Half Year Results 2021

RNS Number : 0865E

Porvair PLC

05 July 2021

 

For immediate release                                                                                                                   5 July 2021

Porvair plc

Half year results for the six months ended 31 May 2021

Porvair plc ("Porvair" or "the Group"), the specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology group, announces its half year results for the six months ended 31 May 2021.

Key points:

· Revenue 5% lower at £69.7 million (2020: £73.2 million), 2% lower on a constant currency basis*;

o  33% growth in Laboratory offset by continued weakness in Aerospace & Industrial.

· Operating profit £9.3 million (2020: £9.3 million). 

· Adjusted operating profit* £9.1 million (2020: £9.0 million), 4% higher on a constant currency basis.

· Profit before tax up 1% to £8.9 million (2020: £8.8 million).

· Basic earnings per share were 16.4 pence (2020: 13.1 pence).  Adjusted basic earnings per share* were 14.8 pence (2020: 14.3 pence).

· Net cash was £6.2 million (31 May 2020: £1.0 million) after investing £2.0 million (2020: £2.0 million) in capital expenditure and £1.7 million (net of cash acquired) on the acquisition of Kbiosystems.

· Interim dividend increased 0.1 pence per share to 1.8 pence (2020: 1.7 pence).

Commenting on the outlook, Ben Stocks, Chief Executive, said:

" While demand in aerospace has remained markedly lower than pre-pandemic levels, other segments are now showing signs of recovery.  The Group started 2021 with a sound balance sheet and is now seeing the benefits of cost reductions made last year.  Investments in productivity, capacity and acquisitions have continued and margins in 2021 are better as a result.

Looking ahead, the underlying drivers of growth for Porvair all remain in place: tightening environmental regulations; the need for clean water; expansion of analytical science; the drive for manufacturing efficiency; the replacement of steel and plastic with aluminium; and the development of carbon-efficient transport. 

The order book for the second half looks healthy and whilst the currently high levels of demand in Laboratory are likely to dampen as the pandemic eases, there are signs that activity levels in aerospace are starting to rebound."

*See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definition and calculations of alternative performance measures

For further information please contact:

Porvair plc		01553 765 500
Ben Stocks, Chief Executive
James Mills, Group Finance Director
Buchanan Communications		020 7466 5000
Charles Ryland / Steph Watson

A sell side analyst briefing will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday 5 July 2021, please contact Buchanan if you wish to join. An audiocast of the meeting and the presentation will be made available later today at www.porvair.com .
 

Operating summary

As reported last year, Group order books fell sharply in the early months of the pandemic, reaching a low in June 2020, since when there has been a steady recovery in most segments. While aerospace demand remains low by historic standards, elsewhere the Group has been getting busier. General industrial activity has picked up in recent months.  Metal Melt Quality has seen better demand from aluminium and automotive customers. In Laboratory, Covid-related diagnostic demand has been high, and while this might be expected to subside as the pandemic eases, general laboratory consumables and water quality demand is returning to more normal levels.

Group operations in different parts of the world have seen different levels of Covid restrictions, and management teams have prioritised staff well-being through the period. In 2020 the most volatile effects of the pandemic were on the demand side, but in 2021 it has been the supply side that has seen the greatest disruption, particularly in the US.  Some suppliers have found their capacity constrained by Covid outbreaks in their plants. In some markets there were clear signs of re-stocking, driving short-term demand and lead-time elongation.  Transport and shipping dislocation has affected some supply chains and in some US states the labour market has been more restricted than usual.  As a result, cost inflation and logistical challenges have been more common in 2021 than is usually the case and the Group is having to be disciplined in passing price increases and lead-time effects through to customers.  It is not yet clear whether these are short-term, post-pandemic inflationary effects that will subside, or whether we should expect a period of more sustained inflation.  The Group has been through similar challenges before and is prepared for either eventuality.

Margins however have improved where demand has started to recover and cost levels remain lower than the pre-pandemic average.  In some categories this will not continue - travel and selling costs for example have been very low for twelve months and will climb as normal economic activity returns - but our operations were busy in 2020 using quieter periods to invest in productivity and other improvements, and in 2021 the benefits of that activity are evident.  Adjusted operating profit margins have reflected levels of activity: 9.4% in Aerospace & Industrial, 16.3% in Metal Melt Quality (a record), and 18.8% in Laboratory (also a record).

Financial Summary

	H1 2021		H1 2020		Growth
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	69.7		73.2		(5)
Operating profit	9.3		9.3		-
Adjusted operating profit*	9.1		9.0		1
Profit before tax	8.9		8.8		1
Adjusted profit before tax*	8.6		8.5		1
	Pence		Pence
Earnings per share	16.4		13.1		25
Adjusted earnings per share*	14.8		14.3		3
	£m		£m
Net cash	6.2		1.0

*See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definition and calculations of alternative performance measures

Revenue was 5% lower (2% at constant currency).  Operating profit was level at £9.3 million.  Profit before tax increased by 1%.  Adjusted earnings per share increased 3% to 14.8 pence.  Net cash at 31 May 2021 was £6.2 million.

The Group's record for growth, cash generation and investment is as follows:

	5 years		10 years	15 years
	CAGR*		CAGR*	CAGR*
Revenue growth	5%		7%	7%
Earnings per share growth	6%		14%	11%
Adjusted earnings per share growth	7%		14%	11%
	£m		£m	£m
Cash from operations	74.5		132.3	160.0
Investment in acquisitions and capital expenditure	48.6		75.1	89.7

* Compound annual growth rate

Porvair's strategy and purpose has changed little since 2004, a period that now encompasses two significant recessions. This longer-term growth record gives the Board confidence that the Group can weather difficult times and will return to historic growth rates when economic conditions allow.

Strategic statement

Porvair's strategic purpose is the development of specialist filtration, laboratory and environmental technology businesses for the benefit of all stakeholders.  Principal measures of success include consistent earnings growth and selected ESG measures. The Group publishes a full ESG report at the time of the annual preliminary results.

