Interim Results
Avon Rubber PLC
17 May 2007
Strictly embargoed until 07:00 17 May 2007
AVON RUBBER p.l.c.
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED 31 MARCH 2007
31 March 31 March
2007 2006
£Millions £Millions
_________ _________
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:
REVENUE 37.7 33.8
OPERATING (LOSS)/PROFIT (0.7) 0.5
PROFIT FOR THE PERIOD 0.1 0.1
(LOSS)/EARNINGS PER SHARE:
Basic (0.5)p (58.3)p
Continuing operations (0.5)p 0.1p
DIVIDENDS PER SHARE 3.7p 3.7p
O Group returns to profit following loss of £5.9million in 6 months to 30
September 2006
O Dividend maintained
O First major orders for new US military respirator delivered and follow on
orders received
O Operational performance improving
O Strong performance from Dairy and Engineered Fabrications
O Board restructured to reflect new Group focus
Commenting on the results, Terry Stead, Chief Executive said:
'The first half of the year has seen the continuation of our transition to a
group focused on protection and defence and dairy markets. We are beginning to
see the benefits of our new respiratory protection products moving into
production whilst still supplying our legacy respirators from the UK.
Our dairy business in North America continues to perform well and the European
dairy operation has improved considerably, while Engineered Fabrications continues to
grow profitably. The North American respiratory protection facility in Cadillac,
Michigan has become fully operational. Some additional costs were incurred in
the first quarter in achieving this, but we have seen an improving operational
performance in the second quarter and expect the improvement to continue as
volumes increase. In the UK we are operating with a higher than acceptable cost
base which management will continue to address.
The first half of this year has seen a significant improvement over the second
half of last year despite the additional cost of introducing our new products.
The Board is confident that, whilst timing remains uncertain, significant growth,
particularly in respiratory protection, will be achieved.'
For further enquiries, please contact:
Avon Rubber p.l.c
Terry Stead, Chief Executive 020 7067 0700
Peter Slabbert, Group Finance Director (until 1.00 p.m.)
(Local/Trade Press)
Fiona Stewart 01225 896871
Weber Shandwick Financial
Richard Hews 020 7067 0700
Rachel Taylor
Hannah Marwood
An analyst meeting will be held at 9.30 a.m. at the offices of Weber Shandwick
Financial, Fox Court, 14 Gray's Inn Road, WC1X 8WS
NOTES TO EDITORS: Avon Rubber p.l.c. is an international polymer engineering
group adding value through material, manufacturing and industry sector
expertise. The Group is currently capitalised at approximately £50million.
AVON RUBBER p.l.c.
UNAUDITED INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 MARCH 2007
INTRODUCTION
Following our major strategic restructuring which has repositioned the Group in
our chosen markets of respiratory protection, dairy and engineered fabrications,
the half year to 31 March 2007 has seen the Group make significant progress
towards our strategic objectives.
We successfully completed the important milestone of the delivery of the first
Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP) order for the new generation M50 military
respirators for the US Department of Defense (DoD) and received further follow
on orders from this customer. We achieved NIOSH certification for the non
military C50 version of this product to complement the existing European CE
certification and have started to receive orders for this mask. Operationally we
made significant improvements in the transition to volume production of both
respirators and filters in our Cadillac facility during this period,
particularly in the second quarter. Our UK facility at Hampton Park West also
showed improvement, benefiting from the cost reductions made in the previous
financial year. Despite these reductions our overall UK cost base remains too
high and management will continue to address this. In addition, we continue to
be impacted negatively by the depressed fire protection market in the USA and by
the inherent uncertainty in the timing of sales to military and other
governmental organisations.
This overall progress is reflected in our return to profit for the period of
£138,000 (2006: £147,000) following the loss from continuing businesses of
£5,872,000 in the second half of last year.
RESULTS
Revenue increased by £3,983,000 (12%) to £37,749,000 from £33,766,000 in the six
months to 31 March 2006 but by 21% from the second half of the 2006 financial
year. We incurred an operating loss of £713,000 (2006: £492,000 profit) in the
period which again was a significant improvement from the £2,953,000 loss
(including £464,000 of reorganisation costs) in the second half of the 2006
financial year.
