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SIXH 600 Group Plc

2.65
0.00 (0.00%)
25 Apr 2024 - Closed
Delayed by 15 minutes
Share Name Share Symbol Market Type Share ISIN Share Description
600 Group Plc LSE:SIXH London Ordinary Share GB0008121641 ORD 1P
  Price Change % Change Share Price Bid Price Offer Price High Price Low Price Open Price Shares Traded Last Trade
  0.00 0.00% 2.65 0.00 01:00:00
Industry Sector Turnover Profit EPS - Basic PE Ratio Market Cap
Industrial Mach & Eq-whsl 68.98M 1.27M 0.0108 2.45 3.11M

600 Group PLC Half Yearly Report (9738X)

26/11/2014 7:00am

UK Regulatory


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TIDMSIXH

RNS Number : 9738X

600 Group PLC

26 November 2014

The 600 Group PLC

Unaudited Interim Results for the six months ended 27 September 2014

The 600 Group PLC ("600" or "the Group"), the machine tools and laser marking company, today announces its unaudited interim results for the six months ended 27 September 2014.

Highlights:

   --   Revenues increased by 0.5% to GBP21.05m (FY14 H1: GBP20.94m) 
   --   Profit before taxation of GBP3.16m (FY14 H1: GBP0.94m) 
   --   Pension credit of GBP2.19m arising from liability mitigation exercise 
   --   Adjusted* net profit before tax of GBP0.67m (FY14 H1: GBP0.61m) 
   --   Total profit attributable to shareholders of GBP2.14m (FY14 H1: GBP0.80m) 
   --   Earnings per share increased to 2.49 pence (FY14 H1: 0.95 pence) 
   --   Underlying earnings up 1.6% to 0.65 pence (FY14 H1: 0.64 pence) 
   --   Growth momentum maintained at Electrox Laser 

*from continuing operations, before pension credit, pension interest, amortisation of shareholder loan and share option costs.

Commenting today, Paul Dupee, Chairman of The 600 Group PLC said:

"Our businesses have delivered satisfactory financial results for the six month period ended 27 September 2014. Revenue growth was above the industry average and profit margins showed continued resilience despite facing sluggish overall market demand.

The Board is optimistic that continued investment in product development, facilities and people offers the opportunity for stronger organic growth than the market average, based on further increases in market share. Meanwhile, we continue to explore acquisition opportunities and anticipate progress from this activity in the second half of the year."

Reconciliation of underlying profit before taxation:

 
                                           26 Weeks ended   26 Weeks ended 
                                             27 September     28 September 
                                                     2014             2013 
                                                     GBPm             GBPm 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 
 Revenues                                           21.05            20.94 
 Cost of sales                                    (14.14)          (14.02) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Gross profit                                        6.91             6.92 
 Net operating costs                               (6.05)           (6.12) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Underlying operating profit                         0.86             0.80 
 Bank interest expense (net)                       (0.19)           (0.19) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Underlying profit before tax                        0.67             0.61 
 
 Other items: 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 Pensions credit                                     2.19                - 
 Share option costs                                (0.07)           (0.03) 
 Interest on pension surplus                         0.44             0.42 
 Amortisation of shareholder loan costs            (0.07)           (0.06) 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
                                                     2.49             0.33 
                                          ---------------  --------------- 
 
 
 Reported profit before tax                          3.16             0.94 
                                          ===============  =============== 
 

More Information on the group can be viewed at: www.600group.com

 
 Enquiries: 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 The 600 Group PLC                          Tel: 01924 415000 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Nigel Rogers, Chief Executive 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Neil Carrick, Finance Director 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Cadogan PR Limited                         Tel: 020 7930 7006 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Alex Walters                               Tel: 07771 713608 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 FinnCap                                    Tel: 020 7600 1658 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Tony Quirke/Mia Gardiner (Sales/Broking) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Spark Advisory Partners Limited 
  (NOMAD) 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 Miriam Greenwood/Sean Wyndham-Quin         Tel: 020 3368 3553 
-----------------------------------------  ------------------- 
 

The 600 Group Plc

Chairman's Statement for the six months ended 27 September 2014

Overview

Our businesses have delivered satisfactory financial results for the six month period ended 27 September 2014. Revenue growth was above the industry average and profit margins showed continued resilience despite facing sluggish overall market demand. We have continued to invest in facilities, people and product development, and to implement our strategic goal of developing the Group's exposure to high growth industry sectors led by technical leadership in niche markets.

Results and dividend

Revenue increased by 0.5% to GBP21.05m (FY14 H1: GBP20.94m) generating a net operating profit (excluding the effects of pension credit of GBP2.19m) of GBP0.80m (FY14 H1: GBP0.77m).

Revenues were adversely affected by the relative strength of Sterling against the US Dollar during the period. At constant rates of exchange, revenues would have been approximately GBP1.00m (5.0%) higher than those reported at actual rates prevailing during the first half. Profits were virtually unaffected overall, as the adverse translation of results from operations in North America was mitigated by cost savings on imports into Europe. Foreign currency effects will be softened in the second half of the financial year assuming that current rates of exchange prevail.