The Group is positioned to benefit from global trends: tightening environmental regulations; the need for clean water; growth in analytical science; more carbon-efficient transport; the replacement of plastic and steel by aluminium; and the drive for manufacturing process efficiency. 

Porvair businesses have certain key characteristics in common:

· Specialist design or engineering skills are required;

· Product use and replacement is mandated by regulation, quality accreditation or a maintenance cycle; and

· Products are typically designed into a system that will have a long life-cycle and must perform to a given specification.

Orders are won by offering the best technical solutions for these requirements at an acceptable commercial cost. Technical expertise is necessary in all markets served.  New products are often adaptations of existing designs. Experience in specific markets or applications is valuable in building customer confidence.  Domain knowledge is important, as is deciding where to direct resources.

This leads the Group to:

1.  Focus on markets where we see long-term growth potential.

2.  Look for applications where product use is mandated and replacement demand is regular.

3.  Make new product development a core business activity.

4.  Establish geographic presence where end-markets require.

5.  Invest in both organic and acquired growth.

Therefore:

· We focus on three operating segments: Aerospace & Industrial; Laboratory; and Metal Melt Quality. All have clear long-term growth drivers.

· Our products typically control emissions or protect complex downstream systems and are replaced regularly. A high proportion of our annual revenue is from repeat orders.

· Through a focus on new product development we aim to generate growth rates in excess of the underlying market. Where possible we build intellectual property around our product developments.

· Our geographic presence follows the markets we serve.  In the last twelve months: 46% of revenue was in the Americas; 23% in Asia; 21% in continental Europe; and 10% in the UK.  The Group has plants in the US, UK, Germany, the Netherlands and China.  In the last twelve months, 49% of revenue was manufactured in the US; 28% in the UK; 18% in Europe; and 5% in China.

· We aim to meet dividend and investment needs from free cash flow and modest borrowing facilities.  In recent years we have expanded manufacturing capacity in the UK, Germany, US and China, and made several acquisitions.  All investments are subject to a hurdle rate analysis based on strategic and financial priorities.

Environmental, Social and Governance ('ESG')

The Board understands that responsible business development is essential for creating long-term value for stakeholders.  Most of the products made by Porvair are used to the benefit of the environment.  Our water analysis equipment measures contamination levels in water.  Industrial filters are typically needed to reduce emissions or improve efficiency.  Aerospace filters improve safety and reliability. Nuclear filters confine fissile materials.  Metal Melt Quality filters reduce waste and help improve the strength to weight ratio of metal components. 

A full ESG report was published in February 2021 setting out the Group's ESG management framework and goals. This will be updated in February 2022.

Divisional review

Aerospace & Industrial

	H1 2021		H1 2020		Growth
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	26.0		35.7		(27)
Operating profit	2.1		7.5		(72)
Adjusted operating profit*	2.5		4.8		(48)

*See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definition and calculations of alternative performance measures

The Aerospace & Industrial division designs and manufactures a wide range of specialist filtration products, demand for which grows as aerospace and industrial customers seek cleaner, safer or more efficient operations.  Differentiation is achieved through design engineering; intellectual property; or quality accreditations.

Revenue in the period reduced by 27%.  No gasification spares were shipped in the period, compared with £7.0 million in 2020.  Like-for-like revenue fell 23% in aerospace and 3% in industrial. Porvair has had twelve months of aerospace revenue at these levels and has used the time to upgrade our capacity and planning systems in preparation for better times ahead.  Aerospace orders are stronger for the second half, but shipments will depend on how pandemic restrictions on travel evolve.  Industrial demand strengthened towards the end of the period and the outlook for the remainder of the year is better, with both petrochemical and microelectronic filtration performing well in the year to date.

Laboratory

	H1 2021		H1 2020		Growth
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	25.2		19.0		33
Operating profit	4.9		2.8		75
Adjusted operating profit*	4.8		2.8		71

*See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definition and calculations of alternative performance measures

The Laboratory division has two operating businesses: Porvair Sciences and Seal Analytical.

· Porvair Sciences manufactures laboratory filters and associated consumables.  Differentiation is achieved through proprietary manufacturing capabilities and filtration media.

· Seal Analytical is a leading supplier of instruments and consumables for environmental laboratories.  Demand is driven by water quality regulations. Differentiation is achieved through active new product development.

Revenue grew by 33% in the period, with a helpful contribution from Kbiosystems. Like-for-like revenue growth was 26%. The division makes a range of products used in Covid testing and analysis for which demand has been high. Order pressure in these products has shortened new product qualification timescales and it has been a good period for new product introductions. Additional capacity investments have been made to meet demand which is expected to remain strong until the pandemic recedes. Seal Analytical sales were up 11%, with robust demand in both the US and China.

In the US plants, supply chain dislocation and the hiring of staff have been recurring challenges and where costs have risen, price rises are being implemented.

Kbiosystems, acquired in February 2021, specialises in the design and manufacture of laboratory instruments that complement our growing range of microplate and sample preparation filters.  We will introduce their range to our US sales channels and use their automation expertise for product development across the division.

 

Metal Melt Quality

	H1 2021		H1 2020		Growth
	£m		£m		%
Revenue	18.4		18.6		(1)
Operating profit/(loss)	3.6		(0.1)		-
Adjusted operating profit*	3.0		2.3		30

*See notes 1, 2 and 3 for definition and calculations of alternative performance measures

The Metal Melt Quality division manufactures filters for molten metal, specialising in aluminium, ductile iron and nickel-cobalt alloys.  It has a well-differentiated product range based on patented products.

Metal Melt Quality experienced better demand in 2021 for both aluminium and automotive customers, but its aerospace-related activities (around 12% of sales in a normal year) remained low.  Revenue at reported currencies were £18.4 million (2020: £18.6 million) and improved 6% at constant currency rates.  Investments carried out during the quieter months of 2020 resulted in better margins yielding a 30% improvement in adjusted operating profit.  It should be noted that some of this improvement - seen across the Group - is due to unprecedentedly low travel and sales related costs, which will increase again as normal business conditions return.  Nonetheless, we are running at high levels of efficiency, which is encouraging.  Metal Melt Quality, the most global of the three divisions, has seen the greatest supply side disruption in the period, with supply chains and transportation dislocation causing operational challenges and input price increases.  These are being passed on as they occur.