Net interest costs fell from £1,801,000 in 2006 to £417,000 reflecting the
reduced debt following the disposal of Automotive in August 2006. The finance
credit arising from the accounting for pensions remained largely unchanged at
£1,251,000 (2006: £1,260,000). This resulted in a profit before tax of £121,000
(2006: £49,000 loss) and a profit after tax of £138,000 (2006: £147,000).
The loss per share on continuing operations was 0.5p (2006: 0.1p earnings).
Net debt increased from £1.1million at the 2006 year end to £10.0million at 31
March 2007. Cash outflows in the first half held over from the sale of the
Automotive business, the sale of our UK property and restructuring charges, all
reflected in the 2006 report and accounts, amounted to £3.4million. We invested
a further £3.4million (2006: £5.1million) in fixed assets mainly in the Cadillac
facility and the development of our filter and respiratory protection product
range. Whilst we will continue to invest in order to access further markets with
a more comprehensive product range, we expect the rate of capital spend to
reduce going forward. Working capital increased due to both the increased level
of business compared to the second half of last year and seasonal factors.
Following the disposal of Automotive in 2006, the Group has amended the primary
segmental analysis to reflect the remaining business sectors of Protection and
Defence, Dairy and Other Engineered Products.
Protection and Defence
The Protection and Defence segment includes our respiratory protection
businesses in the US and UK and our US based fabrications operation. Revenue of
£19,327,000 (2006: £18,045,000) grew by 7.1% from the corresponding period last
year and by 34.3% from the preceding six months. A loss of £794,000 (2006:
£943,000 profit) was incurred.
Revenue growth came primarily from the new Cadillac facility which supplied the
initial LRIP order of M50 military respirators and further follow on orders from
the DoD for the M53 derivative. Significant resources were applied in the first
quarter to ensure the success of this first stage of what we believe will be a
long term revenue stream. We did, however, make rapid progress during the second
quarter towards achieving targeted manufacturing process efficiencies and we
enter the second half year with a significantly improved capability and cost
base. Our UK operation continued to trade profitably despite a slower than
expected take up by the UK government of the newly introduced rapid escape hood.
These shortfalls were offset by continuing demand, particularly from the MOD for
our existing products. Challenging market conditions remained for ISI supplying
the fire services market in the US with delays in the release of Federal grants
throughout the 2006 calendar year. In addition the proposed introduction of new
regulatory standards in September 2007 has led to delays in procurement
decisions. We expect to see some benefits later in the calendar year as grant
funds are spent but the extent to which this will benefit the current financial
year is unclear.
Demand from the US military for our fuel and water storage tanks has increased,
resulting in further progress being achieved at our Mississippi based
fabrications business. We are optimistic that this trend will continue and that
profitable long term revenue streams will be secured from these products.
Dairy
Our dairy business remains stable and consistent. Revenue was largely unchanged
at £9,670,000 (2006: £9,579,000) with the negative effect of the weaker US
dollar on sales from our US business offsetting revenue growth in the European
operation. Operating profit increased from £893,000 in 2006 to £1,281,000 with
the revenue growth in Europe coming primarily from our higher margin own brand
Milk-Rite products. This business also benefited from the lower cost base in our
Hampton Park West facility following the restructuring last year.
Other Engineered Products
This segment includes our aerosol gasket business, the remaining business
machines products and our mixing operation. Revenue increased to £8,752,000
(2006: £6,142,000) with increased sales of mixed rubber to Automotive now being
recorded as external revenue. The significantly weaker US dollar prevented our
achieving planned growth in sales of aerosol gaskets although opportunities
remain in that market. The losses incurred in these businesses reduced to
£1,200,000 (2006: £1,344,000) due to cost reductions. We remain committed to
finding solutions to eliminate these losses.
Dividends
The Board announces an unchanged interim dividend of 3.7p per share payable on 9
July 2007 to holders of ordinary shares on the register at the close of business
on 8 June 2007. The Board recognises that the dividend remains uncovered by
current earnings but continues to believe that progress in current trading and
opportunities available to the Group will lead to the restoration of cover in
due course.
