Interim Results

McBride PLC 13 February 2003 Thursday 13 February 2003 McBride plc Interim Announcement for the Half-Year Ended 31 December 2002 McBride supplies more than 20 million Private Label household and personal care products every week to Europe's leading retailers. Highlights of the half-year results are as follows: • Group turnover was £249.3 million, up 4% on the same period last year. • Group operating profit was £14.0 million, (£14.7 million before goodwill amortisation), up 20%. • Pre tax profit was £11.8 million, up 44%. • Net debt was £76.6 million at the end of the period, a reduction of £18.3 million. • Basic Earnings per share for the half-year were 4.7p, up 42% • Interim dividend proposed of 0.8p, up 14%. Mike Handley, Chief Executive, commented: 'These results underline the current favourable market conditions for Private Label and our ability to serve our customers' needs. We are particularly pleased with progress in our Continental European business. Our cash flow has been strong, and we have significantly reduced our net debt. Trading remains in line with expectations.' For further information please contact: McBride plc Mike Handley, Chief Executive 01494 60 70 50 Miles Roberts, Finance Director 01494 60 70 50 Financial Dynamics 020 7831 3113 Andrew Dowler, Fiona Meiklejohn Highlights of the half-year results: Overview • Sales from Continental Europe continued to grow strongly, up 7.1% to £129.0 million, operating profits improved 22.6% to £6.5 million. • Sales in the UK rose 1.0% to £120.3 million and tight cost control saw profits rise 17.2% to £7.5 million. • Improved working capital management and reduced capital expenditure levels resulted in a significant reduction in net debt - down £18.3 million in the six months since June 2002. Strategy The Board is committed to a strategy of growing with our customers across Europe. Our financial objectives include growing sales and profits, improving the return on capital and reducing debt. Key Strengths Two aspects of our competitive edge that stand out are our commitment to innovation and the skills of our people. We demonstrate innovation in all facets of our business: product, packaging, manufacturing, logistics, marketing and information systems. Our specialist expertise in meeting the requirements of Europe's major retailers sets us apart from our competitors and is well recognised by our customers. Our competitive advantage stems from our excellent reputation for service delivery and speed-to-market for new products. Continental Europe Our Continental Europe business (McBride CE) sells in all member states of the European Union in mainland Europe, with its head office located in Belgium and production sites in five member states. Retailer consolidation led by the French multiples and some German and Dutch retailers is creating a favourable environment for Private Label growth in these markets. Sales from Continental Europe were £129.0 million, up 7.1% on the previous year. This was a result of significant growth in France, our major market, as well as Spain and Holland. In the calendar year, the market share for Private Label grew in France from 10.9% to 11.4%, Spain from 20.7% to 23.2% and the Netherlands from 15.1% to 15.6%. Operating profit after goodwill amortisation for the Continental European business for the half-year was £6.5 million, an increase of £1.2 million on the previous half-year's result, an improvement of 23%. This result was due to a combination of higher sales and improved operating efficiency. United Kingdom As the result of a strong first quarter due to high levels of promotional activity, sales from the UK rose £1.2 million to £120.3 million, an increase of 1.0%. This is a satisfying result, given the downward price pressure from imports, due to the weakness of the Euro, and continued aggressive price competition between the grocery retailers. The UK market for Private Label household products grew in value by 7.4%, compared to 4.4% for the total household market. This resulted in an increase in the market share of Private Label from 23.6% to 24.1%. The UK market for Private Label personal care products declined by 5.1% in value compared to total market growth of 1.3%, while Private Label volume growth was 2.1% against market volume growth of 3.4%. Operating profit after goodwill amortisation for the UK business was £7.5 million, an increase of £1.1 million on the previous half-year's result. This improvement was mainly the result of efficiency improvements in manufacturing and lower stock holding and distribution costs. International McBride International has responsibility for all markets outside the EU, with the majority of its sales in Central & Eastern Europe, the core of which is Intersilesia in Poland which was acquired in 1998. The business represents about 7% of Group turnover and comprises exports from both the UK and CE combined with Intersilesia's own sales. In Poland, Intersilesia achieved 4% growth in local currency. However, due to weakness in the Zloty, this represented a reduction in sterling terms. In Hungary, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, the market is being led by the rapid development of Western European retailers through a combination of store building programmes and acquisitions. Our strategy is to support our leading customers as they expand outside their domestic markets. Financial Review Growth in sales, particularly mainland Europe, combined with improved operating efficiencies raised Group operating profit after goodwill amortisation to £14.0 million (Dec 2001, £11.7 million). EBITDA similarly improved