Order books going into the second half look reasonable, and there has been a modest recent uptick in higher margin aerospace related demand.

Alternative performance measures

			H1 2021				H1 2020
		Adjusted	Adjustments	Reported		Adjusted	Adjustments	Reported
		£m	£m	£m		£m	£m	£m
Operating profit		9.0	0.3	9.3		9.0	0.3	9.3
Profit before income tax		8.6	0.3	8.9		8.5	0.3	8.8
Profit for the year		6.8	0.7	7.5		6.6	(0.6)	6.0

The Group presents alternative performance measures to enable a better understanding of its trading performance.  Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude items that are considered significant and where treatment as an adjusting item provides a more consistent assessment of the Group's trading.  Adjusted operating profit excludes £0.3 million (2020 £0.3 million) of net income from operating profit.  The details of these adjustments are set out in note 1. 

Interest

The Group incurred an interest charge of £0.5 million (2020: £0.5 million).  £0.2 million (2020: £0.2 million) relates to the finance cost of the defined benefit pension scheme.  £0.2 million (2020: £0.2 million) relates to the interest charge on right-of-use assets.  The remainder comprises undrawn commitment fees and interest on the Group's banking facilities.

Tax

The Group tax charge was £1.3 million (2020: £2.7 million).  The adjusted income tax expense was £1.8 million (2020: £2.0 million).  The underlying rate of income tax for the period on adjusted measures was 21% (2020: 23%).

Earnings per share and dividends

The basic earnings per share for the period was 16.4 pence (2020: 13.1 pence).  Adjusted earnings per share was 14.8 pence (2020: 14.3 pence). 

The Board has declared an interim dividend of 1.8 pence (2020: 1.7 pence) per share.

Investment

In the last five years, £49.0 million has been invested in acquisitions and capacity expansion.  The Group invested £2.0 million (2020: £2.0 million) in capital expenditure in the first half of 2021, together with £1.7 million (net of cash acquired) on the acquisition of Kbiosystems.

Cash flow and net debt

Cash generated from operations in the six months to 31 May 2021 was £6.1 million (2020: £1.9 million).  The Group normally sees an outflow of working capital in the first half of the year.  Working capital increased by £3.8 million (2020: £11.5 million) in the period. 

Net cash at 31 May 2021 was £6.2 million (31 May 2020: £1.0 million; 30 November 2020: £4.9 million).  Lease liabilities were £12.8 million (31 May 2020: £15.0 million; 30 November 2020: £13.6 million). 

On 18 May 2021, the Group agreed a €28 million (£24 million) four year secured revolving credit facility, with an option to extend by one year, plus a €17 million (£15 million) accordion facility, with Barclays Bank plc and Citibank N.A., London Branch.  The financial covenants continue to require the Group to maintain interest cover of 3.5 times and net debt to be less than 2.5 times EBITDA.  The Group also has a £2.5 million overdraft facility provided by Barclays Bank plc. 

Provisions, contingent liabilities and performance bonds

The Group has £4.2 million (30 November 2020: £4.6 million) of provisions for dilapidations and warranty risks.

The Group has outstanding performance bonds with customers on 31 May 2021 of $2.5 million (30 November 2020: $2.5 million) and €0.8 million (30 November 2020: €1.0 million).

Return on capital employed

The Group's return on capital employed was 11% (2020: 13%).  Excluding the impact of goodwill, acquired intangible assets and the pension liability, the return on operating capital employed was 29% (2020: 30%).

Outlook

While demand in aerospace has remained markedly lower than pre-pandemic levels, other segments are now showing signs of recovery.  The Group started 2021 with a sound balance sheet and is now seeing the benefits of cost reductions made last year.  Investments in productivity, capacity and acquisitions have continued and margins in 2021 are better as a result.

Looking ahead, the underlying drivers of growth for Porvair all remain in place: tightening environmental regulations; the need for clean water; expansion of analytical science; the drive for manufacturing efficiency; the replacement of steel and plastic with aluminium; and the development of carbon-efficient transport. 

The order book for the second half looks healthy and whilst the currently high levels of demand in Laboratory are likely to dampen as the pandemic eases, there are signs that activity levels in aerospace are starting to rebound.

Ben Stocks

Group Chief Executive

2 July 2021
 

Related parties

There were no related party transactions in the six months ended 31 May 2021 (2020: none).

Principal risks

Each division considers strategic, operational and financial risks and identifies actions to mitigate those risks.  These risk profiles are reviewed by the Board and updated at least annually.  Further details of the Group's risk profile analysis can be found in the Strategic Report section of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2020.

The trading challenges associated with the current Covid-19 pandemic are considered in the operating review section above.  Certain elements of the Group's order position can change quickly in the face of changing economic circumstances.  The Metal Melt Quality division, Laboratory division and general industrial filtration within the Aerospace & Industrial division all have relatively short lead times and order cycles and, therefore, revenue is subject to fluctuations which could have a material effect on the Group's results for the balance of 2021.  These effects are exacerbated by the current pandemic.