Pensions
The financial position of our retirement benefit obligations as measured under
IAS 19 (International Accounting Standard 19 Employee Benefits) has improved
during the period with the deficit reducing to £7.7million from £14.6million at
September 2006. This gain is a combination of updated asset values and, more
importantly an increase in the discount rate applied to the UK pension
obligations from 5.0% to 5.4%, in line with market movements. The triennial
valuation of this fund effective 1 April 2006 has also been finalised and it is
pleasing to report that improved asset returns together with the effects of
recent actions has led to a fund surplus of £2.4million (2003 valuation
£45.4million deficit) despite more prudent mortality assumptions. The Group will
continue to work closely with the Trustees of the fund to manage this risk.
BOARD CHANGES
As the Group makes its transition to be focused on the protection and defence
and dairy markets, the Board has felt the need to alter its composition to
reflect these changes. In particular we have sought independent directors with
experience of operating in defence and related markets.
In January Sir Richard Needham was appointed as Chairman. Sir Richard was
Northern Ireland Economy Minister for seven years and UK Minister for Trade for
a further three years. He was International Director for GEC-Marconi for two
years and a Non-Executive Director with Meggitt plc for five years. His
experience is proving invaluable in supporting the changing Group.
We are now delighted to announce a further significant addition to the Board
with the appointment of David Evans as a Non-Executive Director with effect from
1 June 2007. David is a Non-Executive Director of Chemring Group PLC, having
previously been their Chief Executive during a period of significant growth.
Earlier in his career he spent seventeen years with GEC-Marconi in the defence
industry and has been a member of the Executive Committee of the Defence
Manufacturers' Association for the last nine years.
OUTLOOK
The first half of the year has seen the continuation of our transition to a
group focused on protection and defence and dairy markets. We are beginning to
see the benefits of our new respiratory protection products moving into
production whilst still supplying our legacy respirators from the UK.
Our dairy business in North America continues to perform well and the European
dairy operation has improved considerably, while Engineered Fabrications
continues to grow profitably. The North American respiratory protection facility
in Cadillac, Michigan has become fully operational. Some additional costs were
incurred in the first quarter in achieving this, but we have seen an improving
operational performance in the second quarter and expect the improvement to
continue as volumes increase. In the UK we are operating with a higher than
acceptable cost base which management will continue to address.
The first half of this year has seen a significant improvement over the second
half of last year despite the additional cost of introducing our new products.
The Board is confident that, whilst timing remains uncertain, significant
growth, particularly in respiratory protection, will be achieved.
Independent review report to Avon Rubber p.l.c
Introduction
We have been instructed by the company to review the financial information for
the six months ended 31 March 2007 which comprises a consolidated income
statement, consolidated statement of recognised income and expense, consolidated
balance sheet information as at 31 March 2007, consolidated cash flow statement,
and associated notes. We have read the other information contained in the
interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or
material inconsistencies with the financial information.
Directors' responsibilities
The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is
the responsibility of, and has been approved by the directors. The Listing Rules
of the London Stock Exchange require that the accounting policies and
presentation applied to the interim figures should be consistent with those
applied in preparing the preceding annual accounts except where any changes, and
the reasons for them, are disclosed.
This interim report has been prepared in accordance with the basis set out in
Note 1.
Review work performed
We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/4
issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom. A review
consists principally of making enquiries of group management and applying
analytical procedures to the financial information and underlying financial data
and, based thereon, assessing whether the disclosed accounting policies have
been applied. A review excludes audit procedures such as tests of controls and
verification of assets, liabilities and transactions. It is substantially less
in scope than an audit and therefore provides a lower level of assurance.
Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information.
This report, including the conclusion, has been prepared for and only for the
company for the purpose of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority
and for no other purpose. We do not, in producing this report, accept or assume
responsibility for any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report
is shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed by our
prior consent in writing.
Review conclusion
On the basis of our review we are not aware of any material modifications that
should be made to the financial information as presented for the six months
ended 31 March 2007.
