Interim Results
Topps Tiles PLC
22 May 2007
TOPPS TILES PLC
The UK's leading tile and wood flooring specialist
INTERIM RESULTS FOR THE 26 WEEKS ENDED 31 MARCH 2007
Highlights
The Group continues to deliver robust financial results:
• Group revenue increased by 14.9% to £101.8m (2006: £88.6m)
• Group like-for-like revenue increased by 4.4%
• Gross margin increased to 62.6% (2006: 62.4%)
• Operating profit improvement of 8.8% to £21.3m (2006: £19.5m)
• Net increase in interest charge of £3.3m year on year due to increase in
net debt
• Profit before tax £18.7m (2006: £20.3m)
• Profit before tax margin of 18.4% (2006: 22.9%)
• Basic earnings per share increased 16.5% to 7.50p (2006: 6.44p)
• Tax rate 31.7% (2006: 28.1%)
• Interim net dividend declared of 3.75p (2006: 3.50p) payable 2nd July
2007
• Net debt position of £106.0m (2006: net cash £24.9m) due to share
buyback
• Acquisition of further 50% holding in Dutch joint venture in October
2006, giving the Company 100% of the shareholding
• UK overall revenue growth of 11.7% (2006: 1.2%) with like-for-like
revenue growth of 4.0% (2006: down 4.0%) and Holland overall revenue growth
of 35.6% (2006: 21.6%) with like-for-like revenue growth of 18.9% (2006:
8.6%)
• Net 15 new UK stores and net 4 new Dutch stores opened in the period
• On target to open a net 30 new UK stores this financial period, and
ahead of target to open net 5 new Dutch stores this financial period
Commenting on the results, Nick Ounstead, Chief Executive said:
'Although the retail market continues to be tough, trading has been robust and
we have delivered further revenue growth. We are on target with our UK store
roll out programme and ahead of target in Holland. We have consolidated our
market leading position and with a proven business strategy and a focused
management team we are confident of continued progress in the second half of
2007.'
For further information please contact:
Topps Tiles Plc
Nick Ounstead, CEO 01625 446700
Barry Bester, Chairman 0208 269 1900
Bell Pottinger Corporate & Financial
Ann-marie Wilkinson/Emma Kent
Bell Pottinger 020 7861 3232
EXECUTIVE BOARD STATEMENT
We are delighted to report our financial results for the first 26 weeks of 2006/
2007.
Income statement
Trading has continued to be robust, despite the consistently tough retail
market. Overall sales were up 14.9% compared with the 26 week period last year.
Like-for-like revenue increased by 4.4%. Dutch sales are included for the first
time post acquisition of the remaining 50% of the business. On a proforma basis,
assuming Holland had been included throughout the previous year, total sales
increased 12.3% year on year.
In the UK business gross margins continue to improve and are up to 62.8%
compared with 62.4% last year and 62.7% in the second half of the last financial
period. Gross margins in Holland have also improved over the last 6 months.
Group gross margin is 62.6%, compared to 62.1% (on a proforma basis, assuming
Holland had been included throughout the previous year).
Operating costs were 41.7% of revenue compared with 40.3% in the same period
last year. Principal drivers are inclusion of Dutch costs, accelerated
depreciation on refits and additional bonus charged year on year.
Operating profit improvement of 8.8% to £21.3m (2006: £19.5m).
Property disposals in the period generated a gain of £282,000 (2006: £258,000).
The increase in the interest charge of £3.3m year on year was due to debt
financing for the share buyback and has resulted in a reduction in profit before
tax of 7.7% to £18.7m (2006: £20.3m).
The rate of Corporation Tax for the period was 31.7% (2006: 28.1%) which
reflects tax efficiencies in previous periods.
Basic earnings per share increased 16.5% to 7.50p from 6.44p last year, this
reflects the full half year impact of the 3 for 4 share consolidation completed
on 31 July 2006.
Net assets
The Group currently owns 9 freehold sites, 1 development site, and both
warehouse and distribution facilities (Topps and Tile Clearing House) with a
total net book value of £17.5m.
Capital expenditure in the period amounted to £5.5m. This reflects 20 new stores
opened in the period from a new store opening target of a net 35 new stores for
the full financial period, plus 7 major store refits and other minor refits as
well as further development of our group's systems infrastructure. We have also
acquired further freehold sites in Swansea & Chesham in the period.