Forward looking statements

Certain statements in this half yearly financial information are forward looking.  Although the Group believes that the expectations reflected in these forward looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that these expectations will prove to have been correct.  Because these statements involve risks and uncertainties, actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

 

Condensed consolidated income statement

For the six months ended 31 May

			Six months ended 31 May
			2021		2020
	Note		Unaudited		Unaudited
			£'000		£'000
Revenue	1,2		69,654		73,236
Cost of sales			(46,759)		(48,862)
Gross profit			22,895		24,374
Other operating expenses			(13,566)		(15,085)
Adjusted operating profit	1,2		9,066		9,039
Adjustments:
Amortisation of acquired intangibles			(402)		(332)
Other acquisition-related adjustments			(80)		-
Settlement of project-related warranties			-		3,791
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs			(592)		(3,209)
Paycheck Protection Program			1,337		-
Operating profit	1,2		9,329		9,289
Interest payable and similar charges			(479)		(519)
Profit before income tax			8,850		8,770
Adjusted income tax expense	1,2		(1,768)		(1,958)
Adjustments:
Tax effect of adjustments			472		(771)
Income tax expense	1,2		(1,296)		(2,729)
Profit for the period			7,554		6,041
Profit attributable to:
Owners of the parent			7,554		6,041
Non-controlling interests			-		-
Profit for the period			7,554		6,041
Earnings per share (basic)	3		16.4p		13.1p
Earnings per share (diluted)	3		16.4p		13.1p
Adjusted earnings per share (basic)	3		14.8p		14.3p
Adjusted earnings per share (diluted)	3		14.8p		14.3p

Condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income

For the six months ended 31 May

	Six months ended 31 May
	2021 Unaudited		2020 Unaudited
	£'000		£'000
Profit for the period	7,554		6,041
Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit and loss
Actuarial gain / (loss) in defined benefit pension plans net of tax	2,515		(1,473)
Items that may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss
Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries	(4,301)		3,589
Changes in fair value of foreign exchange contracts held as a cash flow hedge	-		(186)
	(4,301)		3,403
Net other comprehensive income	(1,786)		1,930
Total comprehensive income for the period	5,768		7,971
Comprehensive income attributable to:
Owners of the parent	5,768		7,971
Total comprehensive income for the period	5,768		7,971

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this interim financial information. 

 

Condensed consolidated balance sheet

As at 31 May

		As at 31 May				As at 30 November
	Note	2021 Unaudited		2020 Unaudited		2020 Audited
		£'000		£'000		£'000
Non-current assets
Property, plant and equipment		20,427		21,503		20,716
Right-of-use assets		11,878		14,171		12,762
Goodwill and other intangible assets		71,962		73,678		70,039
Deferred tax asset		1,257		2,639		2,614
		105,524		111,991		106,131
Current assets
Inventories		24,418		24,832		23,355
Trade and other receivables		22,428		27,147		20,674
Derivative financial instruments		214		-		23
Cash and cash equivalents		15,501		11,830		15,563
		62,561		63,809		59,615
Current liabilities
Trade and other payables		(23,429)		(23,854)		(20,197)
Current tax liabilities		(469)		(1,675)		(192)
Borrowings		(1,796)		(1,489)		(1,379)
Lease liabilities		(2,071)		(2,057)		(2,007)
Derivative financial instruments		-		(608)		-
Provisions	10	(3,884)		(4,259)		(4,365)
		(31,649)		(33,942)		(28,140)
Net current assets		30,912		29,867		31,475
Non-current liabilities
Borrowings		(7,553)		(9,371)		(9,303)
Deferred tax liability		(2,835)		(2,664)		(2,839)
Retirement benefit obligations		(10,871)		(15,202)		(15,395)
Other payables	9	(1,900)		-		-
Lease liabilities		(10,682)		(12,906)		(11,609)
Provisions	10	(282)		(255)		(268)
		(34,123)		(40,398)		(39,414)
Net assets		102,313		101,460		98,192
Capital and reserves
Share capital		923		921		923
Share premium account		36,981		36,549		36,927
Cumulative translation reserve		3,344		12,947		7,645
Retained earnings		61,065		51,043		52,697
Equity attributable to owners of the parent		102,313		101,460		98,192
Total equity		102,313		101,460		98,192

The interim financial information was approved by the Board of Directors on 2 July 2021 and was signed on its behalf by:

Ben Stocks  James Mills

Group Chief Executive  Group Finance Director

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this interim financial information.

 

Condensed consolidated cash flow statement

For the six months ended 31 May

		Six months ended 31 May
	Note	2021 Unaudited		2020 Unaudited
		£'000		£'000
Cash flows from operating activities
Cash generated from operations	5	6,078		1,918
Interest paid		(138)		(202)
Tax paid		(916)		(1,146)
Net cash generated from operating activities		5,024		570
Cash flows from investing activities
Acquisition of subsidiaries (net of cash acquired)	7	(1,694)		-
Purchase of property, plant and equipment		(1,987)		(1,896)
Purchase of intangible assets		(14)		(59)
Net cash used in investing activities		(3,695)		(1,955)
Cash flows from financing activities
Net proceeds from the issue of ordinary shares		54		45
Purchase of Employee Benefit Trust shares		(332)		(399)
Increase in borrowings	6	434		1,448
Repayment of lease liabilities		(1,137)		(1,115)
Net cash used in financing activities		(981)		(21)
Net increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	6	348		(1,406)
Effects of exchange rate changes		(410)		347
		(62)		(1,059)
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period		15,563		12,889
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period		15,501		11,830

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this interim financial information.

 

Condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity

For the six months ended 31 May (Unaudited)

	Share capital £'000	Share premium account £'000	Cumulative translation reserve £'000	Retained earnings £'000	Total £'000
Balance at 1 December 2019	921	36,504	9,358	48,552	95,335
Profit for the period	-	-	-	6,041	6,041
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries	-	-	3,589	-	3,589
Changes in fair value of foreign exchange contracts held as a cash flow hedge	-	-	-	(186)	(186)
Actuarial losses in defined benefit pension plans net of tax	-	-	-	(1,473)	(1,473)
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	3,589	4,382	7,971
Transactions with owners:
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares (held in trust)	-	-	-	(399)	(399)
Proceeds from shared issued, net of costs	-	45	-	-	45
Employee share option schemes:
- value of employee services net of tax	-	-	-	(20)	(20)
Dividends approved or paid	-	-	-	(1,472)	(1,472)
Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity	-	45	-	(1,891)	(1,846)
Balance at 31 May 2020	921	36,549	12,947	51,043	101,460

 

	Share capital £'000	Share premium account £'000	Cumulative translation reserve £'000	Retained earnings £'000	Total £'000
Balance at 1 December 2020	923	36,927	7,645	52,697	98,192
Profit for the period	-	-	-	7,554	7,554
Other comprehensive income/(expense):
Exchange differences on translation of foreign subsidiaries	-	-	(4,301)	-	(4,301)
Actuarial gains in defined benefit pension plans net of tax	-	-	-	2,515	2,515
Total comprehensive income for the period	-	-	(4,301)	10,069	5,768
Transactions with owners:
Consideration paid for purchase of own shares (held in trust)	-	-	-	(332)	(332)
Proceeds from shared issued, net of costs	-	54	-	-	54
Employee share option schemes:
- value of employee services net of tax	-	-	-	148	148
Dividends approved or paid	-	-	-	(1,517)	(1,517)
Total transactions with owners recognised directly in equity	-	54	-	(1,701)	(1,647)
Balance at 31 May 2021	923	36,981	3,344	61,065	102,313

The accompanying notes are an integral part of this interim financial information.

