Final Results

RNS Number : 0393T

Leeds Group PLC

12 November 2019

 

Issued on behalf of Leeds Group plc                                                                                                

Date: 12 November 2019

Leeds Group plc

("Leeds Group" or "the Group")

Final Results for the year ended 31 May 2019

Leeds Group reports the final results of the Group for the year to 31 May 2019.

This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014 (MAR) and has been arranged for release by Jan G Holmstrom, Chairman.

Enquiries:

Leeds Group plc                                                                   Cairn Financial Advisers LLP

Dawn Henderson - 07747 777055                                        Tony Rawlinson / Liam Murray - 020 7213 0880

Chairman's Statement

It has been an extremely difficult and disappointing year for the Group. Trading conditions have continued to be challenging with increased competition creating pressure on gross margins within both the wholesale and retail textile markets. Hemmers-Itex Textile Import Export GmbH ('Hemmers'), the main trading subsidiary, has been affected by the deterioration in both its German and external markets.

On 5^th July 2018, an additional investment was made in Stoff-Ideen-KMR Gmbh ('KMR') so that the company became a wholly owned subsidiary rather than a joint venture arrangement. KMR has a limited number of retail shops in Germany and the directors had hoped that with full control of the business and synergies with Hemmers, that the company would contribute to increased profits for the Group.  As the retail market in Germany has deteriorated, KMR has also been affected with sales falling during the year with no positive result contribution. 

During the year the directors have therefore undertaken a further strategic review of all trading businesses within the Group.  The directors see the need to further concentrate on the Group's core business, Hemmers, and have implemented plans and cost cutting measures to ensure that the company is in a good position both to face the current challenging market conditions and to respond to any improvement. A decision has been made to close Chinoh-Tex Ltd ('Chinoh-Tex'), the Chinese subsidiary of Hemmers, as it is not generating adequate profits despite recent actions taken to reduce costs.  A number of measures have been implemented in KMR to further improve efficiencies and reduce the cost base, such as implementation of new IT systems and changes to how shops are staffed and managed. Management will closely monitor the performance of the KMR retail outlets and take the necessary actions to ensure satisfactory levels of profit are achieved in each.

Trading conditions remain challenging and it will be a difficult year again in 2020, as it will take time for the decisions taken this year to fully translate into improved results. Given the steps that have been taken during the year to improve efficiencies which will reduce the cost level further and enable the Group to compete with a more aggressive sales strategy to regain lost market share, the directors do believe the Group will return to acceptable levels of profit in the forthcoming years, partly because of the potential for consolidation in the market as we expect some competitors to exit the market.

On behalf of shareholders, I want to thank the management and staff of Hemmers, Chinoh-Tex and KMR who have all continued to work tirelessly in very difficult conditions.

Jan G Holmstrom

Chairman

11 November 2019

Finance and Operating Review

Group result

Group revenue in the year was £41,271,000 (2018: £41,538,000). Despite including KMR as a wholly owned subsidiary for eleven months of the year, sales are slightly lower than last year.  Market conditions for all trading subsidiaries have been challenging and all companies have faced intense competition both domestically and internationally.

The Group's operating loss of £1,022,000 includes a goodwill impairment charge of £982,000. (2018: profit £1,152,000).  Overheads were higher than expected and action has now been taken to realign those overheads to the reduced turnover levels.  The goodwill that arose when the Group acquired Hemmers in 1999 amounting to £982,000 has been provided for in the year as an impairment and shown as an exceptional item. Therefore, the Group loss before tax this year is £1,250,000 (2018: profit £885,000).

The tax charge in the year was £43,000 (2018: £340,000).  Loss per share was 4.7p (2018: earnings per share 2.0p).

Hemmers 

This German-based business is engaged in the import, warehousing and wholesaling of fabrics.