After taking account of interest on bank borrowings, the underlying Group pre-tax profit before pension credit interest and amortisation of shareholder loan and share option costs was GBP0.67m (FY14 H1: GBP0.61m).

The total profit attributable to shareholders of the Group for the financial period was GBP2.14m (FY14 H1: GBP0.80m), providing earnings of 2.49 pence per share (FY14 H1: 0.95 pence).

The process of gaining court approval for the restoration of distributable reserves approval at the Annual General meeting is underway, however the Board does not recommend that any dividend payment be made for the current period.

Operating activities

Machine tools and precision engineered components

 
                     FY15 H1   FY14 H1 
                      GBPm      GBPm 
 Revenues            17.17     17.65 
 Operating profit    1.37      1.21 
 Operating margin    8.0%      6.9% 
 

Like for like revenues (at constant rates of exchange) increased by approximately 1.7%, but reported a reduction of 3.4% as a consequence of the relative strength of Sterling during the period.

Overall market consumption in North America reduced by 1.5% in the period (Source: Oxford Economics) whilst Group revenues (at constant rates of exchange) increased by 4.0%. European market conditions showed a modest 2.7% improvement, and revenues also increased by approximately 4.0% led by the UK and Germany.

Deliveries began in respect of several orders in the period for large swing lathes used primarily in the oil and gas supply chain in North America. Further deliveries will be made in the current quarter, and revenues from this activity are expected to contribute to stronger revenue growth in the second half of the year.

Gross margins were maintained and overhead costs continued to be well managed, facilitating an increase in operating margin for the segment from 6.9% to 8.0% of revenues.

Both the Tornado EL range of CNC machines and the Pratt Burnerd Gripfast chuck were successfully launched in the period. Continuing product developments are well advanced, focused in particular on further expansion of both conventional and CNC ranges of turning machines, and on safety related workholding products. A range of Gamet taper roller bearings targeted specifically outside the machine tool market is scheduled for launch in the second half of the year.

The US build programme has also continued, with several additional accessory options for the drill line, and development of a range of US built saws for launch in the second half of the year.

Laser marking

 
                     FY15 H1   FY14 H1 
                      GBPm      GBPm 
 Revenues            4.00      3.46 
 Operating profit    0.07      0.14 
 Operating margin    1.8%      4.2% 
 

Electrox Laser continued to generate strong growth momentum, with revenues increasing by more than 15% to GBP4.00m across a broad geographical base. More than 44% of revenues were generated in North America, where margins were squeezed by the strength of Sterling relative to the US dollar and additional sales resource was added to increase market penetration.

Further investment was made in new product development, including additions to the EMS range of enclosures and completion of the Scriba control software for imminent launch.

The effect of currency, combined with discretionary product development and higher selling costs, combined to hold back the segmental profit to just above break even.

The investment made in new products over the last two years has returned Electrox to a leading position amongst its peers from a technology and user interface viewpoint. There are now clear signs of increased traction in the market, and we continue to progress opportunities to build our market presence through acquisition.

Investment in ProPhotonix Limited ("ProPhotonix")

On 3 August 2014 we announced the acquisition of 26.3% of the ordinary share capital of ProPhotonix through the issue of ordinary shares in the Group representing 5.5% of the enlarged share capital of 600 Group Plc. The share exchange was carried out following presentations with three London-based institutional investors, each of whom indicated support for the transaction.

ProPhotonix is AIM listed, although registered in Delaware and designs and manufactures LED arrays and laser diode modules in the UK and Ireland. It has a strong base of technology and applications knowledge, applicable to high growth sectors including niche industrial, security and medical markets. We continue to engage with the board of Prophotonix in constructive dialogue to promote closer co-operation.

Facilities

On 30 June 2014, the freehold site at Colchester, previously occupied under lease by Gamet Bearings, was acquired for GBP0.77m, saving annual rental payments of GBP0.09m.

The board has subsequently approved the relocation of Clausing to new leasehold premises in Kalamazoo, Michigan in the second half of the financial year. The new site has the benefits of a better location, improved road links, enhanced operating efficiency, and significantly improved facilities. The existing freehold premises will be sold at its approximate current book value of GBP0.10m. The new leasehold facility will be rented at an approximate annual rental of GBP0.14m, with the additional rental cost fully mitigated by savings in utilities and other overheads.

An offer has also been accepted, subject to contract, for the sale of the former Head Office building in Leeds at close to its current book value of GBP0.39m.

Financial position

Net assets increased by GBP0.34m to GBP22.88m with net assets excluding the effect of pension schemes (and associated taxation) increasing by GBP1.37m to GBP11.55m.

