investment property. The operating loss after exceptional items was £578,000 (2016: profit £2,042,000).  Other finance costs relating in the main to the defined benefit pension scheme were £932,000 (2016: £651,000).  After a tax credit of £140,000 (2016: charge £114,000), the loss for the year was £1,370,000 (2016: profit £1,277,000).

Basic loss per share was 3.31p (2016: earnings 3.01p), and basic adjusted earnings per share¹ were 1.97p (2016: 2.96p).

Operating cash flows before movements in working capital and other payables were £1,007,000 (2016: £2,041,000).  Working capital decreased by £2,201,000 (2016: £1,009,000) due in the main to the run down of inventories in the residential carpets business. Contributions of £600,000 (2016: £400,000) 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 gross of asset finance of £1,313,000 (2016: £704,000) and investment in intangible assets of £163,000 (2016: £nil) related in the main to the introduction of new technology. 

The reduction of £4.5m in the pension deficit to £2.2m (2016 £6.7m) stemmed principally from strong investment returns on scheme assets.         

Key performance indicators

As part of its internal financial control procedures the board monitors certain financial ratios.  To enable meaningful comparison where figures cover an eighteen month period, they have been reduced to a twelve month equivalent on a simple time apportionment basis.  For the eighteen months to 31^st December 2018, adjusted to a twelve month equivalent, value added per employee (the ratio of sales less material costs to average employee numbers) amounted to £69,000 (2016: £70,000), operating return on sales (the ratio of operating profit before exceptional items to revenue) was 3.1% (2016: 8.2%), return on average net operating assets (the ratio of operating profit before exceptional items to average operating assets) was 4.2% (2016: 11.0%) and working capital to sales percentage was 24.8% (2016: 34.3%).  The reduction in the performance indicators is as a result of the deterioration of the residential carpet business.  The directors are confident that the actions taken will drive significant improvement in the future.

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, which remain consistent with the prior year, 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 accounting 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.  The performance and risk management 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.  Following the triennial funding valuation of the group's pension scheme as at 1^st July 2017, a revised deficit recovery plan was agreed.  Under the plan the company will continue to make annual contributions of £400,000, even though the statutory funding deficit has been eliminated.  This is to allow a gradual reduction in investment risk.

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.

The long term impact of the Brexit Referendum is not yet clear in respect of the degree in respect of its impact on future economic growth in the UK market, or on any additional tariffs that may apply to UK businesses trading with the European Union.  The group monitors this position and adjusts its forward plans where appropriate.  It is believed that the group's strength in refurbishment markets, its position as a UK manufacturer with a strong presence in the UK market and strategies of developing new sales channels will act to mitigate the impact of adverse changes and provide opportunities for growth.

Management and personnel

We recognise the hard work and dedication our staff have applied in trying to recover the fortunes of the residential carpets business.  We thank them for the dedication they have continued to show during the most challenging of times.

Current trading and future prospects

The changes we are making to the business and the increased investment in our successful commercial flooring business provides significant opportunities for profitable growth.  Given our confidence in the future prospects of the business, the ongoing improvement in the performance of the commercial floorcoverings business, and the cash surplus arising from the actions taken in the residential carpets operation we will be proposing a special dividend payment.  If approved, a final dividend of 5.0p per share will be paid on 23rd May 2018 to shareholders on the register at close of business on 13th April 2018, with an ex dividend date of 12^th April 2018.

MARTIN TOOGOOD                                    NEIL RYLANCE

Chairman                                                     Chief Executive Officer                                               20th March 2018

¹ 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 18 month period ended 31 December 2017 or the year ended 30 June 2016.  The financial information for the year ended 30 June 2016 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 31 December 2017, the consolidated income statement, the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the consolidated cash flow statement, the consolidated statement of changes in equity and the segmental reporting for the 18 month period then ended have been extracted from the Group's 2017 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.