from £21.6 million to £24.5 million. The Group's pre-tax profit for the half-year increased to £11.8 million, up 44 % (Dec 2001, £8.2 million). Interest charges reduced to £2.2 million (Dec 2001, £2.4 million). Including full provision for deferred taxation under FRS19, the tax charge for the half-year represents an underlying charge of 28% before goodwill amortisation. This continues to be below the mainstream rate due to the recovery of unutilised previously written off ACT. This recovery is expected to continue for the rest of the year. The improvement in profitability was accompanied by a very strong cash inflow; net debt fell from £94.9 million at 30 June 2002 to £76.6 million at 31 December 2002. This reduction in debt is after a small deterioration from exchange differences and a dividend payment of £1.3 million. Debt fell consistently through the half-year and into January 2003. Following significant financial and operational restructuring in June 2002, the aerosol joint venture (APL) achieved break even at the pre-tax level in the half-year (Dec 2001, loss of £1.1 million). Overheads and direct costs have been cut and unprofitable business terminated. Debt within APL has been eliminated and operating cashflow was strong. Working capital has improved following continuing initiatives on stock management and terms of trade. Capital expenditure was £2.4 million for the period (Dec 2001, £6.0 million). This lower level of expenditure was influenced by phasing on a number of projects with an element of catch-up expected in the second half. However, the drive to improve existing asset utilisation across the group is reducing the need for new investment. Earnings and Dividends Earnings per share, on an undiluted basis, were 4.7 pence, (Dec 2001, 3.3 pence). An interim dividend of 0.8 pence per share (Dec 2001, 0.7 pence) will be paid on 4 July 2003. Accordingly the ex-dividend date will be 4 June 2003 with a record date of 6 June 2003. Current Trading and Outlook 'These results underline the current favourable market conditions for Private Label and our ability to serve our customers' needs. We are particularly pleased with progress in our Continental European business. Our cash flow has been strong, and we have significantly reduced our net debt. Trading remains in line with expectations.' Independent review report by KPMG Audit Plc to McBride Plc Introduction We have been instructed by the Company to review the financial information set out on pages 5 to 10 and we have read the other information contained in the interim report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements with the financial information. This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with the terms of our engagement letter dated 12th June 2001 to assist the Company in meeting the requirements of the Listing Rules of the Financial Services Authority and the proper control of its affairs. Our review has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state by the terms of our engagement and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the company for our review work, for this report, or for the conclusions we have reached. Directors' responsibilities The interim report, including the financial information contained therein, is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors. The directors are responsible for preparing the interim report in accordance with the Listing Rules which 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 they are to be changed in the next annual accounts in which case any changes, and the reasons for them, are to be disclosed. Review work performed We conducted our review in accordance with guidance contained in Bulletin 1999/ 4: Review of interim financial information 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 accounting policies and presentation have been consistently applied unless otherwise disclosed. A review is substantially less in scope than an audit performed in accordance with Auditing Standards and therefore provides a lower level of assurance than an audit. Accordingly we do not express an audit opinion on the financial information. 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 December 2002. KPMG Audit Plc Chartered Accountants 8 Salisbury Square London EC4Y 8BB 12th February 2003 CONSOLIDATED PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Total 31 Dec 31 Dec Year ended 2002 2001 30 Jun 2002 Note £m £m £m Turnover Continuing operations and share of joint venture 256.8 248.7 500.6 Less: share of joint venture's turnover (7.5) (9.1) (16.6) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Group turnover 1 249.3 239.6 484.0 Cost of sales (149.8) (150.2) (297.6) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Gross profit 99.5 89.4 186.4 Distribution costs (13.4) (12.9) (26.2) Administrative expenses Before goodwill amortisation (71.4) (64.1) (134.1) Goodwill amortisation (0.7) (0.7) (1.3) (72.1) (64.8) (135.4) _______________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Group operating profit 14.0 11.7 24.8 Share of joint venture's operating profit/(loss) before goodwill amortisation 0.2 (0.5) (1.2) Goodwill amortisation on joint venture - (0.1) (0.3) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Share of joint venture's operating profit/(loss) 0.2 (0.6) (1.5) _______________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Total operating profit 14.2 11.1 23.3 Write-off of goodwill in joint venture - - (15.8) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Profit on ordinary activities before interest 14.2 11.1 7.5 Group interest receivable and similar income 