Cash used in operations was slightly negative at GBP0.06m with GBP1.15m of funds from operations absorbed by increased stock to support new product launches and a reduction in trade payables including the final installments on an onerous lease exited back in 2012. Capital expenditure including the purchase of the Gamet premises amounted to GBP1.04m during the period with a further GBP0.23m expended on interest and tax payments.

Net debt as a consequence increased by GBP1.44m to GBP6.75m resulting in gearing of 29.5% (March 2014: 23.5%).

UK pension scheme

The surplus on the UK pension scheme decreased during the period from GBP19.90m to GBP18.46m as a result of changes in underlying assumptions, most notably the yield on corporate bonds upon which the valuation is based.

The estimated funding deficit at the end of September 2014 using the technical provisions basis agreed at the last tri-ennial valuation remained largely unchanged at GBP15m.This compared to the tri-ennial valuation deficit at 31 March 2013 of GBP25.40m.

The scheme continues to benefit from active management of the investment portfolio with the overall aim of reaching full buy-out funding without reliance on future contributions from the Group. The Directors and Trustee continue to work in close co-operation, and during the period an exercise was completed to enable pensioners to exchange non-statutory increases to their pension for an elevated level of fixed benefits. This offer was widely appreciated by scheme members, and the resulting level of take up reduced fixed rate pension increase and inflation risk to the scheme. It also provided an overall funding benefit of more than GBP2.18m, which is reflected in the consolidated profit and loss account of the Group under IAS 19.

Outlook

Most recent industry forecasts indicate a return to growth in machine tool consumption in North America of 6.2% for 2015, and a further modest improvement in Europe of 3.7% (source: Oxford Economics). Order intake in the United States during the period, and since the period end, provide substance to these forecasts, with the order book currently at a two year high.

Market conditions in Europe are patchy. The UK market has been particularly buoyant for almost eighteen months, and is now showing signs of leveling off, whilst Germany and many other territories are slightly more encouraging after a sustained period of negative sentiment.

The Board is optimistic that continued investment in product development, facilities and people offers the opportunity for stronger organic growth than the market average, based on further increases in market share. Meanwhile, we continue to explore acquisition opportunities and anticipate progress from this activity in the second half of the year.

Paul Dupee

Chairman

26 November 2014

 
 Condensed consolidated income statement 
  (unaudited) 
  for the 26 week period ended 27 
  September 2014 
 
 
                                                26 weeks       26 weeks        52 weeks 
                                                   Ended          ended           Ended 
                                            27 September   28 September        29 March 
                                                    2014           2013            2014 
 
                                                 GBP'000        GBP'000         GBP'000 
-----------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  -------------- 
  Continuing 
  Revenue                                         21,051         20,937          41,707 
  Cost of sales                                 (14,145)       (14,019)      (27,850) 
 
  Gross profit                                     6,906          6,918          13,857 
  Other operating income                              11             90             134 
 
  Net operating expenses                         (6,050)        (6,213)        (11,643) 
  Pensions credit                                  2,186              -               - 
  Other special items                                  -              -           (128) 
  Share option costs                                (63)           (28)            (57) 
                                           -------------  -------------  -------------- 
  Total Net operating expenses                   (3,927)        (6,241)        (11,828) 
 
  Operating profit                                 2,990            767           2,163 
 
  Bank and other interest                              1              2               7 
  Interest on pension surplus                        443            421             827 
                                           -------------  -------------  -------------- 
  Financial income                                   444            423             834 
 
  Bank and other interest                          (198)          (184)           (388) 
  Amortisation of shareholder loan 
   costs                                            (72)           (63)           (134) 
  Financial expense                                (270)          (247)           (522) 
 
  Profit before tax                                3,164            943           2,475 
 
  Income tax charge                              (1,021)          (142)           (623) 
 
  Total profit for the financial 
   period attributable to equity holders 
   of the parent                                   2,143            801           1,852 
  Basic earnings per share                         2.49p          0.95p           2.19p 
 
  Diluted earnings per share                       2.38p          0.94p        2.15p 
 
 
 Condensed consolidated statement 
  of comprehensive income and expense 
  (unaudited) 
  for the 26 week period ended 27 
  September 2014 
                                                    26 weeks       26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                       Ended          ended      Ended 
                                                27 September   28 September   29 March 
                                                        2014           2013       2014 
                                                      GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Profit for the period                                 2,143            801      1,852 
 Other comprehensive (expense)/income: 
  Items that will not be reclassified 
  to the Income Statement: 
 Remeasurement of the net defined 
  benefit assets                                     (4,069)           (68)      (229) 
 Fair value adjustment of ProPhotonix                  (358)              -          - 
  investment 
 Deferred taxation                                     1,424             24        139 
 Total items that will not be reclassified 
  to the Income Statement:                           (3,003)           (44)       (90) 
 Items that are or may in the future 
  be reclassified to the Income Statement: 
 Foreign exchange translation differences                 18             65          2 
 Revaluation movement in respect                           -              -          - 
  of assets held for sale 
 Total items that are or may be reclassified 
  subsequently to the Income Statement:                   18             65          2 
 Other comprehensive income/(expense) 
  for the period, net of income tax                  (2,985)             21       (88) 
 Total comprehensive income/(expense) 
  for the period                                       (842)            822      1,764 
---------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
 Condensed Consolidated statement 
  of financial position (unaudited) 
  As at 27 September 2014 
 