Sales for the year were significantly lower than last year at £30,939,000 (2018: £38,299,000).  The market in Germany has fallen considerably during the year and Hemmers has also come under increased price pressure from competitors.  The gross margin percentage decreased slightly to 21.0% (2018: 22.1%) and that, together with the lower level of sales volume, has resulted in a fall in gross profit.  Despite a 6% reduction in overhead expenditure, the pre-tax profit reduced to £239,000 (2018: £1,123,000).  A strategic sales review coupled with a comprehensive cost review was undertaken during the financial year to ensure the cost base for Hemmers is aligned to the current market conditions. Hemmers is focused on growing its business domestically and internationally in both its wholesale and retail markets with a more aggressive sales strategy.   Hemmers will thereby be in a better position to compete in the marketplace next year to regain lost market share, but it will take some time for the new strategies to be fully recognised.

Hemmers bank debt, net of cash, decreased in the year to £4,197,000 (2018: £4,963,000). This bank debt is secured on the assets of Hemmers.

KMR

On 5^th July 2018, KMR became a wholly owned subsidiary within the Group. Prior to that the Group owned 50% of KMR and it was therefore accounted for as a joint venture. Up to that date, the Group's share of the post-tax loss of KMR in the year was £34,000 (2018: £107,000) and that amount is shown separately on the face of the profit and loss account. From the date of acquisition, KMR has been fully consolidated into the Group accounts.

KMR is a retail business trading in Germany. KMR's operating performance since acquisition has been well below expectations.  Sales for the company for the whole year were lower than last year at £8,656,000 (2018: £9,343,000).    The German retail market has fallen considerably during the year and therefore KMR sales have fallen also. 

Costs were too high for the level of trading resulting in an increased loss for the year of £554,000 (2018: loss of £210,000). The integration and efficiencies expected at the start of the financial year have not yet been delivered and further actions have been taken to resolve the situation. Improved working efficiencies have been implemented including the introduction of new working patterns which should ensure that KMR achieves a breakeven position next year.

Chinoh-Tex

Chinoh-Tex is a textile trading subsidiary of Hemmers. It is based in Shanghai and has been trading for eleven years. It purchases fabric from Chinese suppliers and in 2019 sold to customers in 52 countries. 43% of sales were made to EU countries (2018: 43%). External sales revenue was considerably lower this year £2,366,000 (2018: £3,239,000).  Gross margins, however, improved to 19% (2018: 15%). In line with the cost review undertaken, overhead spending was reduced as compared to last year £251,000 (2018: £388,000).  Thus, despite the reduced level of sales Chinoh-Tex's result for the year was a pre-tax profit of £31,000 (2018: loss £86,000). 

Chinoh-Tex has provided valuable assistance to its European parent with the purchasing, inspection and shipping of material. However internal sales revenue this year, based on arms-length prices, amounted to just £204,000 (2018: £556,000). With Chinoh-Tex also facing increased competition and decreasing sales as more customers choose to deal directly with the manufacturers in China, the directors have decided to cease trading effective 28 August 2019 with the liquidation completed by 31 December 2019.  This will enable Hemmers management to entirely focus on developing the Hemmers and KMR businesses.

Fixed Assets

Capital additions in the year amounted to £550,000 (2018: £400,000).  The net book amount of tangible fixed assets in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position is £9,543,000 (2018: £8,319,000). The acquisition of KMR increased fixed assets by £1,307,000, of which £864,000 related to freehold land and buildings.  

Working Capital

Working capital which comprises inventories, trade and other receivables, and trade and other payables increased in the year by £1,031,000 (2018: decreased £345,000).  This is due mainly to the acquisition of KMR as KMR had working capital of £1,761,000 at the date of acquisition. There were no major changes to the working capital requirements for the Group during the year. The Group continues to monitor its working capital requirements within its current banking facilities.

