Interim Results

Renold PLC 10 November 2003 10 November 2003 RENOLD PLC Interim results for the half year to 27 September 2003 Precision engineering group, Renold plc, a leading international manufacturer and supplier of industrial chains and related power transmission products, automotive cam drive systems and machine tools and rotors, today announces its interim results for the half year to 27 September 2003. Summary • Turnover at £94.9 million (2002: £91.3 million) • Pre-exceptional profit before tax* was £2.3 million (2002: £3.0 million) • Profit before tax rose to £4.2 million after benefit of Leicester land sale (2002: £1.8 million) • Adjusted earnings per share* at 2.1 pence (2002: 2.9 pence) • Basic earnings per share rose to 5.3 pence (2002: 1.7 pence) • Balance sheet strong, gearing 24% compared with 32% a year ago and 25% at 29 March • Machine tool and rotor business improved its result by £1.0 million over the same period last year • Automotive Systems making progress towards restoring factory efficiency levels • Industrial chain and power transmission markets were challenging • Interim dividend maintained at 1.5 pence *before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items Outlook Roger Leverton, Chairman of Renold plc, said: 'Markets continue to be challenging but with continuing tight cost control and a stronger forward order book, indications remain that the underlying profit for the full year is likely to exceed 2002/03 providing there is no further significant weakening in economic conditions. The Group is well placed to benefit from any increase in business activity and we continue to develop our global market position through new products and sales initiatives.' 10 November 2003 RENOLD PLC Chairman: Roger Leverton Interim Statement for the half year ended 27 September 2003 Financial Summary First half year 2003/2004 2002/2003 £m £m Turnover 94.9 91.3 Operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 3.6 4.7 Profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptional items 2.3 3.0 Profit before tax 4.2 1.8 Earnings per ordinary share - based on adjusted earnings 2.1p 2.9p - based on reported earnings 5.3p 1.7p Interim dividend per ordinary share 1.5p 1.5p Operating cash flow after capital spending (0.6) 5.2 Gearing (net borrowings to shareholders' funds) 24% 32% RENOLD PLC Chairman's Statement The results for the period to 27 September 2003 reflect the sentiment of the Group's trading statement issued on 2 October 2003. Trading conditions in the Group's main chain and power transmission markets in Europe and North America were particularly weak in August and September. This coupled with the slow start to the year referred to in the 2003 Annual Report resulted in a lower underlying profit compared with the first half of last year. Expansion of the Automotive Systems business continues but the benefits of new capacity and resolution of the production problems encountered as a result of the rapid build-up of the business have yet to be fully realised. Group results Sales for the half-year to 27 September 2003 were £94.9 million (2002/03: £91.3 million), an increase of 4% (0.3% at constant exchange rates). Operating profit before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items was £3.6 million (2002/03: £4.7 million). Profit before tax (and before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items) was £2.3 million (2002/03: £3.0 million) with interest costs reduced by £0.4 million compared with 2002/03. Reported profit before tax was £4.2 million (2002/03: £1.8 million) reflecting the £2.8 million profit on the sale of the former Jones & Shipman site at Leicester. The tax charge in the period was £0.5 million (2002/03: £0.6 million). Adjusted earnings per share, before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items, were 2.1 pence (2002/03: 2.9 pence) and basic earnings per share were 5.3 pence (2002/03: 1.7 pence). Cash flow and borrowings Operating cash flow net of capital spending was an outflow of £0.6 million (2002 /03: £5.2 million inflow) reflecting a more normal pattern of working capital growth in the first half and higher capital expenditure, particularly relating to the Automotive Systems business. There was a net cash inflow of £0.2 million in the first half year compared with a net cash inflow of £0.7 million a year ago. Net borrowings at 27 September 2003 were £19.8 million compared with £20.9 million at year-end, as a result of the cash inflow in the period and a reduction of £0.9 million due to exchange translation. Gearing was 24% of shareholders' funds compared with 25% at the year end and 32% a year ago. Dividend The Board has declared an unchanged dividend of 1.5 pence. The dividend will be paid on 30 