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors
Bristol
17 May 2007
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENT
Note Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited
and restated
see note 2)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Continuing operations
Revenue 2 37,749 33,766 65,042
Operating (loss)/profit from
continuing operations 2 (713) 492 (2,461)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Operating (loss)/profit is analysed as:
Before exceptional items (713) 492 (1,997)
Reorganisation costs - - (464)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Interest receivable 3 - 100 123
Interest payable 3 (417) (1,901) (3,493)
Other finance income 3 1,251 1,260 2,151
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) before tax 121 (49) (3,680)
Taxation 4 17 196 (2,045)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) for the period from
continuing operations 138 147 (5,725)
Discontinued operations
Loss for the period from discontinued operations - (16,024) (13,402)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) for the period 138 (15,877) (19,127)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) attributable to minority interest 273 107 (209)
Loss attributable to equity shareholders (135) (15,984) (18,918)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
138 (15,877) (19,127)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Loss per share expressed in pence per share 6
Basic (0.5) (58.3) (68.9)
Diluted (0.5) (58.3) (68.9)
(Loss)/earnings per share from continuing operations
Basic (0.5) 0.1 (20.1)
Diluted (0.5) 0.1 (20.1)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Profit/(loss) for the period 138 (15,877) (19,127)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Actuarial gain/(loss)recognised in
retirement benefit scheme 5,527 11,029 (2,075)
Movement on deferred tax relating to
retirement benefit liabilities - - 115
Net exchange differences offset in reserves (1,610) 372 (809)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Net gains/(losses) not recognised in income statement 3,917 11,401 (2,769)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Total recognised income/(expense) for the period 4,055 (4,476) (21,896)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Attributable to:
Equity shareholders 3,782 (4,583) (21,687)
Minority interest 273 107 (209)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Total recognised income/(expense) for the period 4,055 (4,476) (21,896)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Adoption of IAS 39 attributable to:
Equity shareholders - (12) (12)
Minority interests - - -
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
- (12) (12)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
Note Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assets
Non-current assets
Goodwill 5,294 6,338 5,701
Intangible assets 12,086 10,456 11,353
Property, plant and equipment 21,247 31,613 20,864
Trade and other receivables - 597 -
Deferred tax assets 1,053 2,620 1,101
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
39,680 51,624 39,019
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Current assets
Inventories 12,929 9,072 11,257
Trade and other receivables 16,889 16,492 15,530
Cash and cash equivalents 1,876 7,808 6,893
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
31,694 33,372 33,680
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Assets classified as held for sale - 93,182 -
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
31,694 126,554 33,680
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liabilities
Current liabilities
Financial liabilities - borrowings 11,906 44,027 8,000
- derivative financial instruments 15 26 -
Trade and other payables 19,011 12,935 18,505
Current tax liabilities 621 3,008 736
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
31,553 59,996 27,241
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Liabilities directly associated with
assets classified as held for sale - 45,149 -
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
31,553 105,145 27,241
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net current assets 141 21,409 6,439
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Non-current liabilities
Financial liabilities - borrowings - 20,246 -
Deferred tax liabilities 2,260 1,682 2,293
Other non current liabilities - 1,153 1,071
Retirement benefit obligations 7,712 4,952 14,598
Provisions 2,880 2,879 3,426
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
12,852 30,912 21,388
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Net assets 26,969 42,121 24,070
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Shareholders equity
Ordinary shares 28,340 28,127 28,275
Share premium 34,212 34,072 34,191
Revaluation reserve - 1,751 -
Capital redemption reserve 500 500 500
Translation reserve (1,814) 978 (203)
Profit and loss account (35,059) (24,187) (39,249)
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Equity shareholders funds 7 26,179 41,241 23,514
Minority interests (equity interests) 790 880 556
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
Total equity 26,969 42,121 24,070
_________________________________________________________________________________________________
CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT
Note Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash (used in)/generated from operations 8 (3,762) 6,328 7,835
Interest received - 100 123
Interest paid (258) (1,382) (3,890)
Tax (paid)/received (178) 348 (1,679)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash (used in)/generated from
operating activities (4,198) 5,394 2,389
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from investing activities