At the period end cash balances for the Group were £9.5m (2006: £30.89m) and
borrowings were £115.5m (2006: £6.00m), due to the impact of refinancing for the
share buyback. The Group therefore has a net debt position of £106.0m (2006: net
cash of £24.9m). The Group remains highly cash generative and continues to fund
its controlled new store expansion programme from its own resources and to
purchase freehold sites as suitable opportunities arise.
At the period end the Group had £30.3m of inventories (2006: £27.4m) which
represents 144 inventory days cover (2006: 149 days).
Board change
In March 2007, we announced the appointment of Robert Parker to the Board as
Finance Director, to succeed Andy Liggett on 30 April 2007. Additionally, at the
end of March, we announced that Barry Bester will move from the role of
Executive Chairman to Non-Executive Chairman, effective from 01 October 2007.
Highlights 26 weeks to 26 weeks to
31 March 2007 1 April 2006
£'000
£'000
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Group revenue 101,783 88,568
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Like-for-like revenue % change 4.4% -4.0%
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Gross margin % 62.6% 62.4%
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Operating profit 21,253 19,531
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Operating profit % 20.9% 22.1%
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Finance costs (3,270) -
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Profit before tax 18,705 20,269
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Net margin % 18.4% 22.9%
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Basic earnings per share (pence) 7.50p 6.44p
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Interim dividend (pence) 3.75p 3.50p
------------------------------ ---------- -----------
Net (debt)/cash position (105,999) 24,890
Dividend
We are maintaining our dividend policy and announcing an interim dividend of
3.75 pence per share (2006: 3.50p). This will be paid on 2nd July 2007 to
shareholders on the register as at 1st June 2007.
Operational review
Our overall store rollout programme is on track and we are on target to reach
our net 30 new UK store openings for the full financial period and ahead of
target to reach our net 5 new Dutch store openings for the full financial
period. During the period we opened a net 15 new UK stores and four new Dutch
stores. At the period end the Group was trading from a total of 286 stores in
the UK, 233 Topps and 53 Tile Clearing House, and 19 stores in Holland.
We are continually developing and updating our store layout and format and the
piloting of our new store layouts which began last year has seen positive
customer response.
Our advertising campaign continues on both a national and regional level,
consolidating brand awareness. We use national television advertising, both
terrestrial and digital, and also run regional print and radio advertising
campaigns.
Alongside our marketing and advertising we continue our involvement with local
communities and sponsor over 260 local football teams through our youth football
initiative, where each store sponsors a junior football team providing them with
new kits and equipment.
The Board has an integrated Corporate and Social Responsibility policy that
targets and measures the performance of the Group. The policy is published on
our website at www.toppstiles.co.uk.
We now employ over 1,750 staff across the Group and we continue to invest in
training programmes at all levels and across the full range of sales and
customer service skills.
Holland
During the period we completed the acquisition of the remaining 50% of our Dutch
joint venture. We are delighted with the performance of our Dutch operation,
which has shown strong growth in the period. Overall revenue growth increased by
35.6% (2006: 21.6%) and like-for-like revenue was up 18.9% (2006: 8.6%). We
opened a further 4 new stores during the period and now trade from 19 stores,
selling a combination of tiles, stone and wood flooring. We have a store opening
target of five new stores before the financial period end, and are therefore
ahead of target.
Current trading and future prospects
In the first 6 weeks of the current period revenue growth has continued with
overall Group revenue increasing by 10.8% and like-for-like revenue up 4.4%. We
have also opened new stores in Byfleet and Chesham.
We are pleased with our first half performance and with a market leading
position, proven business strategy and a focused management team we are
confident of continued progress in the second half of 2007.