January 2004 to shareholders on the register on 9 January 2004. Comment Power Transmission - Industrial Chain and Power Transmission Demand for industrial chain and power transmission products during the first half was disappointing; sales were 3% lower at constant exchange rates with the major reduction in North America. The UK chain business performed well and showed sales and profit growth over the previous year with strong sales into palm oil processing operations through the selling operations in Malaysia and Singapore. In Germany, the export market to the USA for fork lift trucks improved and sales of Einbeck produced mast chains increased; however, transmission chain sales into North America were lower and the German domestic market continued to be slow, leading to flat results for the period. Other European markets including France were down and sales were some 6% lower at constant exchange rates. In the USA, Jeffrey Chain experienced a weak first quarter and, although the second quarter showed some improvement, sales and profits over the first half were below the previous year. Elsewhere in North America the other chain and power transmission businesses maintained profit levels. Australasia was lower both in sales and profits but order intake rates improved towards the end of the first half year. The UK gear and coupling businesses continued to show progress and improved profits. The cost reduction programme of the last year is delivering benefits and these businesses are clearly focused on supplying products which complement our mainline chain business. - Automotive Systems Sales of Automotive Systems rose 20% compared with the first half of last year and new order intake was up by 13%. The new management team is in place in Calais and we are progressively resolving the production inefficiencies resulting from the rapid growth in demand. Whilst progress was made compared with the second half of 2002/03 there is still some way to go to return efficiency to a sustained and acceptable level. The German facility is being developed with good cooperation and support from our customer base and will start production during the second half of the year. Future engine projects continue to be won on the strength of our recognised market leading technology, which will broaden our customer base going forward. Machine Tool and Rotor Sales levels were similar to the previous year as the machine tool sector continued to be weak. Profitability was much improved, however, reflecting the significant restructuring programme implemented in this business. The sector produced a breakeven in the first half year compared with a loss of £1.0 million in 2002/03. There are recent signs of increased enquiry levels in this sector and some good orders for Edgetek super abrasive machine tools were secured in the period. The Holroyd and Jones & Shipman businesses are now established with a sound cost base, tight cash controls and an improving forward order book. Outlook Markets continue to be challenging but with continuing tight cost control and a stronger forward order book, indications remain that the underlying profit for the full year is likely to exceed 2002/03 providing there is no further significant weakening in economic conditions. The Group is well placed to benefit from any increase in business activity and we continue to develop our global market position through new products and sales initiatives. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RELEASE OF INTERIM STATEMENT The Interim Statement will be posted to shareholders on 14 November 2003. Copies will be available for the public from that date at the Company's registered office, Renold House, Styal Road, Wythenshawe, Manchester M22 5WL. For further information, please contact: Renold plc Steve Mole, Finance Director 10 November 2003 - 020 7067 0700 Tony Brown, Managing Director - Chain Thereafter: & Power Transmission 0161 498 4500 Issued by: Weber Shandwick Square Mile Terry Garrett/Rachel Taylor Telephone - 020 7067 0700 This announcement and the Analysts' Presentation can also be viewed on the website http://www.renold.com Group Profit and Loss Account -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- for the half year ended 27 September 2003 (unaudited) First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Turnover 94.9 91.3 187.4 Operating costs - normal operating costs (91.3) (86.6) (178.2) - goodwill amortisation (0.7) (0.7) (1.4) - exceptional redundancy and restructuring costs (0.2) (0.5) (1.0) - exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale 2.8 - - --------- -------- --------- (89.4) (87.8) (180.6) --------- -------- --------- Operating profit 5.5 3.5 6.8 Exceptional gain on disposal of fixed asset - - 0.5 