	Consolidated Income Statement
	18 month period ended 31st December 2017
				18 months ended 31st December				12 months ended 30th June
				2017				2016
				£000				£000
	Revenue			36,749				24,577
	Operating costs			(37,327)				(22,535)
	Operating profit before exceptional items			1,156				2,013
	Exceptional costs			(2,183)				(1,271)
	Pension credit			-				1,300
	Unrealised valuation gain			449				-
	Operating (loss)  / profit			(578)				2,042
	Finance costs			(932)				(651)
	(Loss) / profit before taxation			(1,510)				1,391
	Taxation			140				(114)
	(Loss) / profit attributable to shareholders of the group			(1,370)				1,277
	(Loss) / earnings per share (basic and diluted)			(3.31)p				3.01 p
	All amounts relate to continuing operations
	Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income
	18 months ended 31st December 2017
				18 months ended 31st December				12 months ended 30th June
				2017				2016
				£000		£000		£000		£000
	(Loss) / profit attributable to shareholders of the group					(1,370)				1,277
	Actuarial gain / (loss) recognised in the pension scheme			4,827				(291)
	Related deferred taxation			(862)				(83)
						3,965				(374)
	Unrealised valuation gain			117				3,009
	Related deferred taxation			-				(240)
						117				2,769
	Total other comprehensive income					4,082				2,395
	Total comprehensive income attributable to shareholders of the group					2,712				3,672

Consolidated Balance Sheet
as at 31st December 2017
			31st December				30th June
			2017				2016
			£000		£000		£000		£000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment					5,294				5,489
Intangible assets					124				-
Investment property					3,150				2,701
Deferred tax asset					389				1,264
					8,957				9,454
Current assets
Inventories			6,937				9,338
Trade and other receivables			2,893				4,601
Cash and cash equivalents			3,702				3,114
					13,532				17,053
Total assets					22,489				26,507
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables			(3,745)				(5,505)
Provisions			(300)				(125)
Obligations under finance leases			(183)				-
					(4,228)				(5,630)
Non-current liabilities
Pension deficit			(2,164)				(6,685)
Deferred tax			(268)				(241)
Obligations under finance leases			(510)				-
					(2,942)				(6,926)
Total liabilities					(7,170)				(12,556)
					15,319				13,951
Equity
Called up share capital					10,339				10,339
Share premium account					504				504
Capital redemption reserve					3,617				3,617
Revaluation reserve					3,126				3,009
Retained earnings					(2,267)				(3,518)
					15,319				13,951

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement
18 month period ended 31st December 2017
		18 Months ended 31st December		12 Months ended 30th June
		2017		2016
			£000		£000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss) / profit for the year			(1,370)		1,277
Depreciation			927		837
Amortisation			39
Finance costs			932		651
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment			-		(6)
Tax (credit) / expense			(140)		114
Pension credit			-		(1,300)
Tangible fixed assets impairment			708		-
Inventory impairment			289		468
Trade receivables impairment			71		-
Unrealised valuation gain			(449)		-
Operating cash flows before movements in working capital			1,007		2,041
Decrease in inventories			2,112		841
Decrease / (Increase) in trade and other receivables			1,674		(189)
(Decrease) / Increase in trade and other payables			(1,760)		232
Increase in provisions for liabilities and charges			175		125
Cash generated from operations			3,208		3,050
Income tax received			143		61
Contributions to defined benefit pension scheme			(600)		(400)
Net cash generated from operating activities			2,751		2,711
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments to acquire tangible fixed assets			(392)		(704)
Payments to acquire intangible fixed assets			(163)		-
Receipts fro sales of tangible fixed assets			-		25
Net cash used in investing activities			(555)		(679)
Cash flows from financing activities
Interest paid			(26)		-
Finance lease repayments			(238)		-
Share repurchase			-		(410)
Equity dividends paid			(1,344)		(391)
Net cash used in financing activities			(1,608)		(801)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			588		1,231
Cash and cash equivalents at start of the year			3,114		1,883
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the year			3,702		3,114