Net Asset Value

Net assets decreased in the year by £1,247,000 as follows:

	Net assets £000	Per share pence
At 31 May 2018 (restated based on shares in issue at 31 May 2019)	18,988	69.4
Loss after tax	(1,293)	(4.7)
Purchase of treasury shares	(9)	-
Translation differences	55	0.2
At 31 May 2019	17,741	64.9

Debt Profile

The funding policy of the Group continues to be to match its funding requirement in trading subsidiaries in a cost-effective fashion with an appropriate combination of short and longer-term debt. Property investments have been financed partly by long term loans at fixed interest rates between 1.05% and 4.07%.  Working capital finance, when required, is via short term loans of three months currently attracting interest at rates of between 1.25% and 2.5%. Bank debt in the subsidiaries is secured by charges on inventories, receivables and property and is without recourse to the Parent Company.

Impairment reviews

In accordance with IAS 36, an annual impairment review was carried out for each cash-generating subsidiary to which goodwill is allocated.  Based on this review the directors considered that the goodwill of £982,000 arising on the acquisition of Hemmers in 1999 was impaired and thus the goodwill was written off in the financial statements.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board has identified the main categories of business risk in relation to the Group's strategic aims and objectives, and has considered reasonable steps to prevent, mitigate and manage these risks.  The principal risks identified are as follows:

Funding risk

The Group has a combination of short-term borrowing facilities and longer-term loan agreements secured on Group properties. The Group remains dependent upon the support of these funders and there is a risk that failure in a particular company to meet banking covenants could have implications for the Group. Borrowing facilities are monitored regularly and the facilities agreed are more than needed for the Group's requirements.  The Group has close working relationships with their current funders but believe alternative banking funders could be secured if required.

Market risk

There is always the ongoing threat of reduced market demand.  This has been seen this year and the Group continues to strive to combat the reduced demand by looking at other markets both domestically and internationally and looking at expanding its product ranges for example introducing home furnishing products.

The commercial risks of operating in the highly competitive European fabric market are limited by the fact that Hemmers has a wide range of suppliers, and no customer accounts for more than 5% of revenues.

Foreign exchange risk

Most fabric purchased by Hemmers is paid for in US dollars, while the Euro is the principal currency in which Hemmers sells its product. The Euro/dollar rate is of greater significance to Leeds Group than the strength of Sterling. The Hemmers management continue to manage this transactional currency risk by a combination of forward exchange contracts with reputable banks and sales price increases where necessary.

Brexit

Following the UK referendum result in favour of leaving the European Union ("EU"), the economic environment has become much more uncertain. This uncertainty has continued as the UK looks to secure an acceptable deal and the revised date of 31 October 2019 to leave the EU has been extended. The threat of no deal creates even more uncertainty as does the continual deadline extensions.  However, the business of Leeds Group is conducted entirely by subsidiaries incorporated in Germany or China, and their exports to the UK account for approximately 3% only of Group revenue. For this reason, the Directors do not believe that a material risk to Leeds Group will arise from the terms on which the UK will, in the future, have access to EU markets, and vice versa. Leeds Group has loans denominated in euros which do carry a currency risk and may be affected by Brexit, however, the directors do not believe the impact would have a material effect on the Group's results as the subsidiary trades in Euros and the directors consider this provides a natural hedge.

The currency markets in particular, dislike the current air of uncertainty surrounding the current negotiations with regard to the UK leaving the EU and sterling has weakened since the UK announced it was leaving the EU. This benefits Leeds Group since, as the pound weakens, the value of the revenues, profits and net assets of foreign subsidiaries are increased in sterling terms. This effect has been seen in both this year's and last year's trading and Statement of Financial Position.

Jan G Holmstrom

Chairman

11 November 2019

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

for the year ended 31 May 2019

	Year ended 31 May 2019 £000	Year ended 31 May 2018 £000
Revenue	41,271	41,538
Cost of sales	(32,254)	(32,526)
Gross profit	9,017	9,012
Distribution costs	(3,424)	(2,722)
Impairment of goodwill Administrative costs	(982) (5,644)	- (5,188)
Administrative costs	(6,626)	(5,188)
Other income	11	50
Operating (loss)/profit	(1,022)	1,152
Finance expense	(194)	(160)
Share of post-tax loss of joint venture	(34)	(107)
(Loss)/profit before tax	(1,250)	885
Tax charge	(43)	(340)
(Loss)/profit for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company	(1,293)	545
Other comprehensive income
Translation differences on foreign operations	55	141
Other comprehensive income for the year	55	141
Total comprehensive (loss)/income for the year attributable to the equity holders of the Parent Company	(1,238)	686

The results shown in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income derive wholly from continuing operations. There is no tax effect relating to other comprehensive income for the year.