Interest payable (1.3) (1.7) (3.1) --------- -------- --------- Profit on ordinary activities before tax 4.2 1.8 4.2 --------- -------- --------- Tax: UK (0.4) 0.1 (0.3) Overseas (0.1) (0.7) (1.4) --------- -------- --------- (0.5) (0.6) (1.7) --------- -------- --------- Profit for the period 3.7 1.2 2.5 Dividends (including non-equity) (1.1) (1.1) (3.2) --------- -------- --------- Retained profit/(loss) for the period 2.6 0.1 (0.7) --------- -------- --------- Adjusted earnings per ordinary share - based on reported earnings adjusted for goodwill amortisation and exceptional items after tax relief 2.1p 2.9p 5.2p --------- -------- --------- Basic and diluted earnings per ordinary share - based on reported earnings 5.3p 1.7p 3.5p --------- -------- --------- Dividends per ordinary share 1.5p 1.5p 4.5p --------- -------- --------- Group Balance Sheet -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- as at 27 September 2003 (unaudited) At At At 27 September 28 September 29 March 2003 2002 2003 £m £m £m Fixed assets Intangible asset - goodwill 21.1 23.4 22.6 Tangible assets 48.1 52.2 50.0 ---------- --------- -------- 69.2 75.6 72.6 ---------- --------- -------- Current assets Stocks 47.3 44.9 46.1 Debtors 42.6 34.9 46.7 Cash and short-term deposits 9.4 9.7 9.3 ---------- --------- -------- 99.3 89.5 102.1 ---------- --------- -------- Creditors - due within one year Loans and overdrafts (17.0) (5.9) (10.2) Other creditors (40.2) (35.6) (48.0) ---------- --------- -------- (57.2) (41.5) (58.2) ---------- --------- -------- Net current assets 42.1 48.0 43.9 ---------- --------- -------- Total assets less current liabilities 111.3 123.6 116.5 Creditors - due after one year Loans (12.2) (29.5) (20.0) Other creditors (0.8) (0.6) (0.6) Provisions for liabilities and charges (14.3) (12.5) (13.8) ---------- --------- -------- Net assets 84.0 81.0 82.1 ---------- --------- -------- Capital and reserves (including non-equity interests) Called up share capital 17.9 17.9 17.9 Share premium 6.0 6.0 6.0 Other reserves 60.1 57.1 58.2 ---------- --------- -------- Shareholders' funds 84.0 81.0 82.1 ---------- --------- -------- Summarised Group Cash Flow Statement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- for the half year ended 27 September 2003 (unaudited) First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Cash flow from operating activities Operating profit 5.5 3.5 6.8 Depreciation 4.4 4.3 8.7 Goodwill amortisation 0.7 0.7 1.4 (Increase)/decrease in working capital (5.7) (0.7) 1.3 Exceptional gain on property held for sale (2.8) - - Other 0.2 (0.1) (0.3) --------- --------- -------- Net cash inflow from operating activities 2.3 7.7 17.9 Servicing of finance (1.4) (1.3) (2.8) Taxation (0.8) (1.1) (1.3) Capital expenditure and financial investment - purchase of tangible fixed assets (2.9) (2.5) (5.6) - proceeds from disposal of fixed assets - - 0.6 - proceeds from disposal of property held for sale 5.1 - - Equity dividends paid (2.1) (2.1) (3.2) --------- --------- -------- Cash inflow before use of liquid resources and financing 0.2 0.7 5.6 Management of liquid resources - transfers (to)/from short-term deposits (5.3) (0.8) 3.0 Financing - (Decrease)/increase in debt and lease financing (6.2) 6.2 - --------- --------- -------- (Decrease)/increase in cash in the period (11.3) 6.1 8.6 --------- --------- -------- Reconciliation of net cash flow to movement in net debt (Decrease)/increase in cash in the period (11.3) 6.1 8.6 Cash flow from decrease/(increase) in debt and lease financing 6.2 (6.2) - Cash flow from increase/(decrease) in liquid resources 5.3 0.8 (3.0) --------- --------- -------- Change in net debt resulting from cash flows 0.2 0.7 5.6 Exchange translation difference 0.9 2.7 2.6 --------- --------- -------- Movement in net debt in the period 1.1 3.4 8.2 Net debt at beginning of period (20.9) (29.1) (29.1) --------- --------- -------- Net debt at end of period (19.8) (25.7) (20.9) --------- --------- -------- Other Group Statements -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Statement of total recognised gains and losses First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Profit for the period 3.7 1.2 2.5 Exchange translation differences on foreign currency net investments (0.7) (1.6) 0.3 -------- -------- -------- Total recognised gains and losses 3.0 (0.4) 2.8 -------- -------- -------- Reconciliation of movements in shareholders' funds First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Profit for the period 3.7 1.2 2.5 Dividends (1.1) (1.1) (3.2) -------- -------- -------- Retained profit/(loss) for the period 2.6 0.1 (0.7) Exchange translation differences on foreign currency net investments (0.7) (1.6) 0.3 -------- -------- -------- Net