0.2 0.4 0.6 Group interest payable and similar charges (2.4) (2.8) (5.0) Share of joint venture's interest payable and similar (0.2) (0.5) (0.9) charges _______________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Profit on ordinary activities before taxation 11.8 8.2 2.2 Tax on profit on ordinary activities (3.5) (2.7) (5.6) Share of joint venture's tax credit on ordinary - 0.4 0.2 activities ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Profit/(loss) on ordinary activities after taxation 8.3 5.9 (3.2) Equity minority interest - (0.1) (0.2) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Profit/(loss) for the period 8.3 5.8 (3.4) Dividends proposed (equity) (1.4) (1.3) (3.7) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Retained profit/(loss) for the period 6.9 4.5 (7.1) ________________________________________________ ____ ____________ __________ ____________ Earnings per ordinary share (pence) * Basic 4 4.7 3.3 (1.9) * Diluted 4.6 3.3 (1.9) * Basic before operating exceptional items, share of joint venture and goodwill amortisation 5.1 4.1 9.0 Dividend per share (pence) 0.8 0.7 2.0 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET Audited Unaudited Unaudited Year ended 31 Dec 31 Dec 30 Jun 2002 2001 2002 Note £m £m £m Fixed assets Intangible assets 9.7 11.5 10.4 Tangible assets 128.3 136.6 135.4 Investment in joint venture - 4.9 - _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Total fixed assets 138.0 153.0 145.8 _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Current assets Stocks 43.9 47.7 46.9 Debtors 108.3 102.4 110.8 Cash at bank and in hand 3.0 1.7 1.2 _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ 155.2 151.8 158.9 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year (137.5) (135.8) (232.0) _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Net current assets 17.7 16.0 (73.1) _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Total assets less current liabilities 155.7 169.0 72.7 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year (77.3) (82.6) (2.4) Provisions for liabilities and charges (4.9) (2.8) (3.9) Investment in joint venture Share of gross assets 4.3 5.1 4.3 Share of gross liabilities (6.1) (13.0) (6.1) _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Net investment in joint venture (1.8) (7.9) (1.8) _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Net assets 71.7 75.7 64.6 _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Capital and reserves Called up share capital 17.8 17.8 17.8 Share premium account 139.3 139.3 139.3 Profit and loss account 3 (85.5) (81.6) (92.7) _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Equity shareholders' funds 71.6 75.5 64.4 Equity minority interest 0.1 0.2 0.2 _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ Net assets 71.7 75.7 64.6 _______________________________________________ ______ ___________ ___________ ___________ CONSOLIDATED CASH FLOW STATEMENT Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 Note £m £m £m Net cash flow from operating activities 5 25.8 15.4 42.3 Returns on investments and servicing of finance (2.0) (3.0) (4.8) Taxation (1.5) (2.1) (5.4) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Operating cash flow after taxation and finance costs 22.3 10.3 32.1 Capital expenditure (2.4) (6.0) (10.5) Cost of refinancing joint venture - - (16.3) Deferred consideration payments - - 1.0 Equity dividends paid (1.3) - (3.6) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Cash flow before financing 18.6 4.3 2.7 Financing (10.6) (9.2) (9.9) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Increase/(Decrease) in cash in the period 8.0 (4.9) (7.2) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Increase/(Decrease) in cash in the period 8.0 (4.9) (7.2) Cash outflow from movement in debt and lease financing 10.6 9.2 9.9 _______________________________________________________ ____________ ___________ ___________ Change in net debt resulting from cash flows 18.6 4.3 2.7 Translation differences (0.3) (0.9) (4.4) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Movement in net debt in the period 18.3 3.4 (1.7) Net debt at the beginning of the period (94.9) (93.2) (93.2) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Net debt at the end of the period (76.6) (89.8) (94.9) _____________________________________________ _______ ____________ ___________ ___________ Consolidated statement of total recognised gains and losses Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Profit/(loss) for the period 8.3 5.8 (3.4) Unrealised foreign currency differences 0.3 - 0.5 __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Total recognised gains/(losses) relating to the 8.6 5.8 (2.9) period Prior period adjustment - - (5.0) __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Total recognized gains and losses 8.6 5.8 (7.9) __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Profit/(loss) for the period 8.3 5.8 (3.4) Equity dividends (1.4) (1.3) (3.7) __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Retained profit/(loss) 6.9 4.5 (7.1) Unrealised foreign currency differences 0.3 - 0.5 Opening equity shareholders' funds 64.4 71.0 71.0 __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Closing shareholders' funds 71.6 75.5 64.4 __________________________________________ ________ ____ ___________ ___________ ___________ Notes to the interim financial statements 1) Segmental information Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Turnover by destination is analysed by geographical area as follows: Continuing operations UK 115.0 116.6 228.5 Continental Europe 132.7 120.9 251.3 Rest