                                              As at          As at      As at 
                                       27 September   28 September   29 March 
                                               2014           2013       2014 
                                             GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Non-current assets 
 Property, plant and equipment                4,965          4,299      4,348 
 Intangible assets                            1,892          1,530      1,780 
 Investments                                    744              -          - 
 Employee benefits                           17,427         18,554     19,019 
 Deferred tax assets                          1,218          3,089      2,723 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                             26,246         27,472     27,870 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Current assets 
 Inventories                                  9,159          9,194      8,505 
 Trade and other receivables                  6,279          5,794      6,209 
 Cash and cash equivalents                    1,220          1,253      1,149 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                             16,658         16,241     15,863 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total assets                                42,904         43,713     43,733 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Non-current liabilities 
 Loans and other borrowings                 (3,487)        (5,006)    (2,475) 
 Deferred tax liability                     (5,702)        (7,582)    (7,737) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
                                            (9,189)       (12,588)   (10,212) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Current liabilities 
 Trade and other payables                   (6,083)        (6,142)    (6,425) 
 Income tax payable                           (109)          (293)      (140) 
 Provisions                                   (158)          (943)      (429) 
 Loans and other borrowings                 (4,485)        (1,899)    (3,982) 
                                           (10,835)        (9,277)   (10,976) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total liabilities                         (20,024)       (21,865)   (21,188) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Net assets                                  22,880         21,848     22,545 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Shareholders' equity 
 Called-up share capital                     14,632         14,581     14,581 
 Share premium account                       17,945         16,885     16,885 
 Revaluation reserve                            851            835        862 
 Capital redemption reserve                   2,500          2,500      2,500 
 Equity reserve                                 183            176        180 
 Translation reserve                            968          1,271        938 
 Retained earnings                         (14,199)       (14,400)   (13,401) 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Total equity                                22,880         21,848     22,545 
------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 
 
Condensed 
Consolidated 
statement 
of changes in equity 
(unaudited) 
As at 27 September 
2014 
 
                        called     share                     capital 
                            up   premium    Revaluation   redemption    Translation    Equity    Retained 
                         share 
                       capital   account        reserve      reserve        reserve   reserve    earnings    Total 
                        GBP000    GBP000         GBP000       GBP000         GBP000    GBP000      GBP000   GBP000 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
At 30 March 2013        14,579    16,858            909        2,500          1,860       173    (15,222)   21,657 
Loss for the period          -         -              -            -              -         -         801      801 
Other comprehensive 
income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                 -         -           (74)            -          (589)         -          37    (626) 
Remeasurement of the 
 net 
 defined benefit 
 assets                      -         -              -            -              -         -        (68)     (68) 
Deferred tax                 -         -              -            -              -         -          24       24 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                      -         -           (74)            -          (589)         -         794      131 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Transactions with 
owners: 
Share capital 
 subscribed 
 for                         2        27              -            -              -         -           -       29 
Shareholder loan 
 issue with 
 convertible warrants        -         -              -            -              -         3           -        3 
Credit for 
 share-based payments        -         -              -            -              -         -          28       28 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                 2        27              -            -              -         3          28       60 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
At 28 September 2013    14,581    16,885            835        2,500          1,271       176    (14,400)   21,848 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Profit for the period        -         -              -            -              -         -       1,051    1,051 
Other comprehensive 
income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                 -         -           (16)            -          (333)         -        (35)    (384) 
Remeasurement of the 
 net 
 defined benefit 
 assets                      -         -              -            -              -         -       (161)    (161) 
Revaluation of 
 properties                  -         -             43            -              -         -           -       43 
Deferred tax                 -         -              -            -              -         -         115      115 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Total comprehensive 
 income                      -         -             27            -          (333)         -         970      664 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Transactions with 
owners: 
Shareholder loan 
 issue with 
 convertible warrants        -         -              -            -              -         4           -        4 
Credit for 
 share-based payments        -         -              -            -              -         -          29       29 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                 -         -              -            -              -         4          29       33 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
At 29 March 2014        14,581    16,885            862        2,500            938       180    (13,401)   22,545 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Profit for the period        -         -              -            -              -         -       2,143    2,143 
Other comprehensive 
income: 
Foreign currency 
 translation                 -         -           (11)            -             30         -         (1)       18 
Remeasurement of the 
 net 
 defined benefit 
 assets                      -         -              -            -              -         -     (4,069)  (4,069) 
Fair value adjustment 
 of 
 investments                 -         -              -            -              -         -       (358)    (358) 
Deferred tax                 -         -              -            -              -         -       1,424    1,424 
Total comprehensive 
 income                      -         -           (11)            -             30         -       (861)    (842) 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Transactions with 
owners: 
Share capital 
 subscribed 
 for                        51     1,060              -            -              -         -           -    1,111 
Shareholder loan 
 issue with 
 convertible warrants        -         -              -            -              -         3           -        3 
Credit for 
 share-based payments        -         -              -            -              -         -          63       63 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
Total transactions 
 with owners                51     1,060              -            -              -         3          63    1,177 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
At 27 September 2014    14,632    17,945            851        2,500            968       183    (14,199)   22,880 
---------------------  -------  --------  -------------  -----------  -------------  --------  ----------  ------- 
 