increase/(reduction) in shareholders' funds 1.9 (1.5) (0.4) Opening shareholders' funds (including non-equity of £0.6m) 82.1 82.5 82.5 -------- -------- -------- Closing shareholders' funds (including non-equity of £0.6m) 84.0 81.0 82.1 -------- -------- -------- Notes to the Interim Statement -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Analysis of activities Activities classified by business segment: First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Turnover Power transmission 86.1 82.3 168.3 Machine tool and rotor 9.9 9.9 20.0 --------- --------- --------- 96.0 92.2 188.3 Less: Inter activity sales (1.1) (0.9) (0.9) --------- --------- --------- 94.9 91.3 187.4 --------- --------- --------- Operating Profit Power transmission 3.6 5.7 10.0 Machine tool and rotor - (1.0) (0.8) --------- --------- --------- 3.6 4.7 9.2 Less: Goodwill amortisation (0.7) (0.7) (1.4) Exceptional redundancy and restructuring costs (0.2) (0.5) (1.0) Add: Exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale 2.8 - - --------- --------- --------- 5.5 3.5 6.8 --------- --------- --------- Operating Assets Power transmission 79.7 77.4 75.2 Machine tool and rotor 12.6 16.3 13.6 --------- --------- --------- 92.3 93.7 88.8 --------- --------- --------- The exceptional redundancy and restructuring cost of £0.2 million is attributed £0.1 million (2002/2003: £0.2 million) to the power transmission segment and £0.1 million (2002/2003: £0.3 million) to the machine tool and rotor segment. Of the total goodwill charge of £0.7 million, £0.6 million (2002/2003: £0.6 million) relates to the power transmission business and £0.1 million (2002/2003: £0.1 million) to the machine tool and rotor business. The exceptional gain of £2.8 million relates to the disposal of a non-trading property held for sale. This property was part of the machine tool and rotor segment. Activities classified by geographical region of operation: First half year Full year 2003/2004 2002/2003 2002/2003 £m £m £m Turnover United Kingdom 34.9 34.4 69.2 Germany 16.4 15.4 30.4 France 24.0 19.1 43.0 Rest of Europe 8.3 8.0 16.3 North America 23.5 26.5 51.2 Other countries 9.1 8.6 17.4 -------- --------- -------- 116.2 112.0 227.5 Less: Intra Group sales (21.3) (20.7) (40.1) -------- --------- -------- 94.9 91.3 187.4 -------- --------- -------- Turnover by geographical region includes intra group sales as follows: United Kingdom 14.1 13.7 26.5 Germany 5.9 5.4 10.8 France 1.0 1.0 1.9 Operating Profit United Kingdom 1.5 0.1 1.6 Germany 1.4 1.4 3.0 France (0.4) 0.8 0.2 Rest of Europe 0.3 0.5 0.9 North America 0.7 1.5 2.6 Other countries 0.1 0.4 0.9 -------- --------- -------- 3.6 4.7 9.2 Less: Goodwill amortisation (0.7) (0.7) (1.4) Exceptional redundancy and restructuring costs (0.2) (0.5) (1.0) Add: Exceptional gain on disposal of property held for sale 2.8 - - -------- --------- -------- 5.5 3.5 6.8 -------- --------- -------- The exceptional redundancy and restructuring cost of £0.2 million arose £0.1 million in the UK and £0.1 million in France (2002/2003: £0.5 million UK businesses). The goodwill amortisation is attributed to business acquisitions in North America. The exceptional gain on the property held for sale arose in the UK. Operating Assets United Kingdom 38.7 43.5 38.1 Germany 13.0 12.1 12.5 France 13.7 10.6 10.9 Rest of Europe 4.0 3.7 4.2 North America 15.9 18.1 16.9 Other countries 7.0 5.7 6.2 -------- --------- -------- 92.3 93.7 88.8 -------- --------- -------- Operating assets comprise fixed assets, current assets less creditors but exclude goodwill, cash, borrowings, dividends, current and deferred corporate tax, finance lease obligations, property held for sale, pension prepayments and other provisions for liabilities and charges. Geographical analysis of external turnover by market area: United Kingdom 11.5 13.2 27.2 Germany 12.7 12.3 25.4 France 4.8 4.4 9.4 Rest of Europe 18.6 16.4 33.2 North and South America 34.0 33.0 66.9 Other countries 13.3 12.0 25.3 -------- --------- -------- 94.9 91.3 187.4 -------- --------- -------- 2. Accounting policies and basis of preparation The interim accounts are unaudited and do not constitute statutory accounts. They have been prepared under the historical cost convention (but include some past revaluations of properties and equipment) and in accordance with applicable accounting standards, using the accounting policies set out in the Annual Report for the year ended 29 March 2003. There is no material difference between the result in the profit and loss account and the result on an unmodified historical cost basis. The Board approved the Interim Statement on 10 November 2003. This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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