Barry Bester Nicholas Ounstead Rob Parker
Executive Chairman Chief Executive Officer Finance Director
CONSOLIDATED GROUP INCOME STATEMENT
For the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September
£'000 2006
£'000 £'000
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Group revenue -
continuing operations 101,783 88,568 180,180
Cost of sales (38,076) (33,333) (67,470)
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Gross profit -
continuing operations 63,707 55,235 112,710
Operating expenses
- employee profit sharing (3,734) (3,018) (5,907)
- distribution costs (29,698) (24,433) (50,901)
- other operating expenses (9,022) (8,278) (17,091)
Share of results of joint venture 0 25 58
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Group operating profit 21,253 19,531 38,869
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Other gains and losses 282 258 258
Investment revenue 440 480 1,276
Finance costs (3,270) - (1,339)
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Profit before taxation 18,705 20,269 39,064
Taxation (5,925) (5,686) (11,260)
Profit for the period attributable
to equity holders of the company 12,780 14,583 27,804
---------------------------- --------- ---------- ----------
Earnings per ordinary share
- basic 7.50p 6.44p 12.80p
- diluted 7.46p 6.41p 12.74p
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF RECOGNISED INCOME AND EXPENSE
For the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007
------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September
2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Exchange rate gain / (loss) - 4 (2)
------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Deferred tax on sharesave
scheme taken directly to
equity 145 - 304
Profit after tax for the
period 12,780 14,583 27,804
------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
Recognised income and
expense for the period 12,925 14,587 28,106
------------------------- ----------- ----------- ----------
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
As at 31 March 2007
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September 2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Non-current assets
Goodwill 1,430 551 551
Property plant & equipment 40,564 32,167 36,857
Joint venture undertaking - 254 281
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
41,994 32,972 37,689
Current assets
Inventories 30,265 27,365 27,031
Trade and other receivables within
one year 6,803 5,207 5,528
Cash and cash equivalents 9,501 30,890 16,533
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
46,569 63,462 49,092
Total assets 88,563 96,434 86,781
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables (25,175) (27,587) (25,837)
Bank loans (4,900) - (4,900)
Current tax liabilities (7,848) (7,476) (7,507)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(37,923) (35,063) (38,244)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net current assets 8,646 28,399 10,848
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Non-current liabilities
Bank loans (110,600) (6,000) (110,600)
Deferred tax liabilities (1,347) (1,919) (1,233)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
(111,947) (7,919) (111,833)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total liabilities (149,870) (42,982) (150,077)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Net (liabilities) /
assets (61,307) 53,452 (63,296)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Equity
Share capital 5,791 5,665 5,773
Share premium 1,309 5,746 531
Merger reserve (399) (399) (399)
Share based payment reserve 202 137 166
Foreign currency translation reserve - (4) -
Capital redemption reserve 20,254 190 20,254
Retained earnings (88,464) 42,117 (89,621)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total (deficit) /
equity (61,307) 53,452 (63,296)
--------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
CONSOLIDATED CASHFLOW STATEMENT
For the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September
2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Cashflow from operating
activities
Group and share of joint venture
operating profit before taxation 21,253 19,531 38,869
Adjustments for:
Depreciation 2,003 2,010 3,718
Share option charge 36 37 66
Loss on sale of fixed assets 82 - -
Increase in receivables (109) (1,021) (1,342)
Increase in inventories (1,826) (2,027) (1,693)
(Decrease)/increase in payables (2,272) 1,055 (1,949)
Share of results of joint venture - (25) (58)
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Cash generated by
operations 19,167 19,560 37,611
Interest paid (3,270) (103) (683)
Taxation paid (5,325) (1,730) (7,655)
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Net cash from operating
activities 10,572 17,727 29,273
Cashflows from investing
activities
Interest received 405 583 1,276
Purchase of property, plant
and equipment (5,200) (2,385) (8,410)
Acquisition of joint venture (1,286) - -
Proceeds of sale of
property plant & equipment 97 538 573
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Net cash used in investment
activities (5,984) (1,264) (6,561)
Cashflows from financing
activities
Proceeds from issue of
share capital 147 181 222
Repayment of loans - - (6,000)
New loans - - 115,500
Share buy back - - (122,216)
Dividends paid (11,767) (13,583) (21,514)
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Net cash used in financing
activities (11,620) (13,402) (34,008)
Net (decrease)/increase in
cash equivalents (7,032) 3,061 (11,296)
Cash and cash equivalents
at beginning of period 16,533 27,829 27,829
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
Cash and cash equivalents
at end of period 9,501 30,890 16,533
------------------------ ------------ ----------- ----------
RECONCILIATION OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY
For the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007
26 weeks to
31 March 2007
£'000
------------- ---------------
At 1 October 2006 (63,296)
Recognised income and expense for the period 12,925
Issue of shares 795
Share option charge 36
Dividend paid (11,767)
----------------- -------- ------------- ---------------
At 31 March 2007 (61,307)
----------------- -------- ------------- ---------------
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. Basis of Preparation
The accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the interim financial
statements are consistent with those disclosed in the annual report and accounts
for the 52 week period ended 30 September 2006.
a) The interim report was approved by the Board on 21 May 2007. The financial
information for the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007 and similarly the 26 weeks
ended 1 April 2006 has neither been audited nor reviewed. The financial
information for the 52 week period ended 30 September 2006 has been based on
information in the audited financial statements for that period.
b) The financial information contained in the interim report does not constitute
statutory accounts as defined in section 240 of the Companies Act 1985.