 
 Condensed consolidated cash flow statement 
  (unaudited) 
  for the 26 week period ended 27 September 
  2014 
 
                                                   26 weeks       26 weeks   52 weeks 
                                                      ended          ended         To 
                                               27 September   28 September   29 March 
                                                       2014           2013       2014 
                                                     GBP000         GBP000     GBP000 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Cash flows from operating activities 
 Profit/(loss) for the period                         2,143            801      1,852 
 Adjustments for: 
 Amortisation of development expenditure                 52             37         28 
 Depreciation                                           222            249        467 
 Past service pension credit                        (2,186)              -          - 
 Net financial income                                 (174)          (176)      (312) 
 Loss on disposal of property, plant and 
  machinery                                              13             21          - 
 Equity share option expense                             63             28         57 
 Income tax expense                                   1,021            142        623 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Operating cash flow before changes in 
  working capital and provisions                      1,154          1,102      2,715 
 Decrease in trade and other receivables               (19)            231      (255) 
 Decrease/(increase) in inventories                   (564)            638      1,143 
 Decrease in trade and other payables                 (635)        (1,110)    (1,243) 
 Restructuring and redundancy expenditure                 -              -      (371) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Cash generated from/(used in) operations              (64)            861      1,989 
 Interest paid                                        (198)          (118)      (290) 
 Income tax paid                                       (30)          (359)      (496) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Net cash flows from operating activities             (292)            384      1,203 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Cash flows from investing activities 
 Interest received                                        1              2          7 
 Purchase of ProPhotonix shares                     (1,102)              -          - 
 Proceeds from sale of property, plant 
  and equipment                                           -              -         42 
 Purchase of property, plant and equipment            (870)          (239)      (545) 
 Development expenditure capitalised                  (165)          (269)      (511) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Net cash from investing activities                 (2,136)          (506)    (1,007) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Cash flows from financing activities 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Net proceeds from issue of ordinary shares           1,068             29         29 
 Net repayment of external borrowing                  1,477            425       (72) 
 Net finance lease expenditure                         (39)           (30)         58 
 Net cash flows from financing activities             2,506            424         15 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash 
  equivalents                                            78            302        211 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning 
  of the period                                       1,149          1,025      1,025 
 Effect of exchange rate fluctuations 
  on cash held                                          (7)           (74)       (87) 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 Cash and cash equivalents at the end 
  of the period                                       1,220          1,253      1,149 
--------------------------------------------  -------------  -------------  --------- 
 

1. BASIS OF PREPARATION

The 600 Group PLC (the "Company") is a public limited company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales. The Company's ordinary shares are traded on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The Consolidated Interim Financial Statements of the Company for the 26 week period ended 27 September 2014 comprise the Company and its subsidiaries (together referred to as the "Group").

This half yearly financial report is the condensed consolidated financial information of the Group for the 26 week period ended 27 September 2014. The Condensed Consolidated Half-yearly Financial Statements do not constitute statutory financial statements and do not include all the information and disclosures required for full annual financial statements. The Condensed Consolidated Half-yearly Financial Statements were approved by the Board on 26 November 2014.

The comparative figures for the financial year ended 29 March 2014 are not the Group's statutory accounts for that financial year. Those accounts have been reported on by the Group's auditors and delivered to the Registrar of Companies. The report of the auditors was (i) unqualified; (ii) did not include a reference to any matters to which the auditors drew attention by way of emphasis without qualifying their report, and (iii) did not contain a statement under Section 498 (2) or (3) of the Companies Act 2006.

The half yearly results for the current and comparative period are neither audited nor reviewed by the Company's auditors.

As noted in the Basis of preparation accounting policy in the Group's Financial Statements for 29 March 2014 the Group refinanced in May 2014 with Santander PLC who provided a Term Loan facility of GBP2.00m with scheduled repayments through to November 2017 and a Revolving Credit facility of GBP1.30m until May 2017. In addition a further Term Loan was provided in June 2014 of GBP0.72m with repayments through to November 2017 to finance the acquisition of the Gamet premises. The overseas bank overdrafts in place around the Group are all due for review in June 2015.

The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of these facilities.