 

Notes to the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information

1.  Alternative performance measures

The Group uses adjusted figures as alternative performance measures in addition to those reported under IFRS, as management believe that these measures provide a useful analysis of trends in underlying performance compared with prior periods. 

Alternative revenue measures

		2021		2020		Growth
Aerospace & Industrial		£'000		£'000		%
Revenue at constant currency		25,564		34,599		(26)
Exchange		481		1,113
Revenue as reported		26,045		35,712		(27)
Laboratory
Underlying revenue		22,504		17,871		26
Acquisition		2,296		-
Revenue at constant currency		24,800		17,871		39
Exchange		445		1,092
Revenue as reported		25,245		18,963		33
Metal Melt Quality
Revenue at constant currency		17,841		16,832		6
Exchange		523		1,729
Revenue as reported		18,364		18,561		(1)
Group
Underlying revenue		65,909		69,302		(5)
Acquisitions		2,296		-
Revenue at constant currency		68,205		69,302		(2)
Exchange		1,449		3,934
Revenue as reported		69,654		73,236		(5)

Revenue at constant currency is derived from translating overseas subsidiaries at budgeted fixed exchange rates.  In 2021 and 2020, the rates used were $1.4:£ and €1.2:£.

Underlying revenue is revenue at constant currency adjusted for the impact of acquisitions made in the current and prior year. 

 

Alternative profit measures

A reconciliation of the Group's adjusted performance measures to the reported IFRS measures is presented below:

			H1 2021				H1 2020
		Adjusted	Adjustments	Reported		Adjusted	Adjustments	Reported
		£'000	£'000	£'000		£'000	£'000	£'000
Operating profit		9,066	263	9,329		9,039	250	9,289
Finance costs		(479)	-	(479)		(519)	-	(519)
Profit before income tax		8,587	263	8,850		8,520	250	8,770
Income tax expense		(1,768)	472	(1,296)		(1,958)	(771)	(2,729)
Profit for the year		6,819	735	7,554		6,562	(521)	6,041

An analysis of adjusting items is given below:

	2021		2020
Affecting operating profit	£'000		£'000
Amortisation of acquired intangible assets	(402)		(332)
Other acquisition-related adjustments	(80)		-
Settlement of project-related warranties	-		3,791
Impairment of assets and restructuring costs	(592)		(3,209)
Paycheck Protection Program	1,337		-
	263		250
Affecting tax
Tax effect of adjustments	472		(771)
Total adjusting items	735		(521)

Adjusted operating profit and adjusted profit before tax exclude:

· The amortisation of intangible assets arising on acquisition of businesses of £0.4 million (2020: £0.3 million);

· Other acquisition-related costs of £0.1 million (2020: £nil) in relation to the acquisition of Kbiosystems;

· Provision releases of £nil (2020: £5.1 million) arising from the settlement of outstanding warranty issues and the cancellation of performance bonds related to the large gasification projects.  Related to the release in the prior period, the Group wrote-off a £1.3 million receivable due;

· Covid-19 related impairment of assets and restructuring costs of £0.6 million, principally within the Aerospace & Industrial division.  The prior period consisted of a £2.3 million charge in relation to the Metal Melt Quality operations in China, together with other Covid-related restructuring across the Group; and

· A net credit of £1.3 million (2020: £nil) relating to the monies received in the prior year from the Truist Bank under the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP").  The PPP provided loans to qualifying businesses for the purpose of maintaining payroll levels during the pandemic in 2020.  The criteria for forgiveness for these loans was achieved by the Group in 2020 and the costs associated with maintaining payroll levels were recognised in the prior year.  Formal forgiveness of the loan was granted in 2021, leading to a mismatch in the accounts between the costs incurred and income received.

 

2.  Segmental analyses

The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Board of Directors.  The Board of Directors has instructed the Group's internal reporting to be based around differences in products and services, in order to assess performance and allocate resources.  Management has determined the operating segments based on this reporting.

As at 31 May 2021, the Group is organised on a worldwide basis into three operating segments:

1)  Aerospace & Industrial - principally serving the aviation, and energy and industrial markets;

2)  Laboratory - principally serving the bioscience and environmental laboratory instrument and consumables market; and

3)  Metal Melt Quality - principally serving the global aluminium, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) iron foundry and super-alloys markets.

Other Group operations' costs, assets and liabilities are included in the "Central" division.  Central costs mainly comprise Group corporate costs, including new business development costs, some research and development costs and general financial costs.  Central assets and liabilities mainly comprise Group retirement benefit obligations, tax assets and liabilities, cash and borrowings. 