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries
(less cash transferred) - - 51,972
Proceeds from sale of property, plant
and equipment 3 38 12,970
Purchase of property, plant and equipment (2,032) (4,737) (8,963)
Capitalised development costs (1,408) (3,641) (5,791)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash (used in)/generated from
investing activities (3,437) (8,340) 50,188
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from issues of ordinary share capital 86 8 275
Net movements in loans and finance leases 3,921 1,903 (51,264)
Decrease in derivatives - 50 24
Dividends paid to shareholders (1,326) (1,316) (2,332)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Net cash generated from/(used in)
financing activities 2,681 645 (53,297)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Effects of exchange rate changes (63) 15 (89)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (5,017) (2,286) (809)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning
of the period 6,893 7,702 7,702
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash and cash equivalents at end of
the period 9 1,876 5,416 6,893
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of preparation
These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Listing
Rules of the Financial Services Authority. The results for the half year to 31
March 2006 and 31 March 2007 are unaudited. The comparative information for the
year ended 30 September 2006 does not constitute the company's statutory
accounts for that year but is derived from those accounts. The accounting
policies used are as stated in the financial statements for the year ended 30
September 2006, which are available on our website www.avon-rubber.com. The
Group has chosen not to adopt early IAS 34 'Interim Financial Statements' in
preparing its 2007 interim statement. These financial statements were approved
by the Board of Directors on 16 May 2007.
2. Segmental analysis
Due to the differing natures of the products and their markets, Avon Rubber
p.l.c.'s primary reporting segment is by business. The secondary reporting
format comprises the geographical segments by origin.
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited
and
restated)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Turnover by business sector
Protection and Defence 19,327 18,045 32,438
Dairy 9,670 9,579 19,116
Other Engineered Products 8,752 6,142 13,488
_____________________________________
37,749 33,766 65,042
_____________________________________
Operating (loss)/profit by business sector
Protection and Defence (794) 943 (189)
Dairy 1,281 893 1,619
Other Engineered Products (1,200) (1,344) (3,427)
_____________________________________
(713) 492 (1,997)
_____________________________________
Exceptional operating items
Protection and Defence - - 896
Dairy - - 789
Other Engineered Products - - (2,149)
_____________________________________
- - (464)
_____________________________________
Total operating (loss)/profit from
continuing operations (713) 492 (2,461)
_____________________________________
Revenue by origin
Europe 15,217 12,001 22,266
North America 22,532 21,765 42,776
_____________________________________
37,749 33,766 65,042
_____________________________________
Following the disposal of Zatec and the closure of the UK business machines business
in the second half of 2006, results of those operations have been reclassified from
continuing to discontinued operations for the period ended 31 March 2006.
The exceptional operating expenses in 2006 can be analysed as follows:
Profit on sale and leaseback of the
facility at Hampton Park West, Melksham,UK 4,415
Impairment of UK mixing facility (3,442)
Restructuring of UK Protection and
Defence and Other Engineered Products
continuing operations (1,437)
________
(464)
________
3. Interest and similar charges
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
£'000 £'000 £'000
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Bank loans and overdrafts (416) (1,572) (2,907)
US dollar private placement - (305) (509)
Amortisation of loan issue costs - (11) (18)
Other interest charges (1) (13) (59)
________________________________________
Total interest payable (417) (1,901) (3,493)
Interest receivable - 100 123
________________________________________
(417) (1,801) (3,370)
________________________________________
Other finance income represents the excess of the expected return on pension
plan assets over the interest cost relating to retirement benefit obligations.
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
£'000 £'000 £'000
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Interest cost: UK Scheme (6,432) (6,842) (12,345)
Expected return on plan assets: UK Scheme 7,752 8,282 14,943
Other finance cost: USA Scheme (69) (180) (447)
__________________________________
1,251 1,260 2,151
__________________________________
4. Taxation
The split of the tax (credit)/charge between UK and overseas is as follows:
Half year to Half year to Half year to Half year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 31 March 06 31 March 06
Continuing Continuing Discontinued Total
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
_________________________________________________________________________________________
United Kingdom (33) - - -
Overseas 16 (196) 1,856 1,660
_________________________________________________________________________________________
(17) (196) 1,856 1,660
_________________________________________________________________________________________
5. Dividends
The Directors are proposing an interim dividend in respect of the half year
ending 31 March 2007 of 3.7p which will absorb an estimated £1,024,000 of
shareholder's funds. The dividend will be paid on 9 July to shareholders on the
register on 8 June 2007.