of world 1.6 2.1 4.2 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Group turnover 249.3 239.6 484.0 Share of joint venture's turnover 7.5 9.1 16.6 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Turnover by destination 256.8 248.7 500.6 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Turnover by geographical origin is analysed as follows: Continuing operations UK 120.3 119.1 243.1 Continental Europe 129.0 120.5 240.9 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Group turnover 249.3 239.6 484.0 Share of joint venture's turnover 7.5 9.1 16.6 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Turnover by origin 256.8 248.7 500.6 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Turnover by class of business is analysed as follows: Continuing operations Household products 214.0 204.6 415.2 Personal care products 35.3 35.0 68.8 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Group turnover 249.3 239.6 484.0 Share of joint venture's turnover 7.5 9.1 16.6 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Total turnover by class of business 256.8 248.7 500.6 Operating profit by geographical origin is analysed as follows: Continuing operations UK 7.5 6.4 15.0 Continental Europe 6.5 5.3 9.8 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Group operating profit 14.0 11.7 24.8 Non operating items - (1.1) (18.2) Net interest payable (2.2) (2.4) (4.4) _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Profit on ordinary activities before tax 11.8 8.2 2.2 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Operating profit by class of business is analysed as follows: Continuing operations Household products 12.2 9.5 21.1 Personal Care products 1.8 2.2 3.7 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Group operating profit 14.0 11.7 24.8 Non operating items - (1.1) (18.2) Net interest payable (2.2) (2.4) (4.4) _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ Profit on ordinary activities before tax 11.8 8.2 2.2 _______________________________________________ ____________ ____________ ____________ 2) Unaudited half-year results The results for the half-year ended 31 December 2002 and 31 December 2001 are unaudited and have been prepared on the basis of accounting policies set out in the Report and Accounts for the year ended 30 June 2002. The comparative figures for the year ended 30 June 2002 do not constitute statutory accounts. The accounts for that period have been reported on by the Company's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors thereon was unqualified and did not contain a statement under section 237(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985. 3) Profit and loss account Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Goodwill reserve (146.4) (146.4) (146.4) Profit and loss account 60.9 64.8 53.7 ______________________________________________ ___________ ___________ ___________ (85.5) (81.6) (92.7) ______________________________________________ ___________ ___________ ___________ 4) Earnings per ordinary share Earnings per ordinary share is calculated on profit after tax and minority interests in accordance with FRS 14. The calculation of basic earnings per ordinary share for all the periods disclosed is based on a weighted average of 177,639,197 ordinary shares of 10 pence each. For the purposes of calculating the diluted Earnings per share, only potential ordinary shares have been included in the weighted average of 179,306,409 (2001: 177,639,197). 5) Reconciliation of operating profit to operating cash flow Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 £m £m £m Group operating profit 14.0 11.7 24.8 Depreciation 9.8 9.2 18.6 Goodwill amortisation 0.7 0.7 1.3 Loss on disposal of fixed assets - - 0.1 Movement in stocks 3.1 1.3 3.3 Movement in debtors 2.9 (3.6) (9.6) Movement in creditors (4.7) (3.9) 3.8 ______________________________________________ ___ ___________ ___________ ___________ Cash flow from operating activities 25.8 15.4 42.3 ______________________________________________ ___ __________ ___________ ___________ 6) Contingent liabilities The Group had no material contingent liabilities at 31 December 2002. Financial calendar for the year ending 30 June 2003 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ Dividends _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ Interim Announcement 13 February 2003 Payment 4 July 2003 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ Final Announcement September 2003 Payment January 2004 _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ Results _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _________________ Interim Announcement 13 February 2003 Preliminary statement for full year Announcement September 2003 Report and Accounts Circulated September 2003 Annual General Meeting To be held December 2003 ____________________________ _____________ _____________ _____________ ____________________ Exchange rates The exchange rates used for conversion to sterling were as follows: Unaudited Unaudited Audited 6 months to 6 months to Year ended 31 Dec 2002 31 Dec 2001 30 Jun 2002 Average rate: Euro 1.57 1.61 1.61 Polish Zloty 6.35 5.98 5.94 Czech Koruna 48.05 54.13 52.05 Hungarian Forint 381.0 405.9 398.7 ____________________________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ Closing rate: Euro 1.53 1.63 1.54 Polish Zloty 6.17 5.75 6.18 Czech Koruna 48.42 51.75 45.08 Hungarian Forint 361.9 399.9 377.8 ____________________________ _____________ _____________ _____________ _____________ This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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