The segment results for the period ended 31 May 2021 are as follows:

2021	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Total segment revenue	26,126		26,156		18,364		-		70,646
Inter-segment revenue	(81)		(911)		-		-		(992)
Revenue	26,045		25,245		18,364		-		69,654
Adjusted operating profit/(loss)	2,455		4,753		2,994		(1,136)		9,066
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	(211)		(191)		-		-		(402)
Other acquisition-related adjustments	-		-		-		(80)		(80)
Impairment of assets and restructuring	(592)		-		-		-		(592)
Paycheck Protection Program	407		295		635		-		1,337
Operating profit/(loss)	2,059		4,857		3,629		(1,216)		9,329
Interest payable and similar charges	-		-		-		(479)		(479)
Profit/(loss) before income tax	2,059		4,857		3,629		(1,695)		8,850
Adjusted income tax expense	-		-		-		(1,768)		(1,768)
Tax effect of adjusting items	-		-		-		472		472
Income tax expense	-		-		-		(1,296)		(1,296)
Profit/(loss) for the period	2,059		4,857		3,629		(2,991)		7,554

 

The segment results for the period ended 31 May 2020 are as follows:

2020	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Total segment revenue	35,712		19,947		18,561		-		74,220
Inter-segment revenue	-		(984)		-		-		(984)
Revenue	35,712		18,963		18,561		-		73,236
Adjusted operating profit/(loss)	4,755		2,849		2,279		(844)		9,039
Amortisation of acquired intangibles	(233)		(99)		-		-		(332)
Settlement of project-related warranties	3,791		-		-		-		3,791
Impairment of assets and restructuring	(824)		-		(2,385)		-		(3,209)
Operating profit/(loss)	7,489		2,750		(106)		(844)		9,289
Interest payable and similar charges	-		-		-		(519)		(519)
Profit/(loss) before income tax	7,489		2,750		(106)		(1,363)		8,770
Adjusted income tax expense Tax effect of adjusting items	- -		- -		- -		(1,958) (771)		(1,958) (771)
Income tax expense	-		-		-		(2,729)		(2,729)
Profit/(loss) for the period	7,489		2,750		(106)		(4,092)		6,041

 

Segment assets and liabilities

At 31 May 2021 - Unaudited	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Segmental assets	72,098		51,639		26,542		2,305		152,584
Cash and cash equivalents	-		-		-		15,501		15,501
Total assets	72,098		51,639		26,542		17,806		168,085
Segmental liabilities	(18,434)		(15,983)		(5,226)		(5,909)		(45,552)
Retirement benefit obligations	-		-		-		(10,871)		(10,871)
Bank overdraft and loans	-		-		-		(9,349)		(9,349)
Total liabilities	(18,434)		(15,983)		(5,226)		(26,129)		(65,772)

At 31 May 2020 - Unaudited	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Segmental assets	82,270		44,022		34,763		2,915		163,970
Cash and cash equivalents	-		-		-		11,830		11,830
Total assets	82,270		44,022		34,763		14,745		175,800
Segmental liabilities	(24,521)		(12,871)		(5,862)		(5,024)		(48,278)
Retirement benefit obligations	-		-		-		(15,202)		(15,202)
Bank overdraft and loans	-		-		-		(10,860)		(10,860)
Total liabilities	(24,521)		(12,871)		(5,862)		(31,086)		(74,340)

At 30 Nov 2020 - Audited	Aerospace & Industrial		Laboratory		Metal Melt Quality		Central		Group
	£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000		£'000
Segmental assets	73,459		42,926		30,860		2,938		150,183
Cash and cash equivalents	-		-		-		15,563		15,563
Total assets	73,459		42,926		30,860		18,501		165,746
Segmental liabilities	(22,013)		(11,875)		(5,548)		(2,041)		(41,477)
Retirement benefit obligations	-		-		-		(15,395)		(15,395)
Bank overdraft and loans	-		-		-		(10,682)		(10,682)
Total liabilities	(22,013)		(11,875)		(5,548)		(28,118)		(67,554)

 

Geographical analysis

Revenue

	Six months ended 31 May
	2021 Unaudited			2020 Unaudited
	By destination £'000	By origin £'000		By destination £'000	By origin £'000
United Kingdom	6,717	19,840		7,452	24,216
Continental Europe	15,693	12,447		12,452	11,517
United States of America	29,949	34,550		28,351	34,298
Other NAFTA	1,529	-		3,218	-
South America	882	-		1,111	-
Asia	14,312	2,817		20,131	3,205
Africa	572	-		521	-
	69,654	69,654		73,236	73,236

3.  Earnings per share

	Six months ended 31 May
As reported	2021 Unaudited				2020 Unaudited
	Earnings £'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount Pence		Earnings £'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount Pence
Basic EPS - earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders	7,554				6,041
Shares in issue		46,162,623				46,052,105
Shares owned by the Employee Benefit Trust		(167,788)				(103,543)
Basic earnings per share	7,554	45,994,835	16.4		6,041	45,948,562	13.1
Effect of dilutive securities - share options	-	20,457	-		-	74,886	-
Diluted earnings per share	7,554	46,015,292	16.4		6,041	46,023,448	13.1

 

	2021				2020
Adjusted	Earnings £'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount Pence		Earnings £'000	Weighted average number of shares	Per share amount Pence
Earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders	7,554				6,041
Adjusting items (note 1)	(735)				521
Adjusted earnings attributable to ordinary shareholders	6,819				6,562
Adjusted basic earnings per share	6,819	45,994,835	14.8		6,562	45,948,562	14.3
Adjusted diluted earnings per share	6,819	46,015,292	14.8		6,562	46,023,448	14.3

4.   Dividends per share

	Six months ended 31 May
	2021			2020
	Unaudited			Unaudited
	Per share	£'000		Per share	£'000
Final dividend approved	3.3p	1,517		3.2p	1,472

The final dividend approved for the year ended 30 November 2020 was paid to shareholders on 4 June 2021.

The Directors have declared an interim dividend of 1.8 pence (2020: 1.7 pence) per share to be paid on 27 August 2021 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 23 July 2021.  The ex-dividend date is 22 July 2021.