6. Loss per share
Basic loss per share is based on a loss attributable to ordinary shareholders of
£135,000 (2006: £15,984,000) and 27,637,000 (2006: 27,406,000) ordinary shares,
being the weighted average of the shares in issue during the period on which
dividends are paid.
The 2006 earnings per share on continuing operations is based on a profit of
£40,000.
The loss per share in 2006 on discontinued operations was 58.4p and is based on
a loss of £16,024,000.
The company has dilutive potential ordinary shares in respect of the Sharesave
Option Scheme and the Performance Share Plan. The diluted loss per share is not
materially different to the basic loss per share.
7. Shareholders' funds and statement of changes in shareholders equity
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
At the beginning of the period 23,514 46,934 46,934
Loss for the period attributable to
equity shareholders (135) (15,984) (18,918)
Dividends (1,326) (1,315) (2,331)
Actuarial gain recognised in retirement
benefit schemes 5,527 11,029 (2,075)
Movement on deferred tax relating to
retirement benefit liabilities - - 115
Net exchange differences offset in reserves (1,610) 372 (809)
New share capital subscribed 85 8 275
Movement in respect of employee share scheme 124 197 323
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
At the end of the period 26,179 41,241 23,514
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
8. Cash (used in)/generated from operations
Half year to Half year to Year to
31 March 07 31 March 06 30 Sept 06
(unaudited) (unaudited)
£'000 £'000 £'000
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Continuing operations
Profit/(loss) for the financial period 138 147 (5,725)
Adjustments for:
Tax (17) (196) 2,045
Depreciation 1,109 1,456 1,803
Impairment of fixed assets - - 3,442
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles 444 462 1,132
Net interest expense 417 1,801 3,370
Other finance income (1,251) (1,260) (2,151)
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property,
plant and equipment 4 - (4,391)
Movements in working capital and provisions (3,808) (1,049) (2,830)
Other movements 16 730 (417)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash (used in)/generated from continuing operations (2,948) 2,091 (3,722)
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Discontinued operations
Loss for the financial period - (16,024) (13,402)
Adjustments for:
Tax - 1,856 (582)
Depreciation - 2,809 5,047
Loss on sale of subsidiaries - - 18,026
Amortisation and impairment of intangibles - 744 1,128
Movements in working capital and provisions (814) 14,828 781
Other movements - 24 559
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash (used in)/generated from
discontinued operations (814) 4,237 11,557
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash (used in)/generated from operations (3,762) 6,328 7,835
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
9. Analysis of net debt
As at Cash Exchange As at
30 Sep 06 Flow movements 31 Mar 07
£'000 £'000 £'000 £'000
________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash at bank and in hand 1,823 (429) (46) 1,348
Current asset investments classified as
cash equivalents 5,070 (4,510) (32) 528
________________________________________________________________________________________
Cash and cash equivalents 6,893 (4,939) (78) 1,876
Debt due within 1 year (8,000) (3,921) 15 (11,906)
________________________________________________________________________________________
(1,107) (8,860) (63) (10,030)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Borrowing facilities (expiring within one year) Total facility Utilised Undrawn
£'000 £'000 £'000
________________________________________________________________________________________
United Kingdom 14,000 10,949 3,051
North America 2,167 957 1,210
Utilised in respect of guarantees 382 382 -
________________________________________________________________________________________
16,549 12,288 4,261
________________________________________________________________________________________
All of the above facilities are subject to annual review and have commitment
periods which end within the next twelve months.
10. Shareholder communication
Copies of this announcement are being sent to shareholders. Copies are also
available from the company's registered office at Hampton Park West, Semington
Road, Melksham, Wiltshire. SN12 6NB, England. (Telephone +44 1225 896871), or
via the corporate website (www.avon-rubber.com).
This information is provided by RNS
The company news service from the London Stock Exchange