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity
18 month period ended 31st December 2017
		Share capital	Share premium account	Capital redemption reserve	Revaluation reserve	Profit and loss account	Total equity
		£000	£000	£000	£000	£000	£000
At 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 and 1st July 2016		10,339	504	3,617	3,009	(3,518)	13,951
Comprehensive income for the period
Loss for the period		-	-	-	-	(1,370)	(1,370)
Other comprehensive income for the period		-	-	-	117	3,965	4,082
Total comprehensive income for the period		-	-	-	117	2,595	2,712
Contributions by and distributions to owners
Dividend paid		-	-	-	-	(1,344)	(1,344)
Total contributions by and distributions to owners		-	-	-	-	(1,344)	(1,344)
At 31st December 2017		10,339	504	3,617	3,126	(2,267)	15,319

Notes to the Financial Statements
1	SEGMENTAL REPORTING
	The group presents its results in accordance with internal management reporting information which means that the group is reported as two segments. The residential carpets business was separated out during the period, assets revenues and cost allocated accordingly and the segment monitored separately during the period as a result of increasing losses.  The commercial floorcoverings segment focusses on the design and manufacture of floorcoverings to meet the needs of architects, specifiers and contractors for the education, leisure, commercial, healthcare and public sectors.  The residential carpets segment produces standard and bespoke carpets distributed through independent carpet retail outlets.  The performance of the group is monitored and measured and strategic decisions made by the Chief Operating Decision Maker, which is deemed to be the board, on the basis of the group's results.  The group's results include all items presented under IFRS.  This management information therefore accords with group financial information presented in the consolidated income statement and consolidated balance sheet.
	Revenue is reported by geographical location of customers, and by market sector.
	All revenue is generated by operations within the United Kingdom and all assets are located in the United Kingdom.

18 month period ended 31st December 2017
		Commercial		Residential			Total
		Floorcoverings		Carpets
		£000		£000			£000
Revenue		26,890		9,859			36,749
Operating costs		(22,658)		(14,669)			(37,327)
Operating profit / (Loss) before exceptional items		4,255		(3,099)			1,156
Exceptional costs		(472)		(1,711)			(2,183)
Unrealised valuation gain		449		-			449
Operating profit / (Loss)		4,232		(4,810)			(578)
Finance costs		(932)		-			(932)
Profit /(Loss) before taxation		3,300		(4,810)			(1,510)
Taxation		186		(46)			140
		3,486		(4,856)			(1,370)
Depreciation charge		291		636			927
Amortisation charge		39		-			39
Capital expenditure		1,428		58			1,486
Segment assets		14,286		1,033			15,319
Year ended 30th June 2016 (Restated)
		Commercial		Residential			Total
		Floorcoverings		Carpets
		£000		£000			£000
Revenue		18,066		6,511			24,577
Operating costs		(13,424)		(9,111)			(22,535)
Operating profit / (loss) before exceptional items		3,342		(1,329)			2,013
Exceptional costs		-		(1,271)			(1,271)
Pension credit		1,300		-			1,300
Operating profit / (loss)		4,642		(2,600)			2,042
Finance costs		(651)		-			(651)
Profit / (Loss) before taxation		3,991		(2,600)			1,391
Taxation		(114)		-			(114)
		3,877		(2,600)			1,277
Depreciation charge		214		623			837
Capital expenditure		248		456			704
Segment assets		10,722		3,229			13,951
Analysis of revenue by destination
		18 months ended 31st December		12 months ended 30th June
		2017		2016
		£000		£000
United Kingdom		28,717		20,246
Republic of Ireland		2,050		960
Rest of Europe		5,215		2,866
North America		42		91
Rest of the World		725		414
		36,749		24,577

In accordance with Rule 20 of the AIM Rules, Airea confirms that the annual report and accounts for the period ended 31^st December 2017 will be available to view on the Company's website at www.aireaplc.co.uk on 21^st March 2018, and will be posted to shareholders by 28^th March 2018.

 

END

 

 

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