5.  Cash generated from operations

		Six months ended 31 May
		2021 Unaudited £'000		2020 Unaudited £'000
Operating profit		9,329		9,289
Adjustments for:
Post-employment benefits		(1,459)		(1,568)
Paycheck Protection Program		(1,337)		-
Fair value movement of derivatives through profit and loss		(191)		462
Share-based payments		306		(102)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangibles		1,938		1,959
Impairment of property plant and equipment		270		2,273
Depreciation of right-of-use assets		979		1,004
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment		-		67
Operating cash flows before movement in working capital		9,835		13,384
Increase in inventories		(1,019)		(960)
Increase in trade and other receivables		(1,400)		(1,376)
Decrease in trade and other payables		(857)		(3,920)
Decrease in provisions		(481)		(5,210)
Increase in working capital		(3,757)		(11,466)
Cash generated from operations		6,078		1,918

 

6.  Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net cash

	Six months ended 31 May
	2021 Unaudited £'000		2020 Unaudited £'000
Net debt at 1 December	(8,735)		(11,204)
Increase / (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	348		(1,406)
Paycheck Protection Program forgiven	1,337		-
Increase in borrowings	(434)		(1,448)
Decrease in lease liabilities	416		775
Effects of exchange rate changes	467		(710)
Net debt at the end of the period	(6,601)		(13,993)

Net cash	6,152		970
Lease liabilities	(12,753)		(14,963)
Net debt at the end of the period	(6,601)		(13,993)

7.   Acquisitions

On 25 February 2021 the Group purchased 100% of the share capital of Kbiosystems Limited ("Kbiosystems").  Kbiosystems is based in Basildon, UK and specialises in the design and manufacture of laboratory instruments, with particular expertise in automated microplate handling systems. 

The total maximum consideration is £6.9 million; consisting of initial, deferred and contingent consideration. 

£3.0 million was paid in cash on acquisition.  Deferred consideration of £1.3 million, representing cash acquired and a working capital adjustment, was paid in June 2021.  Management has forecast that payment of 100% of the contingent consideration is the most probable outcome, of which £1.0 million was earned in the period and also paid in June 2021.  The balance is contingent on Kbiosystems meeting profit targets for the years ending 31 March 2022 and 2023.  The remaining consideration has been discounted to £1.7 million using a discount rate of 10%. 

In the period since acquisition, the business has contributed £2.3 million of revenue and £0.6 million of adjusted operating profit to the Group results.  The direct costs of acquisition charged to the income statement were £0.1 million and are disclosed as adjusting items in note 1.  Had the acquisition been consolidated from 1 December 2020, the income statement would show revenue of £72.0 million and adjusted operating profit of £9.6 million.

The following table sets out the initial consideration, together with the provisional fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed:

			Total
Purchase consideration:			£'000
Initial cash consideration			3,000
Deferred cash consideration Contingent consideration			1,274 2,647
Total purchase consideration			6,921
Provisional fair value of net assets acquired (below)			(3,831)
Goodwill			3,090

			Fair value
Provisional fair value of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed:			£'000
Property, plant and equipment			519
Customer order book and relationships (included within intangible assets)			2,231
Inventory			823
Trade and other receivables			1,110
Cash			1,306
Trade and other payables and tax liabilities			(2,158)
Provisional fair value of net assets acquired			3,831
Purchase consideration settled in cash			3,000
Cash acquired			(1,306)
Net cash outflow on acquisition			1,694

An independent valuation of the identifiable intangible assets has been carried out in the period.  Acquisition-related intangible assets comprise the customer order book of £0.1 million and customer relationships of £2.1 million.

The goodwill is attributable to the non-contractual relationships, the synergies between the business acquired and the operations of the Group and the potential to develop the technologies acquired.  None of these meet the criteria for recognition of intangible assets separable from goodwill.  The goodwill recognised is attributable to the Laboratory division and is not expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. 

The fair value of trade and other receivables of £1.1 million includes net trade receivables of £0.9 million, all of which is expected to be collectible.

These estimates of fair value may be adjusted in future in accordance with the requirements of IFRS 3 Business Combinations.

8.   Contingent liabilities

At 31 May 2021, the Group has performance bonds totalling US$2.5 million and €0.8 million (30 November 2020: US$2.5 million and €1.0 million). The bonds are released after a warranty period and in any event no later than March 2023.

9.   Deferred and contingent consideration

A summary of the movements in deferred and contingent consideration on acquisitions is given below:

				Kbiosystems		Total
				£'000		£'000
At 1 December 2020				-		-
Deferred consideration				1,274		1,274
Contingent consideration				2,647		2,647
Recognised in the income statement:
-  Unwinding discounted contingent consideration				68		68
At 31 May 2021				3,989		3,989

					Rohasys BV		Total
					£'000		£'000
At 1 December 2019					948		948
Recognised in the income statement:
-  Unwinding discounted contingent consideration					17		17
Foreign exchange movement					53		53
At 31 May 2020					1,018		1,018

£2.1 million of the deferred and contingent consideration is current (2020: £1.0 million), whilst £1.9 million is non-current (2020: £nil).

 

10.  Provisions				Dilapidations £'000		Warranty £'000		Total £'000
At 1 December 2020				268		4,365		4,633
Charged to/(released from) the consolidated income statement:
-  Unwinding of discount				14		-		14
-  Warranty released				-		(82)		(82)
Utilised:
-  Warranty				-		(399)		(399)
At 31 May 2021				282		3,884		4,166

				Dilapidations		Warranty		Total
				£'000		£'000		£'000
At 1 December 2019				242		9,526		9,768
Charged to/(released from) the consolidated income statement:
-  Unwinding of discount				13		-		13
-  Warranty released				-		(5,091)		(5,091)
-  Warranty charged				-		601		601
Utilised:
-  Warranty				-		(777)		(777)
At 31 May 2020				255		4,259		4,514

The provisions arise from a discounted dilapidations provision for property, which is expected to be utilised in 2023, and sale warranties.

The warranty provision includes amounts that will be utilised or released as these contracts approach completion.  Matters that could affect the timing and quantum of the utilisation of the provisions include the impact of any remedial work, claims against the outstanding performance bonds, and the demonstrated life of the filtration equipment installed.  Any future residual release to the income statement would be a non-cash item.

In December 2019, a $0.9 million (£0.8 million) performance bond was called by the customer, the amount was paid and charged to provisions.  Subsequently progress was made on resolving warranty risks and $5.0 million of performance bonds lapsed.  Consequently £5.1 million of provisions were no longer considered necessary and were therefore released.