Amounts included in other comprehensive income may be reclassified subsequently as profit or loss.

 

(Loss)/Earnings per share attributable to the equity holders of the Company

			Year ended 31 May 2019			Year ended 31 May 2018
Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share (pence)				(4.7p)	2.0p

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

at 31 May 2019

Company number 00067863	31 May 2019 £000		31 May 2018  £000
Assets
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment	8,534		7,755
Investment property	1,009		564
Goodwill	72		1,057
Investment in joint venture	-		734
Total non-current assets	9,615		10,110
Current assets
Inventories	11,760		9,621
Trade and other receivables	4,382		6,252
Corporation tax recoverable	733		386
Cash and cash equivalents	1,065		572
Total current assets	17,940		16,831
Total assets	27,555		26,941
Liabilities
Non-current liabilities
Loans and borrowings	(2,289)		(3,708)
Deferred tax	-		(277)
Total non-current liabilities	(2,289)		(3,985)
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables	(2,770)		(2,619)
Loans and borrowings	(4,655)		(1,349)
Provisions	(100)		-
Total current liabilities	(7,525)		(3,968)
Total liabilities	(9,814)		(7,953)
TOTAL NET ASSETS	17,741		18,988

Capital and reserves attributable to equity holders of the Company
Share capital	3,792		3,792
Capital redemption reserve	600		600
Treasury share reserve	(807)		(798)
Foreign exchange reserve	2,545		2,490
Retained earnings	11,611		12,904
TOTAL EQUITY	17,741		18,988

The financial statements were approved and authorised for issue by the Board of directors on 11 November 2019 and were signed on behalf of the Board by:-

Jan G Holmstrom

Chairman

Consolidated Cash Flow Statement

for the year ended 31 May 2019

	Year ended 31 May 2019 £000	Year ended 31 May 2018    £000
Cash flows from operating activities
(Loss)/profit for the year	(1,293)	545
Adjustments for:
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment	668	586
Depreciation of investment property	16	19
Amortisation of intangible assets	7	6
Finance expense	194	160
Impairment of goodwill	982	-
Net goodwill arising on acquisition	(7)	-
Movement in fair value of derivatives	-	(48)
Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment	(5)	-
Share of post-tax loss of joint venture	34	107
Tax charge	43	340
Cash flows from operating activities before changes in working capital and provisions	639	1,715
Decrease in inventories	441	597
Decrease in trade and other receivables	140	583
Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables	450	(835)
Cash generated from operating activities	1,670	2,060
Income taxes paid	(430)	(411)
Net cash flows from operating activities	1,240	1,649
Investing activities
Purchase of property, plant and equipment	(550)	(400)
Purchase of subsidiary net of debt	75	-
Proceeds from the sale of fixed assets	6	-
Net cash used in investing activities	(469)	(400)
Financing activities
Purchase of treasury shares	(9)	-
Bank borrowings repaid	(1,358)	(2,102)
Bank borrowings drawn down	1,287	-
Bank interest paid	(194)	(160)
Net cash used in financing activities	(274)	(2,262)
Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	497	(1,013)
Translation (loss)/gain on cash and cash equivalents	(4)	18
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year	572	1,567
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year	1,065	572

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

for the year ended 31 May 2019

	Share capital £000	Capital redemption reserve £000	Treasury share reserve £000	Foreign exchange reserve         £000	Retained earnings £000	Total equity £000
At 31 May 2017	3,792	600	(798)	2,349	12,359	18,302
Profit for the year	-	-	-	-	545	545
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	141	-	141
Total comprehensive income	-	-	-	141	545	686
At 31 May 2018	3,792	600	(798)	2,490	12,904	18,988
Loss for the year	-	-	-	-	(1,293)	(1,293)
Other comprehensive income	-	-	-	55	-	55
Total comprehensive income/(loss)	-	-	-	55	(1,293)	(1,238)
Transaction with Shareholders: Purchase of treasury shares	-	-	(9)	-	-	(9)
At 31 May 2019	3,792	600	(807)	2,545	11,611	17,741