The Haddeo loan of GBP2.5m is due for repayment in August 2015. The Group has held discussions with Santander PLC, Haddeo and its overseas banks and no matters have been drawn to its attention to suggest the renewal of, or provision of, similar working capital or loan facilities would not be forthcoming on acceptable terms at the expiry of the current facility terms. The Group also considers that alternative sources of finance would be available should the need arise.

The Directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Accordingly, they have continued to adopt the going concern basis in the preparation of this half yearly financial report.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements in this half yearly financial report for the 26 week period ended 27 September 2014 have been prepared using accounting policies and methods of computation consistent with those set out in The 600 Group PLC's Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 week period ended 29 March 2014.

In preparing the condensed financial statements, management is required to make accounting assumptions and estimates. The assumptions and estimation methods were consistent with those applied to the Annual Report and Financial Statements for the 52 week period ended 29 March 2014.

3. SEGMENT ANALYSIS

IFRS 8 - "Operating Segments" requires operating segments to be identified on the basis of internal reporting about components of the Group that are regularly reviewed by the chief operating decision maker to allocate resources to the segments and to assess their performance. The chief operating decision maker has been identified as the Executive Directors. The Executive Directors review the Group's internal reporting in order to assess performance and allocate resources.

The Executive Directors consider there to be two continuing operating segments being Machine Tools and Precision Engineered Components and Laser Marking.

The Executive Directors assess the performance of the operating segments based on a measure of operating profit/(loss). This measurement basis excludes the effects of Special Items from the operating segments. Head Office and unallocated represent central functions and costs and include the effects of the Group Final Salary Scheme in the UK and the charge for share based payments.

The following is an analysis of the Group's revenue and results by reportable segment:

 
                                                    Continuing 
26 Weeks ended 27 September           Machine 
 2014                                   Tools 
                                  & Precision 
                                   Engineered     Laser     Head Office 
                                   Components   Marking   & unallocated     Total 
Segmental analysis of 
 revenue                               GBP000    GBP000          GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Revenue from external 
 customers                             17,174     3,877               -    21,051 
Inter-segment revenue                       -       124               -       124 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Total segment revenue                  17,174     4,001               -    21,175 
Less: inter-segment revenue                 -     (124)               -     (124) 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                          17,174     3,877               -    21,051 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
Operating Profit/(loss) 
 pre-pensions credit                    1,369        73           (638)       804 
Pensions credit                             -         -           2,186     2,186 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Operation Profit/(loss)                 1,369        73           1,548     2,990 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
Other segmental information: 
Reportable segment assets              18,521     6,402          17,981    42,904 
Reportable segment liabilities        (6,569)   (1,291)        (12,164)  (20,024) 
Intangible & Property, 
 plant and equipment additions            832       203               -     1,035 
Depreciation and amortisation             156       118               -       274 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
 
 

3. SEGMENT ANALYSIS (continued)

 
                                                    Continuing 
26 Weeks ended 28 September           Machine 
 2013                                   Tools 
                                  & Precision 
                                   Engineered     Laser     Head Office 
                                   Components   Marking   & unallocated     Total 
Segmental analysis of 
 revenue                               GBP000    GBP000          GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Revenue from external 
 customers                             17,648     3,289               -    20,937 
Inter-segment revenue                       -       166               -       166 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Total segment revenue                  17,648     3,455               -    21,103 
Less: inter-segment revenue                 -     (166)               -     (166) 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
Total revenue                          17,648     3,289               -    20,937 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
Operation Profit/(loss)                 1,213       144           (590)       767 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
Other segmental information: 
Reportable segment assets              16,399     4,622          22,692    43,713 
Reportable segment liabilities        (6,236)   (1,119)        (14,510)  (21,865) 
Intangible & Property, 
 plant and equipment additions            120       388               -       508 
Depreciation and amortisation             162       109              15       286 
-------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------- 
 
 
 
                                                              Continuing 
    52-weeks ended 29 March               Machine 
     2014                                   Tools 
                                      & Precision 
                                       Engineered     Laser     Head Office 
                                       Components   Marking   & unallocated                 Total 
    Segmental analysis of 
     revenue                               GBP000    GBP000          GBP000                GBP000 
    -------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
 Revenue from external 
  customers                                34,431     7,276               -                41,707 
 Inter-segment revenue                                  296               -                   296 
 ----------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
 Total segment revenue                     34,431     7,572               -                42,003 
 Less: inter-segment revenue                          (296)               -                 (296) 
 ----------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
 
   Total revenue per statutory 
   accounts                                34,431     7,276               -                41,707 
 ----------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
 
 Segmental analysis of 
  operating Profit/(loss) 
  before special Items                      3,005       421         (1,078)                 2,348 
 ----------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
 
 Special Items                                  -         -           (185)                 (185) 
 Group (Loss)/profit from 
  operations                                3,005       421         (1,263)                 2,163 
 ----------------------------------  ------------  --------  --------------  -------------------- 
    Other segmental information: 
 Reportable segment assets                 17,557     6,153          20,023                43,733 
 Reportable segment liabilities           (6,043)   (1,522)        (13,623)              (21,188) 
 Intangible & Property, 
  plant and equipment additions               412       644               -                 1,056 
 Depreciation and amortisation                308       159              28                   495 
 
 
 

4. SPECIAL ITEMS and share based payment cost

In order for users of the financial statements to better understand the underlying performance of the Group the Board have separately disclosed transactions which by virtue of their size or incidence, are considered to be one off in nature. In addition the charge for share based payments has also been separately identified.