11.  Exchange rates

Exchange rates for the US dollar and Euro during the period were:

	Average rate to 31 May 21	Average rate to 31 May 20	Closing rate at 31 May 21	Closing rate at 30 Nov 20
	Unaudited	Unaudited	Unaudited	Unaudited
US dollar	1.38	1.27	1.42	1.34
Euro	1.14	1.15	1.16	1.12

12.  Seasonality

The results for the six months ended 31 May 2021 are impacted by a lower number of working days in the first six months of the year than in the second half of the year.

 

13.  Basis of preparation

Porvair plc is a public limited company registered in the UK and listed on the London Stock Exchange.

This unaudited condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information for the six months ended 31 May 2021 has been prepared in accordance with the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ('DTR') of the Financial Conduct Authority and with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.  The condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2020, which have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the European Union.

The accounting policies applied in these interim financial statements are consistent with those applied in the Group's consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2020.  A number of other new standards and amendments are effective from 1 December 2020 but they do not have a material effect on the Group's financial statements.

Taxes on income in the interim period are accrued using the tax rate that would be applicable to expected total annual earnings.

This condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information has been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain current assets, financial assets and financial liabilities held for trading and derivative contracts, which are held at fair value.

The preparation of condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information, in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, requires the use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  Although these estimates are based on management's best knowledge of the amount, event or actions, actual results may ultimately differ from those estimates.  In preparing the condensed interim financial statements, the significant judgements made by management in applying the Group's accounting policies and the key sources of estimation uncertainty were the same as those applied to the consolidated financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2020, with the exception of changes in estimates that are required in determining the provision for income taxes, together with the estimates and judgements within the Kbiosystems acquisition accounting.

After having made appropriate enquiries, including a review of progress against the Group's budget for 2021, its current trading and medium term plans; and taking into account the banking facilities available until May 2026, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Group has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for at least twelve months from the date of approval of the condensed half yearly consolidated financial information. Accordingly, they continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing this condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information.

This condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information and the comparative figures do not constitute full accounts within the meaning of Section 434 of the Companies Act 2006. Statutory accounts for the year ended 30 November 2020, which were approved by the Board of Directors on 29 January 2021, and which include an unqualified audit report, no emphasis of matter paragraph and no statements under sections 498(2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006, have been delivered to the Registrar of Companies.  This condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information has been reviewed, not audited.

The condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information does not include all financial risk management information and disclosures required in the annual financial statements; it should be read in conjunction with the Group's annual financial statements for the year ended 30 November 2020.  There have been no changes in any risk management policies since the year end.

This report will be available at Porvair plc's registered office at 7 Regis Place, Bergen Way, King's Lynn, PE30 2JN and on the Company's website, www.porvair.com.

 

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The Directors confirm that this condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information has been prepared in accordance with IAS 34 Interim Financial Reporting as adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union, and that the interim management report herein includes a fair review of the information required by DTR 4.2.7 and DTR 4.2.8, namely:

· an indication of important events that have occurred during the first six months of the year, their impact on the condensed half-yearly consolidated financial information and a description of the principal risks and uncertainties for the remaining six months of the financial year; and

· material related party transactions in the first six months of the year and any material changes in the related party transactions described in the last annual report.

The Directors of Porvair plc are listed in the Porvair plc Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2020.  A list of current Directors is maintained on the Porvair plc website, www.porvair.com.  Since the publication of the Annual Report for the year ended 30 November 2020, James Mills has joined the Group as Group Finance Director.  This followed the decision by Chris Tyler to step back from his position as Group Finance Director and continue, in a part-time role, as Company Secretary.  Both changes became effective following the Company's AGM in April 2021.

By order of the board

Ben Stocks	James Mills
Group Chief Executive 2 July 2021	Group Finance Director

 

INDEPENDENT REVIEW REPORT TO PORVAIR PLC

Introduction

We have been engaged by the Company to review the interim financial information in the half-yearly financial report for the six months ended 31 May 2021 which comprises the condensed consolidated income statement, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the condensed consolidated balance sheet, the condensed consolidated cash flow statement, the condensed consolidated statement of changes in equity and related notes 1 to 13. We have read the other information contained in the half-yearly financial report and considered whether it contains any apparent misstatements or material inconsistencies with the interim financial information.

Directors' Responsibilities

The half-yearly financial report is the responsibility of, and has been approved by, the directors.  The directors are responsible for the preparation and presentation of interim financial information that gives a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company as at 31 May 2021 and of the financial performance of the Group and the cash flows of the Group for six month period then ended in accordance with the applicable law and International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

As disclosed in note 13, the annual financial statements of the Group are prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union. The condensed set of financial statements included in this half-yearly financial report has been prepared in accordance with International Accounting Standard 34, "Interim Financial Reporting" as adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

Our Responsibility

Our responsibility is to express to the Company a conclusion on the interim financial information in the half-yearly financial report based on our review.

Scope of Review

We conducted our review in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410, "Review of Interim Financial Information Performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board for use in the United Kingdom.  A review of interim financial information consists of making enquiries, primarily of persons responsible for financial and accounting matters, and applying analytical and other review procedures.  A review is substantially less in scope than an audit conducted in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) and consequently does not enable us to obtain assurance that we would become aware of all significant matters that might be identified in an audit. Accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion.

Conclusion

Based on our review, nothing has come to our attention that causes us to believe that the accompanying interim financial information does not give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Group as at 31 May 2021 and of the financial performance of the Group and the cash flows of the Group for the six month period then ended in accordance with the applicable law and International Accounting Standards in conformity with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and international financial reporting standards adopted pursuant to Regulation (EC) No 1606/2002 as it applies in the European Union.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the Company in accordance with International Standard on Review Engagements (UK and Ireland) 2410 "Review of Interim Financial Information performed by the Independent Auditor of the Entity" issued by the Auditing Practices Board. Our review work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company those matters we are required to state to them in an independent review report 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 formed.

RSM UK Audit LLP

Chartered Accountants 

25 Farringdon Street

London

EC4A 4AB

 

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