Statutory accounts for the 52 week period ended 30 September 2006 incorporating
an unqualified audit report, which did not contain statements under section 237
(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 1985, have been filed with the Registrar of
Companies.
In preparing the interim financial statements the Board has not sought to
implement the early adoption of IAS 34 'Interim Financial Reporting'.
2. Business Segments
The Group is currently organised into two retail operating divisions, Topps
Tiles (Topps) and Tile Clearing House (TCH). These divisions are the basis on
which the Group reports its primary segment information.
Segmental revenue and profit before taxation by business activity
were as follows
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September 2006
£'000 £'000 £ '000
---------- ---------- ----------
Revenue
Topps 89,763 78,670 159,482
TCH 12,020 9,898 20,698
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total revenue 101,783 88,568 180,180
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Operating profit
Topps 19,687 17,681 35,887
TCH 2,444 1,986 4,685
Other central costs (878) (136) (1,703)
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Total operating profit 21,253 19,531 38,869
Other gains and losses 282 258 258
Finance income less finance costs (2,830) 480 (63)
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
Profit before taxation 18,705 20,269 39,064
---------------------------- ---------- ---------- ----------
3. Acquisition of Subsidiary
On 1st October 2006 the Group acquired the remaining 50% of the issued share
capital of Topps Tiles Holdings BV (TTHBV) for cash consideration of £522,000
and 250,000 shares with a fair value of £647,500, based on the market value on
1st October 2006.
The transaction has been accounted for using the purchase method of accounting.
Book &
provisional 50%
fair value Acquired
£'000 £'000
------- -------
Net assets acquired
Property,plant & equipment 1,352 676
Inventories 1,412 706
Trade and other receivables 186 93
Cash and cash equivalents 4 2
Trade and other payables (1,480) (740)
Current tax liabilities (130) (65)
Bank loans (768) (384)
Deferred tax liabilities - -
--------- ---------------- ------- -------- -------
576 288
------- -------- -------
Goodwill 882
--------- ------- -------- -------
Total Consideration 1,170
------------- ------- -------- -------
Satisfied by:
Cash 522
Shares 648
--------- ------- -------- -------
1,170
--------- ------- -------- -------
Net Cash outflow arising on acquisition
Cash consideration 522
Net overdraft acquired 764
---------
------- -------- -------
1,286
--------- ------- -------- -------
In the period since acquisition the revenue of TTHBV was £3.1m and operating
profit was £0.2m.
The excess of consideration over net assets acquired has been initially
recognised as goodwill. A formal intangible asset valuation exercise is
currently being performed.
4. Taxation
26 weeks ended 26 weeks ended 52 weeks ended
31 March 2007 1 April 2006 30 September
2006
£'000 £'000 £'000
-------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
Current tax - charge for
the period 5,647 6,046 11,179
Current tax - adjustment in
respect of previous years 164 (360) 343
Deferred tax - charge for
period 114 - 1,082
Deferred tax - adjustment
in respect of previous years - - (1,344)
-------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
5,925 5,686 11,260
-------------------------- ----------- ---------- ----------
5. Interim dividend
An interim dividend of 3.75p per ordinary share has been declared payable on 2
July 2007 to shareholders on the register at 1 June 2007, in accordance with
IFRS this dividend will be recorded in the financial statements in the second
half of the period.
6. Earnings per share
Basic earnings per share for the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007 have been
calculated on earnings (after deducting taxation) of £12,780,000 (2006:
£14,583,000) and on ordinary shares of 170,506,682 (2006: 226,559,534), being
the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
Diluted earnings per share for the 26 weeks ended 31 March 2007 have been
calculated on earnings (after deducting taxation) of £12,780,000 (2006:
£14,583,000) and on ordinary shares of 171,335,921 (2006: 227,539,013), being
the weighted average of ordinary shares in issue during the period.
7. Copies of the interim results
Copies of the interim results have been sent to shareholders, and further copies
can be obtained from the Company's Registered Office at Topps Tiles Plc, Thorpe
Way, Grove Park, Enderby, Leicestershire LE19 1SU.
Details are also available on our Website: www.toppstiles.co.uk.
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