Special items include gains and losses on the sale of properties and assets, exceptional costs relating to reorganisation, redundancy and restructuring, legal disputes and inventory and intangibles impairments.

 
                             27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                     2014          2013      2014 
                                   GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Operating costs 
Abortive acquisition costs              -             -     (128) 
Pension credit                      2,186             -        -- 
Total Special Items                 2,186             -     (128) 
---------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 
 
Share based payment costs   (63)  (28)  (57) 
--------------------------  ----  ----  ---- 
 

5. Financial income and expensE

 
                                         27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                                 2014          2013      2014 
                                               GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Interest income                                     1             2         7 
Interest on Pension surplus                       443           421       827 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Financial income                                  444           423       834 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Bank overdraft and loan interest                 (92)          (78)     (170) 
Shareholder loan interest                       (100)         (100)     (200) 
Finance charges on finance leases                 (6)           (6)      (18) 
Amortisation of shareholder loan costs           (72)          (63)     (134) 
Financial expense                               (270)         (247)     (522) 
---------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

6. Taxation

 
                                                       27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                                               2014          2013      2014 
                                                             GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Current tax: 
Corporation tax at 21% (2013: 23%):                               -             -         - 
Overseas taxation: 
- current period                                               (98)         (117)      (62) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total current tax charge                                       (98)         (117)      (62) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Deferred taxation: 
- current period                                              (884)         (134)     (400) 
- prior period                                                 (39)           109     (161) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total deferred taxation charge                                (923)          (25)     (561) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Taxation (charged)/ credited to the income statement        (1,021)         (142)     (623) 
-----------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

Following the enactment of legislation in the UK to reduce the corporation tax rate from 23% to 20% from 1 April 2015, the effective tax rate in this period includes the impact on the income statement of calculating the UK deferred tax balances at the lower UK corporation tax rate.

7. Earnings per share

The calculation of the basic earnings per share of 2.49p (2013: 0.95p) is based on the earnings for the financial period attributable to the Parent Company's shareholders of a profit of GBP2,143,000 (2012 GBP801,000) and on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the period of 85,935,071 (2013: 84,368,806). At 27 September 2014, there were 9,900,000 (2013: 4,500,000) potentially dilutive shares on option and 11,595,000 share warrants exercisable at 20p. The weighted average effect of these as at 27 September 2014 was 4,147,271 (2013: 1,276,504) giving a diluted earnings per share of 2.38p (2013: 0.94p).

.

 
                                                     27 September  28 September    29 March 
                                                             2014          2013        2014 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
Weighted average number of shares                          GBP000        GBP000      GBP000 
Issued shares at start of period                       84,430,346    84,256,091  84,256,091 
Effect of shares issued in the period                   1,504,725       112,715     174,255 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
Weighted average number of shares at end of period     85,935,071    84,368,806  84,430,346 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  ---------- 
 

Underlying earnings

 
Total post tax earnings                         2,143    801  1,852 
Special items and share based payment costs   (2,123)     28    185 
Pensions Interest                               (443)  (421)  (827) 
Amortisation of Shareholder loan expenses          72     63    134 
Associated Taxation                               906     71    258 
--------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
Underlying Earnings                               555    542  1,602 
--------------------------------------------  -------  -----  ----- 
 
 
Underlying Earnings Per Share   0.65p  0.64p  1.90p 
 
 

8. INVESTMENTS

 
                                                    27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                                            2014          2013      2014 
                                                          GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 
Investment in ProPhotonix Limited ordinary shares            744             -         - 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Total Investments                                            744             -         - 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

On 3 August 2014 the Company acquired 26.3% of the ordinary share capital of ProPhotonix Limited through the issue of ordinary shares in the Company representing 5.5% of the enlarged share capital of 600 Group Plc. The share exchange was carried out following presentations with three London-based institutional investors, each of whom indicated support for the exchange.

ProPhotonix Limited is AIM listed, although registered in Delaware, and designs and manufactures LED arrays and laser diode modules in the UK and Ireland. It has a strong base of technology and applications knowledge, applicable to high growth sectors including niche industrial, security and medical markets. We continue to engage with the board of Prophotonix in constructive dialogue to promote closer co-operation.

The initial investment of GBP1.10m was adjusted down to a fair value of GBP0.74m at 27 September 2014. The GBP0.36m write down was taken to the Statement of comprehensive income and expense.