The following describes the nature and purpose of each reserve within equity:

Reserve	Description and purpose
Share capital	The nominal value of issued ordinary shares in the Company.
Capital redemption reserve	Amounts transferred from share capital on redemption of issued shares.
Treasury share reserve	Cost of own shares held in treasury.
Foreign exchange reserve	Gains/losses arising on retranslation of the net assets of overseas operations into sterling.
Retained earnings	Cumulative net gains/losses recognised in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income after deducting the cost of cancelled treasury shares.

Notes

1.         This announcement has been prepared using the recognition and measurement principles of International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.

2.       The Directors do not recommend the payment of a dividend in 2019 (2018: £nil).

3.         The directors have considered the carrying value of the goodwill arising on the acquisition of Hemmers in 1999. They have concluded that there is an impairment of the goodwill and thus the goodwill amounting to £982,000 has been provided for in the accounts.

4.         Acquisition of KMR

On 5 July 2018 Hemmers became 100% owners of KMR following the buyout of our joint venture partner. KMR is a retailer of fabric and haberdashery, operating shops located throughout Germany. The consideration was €500,000 (£440,000) comprising €250,000 (£220,000) paid in cash and the balance being three shops at a value of €250,000 (£220,000). Hemmers invested a further €370,000 (£326,000) in the company during the period.

The joint venture investment was accounted for in the consolidated financial statements of Leeds Group using the equity accounting method and at 5 July 2019, was held at a carrying value of £697,000.

Accounting for the step acquisition of KMR requires the directors to fair value the original 50% joint venture investment, with the resulting loss debited to the profit and loss in administrative costs as follows:

	€000		£000
As at 5 July 2018:
Fair value share of original joint venture	650	572
Carrying value of investment in consolidated financial statements	792	697
Loss on fair valuing of joint venture investment	142	125

Upon obtaining 100% control of the KMR entity, the cost of the investment for the purposes of determining the goodwill is calculated as follows:

	€000		£000
Fair value share of original 50% joint venture	650	572
Fair value of the consideration paid to obtain control	500	440
Cost of investment	1,150	1,012

   The net assets of the newly acquired subsidiary are as follows:

	€000		£000
Fair value of net assets as at 5 July 2018:
Fixed assets	1,485	1,307
Stock	3,138	2,762
Cash	335	295
Debtors	259	228
Creditors	(1,731)	(1,524)
Loans	(2,186)	(1,924)
Fair value of assets acquired	1,300	1,144

The directors consider that the book values of the new assets acquired approximate to the fair value of the new assets and that there are no separately identifiable intangible assets.

Goodwill on consolidation is calculated as follows:

	€000		£000
Cost of investment	1,150	1,012
Fair value of net assets acquired	1,300	1,144
Negative goodwill arising on consolidation	150	132

This negative goodwill is credited to the profit and loss in administrative costs.

The cash flow effect of the step acquisition is as follows:

	€000		£000
Cash	335	295
Cost of purchase	(250)	(220)
Net cash effect	85	75

The amounts of revenue and profit before tax included in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income in respect of KMR's trading since the acquisition date are shown in note 6.         