9. RECONCILIATION OF NET CASH FLOW TO NET DEBT

 
                                                   27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                                           2014          2013      2014 
                                                         GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Increase in cash and cash equivalents                        78           302       211 
Increase in debt and finance leases                     (1,438)         (426)        14 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Decrease /(Increase) in net debt from cash flows        (1,360)         (124)       225 
Net debt at beginning of period                         (5,308)       (5,407)   (5,407) 
Shareholder loan amortisation                              (69)          (60)     (126) 
Exchange effects on net funds                              (15)          (10)         - 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Net debt at end of period                               (6,752)       (5,601)   (5,308) 
-------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

10. Analysis of net DEBT

 
                                          At  Exchange/                                At 
                                    29 March    Reserve                      27 September 
                                        2014   movement   Other  Cash flows          2014 
                                      GBP000     GBP000  GBP000      GBP000        GBP000 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------  ----------  ------------ 
Cash at bank and in hand               1.049        (7)                  78         1,120 
Short term deposits (included 
 within cash and cash equivalents 
 on the balance sheet)                   100          -       -           -           100 
                                       1,149        (7)       -          78         1,220 
Debt due within one year             (3,881)       (11)       -       1,855       (2,037) 
Debt due after one year                    -          -       -     (3,332)       (3,332) 
Shareholder loan                     (2,289)          -    (69)           -       (2,358) 
Finance leases                         (287)          3       -          39         (245) 
Total                                (5,308)       (15)    (69)     (1,360)       (6,752) 
----------------------------------  --------  ---------  ------  ----------  ------------ 
 

11. Employee benefits

The Group has defined benefit pension schemes in the UK and USA. The assets of these schemes are held in separate trustee-administered funds. The principal scheme is the UK defined benefit plan.

The UK scheme was closed to future accrual of benefits at 31 March 2013. Any deficit contributions required are determined by independent qualified actuaries based upon triennial actuarial valuations in the UK and on annual valuations in the US. There have been no deficit contributions made to the schemes during the reported periods and the latest actuarial valuation of the UK scheme to 31 March 2013 was agreed with the Trustees in October 2013. The Technical Provisions deficit of the UK scheme at 31 March 2013 represented a funding level of 88.9% and the recovery plan agreed with the Trustees based upon the updated deficit at 30 September 2013 of GBP19.5m assumes this deficit will be eliminated by a 1% outperformance of the scheme assets against the 3% gilt yield discount rate assumed in the valuation over a 14 year period, with the Company again not required to make any deficit contributions.

 
Value of UK and USA scheme assets and liabilities   27 September  28 September  29 March 
 for the purposes of IAS 19                                 2014          2013      2014 
                                                          GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Opening Fair value of schemes assets                     196,419       204,214   204,214 
Experience adjustments in the period                       7,100      (10,400)   (7,723) 
Closing Fair value of schemes assets                     203,519       193,814   196,491 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 
Opening present value of schemes liabilities             177,509       186,109   186,109 
Experience adjustments in the period                       8,583      (10,849)   (8,600) 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Closing present value of schemes liabilities             186,092       175,260   177,509 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 
Surplus recognised under IAS 19                           17,427        18,554    18,982 
--------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

The principal assumptions used for the purpose of the IAS 19 valuation for the UK scheme compared to the 2014 year end were as follows:

 
                                                            27 September   29 March 
                                                                    2014       2014 
                                                               UK scheme  UK scheme 
                                                                  % p.a.     % p.a. 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  --------- 
Inflation under RPI                                                 3.25       3.20 
Inflation under CPI                                                 2.05       2.00 
Rate of increase to pensions in payment - LPI 5%                    3.15       3.10 
Discount rate for scheme liabilities and return on assets           4.00       4.50 
----------------------------------------------------------  ------------  --------- 
 

12. FAIR VALUE

The group considers that the carrying amount of the following financial assets and financial liabilities are

a reasonable approximation of their fair value:

Trade and other receivables

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other payables

Loans and other borrowings

The investment in ProPhotonix Limited has been fair value adjusted as detailed below:

 
Investments                                          27 September  28 September  29 March 
                                                             2014          2013      2014 
                                                           GBP000        GBP000    GBP000 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 
Original cost of investment in ProPhotonix Limited          1,102             -         - 
Fair value adjustment                                       (358)             -         - 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
Fair value of investment in ProPhotonix Limited               744             -        -- 
---------------------------------------------------  ------------  ------------  -------- 
 

Further information on this investment and the fair value adjustment can be found in the Investments note and within the Chairman's statement.

13. Principal Risks and Uncertainties

The principal risks and uncertainties affecting the Group remain those set out in the 2014 Annual Report. Those which are most likely to impact the performance of the Group in the remaining period of the current financial year are the exposure to increased input costs, the dependence on a relatively small number of key vendors in the supply chain and a downturn in its customers' end markets particularly in North America.

This information is provided by RNS

The company news service from the London Stock Exchange

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