5.         (Loss)/Earnings per share

Since there are no outstanding share options, there is no difference between basic and diluted earnings per share.	Year ended 31 May 2019	Year ended 31 May 2018
Numerator
(Loss)/profit for the year from continuing operations, being the earnings used in earnings per share	£(1,293,000)	£545,000
Denominator
Weighted average number of shares used in earnings per share (excluding treasury shares)	27,330,788	27,350,843
Basic and diluted (loss)/earnings per share	(4.7p)	2.0p

6.            Segmental information

Year ended 31 May 2019	Hemmers       £000	KMR £000	Chinoh-Tex £000	Inter segmental £000	Total Hemmers £000	Parent Company £000	Goodwill Impairment     £000	Total Group £000
External revenue	30,939	7,966	2,366	-	41,271	-	-	41,271
Inter-segmental revenue	1,852	-	204	(2,056)	-	-	-	-
Cost of sales	(25,911)	(6,092)	(2,093)	1,842	(32,254)	-	-	(32,254)
Gross profit/(loss)	6,880	1,874	477	(214)	9,017	-	-	9,017
Distribution costs	(2,027)	(1,202)	(195)	-	(3,424)	-	-	(3,424)
Admin expenses	(4,231)	(1,119)	(251)	193	(5,408)	(236)	(982)	(6,626)
Other income	11	-	-	-	11	-	-	11
Operating profit/(loss)	633	(447)	31	(21)	196	(236)	(982)	(1,022)
Finance expense	(155)	(39)	-	-	(194)	-	-	(194)
Internal interest	(239)	-	-	-	(239)	239	-	-
Share of JV loss	(34)	-	-	-	(34)	-	-	(34)
Profit/(loss) before tax	205	(486)	31	(21)	(271)	3	(982)	(1,250)

At 31 May 2019	Hemmers  £000	KMR £000	Chinoh-Tex £000	Inter segmental £000	Total Hemmers £000	Parent Company £000	Total Group £000
Total assets	22,330	4,609	838	(331)	27,446	109	27,555
Total liabilities	(10,130)	(2,450)	(195)	-	(12,775)	2,961	(9,814)
Total net assets	12,200	2,159	643	(331)	14,671	3,070	17,741

Year ended 31 May 2018	Hemmers  £000	Chinoh- Tex £000	Inter segmental £000	Total Hemmers £000	Parent Company £000	Total Group £000
External revenue	38,299	3,239	-	41,538	-	41,538
Inter-segmental revenue	1	556	(557)	-	-	-
Cost of sales	(29,839)	(3,231)	544	(32,526)	-	(32,526)
Gross profit/(loss)	8,461	564	(13)	9,012	-	9,012
Distribution costs	(2,460)	(262)	-	(2,722)	-	(2,722)
Admin expenses	(4,530)	(388)	-	(4,918)	(270)	(5,188)
Other income	50	-	-	50	-	50
Operating profit/(loss)	1,521	(86)	(13)	1,422	(270)	1,152
Finance expense	(160)	-	-	(160)	-	(160)
Internal interest	(238)	-	-	(238)	238	-
Share of JV profit	(107)	-	-	(107)	-	(107)
Profit/(loss) before tax	1,016	(86)	(13)	917	(32)	885

At 31 May 2018	Hemmers  £000	Chinoh- Tex £000	Inter segmental £000	Total Hemmers £000	Parent Company £000	Goodwill  £000	Total Group £000
Total assets	24,386	1,463	(37)	25,812	149	980	26,941
Total liabilities	(10,189)	(414)	-	(10,603)	2,927	(277)	(7,953)
Total net assets	14,197	1,049	(37)	15,209	3,076	703	18,988

7.         The financial information set out above does not constitute the company's statutory accounts for 2019 or 2018.

            Statutory accounts for the years ended 31 May 2019 and 31 May 2018 have been reported on by the Independent Auditors. 

          The Independent Auditor's Report on the Annual Report and Financial Statements for both 2019 and 2018 was unqualified, did not draw attention to any matters by way of emphasis, and did not contain a statement under 498(2) or 498(3) of the Companies Act 2006.

          Statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2018 have been filed with the Registrar of Companies. The statutory accounts for the year ended 31 May 2019 will be delivered to the Registrar in due course. The Annual Report, giving notice of the Annual General Meeting, will be sent to shareholders shortly.  Further copies will be available from the Company's Registered Office, Old Mills, Whitehall Grove, Drighlington, Bradford, BD11 1BY or from the Group's website, www.leedsgroup.plc.uk.

 

END

 

 

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